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Erenia, seated next to two small children as well as many other younger adults, felt very out of place. The children knew not how to hide their curiosity and were not shy about staring at her and fingering her hair in awe, and often pointed to her eyes and spoke aloud amongst themselves in a tongue strange to her.
The older children were more reserved though. They just eyed her suspiciously and whispered quietly to one another.
Only once did someone remotely near her own age approach Erenia; a rather small girl compared to others she had seen, named Aneisha. This bold girl had long, dark, and silky rich hair as well as a darker, rougher complexion and eyes that made Erenia really reconsider what she thought of when she pictured beauty.
The girl Aneisha was not very tall, was thirteen years of age, and had small, beautifully brown eyes, a generous mouth, and soft features alive with the glow of youth. The clothes she wore were strange to her, but unlike Erenia’s garments, it was obvious that a lot of effort and care had been put into making the outfit, which consisted of a long tunic with varying shell decorations, a belt made of decoratively braided leather, long pants, and wonderfully constructed boots of leather into which the bottoms of her pants were efficiently tucked.
The clothing, it seemed, was a symbol of age, because Erenia noticed that all the very young girls wore very boyish and rugged clothes and wore their hair up. Then there was the next age group, Aneisha’s, that wore their hair up still, but their tunics were more feminine with beautiful designs made of colorful shells. Then there was yet another group; the girls whom wore their hair down and wore not just decorated tunics, but decorated boots. These girls had a certain way of flaunting that made Erenia think of the female dignitaries of courting age at home who often pranced around as if they were selling something. Then finally, there were the adult women whose ages ranged anywhere from twenty to sixty it looked like, and they wore a plethora of different styles. Some wore dresses and others wore pants, it didn’t really seem to signify much.
Erenia was intrigued to find that all the men, except for the really young boys, wore practically the same thing, despite age or rank.
“You are strange,” the girl said, tentatively reaching out her hand to touch Erenia’s hair and Erenia was jolted from her thoughts of tribal styles. The girl touched her hair slowly, gently, and then pulled her hand away or so Erenia thought, but instead, the girl ran her fingers smoothly over Erenia’s face.
“You’re blind.” Erenia stated, the gesture not lost upon her.
“Not completely,” Aneisha said. “I hear what they say and I see the differences, but I feel them much better.” The girl added almost thoughtfully. “You are very different from our people. Your skin is so soft and light… that will change if you travel with us. The wind and sun are the gods’ agents and Ewatesh himself molds us into different people. When you change on the inside, Ewatesh changes you on the outside.” The girl said and Erenia was blown away by the wisdom in her words.
“You’re very pretty.” Erenia stated dumbly, unsure of how she should react to such a serious little girl.
“But I am useless.” She stated with a shrug and Erenia was taken aback.
“What makes you say that?”
“Blind women can’t cook, blind women can’t hunt, and blind women bear blind children. No one will marry me.” Aneisha walked away then, and went back to her group of friends whom inquired after the strange woman from the southern city.
Erenia wanted to find out more about the Gopas but there was not much time for talk before the council was fully convened and ready to begin the meeting. An air of anticipation had fallen over the camp almost instantly, so she did not ask any questions.
“I was told to translate for you.” Came a cold voice from behind her and Erenia turned to face Shawn who was obviously as unhappy as she was that he was there.
“Don’t they speak the standard?” She asked.
“Yes, some of them do.”
“Then why do they speak in the old language?” She asked.
“Because some of them don’t know the standard and all of us know the old language. The other half wish to keep it alive along with our culture,” he replied curtly, “and it seems the only way to do that is to mix the new with the old.”
“But-”
“Shh,” He interrupted. “They’re coming out.”
Torches were lit as seven men walked from the leader’s tent followed by whom Erenia recognized as Shawn’s own mother.
“You’re mother is on the council of elders?” She asked, her voice not disguising her surprise. “She doesn’t look to be older than thirty.”
“She is, but not by much. Her recent union to the leader of the tribe has secured her a place on the council,” Shawn stated without looking at her.
“Recent?” Erenia’s eyes opened wider in confusion. “So, Ogem isn’t your father?”
“Ogem is the only father I have ever really had, now be quiet and pay attention.” He snapped, his tone telling her that he was uncomfortable and that their conversation was over.
Erenia resisted her urge to say something else and focused her attention on the approaching procession of prestigious elders. Once they reached the fire, they each took a seat along the inner part of the circle, which she now noticed was lined with benches carved from very fine-grained wood.
