by Karen Pepin
As if my thoughts summoned them, the last group walked out of the trees and into camp. I waved at my mother. She carried two rochin by their long furred ears. I wasn't sure if she caught them herself or if someone else did and gave them to her. She knew well how to hunt. But, she was also currently unmated and an attractive woman. Perhaps someone had shown an interest in her. I expected to be angry at that thought, but I found it hopeful instead. Mother had been alone far too long. Why shouldn't she find another mate and happiness again?
I took one of my mother’s rochin and helped her skin, gut, and spit the meat over the fire. Then I started scraping clean the hide. Lasa joined us. She used her blade to peel some roots that she must have found during the day.
"How are things going between you and the man you are interested in?" mother asked Lasa after a few minutes. "When are you going to point him out? I've been trying to guess who it is."
"He is undecided right now. And another woman is trying to steal his attention away," Lasa replied. The very lack of emotion in her words told me I was right: Something had happened. I had been so happy being with Davin that I ignored her obvious unhappiness.
"I'm sure things will work out," I said. "Who wouldn't choose you?"
Lasa gave me an odd, blank look, but said nothing.
"If you want to talk about it," mother offered.
"No," Lasa said. "I have work to do."
I opened my mouth to say something. Our mother touched my arm and shook her head. I shut my mouth. Poor Lasa.
Once done cleaning and stretching the hide, I went to finish with the travel rations for the next day. It did not take long. I stretched my tight lower back. I had spent too much time hunched over working. I went to the stream to clean up from the day's labors. Others from both clans were doing the same.
I heard the "Oops!" the same time as I was knocked from behind into the shallow water. I managed to catch myself before hitting the rocks. I ended up wet though from my chin to my foot leathers.
"Sorry, Ani. I didn't see you there," my sister said. I shook the wet from my arms. Davin appeared as if out of nowhere and gave me a hand out of the water.
"Perhaps you should look where you are going," he said sharply to Lasa. "You could hurt someone with your inattention. You could have injured your sister."
"She's fine," Lasa said. "Besides, she could do with a wash." Then Lasa moved away from us and began washing her own body. I flushed with embarrassment and glared after my sister. She held a grudge and could be vindictive, especially when she was in the wrong. But, she rarely resorted to a physical response.
I would have to wear my leather tunic wet until it dried by the fire. My foot leathers too.
"What sort of person would do that to her own kin on purpose?" Davin asked, incensed and indignant on my behalf.
"We're sisters," I said. "We had a disagreement this morning. She apparently has hard feelings from it still." I sat on a rock.
"I can't imagine what could be said to cause that," he said, finding a perch near me.
"Ta'Bor tasked her with something that he actually wanted me to do."
"While we were watching the suns’ rise," Davin guessed.
"I'd like to do that again," I said, smiling at him.
"Ani," Davin said. "You don't have to do everything. The clans survive by working together with everyone helping. So she had to do a task this morning that you usually do. What of it? You are being too hard on yourself."
"Perhaps. But, your clan is larger with so many more hands to do things. You can afford to take more time. My clan cannot."
"Nonsense. I think it has been drilled into you so much that you have a duty to your clan that you have forgotten that you have a duty to yourself as well."
We sat quietly. Davin's words stunned me. They were a revelation. Was I so focused on proving myself and carrying my weight that I was doing a disservice to myself?
"That chief's son. He's always on you to work, work, work. I've seen it. Everyone has seen it. He keeps you so busy carrying a load that should be shared by all that you never get a chance to relax. Or have a bit of time to yourself. Or smile."
His words surprised me almost as much as the anger and annoyance in his voice. He made it sound like I was treated unfairly. There were so many times I felt that way, but I had always brushed it off. Davin turned my face towards his, his gentle fingers barely touching my cheek but warming my whole body.
"Speak of the man," he said, dropping his fingers and looking past me. Davin crossed his arms over his chest.
"Ani, can I get your help with something?" Ta'Bor said. It wasn't really a question.
