Lei had been having a thing lately about the color of her dresses. I had dyed her yellow dress a bright royal blue once I could no longer get the stains out. I had no more yellow fabric either. I was glad for the chance to seek out trade with someone. I greatly enjoyed trading and the generosity of people since Trayu's death had negated the need. My mind was wandering. I saw Mezoo hurry by and "Oh!" I jumped up, calling something back to Magda as I raced (as well as a woman in my.. curvy condition, can race) to the stream. I had been by ealier so I knew exactly where to go. I was quiet as I slipped into place, flashing a grin at the women. Yamka was there which honestly surprised me but.. it also restored a little of my faith. I was very pleased to see that her friendship with Seveya meant enough to her to face the music.
When we began, well, when I began I had caught my breath and I took Seveya by the arm, my hands were gentle as I walked towards the curtain. I spoke my piece, I had rehearsed with Tarra ealier and then gently pushed her though the.. the...
I gave Tarra a funny look.
-ahem- Curtian.
Yamka took her next and from there each woman spoke and added thier voice to the circle we made. I held Dash's hand and she laid her hand to my belly. I am a little weird about that.. it feels so invasive, but Dash was so warm and open about it that I only smiled and laid my hand over hers.
We teased Seveya as the pinchers came out. I asked if anyone had told her about the blood letting and Dash acted shocked that I had not pulled Seveya aside and explained about it. I grinned. I could see Dash and I would be good friends.
The teasing finished, Seveya was ringed rather quickly and then.. Yamka left. I was as surprised by this as I was by her arrival. And disappointed. I liked Yamka you see, I was eager to hear her side of what had happened. I wanted her to tell me it had all been a misunderstanding. Since Yamka had not spoken to anyone, none of us spoke to her either. The ball was in her court.
We made our way back to the fires and since.. that man was there, I kept close to the Ubar but you know what?! He never heard a word I said.. he only had eyes for Mezoo. I grinned.
Seveya sat with her Uncle and I overheard him teasing her gently. I had only met him briefly, ealier but he seemed nice enough. I could see how proud he was of Seveya and her shiny new ring. I could see how proud she was. I was keeping pretty quiet because it wasn't my night and I was still working on getting back my sparkles. Tarra, it turned out, had read my mind.
Tarra reached me and placed a gift over my head..A cord of braided leather with the same tear drop as Mezoo and Cana got, only mine was a shimmering sparkling green.
"You helped bring Seveya into a new world and your help with the ceremony is also appreciated. For you may it bring you healing of the heart and spirit, and its light remind you of the smile you hold."
I think I nearly cracked Tarras shoulders I hugged her that hard. It was green.. like the grass, like the things that grow. These were things that spoke to me, nature, heart.. Smiles.
Tonight we led Seveya into her womanhood. But I think more then Seveya grew a little tonight. I think we all did.
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