Once every elder was seated and settled Erenia’s attention turned to Ogem, whom she now saw was an imposing figure. With his stoically rigid expression complete with dark, unreadable eyes, his slight, but obviously built frame, as well as his air of powerful assertion, Ogem moved to the front and center of the congregation and raised his hands for silence. They then fell to his side and he straightened up even further.
“Deek ooxumaym’j sayumv,” Ogem began and there were scattered replies so Erenia assumed he must have greeted them all. “Ah fouz ouv’buc wee fooz rav mayr ree nobe oh cutavem rour ah nuvuj lov imoj ree nobe.”
“Are you going to translate?” Erenia knew her tone was rude, but she didn’t care. She wanted to know what the man was saying.
“All he’s said is that he has asked them here to help him make a decision,” Shawn snapped right back and Erenia nodded, refocusing on Ogem who had begun to speak again.
“Ah nooc decomp’t am ru kove ez Erenia, ru wem daj fee zote wee voo oseam’c ru zas reemar.” He said and Erenia suddenly felt dozens of eyes upon her.
“He says that he needs them to guide him in deciding your fate and they are curious about you.” Shawn spoke before she said anything so her eyes never left Ogem’s powerful figure.
“Roo ouv’bev iv zess kejunum’teh laj kemvax’same fus soopur’v re rasozuj onem iv imraj ruh queamame,” There were loud gasps around the fire and many of them did not seem at all happy.
“What?” She asked. “What did he say-”
“He told them you want to travel with us until the joining.” Shawn replied and before she could turn her attention back to Ogem he began speaking again, this time faster. “He says that all he asks from the people is for them to be respectful to both you and the council and that now, if they have something they would like to say, they should speak up because once the council is in the tent, the decision will be made.”
A woman called out and Ogem pointed to her. “Jenevive says she thinks it is a ridiculous request, that we have enough elderly and children traveling with us. She says you, with your weak hands and slight body, will hold us back and be more trouble than it is worth.” Shawn said and Erenia’s frown deepened. “Ogem has said that you will be working if you travel with us, that you will pull your weight or be left behind.”
“What does she think about that?” Erenia asked.
“She’s still not happy,” Shawn said, “Then again, Jenevive asked permission to leave her own children behind once so Ogem doesn’t take her very seriously.” He finished, the first smirk she had yet seen on his face. “I would say if you get on the good side of Hernic and Juli’n and their wives, they’d be your best support.”
“Who’s that speaking now?” She asked. “And what’s he saying?”
“That would be Juli’n actually and he is saying that Gopas pride themselves on charitable actions, but that you’re asking for more than charity. We will have to give you tent space, food, and medicine. He asks to know what you offer in return for the stability the tribe would be offering.” Shawn paused, waiting for Ogem to speak but instead, Ogem pointed to Erenia. “I think Ogem wants you to reply to Juli’n’s question.” Shawn said and Erenia was sure she looked like a frightened child. “Stand up.”
Erenia stood slowly and folded her hands over her slightly dirtied dress. “I can only offer my ability to learn. I have never really worked but I speak well, know history, and I have a lot of experience with children.” She said, her voice low as she looked around the fire. “I can work hard,” she added, hoping this would help.
“Why is it you want to travel with us until the joining?” Shawn asked and Erenia looked to Ogem who nodded, saying that she must answer any questions that the people had.
“I have business with the Dimas,” she answered politely.
“That’s nearly six months of traveling with us. Do you really think you will still have business with the Dimas in six months?” Asked an elderly woman whom had long, gray locks pulled back in a leather thong. Everyone looked to her and Erenia realized she must be highly respected by the tribe. Better state your reply carefully…People’s looks said to her when their attention drifted back to Erenia.
“I hope.” She said, her voice even quieter than it had been so far. Six months...she thought to herself and she felt her heart sinking low inside her chest and it settled somewhere between her stomach and her sternum. She really didn’t know if Alerien would even remember their time together in six months but she had to remain hopeful, had to think he would remember her as she would always remember him.
Ogem motioned her to sit down and she did and suddenly, her interest in the conversations waned. She just wanted to curl up in her large bed and cry herself to sleep. This was how it was sometimes… she had her highs, then she had her lows and when she was low, she was really low.