"Perhaps another of your clan could take care of it?" Davin said. Ta'Bor crossed his arms mirroring Davin’s stance.
"I would like Ani's help."
"The sooner begun," I said.
Davin glared at Ta'Bor. Then his warm smile bloomed across his face.
"You are right, Ani," he said.
I am? I thought.
"I'll come help. Two sets of hands will make the task go much quicker." The smile he gave Ta'Bor seemed like a challenge.
"That's not necessary. Ani can manage. An important hunter like you surely has better things to do."
"But, I'm sure this is very important," Davin said. "Otherwise you would not be tasking Ani with it right this moment. I'm happy to help. What is it you need us to do?"
Ta'Bor flexed his jaw.
"Chal and Lin found a large quantity of wei seeds. I need someone to help mind their children while they grind them."
"I see," Davin said. I didn't. Normally, Elder Hera would mind the children when needed. Or Lor'Li. Ta’Bor’s request made no sense to me.
Davin settled his arm on my shoulder and walked me towards my camp.
"You really don't need to help with this," I said.
"Would you rather I not stay?"
"No. Of course, I want you to stay."
"Good. I want to be with you, spend time with you. If that means playing with younglings, then I'm happy to do it."
Lin'Talla and Chal'Lina loved having a new playmate. We distracted them both by drawing pictures in the dirt with sticks. Davin gave them rides on his back. We chased them and tickled them and made everyone around us laugh at our antics.
That night, Davin tucked me next to him by the clan fire. The heat of the fire was nothing compared to the heat in my heart from his presence.
8
We hunted well the next day, taking many katerri that were trapped in the blind valley. I hunted next to Davin. Having him there made me feel different, stronger. I neatly killed a katerri as it tried to plow by me. No hesitation or clumsiness marred my actions. The cheers of my clan and Davin for our success was the sweetest moment of all.
We worked hard, butchering our kill, except during the eclipse the day after the hunt. Then we gave thanks for the bounty, as was proper. That day, I sat beside Davin, his warm hand on my knee as we listened to the Elders from both clans recite tales about the Wanderer. I tried to focus on their words and on contemplation of the Wanderer's divinity, but instead found all my attention snared on the feel of Davin's hand on my skin. I felt a fluttering in my stomach and a silly smile stretch my lips. But, like all interludes, it ended and we had to return to our tasks.
Once the meat was well under way to being smoked and cured, both clans, by common agreement, began traveling south once again. Those days were bittersweet for me. I had no idea someone could enter my heart so swiftly. Elder Hera said that Ahuna brought the Wanderer here to rest from his journey, but he stayed for love. I understood now. I wanted to stay with Davin forever, but the next Gathering was coming. What would I do then?
Ta'Bor's shortening temper and my sister's nastiness undermined my joy. If Lasa wasn't sniping at me, Ta'Bor was criticizing me or adding to my work load. I wished I could escape with Davin to somewhere only the two of us existed. Davin appreciated me and liked me for mys
elf, which was a wonder to me. Of all the people he could spend time with, he chose me. As we traveled, sometimes I daydreamed of what it would be like to be with him—to couple with him.
I wasn't blind. I knew about men and women and coupling. Such things couldn't be hidden in such a close clan, although it was considered impolite to gawk or comment. By my ninth season cycle, I knew everything I needed to know. I just hadn't found anyone that I wanted to share myself with in that way. But with Davin I did. I wanted him in ways that made my skin tingle.
Then there were the days when my sister had said something particularly cutting where I wondered if any man would be interested in coupling with me, let alone taking me as a permanent mate. Why would that smiling, handsome Davin want someone like me?
We continued south, moving closer to the coast and the Crossing, after which our clans would separate. Traveling together and feeding this many people was not sensible. The clans were groups large enough to defend themselves, but small enough that we didn't over hunt the game as we traveled.
I clung to all the joy in my heart when I was with Davin. Perhaps he was waiting for me to declare my feelings. Perhaps I was the only one with these feelings.
