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Edonil: Ok, so this is kind of long... No, really long. It may or may not take you more than one sitting to read. Please review, as I want to enter it in my school's writing contest, and I want it to be good.
Ikuluka’Ziba
Ika, 1 Ulu, Stage of the Toad
I hate the desert. It is hot, and dangerous, and the people are detestable. Too many traditions and rules and such. Also, I am a woman; I am weak, and despised by Abiz’Akuluki, the Great God, He Who Sees All. Another reason to complain. What’s more, snakeskin itches! But only Shamans are allowed to wear hare-skin garments, and only the High Priest is permitted traded cloth. I, a lowly woman, will never be given permission to wear soft fabric.
Let us see; what else is there to complain about?
Oh, yes, this is my Complaining Book. When a woman is three cycles old, she receives a Complaining Book. One writes her complaints and problems in the book, so she does not have to bother her husband.
That is something to complain about! My husband! Well, technically he is not my husband yet, but he will be. I do not even know him! His name is Tekus’Tiku, of the Alti’Vebari. He is a childhood friends of my mother, Lesa’Tenka. I will be his eighth wife. Other than that, I know nothing about him.
Mother is calling me. It is time to prepare dinner for the men; the hunters have returned. It shall be roast vulture tonight. I am glad. If I have to eat rattlesnake one more time, I think I shall join the gypsies!
Lino, 2 Ulu, Toad
My brothers are heathens! They come up to me when I am working and laugh and taunt me! Just because I am female! This morning, I was cooking sausages- snake meat, of course- when Hiki’Eko came up. He is my full-brother, not one of my half-brothers, but does that mean he is nice to me? Of course not! And he is a little over a stage younger than me! He is insufferable! He was dancing around the tent, yelling, “Little Lina’Ika, cooking all day, ‘till her beloved comes and steals her away!” Now, I am not saying that his words bothered me, for they did not, but he sang it non-stop for quite some time. Finally, I lost it, and grabbed a pan and threw it at him. It missed, of course; Abiz’Akuluki would never gift a lowly female with good aim. However, one of the Wives saw, and she told Father. He said that I should go a day without food as punishment! But was Hiki’Eko punished? No! How fair is that?
Lino, 7 Ulu, Toad
I apologize for not writing sooner. Just as I was writing that last entry, Hiki’Eko entered my tent and attempted to drive me insane. I thought I could not be punished much more, so I threw a charcoal-stick at him. Father found out and confiscated my Complaining Book for a week. And I got double chore duty! But what did Hiki’Eko get? Nothing. Damn him to the Abyss! At least once I am married, I will not have to see him anymore!
Lino, 12 Ulu, Toad
That heathen! He stole my Complaining Book! I knew it was he all along, but no one believed me. Luckily, Mother found the book in his tent while she was cleaning it. Father punished him; it was obviously Hiki’Eko’s fault. Of course, the punishment was very light, though. Hiki’Eko was simply forbidden to take part in hunts for a day and a night. Not fair! And here he comes now. Stupid heathen. What is he going to do now?
Ala, 20 Ulu, Toad
Urgh! What is his problem? He was mad at me because he was punished, so he chose to use me to practice some combat he had learned. He has given me two black eyes, a broken nose, and a sprained wrist. One of the Wives saw him at it, and got Father, who was furious. Hiki’Eko could ruin my marriage if he keeps bothering me like this. My wrist has hurt too much to write this past week and a half.
Ten days left. I marry in ten days.
Uni, 23 Ulu, Toad
Mother has been driving me insane. She had been working on my marriage dress. I do like the dress; it is hare-skin, and the outside has been oiled until it shines and covered with thousands of tiny garnet, lapis lazuli, and gold beads. My veil is mead of tens of thousands of tiny gold beads; it is so long that when attached to my head, it trails behind me. It has been passed down my family for generations. But the dress has not; Mother made it. Therefore, I must constantly try it on. Meanwhile, I have been working on my face veils; all married women must veil their faces, less men who are not their husbands catch sight of their beauty and grow jealous. It covers my face from my nose down, and is a net covered in hundreds of tiny beads. I have to make three veils: a feast veil, a relaxing veil, and a working veil. My working veil is inexpensive glass; they get broken often. I have finished that one. My relaxing veil is for the evenings when I want to look presentable for my husband. I have chosen to use lapis lazuli beads, with a garnet fringe at the bottom and garnet band at the top. I have almost finished that one. For my feast veil, I am going to use the leftover beads from my marriage dress. I think it shall be lapis lazuli and garnet in a checkerboard pattern with a gold fringe and band. It should look nice.
