Celebration - Part 1

It was time.

The reverberation of a distant drum carried through the air. Healer, still tending to the resting Teacher, heard a knock.

"Dreamer gives greeting." Without waiting for a response, Dreamer entered into the dwelling. "Healer," he dressed her in a formal tone. "Is Teacher rested and ready to attend the celebration?"

"I am ready," Teacher responded in a croaking voice.

"Healer?" Dreamer asked, seeking her confirmation.

"The body of Teacher is still healing," Healer replied, "but she is rested."

"I am ready!" Teacher repeated, this time more forcefully. She stirred and tried to sit up.

Dreamer came over to her side to help her up.

Still a little shaky,Teacher managed to stand to her feet although she needed to lean on Dreamer in order to maintain her balance. "Dreamer, have you come to lead me to the celebration?"

"I have, Teacher."

"You are as a friend."

Healer smirked but said nothing.

"Come, let us join the celebration." Teacher motioned to Healer. Healer picked up the sleeping newling and handed it to Teacher. "Kitoyo, Nesta, come."

Teacher held the newling and allowed Dreamer to escort her outside. Healer led Kitoyo and Nesta. Together the two small groups walked towards the village center.

Teacher was in a quiet, reflective mood as they walked. She seemed sad. Dreamer asked her about it.

"I had a dream about StoryTeller."

"Tell me about your dream," prodded Dreamer.

"I dreamed that he was still with us. He was smiling. He held the newling and was beaming, all proud. He looked right at me and he said - " She stopped, self-consciously.

"Said what?" Dreamer prodded her.

"He said, 'I give you the name of our newling, and the name is Bright of Sun.'" Teacher was silent for a moment, then let out a sigh. "I miss him. I grieve for StoryTeller."

The sound of the drums became louder as they approached the village center. Many villagers had already gathered for the ceremony - they stood in a semicircle and waited for Teacher and her procession to arrive.

Nesta and Kitoyo had been chattering amongst themselves as they followed along with Healer, but they became silent and somber as the group approached the circle and took their places.

Teacher stood at the focal point and held the newling. Nesta and Kitoyo stood on each side of her, Nesta on her left and Kitoyo on her right. Having escorted Teacher to the circle, Dreamer joined the other villagers.

Healer stopped opposite Teacher and faced her.

Teacher was exhausted. The rest she had this day had given her body a chance to heal the stresses of having carried a newling and the stress of delivery, but had depleted her energy. Her walk to the village center had worn her out. She stood opposite Healer and closed her eyes. She was certain she was going to collapse. The ground seemed to be swaying beneath her feet.

She took in a deep breath, held it for a moment, and let it out slowly. The ground under her feet steadied.

The sound of the drumming slowed and only a single low beat sounded - a heartbeat. Teacher could now hear the sweet chorus of leetas - their sound hadn't carried as far as the drumming had during the walk but she could hear them clearly now. The song of Arrival.

She felt a touch on her forehead that left an oily residue, right between her eyes. A bit of it started to run down along her nose; she ignored the sensation. After a moment a powerful vapour emanated from the drop on her face. It seemed to have penetrated her head; her eyes watered, her sinus cavities opened up and her heart started beating rapidly. She blinked several times to clear eyes and then opened them wide. She was totally alert now.

The villagers had closed the circle around her.

She became aware of the warmth emanating from the bundle in her arms - she had forgotten that she was still holding it. She could feel its tiny heart beating, pressed against her chest.

Healer was standing opposite Teacher, facing her. They locked eyes for an instant and exchanged a significant glance. The exchange indicated to Healer that her ministrations to Teacher were complete for the time being. Healer nodded at Teacher in acknowledgement of the silent message and stepped to the circle. The circle opened up to admit Healer and she took up a position among the rest of the villagers.

Teacher was now ready for the next part of the ceremony.