One evening, Davin took my hand and led me to the edge of camp. We sat together under the stars. Days were already growing shorter. Anari stayed in the sky less and less. I didn't want to think of the Crossing or Gathering. I just wanted to stay here, my head leaned back against Davin’s shoulder, his warm arms around me, staring into the night sky in all its wonder. No worries. Just a man and a woman. I finally felt as if I'd grown into the person I was meant to be. I looked up into Davin’s face—it had become more familiar than my own. He leaned close and his soft lips touched mine. My skin warmed with a tingle and shiver. My whole being revolved around where our lips met. The kiss grew, dizzying in its potency. We both pulled back to catch our breath. He leaned his forehead against mine, his breathing as ragged as my own.
"Stay with me," he said. "Be my mate."
Joy filled me, too much for words.
"Yes," I managed to say, and I kissed him again with all the happiness in me.
He led me to his sleeping fur on the edge of the camp. Together in the dark, we learned the joy and pleasure of each other. Morning found us curled up, my back against his firm chest, his arms holding me tight to him. I blinked in the morning light and yawned. We hadn't gotten much sleep. Davin tightened his arm around my waist as if to keep me by him always. I turned my head and smiled. I felt utterly safe and content. I wanted to stay this way. But, the suns had risen some time ago. I stretched and reluctantly sat up. Davin laced his fingers through mine.
"It's customary to hold the mating ceremony at the Gathering if it is close at hand. Tobi and Shel have asked to be mated then," he said.
I remembered the mating between Lor'Li and Pero'Pero at the Gathering. That day, the Hunter showed His blessings and approval through their successful hunt. That night, they stood before the clans and declared their intent to travel one path. The chiefs bound their spear hands together to join them. It wouldn't be that many days until we reached the coast and Gathering.
"Do you wish to wait until the Gathering?" I asked, reluctantly.
"No," he said. "I don't ever want to be without you by my side. Today. Let's have the ceremony today."
"Are you sure?"
"I've never been more sure of anything in my life."
"Today, then," I said. I kissed his lips gently, joy lighting up my whole being. The kiss grew and would have become something more, but the rising chatter from the clans' waking reminded us we weren't completely alone. Blushing but unable to stop the silly grin on my face, I kissed him once more.
"Let us speak to the chiefs and elders. We'll lead a hunt today as we travel. Tonight, in the light of the clan fire and stars, we will be mated for all to see."
"I need to attend to my chores," I said. He kissed my fingers before he let me go.
"Afterward, we'll speak to our chiefs," he said. I nodded.
As I raced through preparing the travel rations and packing my gear, I couldn't stop grinning. I caught up with Davin at the stream. He nudged me with his shoulder as I filled my water bag. We left our belongings together and went to find the clan chiefs. We located Ven'Ta first. He and Ta'Bor sat together, speaking in low voices. Davin gestured with a nod of his head towards Tika'Chen. He squeezed my hand and went to see if his chief would join the meeting. I shifted my feet back and forth, excited and impatient. Ta'Bor noticed me waiting to speak and raised a hand for me to wait until he and his father had finished.
By then Tika'Chen arrived. The chiefs exchanged greetings and looked at us. I took Davin's hand. Under the scrutiny of the chiefs, I suddenly felt shy. Davin and I looked at each other.
"Should we guess at the reason you asked to speak to us? Or should we offer congratulations instead?" Tika'Chen said with good humor.
"My chief. Chief Ven'Ta. We would like to be mated for all to see. Tonight, under the stars and eyes of the Wanderer, will you join us?" Davin said. He bounced on the balls of his feet, unable to contain his energy. Ven'Ta looked at me.
"Is this what you wish as well?" he asked.
"Yes," I said. "I wish it with all my heart."
Ven'Ta nodded. He spared a glance to his son, whose lips had compressed into a hard line.
"You do not wish to wait for the Gathering?" Ven'Ta asked.
"No," Davin and I replied in unison.
