04-19-2012, 11:54 AM
392
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[/html]More AniWayans arrived at the gathering, some looking worse for wear than others. One woman Claudius recognized as a former member of the tribe, but could not remember who she was or if he’d ever seen her before. He figured that he knew her from previous gatherings and pledged to himself to talk to her once the ceremony was over. Another woman arrived, Gemma, who looked like she was ready to burst into tears at any moment. Claudius still didn’t know what to think of her, but was glad to see that Frodo had stepped in the comfort her. Even if he didn’t think very highly of her, it wasn’t good to feel alone, especially during ceremonies such as these.[/html]
The air was strange. Everyone waited and the anticipation made the air feel heavy and hot. The fire didn’t help too, of course. Ulilohi smiled and then spoke. She spoke of food and perhaps even dance. Claudius perked his ears up at the mention of such festivities. Even if he was too shy to partake in such rituals himself, he always enjoyed watching. He liked seeing others perform their skills, just like how he enjoyed showing others his abilities in crafting things.
Anatole glanced over at Claudius and asked him if he would like anything to eat. Claudius nodded quickly grinning. Claudius moved to stand up and accompany his cousin to the town hall, but he then saw Gemma begin her dance. He had never seen her dance and twirl and do all sorts of things he did not know she knew. Claudius could not do any of what she had done, so he half stood, half sat, entranced. He couldn’t even imagine that he might ever do anything like that! He had seen other dances before, with stomping feet and the beet of the drums – they were much simpler and something even a lout like he could perform. But the dance Gemma performed was much more. Claudius wasn’t sure if he could clap or chant or just stay silent.
He smiled, hoping to catch Gemma’s eye when she passed by. He glanced from Gemma and then to Ulilohi, who said something in Cherokee that he could not catch. From her expression, it seemed as though she had thanked Gemma. Claudius just grinned, hoping she might see it and know he approved.[html]