When he had come to her, to talk to her of his visit with the haruspex, she felt a great void open somewhere in the core of her being, but she said nothing. She did not question this quest that he was to embark on, nor did she even think to question the advice and counsel of the Spex. This was a man that she trusted more than any other, with the exception of her mate. These two men, the Spex and her mate, were not foolhardy and took the safety and welfare of the tribe very seriously, as did she.
He held her as they talked of the children, the things that he wanted them to learn, the men he wanted them to become, and she listened. This one thing they had always agreed on, the dreams that they had for their children. Both of them had visions of them as being strong Tuchuk. Tuchuk who respected the bosk, the land and the traditions of their people. In his absence, she would not allow the boys, or the girls to stray from that path. It took all the strength that she held within her to not cry, to not show weakness. She would do nothing to make his departure any more difficult that it had to be.
He had told her of the ones that he was to take with him on this journey, so she knew that she was not the only mate, mother, sister, brother or parent that would be hurting this night. But she also knew that there was a great deal of pride that the families of his group would be feeling, knowing that their loved one left on a path that was for the good of their people.
He had gone to spend some time with the children and this was the time that she took to pack for him. Rook brought Tone around along with another animal to carry his belongings. Each set of leathers, each vest, each tunic was packed with loving hands. But still, she did not cry, there was too much to do. Provisions were also added to the pack beast, food and water to start them on their journey. She even tucked a small jar of honey into one of the bags, perhaps not because he had any sort of partiality to it, but as a reminder of home.
She sat down and took a slim length of green leather and carefully lifted her braid, pulled some strands of her hair free and sliced through them with a quiva. The hair was tied with the thong of leather, and tucked inside his pack. No mater where he went, he would be taking a part of her. No matter where he was, she would be with him in spirit, always loving him.
Although he tried to hide it, there was a redness to his eyes when he came from seeing the children. She did not mention it, she had that respect for him. Gathering her into his arms, he seemed to inhale deeply of her scent, as if committing it to memory. And, when they finally came together, it was gentle, sweet, and with a sense of longing that carried them to their fulfillment. He held her for a long time, until the first cocks began to crow the awakening of the Central Fire. She helped him to dress, running her hand over his chest for the last time and lifting her head for his kiss, whispering....."I love you, and I will be here when you return."
He had gotten that damnable grin and promised to bring her flowers and she shook her head and told him to not worry about the flowers, to just come back to her. He turned and grinned and called back. "Woman, the Sky loves me. I will return."
She had stood on the platform as he rode to meet with his companions for the journey. He looked back only once, and she lifted her hand to wave to him, and he rode on. She stood there for a time, then literally jumped from the platform and ran through the lanes of wagons until she was at the edge of the harrigga. She needed one last glimpse of him. One last look at that strong, straight figure that sat the kailla so well. She stood in the shadow of a wagon, not wanting him to see her as she watched the bosk part before them, almost as if they knew that the riders were special in some way.
When they had disappeared from view, that is when she cried. She slumped against that wagon and gave vent to her tears. Strong arms went around her, pulling her closer and she found herself crying into the chest of that elder warrior that was so much a part of her life. Rook let her cry, then lifted her chin and looked into her eyes and reminded her of who she was, and what was expected of her, which she already knew.
Lifting her chin, a hand moves to dry the tears from her eyes and she walks back towards their wagons. She would not dishonor Ba'atar by allowing anyone to see her cry. She was strong, she would be fine. She would devote this time to their children and work. Lots of hard work. And she would try not to count ahn, or days. She would not dishonor this man that she loved with all that she had.
She would do as women have done since the beginning of time, she would wait. She would live her life, raise her children, work, and she would wait. She would smile, she would laugh, and she would wait.
No comments:
Post a Comment