"Then tonight you will be joined," Ven'Ta said. "May the Wanderer bless all your days."
Tika'Chen raised his voice.
"Today, is a day of joy for the clans. Che'Davin and Ki'Ani have asked to be mated. Tonight, we will see them joined," he announced. A deafening cheer rose from both clans. Davin wrapped his arms around me, kissing me for all to see. I smiled up into his face, so dear to me. I always wanted to find a man who I could love, and I had. But I had no idea how much one man would mean to me. I never wanted to be without Davin by my side.
Mother hugged me and kissed my forehead. Then she hugged Davin and kissed his cheek.
"Welcome to our family," she said.
"Of course, since Ven'Ta's clan is the smaller, you will be joining them," Tika'Chen said. "I know they will be better for having your strong arms in their clan."
"Perhaps, we should discuss whether they go with our clan or yours," Ven'Ta said to Tika'Chen.
"What's to discuss?" he asked. Davin and I were pulled away from the chiefs by well-wishers. I wondered briefly why Ven'Ta felt there need to be a discussion on which clan we would follow. Since Tika'Chen's clan was almost twice the size of ours, it made sense that we would go with Ven'Ta. A niggle of unease pierced my joy. Would Davin be happy leaving his clan to travel with us? We hadn't really discussed with which clan we'd travel. As the tide of good cheer pulled Davin and I apart, I pushed my concerns aside. Everything would be fine. I would make sure of it.
The response from the clans overwhelmed me. It took some time for people to settle so that we could continue on our travels. The feeling of celebration buoyed my spirits all morning. I held Davin's hand in mine as we walked. As if the Hunter also blessed us, we ran into fresh sign of bollar and katerri near mid-day. Davin's eyes lit with excitement. With luck, we would have a feast of fresh katerri for our special night.
The clan split up. Most of the members pressed on to find a good campsite. The rest joined Davin and I on our mating hunt. My sister joined us as well. I realized she hadn't congratulated us yet and decided not to press the issue. Her heart would surely be sore that I was mating before she was.
We found the katerri fairly quickly. They were following the same stream we had been using for the last few days. But, the skittish animals kept moving away from us. We stalked them patiently onto a rocky clearing. The stream dropped down into a gully in the rocks, at least two-man heights deep, that ran a long distance back into the trees. We circled the animals, tra
pping them against the ravine's edge. We spread out and then before they could run, sprung our trap. My spear and Davin's took down two katerri. Other hunters took two more. Four would be more than enough for the night’s celebration.
Yips and growls erupted from the trees before we could butcher our kills. No wonder the katerri had been skittish. A bollar pack had been hunting them too.
"Make a circle," Davin yelled. He pulled his spear from his kill while I tugged mine loose. "They will not have our feast."
The pack was sizable, having as many bollar as we had hunters. They tried to push us back, but we held our ground. There was nowhere to go. I kept my eye on the gully edge as I fended off two bollar that snapped and clawed at me. Lasa's spear helped me keep them at bay. Exhilaration from the hunt and fear of the bollar made me move faster than usual. They were not going to steal our kill, I swore silently. This was my mating feast.
I managed to stab one in the shoulder, enough so that it whimpered and backed off. Another bollar tore at it, smelling its blood. It fled to keep from being savaged by its brother. The remaining bollar in front of me refused to give up. I kept at him, pushing him back with the point of my spear. Around me, I could hear yips and snarls mingled with yells and triumphant cheers of the hunters.
Finally, the bollar pack decided it had enough and fled. No doubt they would hunt their wounded pack brothers or the katerri instead. Success buoyed my spirits and I laughed out loud. I saw several of the six-legged beasts stretched out on the ground, dead from our spears. None of our people were injured. It was almost unheard of for that to happen against such a large pack. The Hunter and Wanderer had indeed blessed us this day.
I smiled at my Davin, eyes lingering on his tawny chest, glistening with the sweat of battle. His arms were upraised in victory as he yelled with the others. A laugh burbled from my lips. We had done it.