Oh dear. Mother is calling me again. I have to try on that dratted dress. She just took in the waist; it was too big. My siblings say I look like a stick. At least I am not grotesquely heavy, like some of them are!
Seven days left!
Ala, 25 Ulu, Toad
I have been talking with my half-sister, Sika’Hepa. She is four cycles, one stage old, and has been married for one cycle. Her husband, Nito’Zaka, is a nice man. He is a hunter of the Alti’Yinka tribe. She is his third wife. Sika’Hepa says that being married is not too bad. She barely ever sees Nito’Zaka. Perhaps Tekus’Tiku will be nice and barely notice me.
Mother is calling. She says that I have grown addicted to writing, which is a bad thing for women. I have to finish my veils now.
Five days left.
Uni, 28 Ulu, Toad
My veils are done. My dress is done. My day-dresses are packed. My new mother will provide me with a tent and relaxing dress. My mother has taught me to cook, clean, sew, and do a number of other chores, as well as how to behave. I am ready, I hope.
Only two days left.
Letzi, 29 Ulu, Toad
Tomorrow I become one of the Alti’Vebari. Tonight, I shall sit vigil. Tomorrow, I meet Tekus’Tiku. I am very worried. I cannot concentrate properly on my letters, so I shall stop writing now.
One day.
Ala, 30 Ulu, Toad
It is done. I am married. I shall try to describe it, though I am not sure if I am learned enough. But I shall try.
I was sitting vigil all night in my tent, and when the sun rose, I knew that Abiz’Akuluki had answered my prayers, and that my marriage was blessed. Filled with determination, I put on my marriage dress. Mother had to help; there are one hundred and sixty eight small buttons on the back. Then she helped me coil my thick waist-length hair and pin it on top of my head. Lastly, she pinned on the gold-bead hair veil.
Then I went into the face paint tent. There sat all my female relatives that are older than I. They then applied my face paint. Sapphire dust for my eyelids, ruby dust for my lips, garnet dust for my cheeks, and gold dust for my eyelashes. Then one held up a polished piece of glass, with a silver backing: a mirror. I looked into it to make sure I looked beautiful. I did. I nodded, and they ushered me to the center of our village.
I immediately recognized Tekus’Tiku. I had never seen him before, but I knew it was he. His skin was darker than most, and he wore a winning smile, his teeth pearly white against his pitch-black beard. His hair was in a multitude of tiny braids, each tipped with a gold bead. His tunic was scarlet, the colour of fresh blood, with gold embroidery. His breeches were cloth-of-gold, as was his cloak. On his feet were sandals, which had been dyed the same blood red, and his gold-tooled belt completed the look. He wore many toe and finger rings, all gold set with rubies. He also wore many gold necklaces and bracelets, one of the necklaces holding a large ruby pendant. I could see that he had won seven battles, one of which was a great victory; he had four earrings on one ear, two on the other, and one nose ring. He had killed six men; a snake tattoo wound up one arm, there was a falcon tattoo on one cheek, his other arm had three toad tattoos on it, and there was a fire ant tattoo on his neck. All in all, he was a rather striking figure.
He was talking to a friend, but noticed the woman, and glanced at us. He obviously recognized me as I had him, for his eyes rested on my for a moment, and he gave me what seemed to be a reassuring smile. I endeavoured to smile back, although it was a poor attempt.
Then the ceremony began.
The woman ushered me to the head of the table, where there were two tasselled cushions. The men did the same for Tekus’Tiku. Tekus’Tiku then helped me sit; the man defers to the woman when they get married, so she will be pleased, and agree to join his tribe and bear his children. Once I was seated, Tekus’Tiku sat, then the men sat, and the women brought out the food.
First was the course of the Toad. I rather liked the Course of the Toad. The toad is coated in brown sugar and fried in syrup. It is very good, and the Alku’Jambari cooks are excellent. The course was over quickly; everyone enjoyed it.
