You're nothing but a dreamer

The banks of the river Blarik contained her rapid waters as they wove their way along the eastern edge of the village. The bank on the village side of the river was not excessively high but there was enough of a drop that someone could get hurt if they were being careless. The young were of course notorious for being careless, so the villagers had constructed their dwellings on the west side of the village at a sufficient distance from the Blarik such that they were able to enjoy a peace of mind about the safety of their young.

Dreamer remained in the dwelling of Teacher when Deliverer and Mentor had left after the arrival of Teacher's young one. After assisting in the arrival of the newling and determining that it was healthy, Deliverer's role was complete. Mentor had attended in order to assist as required, although circumstances did not call for his help. The arrival of the newling was a complete success. Mentor's secondary role was to report on the event to the village council. They in turn would spread the news to the rest of the village and begin preparations for the Arrival Ceremony.

Dreamer remained in Teacher's dwelling with Healer. He had no specific role now except as a conscientious neighbor.

Teacher held Bright of Sun and rocked her. Her? How could that be when the young one had no gender? Yet Teacher held in her mind the inexplicable certainty of the young one's future gender, and that she had Arrived with her name, traditions notwithstanding.

Healer tended to Teacher, coaxing her into a restive state. Teacher's body needed rest in order to heal the stress it had been subjected to while carrying the newling.

Nesta and Kitoyo were huddled around Teacher and the newling, enjoying the family moment. No one paid Dreamer any attention.

Soon Teacher was asleep. Healer took the newling carefully from her arms. Nesta glanced at Kitoyo, her peaceful feeling turning into alarm as she realized her adult caretaker was now incapacitated. Kitoyo returned her glance with a look of puzzlement.

Dreamer sensed the awkwardness of this moment. He looked at Healer - and she gave him a cold glare.

"Who is going to feed us today?" asked Nesta, frightened.

Healer looked at them with a blank expression. She had no answer; her function was to look after Teacher and the newling.

Dreamer cleared his throat. "Nesta," he addressed her, "Kitoyo, you can come with me. I will feed you and take care of you while Teacher rests."

"No!" shouted Kitoyo. "I'm old enough; I will take care of Nesta." He put a protective arm around Nesta. Despite his bravado, he and Nesta both shuddered at the thought of having to further interact with Dreamer.

Dreamer hesitated. He meant well but was suddenly unsure of himself in the face of Kitoyo's resistance. "There is so much to do," he finally said to Kitoyo.

"I will take care of Nesta!" Kitoyo shouted defiantly.

Healer interceded. "Dreamer!" she said sharply. "Do not frighten them! They will not go with you to your dwelling. They do not wish to see your foolish markings!"

"Healer," Dreamer responded gently, "We must do what is best for them."

"What do you know what is best for them? You have no mate. You have no children. What do you know of taking care of them? Clean up your own dwelling. Clean up your ridiculous markings so they do not shame your neighbors."

"I will take care of Nesta today!" Kitoyo piped in.

"There is much to do," replied Dreamer carefully. "You will feed Nesta today, but will you slaughter the beefur for the celebration tonight?"

"I will!" Kitoyo retorted in an unconvincing tone.

"Dreamer!" Healer cautioned.

"Healer, am I so frightening that you would rather leave these children to themselves than let me help?"

Healer took a deep breath. "Dreamer, you..." she began.

"No!" interrupted Nesta. "Kitoyo will look after me," she insisted.

"Alright, I shall not argue any further. Healer, you are an adult. How do you advise?"

Healer sighed and shook her head. She didn't trust Dreamer, yet she couldn't ignore the practicality of what he was saying. "Kitoyo will take care of Nesta today. Dreamer will make preparations for the celebration." She spoke this with a tone of finality.

"Very well," Dreamer acceded. He stepped out of the dwelling. The sun was high in the sky now, and the air had become hot and humid. Dreamer felt his heart beat pick up and stabilize as his body adjusted to the thermal difference between the moderate indoor temperature and the heat outside. A light, refreshing breeze blew across his face, providing a small relief.