Next was the Course of the Falcon. The falcon was marinated in red wine and backed, and served with boiled falcon eggs. I am not partial to falcon eggs, but as it was my wedding, I took some anyway.
I absolutely detest the Course of the Horse, but it was my marriage. The horse is stewed. But not in water. In horse urine. It tastes disgusting. But as I said, I had to eat it.
The next course was the Course of the Man. The Shams from our tribes stepped forward, each carrying a ceremonial dagger. The Alku’Jambari Shaman cut a thin, razor-sharp cut along Tekus’Tiku’s arm, and I sipped his blood, thus binding me to him. Then the Alku’Jambari Shaman bound Tekus’Tiku’s arm while the Alti’Vebari Shaman cut mine. Tekus’Tiku sipped my blood, my arm was bound, and the Course of the Man was complete.
Last was the Course of the Fire Ant. The insect was roasted and coated with cocoa. I like this course; it is delicious.
Then the feast was over, and we went to the village temple to say our vows.
We stood before the Abiz’Anit High Priest, and he asked,
“Tekus’Tiku of the Alti’Vebari, what wish you to do?”
“I wish to be bound to this woman here,” he answered in a booming baritone.
“Lina’Ika of the Alku’Jambari, do you accept this wish to be bound?” the High Pries asked me.
“I do.”
“Then in the name of Abiz’Akuluki, the Great God, He Who Sees All, bind yourselves!”
Tekus’Tiku went first.
“I, Tekus’Tiku of the Alti’Vebari, do vow to protect this woman, though she is female and unworthy, and acknowledge her children as my own, for eternity and after.”
“I, Lina’Ika of the Alku’Jambari, do vow to obey this man as my Lord and Master, do as he commands, cook for him, clean for him, and bear children for him, for eternity and after.”
The High Priest nodded. “Now, Tekus’Tiku of the Alti’Vebari, veil this woman, your woman.” My mother stepped forward and gave to Tekus’Tiku the veil I had made, and he did so.
The High Priest then proclaimed, “Lina’Ika of the Alku’Jambari is no more. In her place stands Lina’Ika of the Alti’Vebari, who does the man Tekus’Tiku of the Alti’Vebari own! Forever shall she be known thusly.”
And thus were we married.
I then met my new family, and was given my tent and new belongings. Tomorrow, we go to the Alti’Vebari villages.
And now I must go. My Lord and Master is calling.
Letzi, 19 Meni, Toad
Oh my! I meant to write sooner, but I had so much to do. So much has happened! I will try to write it all down.
Tekus’Tiku is rather nice. He makes an effort to say hello to me at least once a day, and tries to talk with me once a week. Because of this, I know a lot about him. He is a warrior, but wishes he were a Shaman. He dislikes snake meat, like me, so the wives never serve it. His hobbies include hunting, planning attacks on the heathen villages, training warhorses, reading, and writing. He is writing a book about our culture. He wants to make many copies of it, and sell it to merchants. He owns a small library, too. He permits his wives to read the books. Most are about distant lands. Some are quite fascinating. For instance, there are the Maligeans, who live in a sandy place next to a desert of water. Can you imagine such a thing? In addition, they believe in many gods and goddesses, which is preposterous; how can there be more than one creator? In addition, their gods and goddesses are related in a way that seems impossible. However, the Maligeans are still on this continent, unlike people from some of Tekus’Tiku’s books. Our desert is in the center of a vast body of land surrounded by this desert of water. There is another body of land in the direction of the setting sun, which is called Vray. The people there have skin lighter than the sand, and wear clothes made from a tree called “cott”. One of Tekus’Tiku’s books was about a section of Vray called the Dark Vorst Aria. In this area, there are huge villages with hundreds of people, and its own High Priest rules each village. The villages never attack each other, though. Another oddity is their heathen creator: a female “kat”. What is a kat? I asked Tekus’Tiku, and he said that it is a small horse with an arm for a tail! Imagine that!
When I am not reading, I am getting to know the other wives. The Chief Wife is Bita’Seza. I do not like her. She is arrogant, and flaunts her position. Moreover, she does not like me. I generally get one of the worst chores. I like to cook, but Bita'Seza usually forces me to mend clothes. If I had a child, I would no doubt be watching the imps, but luckily, I am saved from that.
Lenta’Hapi is a wonderful woman. She is kind-hearted, and treats the younger wives like her daughters. She is a very cheerful woman. I never see her frown; she is always smiling.
Winka’Lati is also nice, but in a different way. While Lenta’Hapi acts like my mother, Winka’Lati is more of a sister or close friend. I rather like her.
Meta’Gega is very odd. She is rather large in certain areas of her body, and knows it; she flaunts that area in an unseemly manner. In addition, she acts as if she were the Chief Wife.
Liki’Tuni is a small, slight woman. She was the newest wife before I came. I am not tall, but Liki’Tuni barely comes up to my chest! I do think a good breath of wind would blow her away! She is also very quiet. She barely speaks above a whisper. I am not entirely sure, but I think I like her.
Biba’Deza is very deceiving. She is short and plump, and she looks very kind, but she has a short temper, and a sharp tongue. And a quick hand. All her daughters show signs of her abuse.
Last is Siga’Letzi. She is very tall; she is at least a head taller than Tekus’Tiku is. She is also incredibly thin; Liki’Tuni has more meat on her bones. Siga’Letzi spies on the other wives and reports to Bita’Seza. Once I caught her reading this book. How dare she? I do not like her at all!
Bita’Seza is calling me. I had best go.
By the way, I have thought of a plan. I do not have enough time to write in this book every day. Therefore, I will write one entry at the beginning of each month, detailing what has happened the previous month.
I had better go. Goodbye until Kikza! I will write then!
Ika, 1 Kikza, Toad
Nothing much has happened recently. I am still trying to find my way around this village. Bita’Seza is with child again. She has already had six: all boys. Perhaps she will have a girl, but I think not. After all, boys are better. Boys are descended from the Creator. Girls are worthless; our only purpose is to bring males into this world and serve them. Other than this little bit of news, nothing exciting has happened. Perhaps next month something interesting will occur.
Ika, 1 Lempta, Toad
The High Priest, Abiz’Akuluki rest his soul, has passed on. Now that he is dead, we may speak his name: Luku’Mak. Abiz'Akuluki has not yet chosen a new High Priest. The next High Priest will be the first Shaman bitten by a fire ant. I hope it is Eki’Vipa, the Alti’Vebari Shaman; it would bring our tribe great honour.
My life is growing dull. Marriage is overrated.
Ika, 1 Umpa, Toad
So much has happened! How will I ever write it all down?
First, I thin I am with child! Is it not wonderful? I hope it is a boy; it would honour Tekus’Tiku greatly. However, I am not yet sure; the Alku’Jambari Shaman tested me late into the night with his magic; he should be here soon to tell me. I hope he is here soon!
Next, the Alti’Vebari Shaman has become High Priest! It is wonderful! Unfortunately, now we need a new Shaman; the High Priest did not have an apprentice.
Third, Tekus’Tiku has finished his book. The wives are copying it. Then
Oh my gosh! The shaman has arrived! And I am!
I must go! I have to share the news with Tekus’Tiku. He is out training his latest horse, Black Storm. I wonder what he will say.
Ika, 1 Tunti, Toad
This month has been fairly uneventful. The news delighted Tekus'Tiku, and we have been talking at least twice a week. He let me watch him train Black Storm a fortnight ago. It was very interesting. For chores, I now watch the children. Bita’Seza says I need practice. I suppose I do. What should I call my child? I hope it is a boy. If it is, I think I shall call him Mupu’Tet. That sounds nice. Lenta’Hapi says that if I can spare some time, she will teach me ways of assuring that my child is male.
Bita’Seza is calling. I had better go.
Ika, 1 Yetzu, Toad
Lenta’Hapi told me that drinking horse-milk would assure that my child was male. Winka’Lati overheard, and said that insulting the Destroyer, would also work. I prefer Lenta’Hapi’s way; if I insult Ikuluka’Ziba, she might strike me down! Therefore, I have been drinking horse-milk.
The wives have not agreed on the name of my child. We have agreed on Mupu’Tet if it is a boy. If it is a girl, she will be Lyza’Ka, Tela’Miin, Krika’Tal, or Semer’Hyn. I rather like the first, Lyza’Ka. However, it will not matter, as I am drinking plenty of horse-milk.
Ika, 1 Hatu, Toad
I hate horse-milk! I suppose if it means I will have a boy, it will be worth it, but I really do not like it. Maybe I do not have to drink it everyday. Once a week should suffice!
Bita’Seza’s pregnancy is becoming more obvious. Everyone is saying it will be a boy. Bita’Seza has always had bossy. Why her? I hate her! I have had to take care of children everyday for the past month! She says I need “practice”. Practice shmactice! If I have to take care of children one more time…
Tekus’Tiku is calling me. I had better go; it is the wife’s job to do her husband’s bidding.
Ika, 1 Manka, Toad
I have been reading very interesting books recently. I have been reading much about this Vray continent in particular. It is very strange. There is one village called “Sideena”. A woman rules it! Her name is Rin’Leesen. It is said that she is a sisoa, but one from a place where the desert grass is as tall as a tent! That is, of course, ridiculous, as the sisoa are myths. Rin’Leesen is probably just living longer than the average person. However, she is supposed to be the best ruler Sideena has ever had, despite the fact that she is female. She is responsible for a “reign of peace”. I do not understand what this “peace” is. Tekus’Tiku says that peace is when villages do not attack one another. That is a strange thought. It is almost as strange as the thought of a woman ruling. Why does Abiz’Akuluki allow it?
Ika, 1 Seti, Toad
It is now the last month of the stage. I will be three cycles, one stage in a month.
I had the strangest dream the other night. It started out with me sitting gin a golden chair, dressed all in traded silk. That was not strange; I often dream such things. But then a woman whose head changed constantly came up to me. It was Ikuluka’Ziba, the Destroyer, Lady of Decay! She told me that she had chosen me, and that I should be honoured. Naturally, I was terrified. She kept saying that I would be her High Priestess! Finally, I asked her to prove that she was truly Ikuluka’Ziba, and not some figment of my imagination. She asked how. I told her to get Bita’Seza to stop telling me what to do. I do not know why I said that. I hope Bita’Seza will be all right.
Ika, 1 Ulu, Stage of the Falcon
It has been one year since I got this book. Looking back, I realize I have not done very much complaining. I suppose that means my life is good. So much has happened in the last year! Only four months until my son is born. And it will be a son, as I have drunken plenty of horse-milk. I have drunken it once a day! Only four months!
Uni, 13 Ulu, Falcon
It is horrible! During my dream, I did not think it was anything but a dream, but it was not! Now Bita’Seza is dead!
She died a quarter-hour ago, giving birth to her seventh child, a girl. The child lived. We called her Krika’Tal. I have offered to care for her. Tekus’Tiku found a goat for me, and the goat produces enough milk for Krika’Tal.
Krika’Tal is crying again. I had better go.
Ika, 1 Meni, Falcon
Krika’Tal is a wonderful child. She only cries when she is hungry or has wet herself, and she sleeps most of the night. She does not fuss or anything.
Tekus’Tiku and I see each other at least three times a week. He says he wants to know me well before our child is born. I suppose I understand. I just like spending time with him. He understands many things, and does not mind if I ask questions. He and I do something he calls a “debate”, something I do not quite understand. In a debate, he expects me to argue with him! I try, but I never seem to win. Tekus’Tiku says I do better than his other wives, though. I do not think that is a good thing. I do not understand why Tekus’Tiku is teaching me to argue with him.
Krika’Tal is hungry again. She eats more than any ten men do.
Ika, 1 Kikza, Falcon
I am Tekus’Tiku’s new Chief Wife! I do not know how this happened; I am his newest wife! I hope it was not Ikuluka’Ziba’s doing; I follow Abiz’Akuluki quite devoutly.
Krika’Tal is so adorable! I like her. She just lays there and looks cute. I hope my son will be like that. My son shall be born next month, and of course, he will be a boy.
Ika, 1 Lempta, Falcon
I hate waiting. It is horrible. When will be son be born?
Ala, 15 Lempta, Falcon
No! It is a girl! All that horse-milk was for nothing. Tekus’Tiku says that a girl is also good, because if women had only sons, the men would have no one to marry. I suppose that is true, but a boy is still better.
I must admit, my daughter, Lyza’Ka, is very cute. She and Krika’Tal seem to be enjoying each other’s company very much. They giggle a lot. Perhaps that means they will be happy when they are adults. I hope so.
Ika, 1 Umpa, Falcon
I never realized how much work being the Chief Wife is! Now that I am no longer “indisposed” as the other wives put it, I must do so much! The stress has caused me to yell at anyone who annoys me. Perhaps Bita’Seza was not that bad. Perhaps she was merely exhausted.
Not only do I run the other wives; I must also plan everything. If there is a feast, I am in charge. If the men bring home fresh-caught meat, I am in charge. If the Priests want a night of fasting ad prayer for the Alti’Vebari, I am in charge. I fear I shall go insane!
Lyza’Ka is crying again. I had better go see what she wants. I hope she does not wake Krika’Tal; one child to care for is more than enough.
Ika, 1 Tunti, Falcon
Tekus’Tiku has shown me some interesting books. They are on a subject called philosophy. Philosophy has something to do with thinking. It is very complicated. Tekus’Tiku also showed me something poetry. It is very beautiful. I like it a lot. Tekus’Tiku says I might be able to write poetry. Would it not be wonderful?
Ika, 1 Yetzu, Falcon
I am getting better at both philosophy and poetry! I am having trouble understand a type of poetry called a “ballad”, but I understand something called a “limerick”. Here is one I wrote.
Lina’Ika was a good wife.
She never caused anger or strife.
She had not a son,
But said everyone,
“Lyza’Ka will also make a good wife.”
The last line is a little long, but it is not too bad. Tekus’Tiku liked it.
Lino, 13 Yetzu, Falcon
It is horrible! We were attacked! Men wearing the war symbol of the Altrid’Yigiya came into our village last night and set fire to our tents. They stole most of our water and poisoned most of the rest. They killed any who tried to flee. They even killed children! Bita’Seza’s second eldest lies dead, as does Lenta’Hapi’s youngest daughter. Of the wives, Winka’Lati is gone. She was such a nice woman; she was so friends, and always happy to lend a hand. Now she is dead.
The men have sent searchers. We need a new home. There are too many unhappy memories here. I am thankful that there were no attacks before this, when I was with child. Did you know that this was the oldest Abiz’Anit village? It stood for two cycles, three stages. That is a very long time.
People are yelling outside my tent. As Chief Wife, I probably have to go do something. I will write later.
Later
I have seen the strangest thing. The men have caught a demon. This demon takes the shape of a woman, but with the oddest colouring. She has hair the colour of a human’s skin, and her skin is so pale it appears a pinkish-white. Her eyes are a brilliant green, like twin emerald. Her clothes are also strange. She wears traded cloth! Her clothing style is even more different, however; she wears breeches and a tunic like a man! I do not understand her.
She told us her name, but it is hard to say. There are many syllables, and some of the sounds are not pronounceable by humans. The men call her a shortened version: San’Loowen.
The men have decided to sacrifice her. In doing so, we may receive Abiz’Akuluki’s blessing on the men’s upcoming raid on the Altrid’Yigiya. I hope Abiz’Akuluki blesses the men; I would not like Tekus’Tiku to be injured!
Ika, 16 Yetzu, Falcon
I do not know what to say. Then men bound San’Loowen yesterday and carried her to the altar, where the sacred fire burned. As we have no shaman, one of the Alti’Vebari Priests anointed the sacrifice with holy water. Then, as they were about to place San’Loowen on the flames, a loud crack sounded. Dark clouds had been gathering all day. Now water poured from the sky, dousing the fire! We have taken this as a sign; we will not sacrifice San’Loowen. However, we are not sure what to do with her.
Lino, 17 Yetzu, Falcon
We travelled all day. We are going to our new village. We have burned the bodies of the dead and their ashes were scattered on the wind. The falling water has stopped. I am glad; divine sign or not, it was unholy.
We have brought San’Loowen with us. As Tekus’Tiku’s Chief Wife, I must look after her. I have talked with her a fair amount. She is very interested in our culture. She says she is travelling to all the lands on this “continent”, learning about them. She would get along well with Tekus’Tiku. She is interested in purchasing a copy of his book.
I learned much from her. She is from the land I mentioned earlier, the one called Vray. She pronounced the name differently, but I cannot write it here; it started with an odd syllable, like the one in her name. It makes a sound similar to an “S”.
I learned something else. San’Loowen is the half-sister of Rin’Leesen, the female ruler of Sideena! She described the city of Sideena to me. It sounds amazing. The tents have more than one level, and are made entirely of wood or stone! Moreover, it is on the edge of a “forest”, a place filled with hundred of tent-sized stalks of grass. It sounds truly amazing.
San’Loowen has also told me that she is a sisoa! Is it not amazing? It took me a while to explain what a sisoa is. Apparently, on Vray they are called “elves”.
San’Loowen just came back (she was talking with Tekus’Tiku about his book). I want to learn more of her strange land. I will write more later.
Ika, 1 Hatu, Falcon
We have reached the location of our new village. As soon as we finish building our village, the men will leave. There are many plans to avenge the dead.
I have learned more about Vray. San’Loowen claims Vray is the name of the world (which is ridiculous; everyone knows the world is called Lani’Ia), and that she comes from an area called the “Dirk Vorst Aria”. In this Dirk Vorst Aria, people marry for love. San’Loowen says that many people throughout the world marry for love. I had heard of such a thing from books, but I thought it was just a myth, like the sisoa. But San’Loowen is a sisoa. Does “love” exist?
Letzi, 14 Hatu, Falcon
The men have left. I am already lonely. I will not see Tekus’Tiku for a long time. I might never see him again. He might die. I am very worried.
I have been thinking about love. It is a very complicated thing. I am not sure, but I think I love Tekus’Tiku. However, I have no way to know.
My life is too confusing. Moreover, children are hard to look after. Why did I adopt Krika’Tal? She is cute, but so much work!
Lino, 22 Hatu, Falcon
The men have returned. They were successful. They burned the Altrid’Yigiya village to the ground. Now the spirits of the dead can rest in peace.
Unfortunately, it seems a war is threatening to start. I hope Lyza’Ka and Krika’Tal will be all right. I hope all Alti’Vebari will be all right!
Tekus’Tiku was injured during battle, but he fought on, despite his wounds. He is a hero in our village. I am proud to be his wife.
I must go. Another feast is about to start.
Ika, 1 Manka, Falcon
I am running out of pages. I shall need another book soon.
I have been talking with Tekus’Tiku. We have decided that we must be in love. There is no other reason why we enjoy each other’s company so much.
San’Loowen will leave in a month or two. She wants to see the High Priest. Tekus’Tiku has given her a copy of his book. San’Loowen also wanted a piece of snakeskin. She is making a “quilt of Areth”. She is making one square for every culture. It sounds fascinating.
Ika, 1 Seti, Falcon
Every night for the past month, I have dreamed of Ikuluka’Ziba. She wants me to be her High Priestess. Now I know that she is really speaking to me, I am very worried. I would refuse, but she has compelling arguments. She does not want to do anything bad; she merely wants to better the lives of women. Moreover, by talking to San’Loowen, I have learned that this is not a bad thing.
I will have to talk to Tekus’Tiku.
Ika, 26 Seti, Falcon
Last night something wonderful happened; a fire ant bit Tekus’Tiku! This means Abiz’Akuluki chose him to become a Priest! It must be his bravery in battle. I am so proud! Because of this, San’Loowen will stay a little longer, so she can watch him train to become a Priest.
I have discussed Ikuluka’Ziba with Tekus’Tiku, and he has come up with a brilliant suggestion. I will not follow the Destroyer, but he will try to make women’s lives better, and I will help him. Is it not wonderful?
Tekus’Tiku is calling. I have to go.
Ika, 1 Ulu, Stage of the Horse
Tonight, there was a grand feast. Tekus’Tiku became Priest today! I am so happy.
The war has started. If Tekus’Tiku were not a Priest, he would leave to fight. Thankfully, the new Alti’Vebari Shaman has permitted him to stay. However, if the fighting gets much worse, he will have to go.
San’Loowen is leaving in a month. She wants to leave before the fighting gets too fierce. I will miss her.
Only one page left in this book.
Ala, 30 Ulu, Horse
I was married two stages ago this day. So much has happened! I have become learned, and had a child, Tekus’Tiku became a Priest, the war has started, and I met San’Loowen! So much has happened!
I have decided to give a copy of this book to San’Loowen. She says she is going to publish a book on the cultures of this continent, and my book contains much information about our culture. I have spent the past month copying out everything I have written.
I have no more room. Therefore, I say goodbye.
Lina’Ika of the Alti’Vebari
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