“Juli’n is on your side. You are one lucky dweller.” Shawn said as if he could sense her bad mood. “Hernic has just requested to speak. He says that he would like to trust in the human spirit rather than crush it and that whether or not you have business with the Dimas is not for any of us to judge. He says that the clemency you ask for is not too much to request and he says that since you have nowhere to go back to, what harm would it do to lead you to a place where you can make one.” Shawn’s voice trailed off and he rolled his eyes. “Hernic’s always been wordy but this is ridiculous. He’s acting like their souls are on trial not yours.” He said with a laugh.
“Has anyone else said anything?” Erenia asked, not looking him in the eyes.
“No, but it looks like Saj’im is about to interrupt Hernic to add his own thoughts.” And not two seconds later there was an interruption in the smooth, lilting speaking voice that Erenia had not understood, but had been listening to. “Saj’im is unsure about your merits. He says you look like dignity and that there will be people looking for you if you ran away. He fears that the city will follow us and when they find out you are with us, they will slaughter our children.”
“Where did he ever get such an idea?” Erenia asked. “We’re not barbarians!” Her voice was loud and suddenly, there was silence around the fire.
“When others are talking, you’re not allowed to speak out.” Shawn stated. “Not unless what you have to say is something the group can hear.”
Erenia raised her head proudly and stood. “My people do not slaughter children and the idea is not only absurd, but insulting.” She stated and there were whispers around the fire. “And they will not look for me. I have shamed my father and my fiancé and they will never mention me in their house again, let alone openly search for me, so have no fear of that.”
“Yore nobe’uv wi vay vis?” Called out a woman’s voice that she recognized immediately as the woman whom was called Jenivive.
“She wants to know what makes you so sure?” Shawn interpreted.
“Because I have lived in the southern city my entire life and I know these people and this way of life better than anyone else here does,” she stated, her voice full of not just conviction, but of passion.
“Yeh sim oyo rum, dweller?” She asked sarcastically. “Yeh juz vit quivraj oumc guir zes reaj oumc lesb?”
“She wants to know why you left the wonderful city and wish to be with us.” Shawn replied and Erenia could tell he had “nicened” up what she said.
“Because sometimes you have to sacrifice the familiar for some greater change. If we all passed up opportunities without even considering them, there would be no tribes, no cities, no people still around,” Erenia boldly stated. “I know that it will be a hard life compared to the life I lead in the city, do not mistake me for naïve, but I think that the greater change will be well worth the struggle.” She finished and there were nods around the fire and people began talking, whispering under their breath. Then there was silence. It was the quietest it had been all night and Ogem motioned her to once again have a seat.
“He’s convening the council in the leader’s tent. He says they will return with a decision and that the evening meal should be cooked before it gets much later. He also says we should be kind to you and offer you a blanket, that you are cold and scared and in a new place surrounded by strangers who seem hostile.” He said with a laugh. “That man…” Shawn said with a smile. “He has the heart of a woman and the fist of a bull.” Shawn said as he stood and walked off. It was obvious that the meeting had been dispersed and people were now going about their normal business, but Erenia was lost. She didn’t know what to do, if she should offer help or not… Then Aneisha, the half-blind girl she had met earlier approached again.
“Would you like to meet my mother?” The girl asked and Erenia nodded.
“That would be nice. Why is it that no one else wishes to speak to me?” She asked, curious as to why they seemed intent on avoiding her eyes.
“You’re a stranger and it is not often that people from the cities come seeking us out… usually city dwellers are mean and treat us like dirt. They fear you will feel you have the right to do this.” Aneisha said. “Right over here.”
“Why do they treat you that way?” Erenia asked stupidly.
“Where have you been living? With your head in the clouds?” The girl asked and her tone made Erenia feel stupid. “They have been taught to think we are dirt. It’s because of the tribal pact that was signed after the scattering, but I’m sure Shawn will be telling you that story very soon…” The girl said.
“Shawn? He won’t be speaking to me of his own volition any time soon. He doesn’t care for me at all.” Erenia stated and the little girl laughed.
“Shawn cares for all women,” Aneisha said with a laugh. “He’ll come around, then you won’t be able to shut him up.” Though Erenia doubted what the girl said, she nodded her head, refusing to argue. “There she is- Mama! Meet Erenia, the southerner.” Aneisha shouted excitedly and Erenia could not help but grin, that was until she saw the girl’s mother. It was Jenivive.
Now Erenia knew the story behind why she had asked to leave her child behind… it was because Aneisha was blind and Jenivive had thought her useless and it was obvious from Aneisha’s attitude towards herself that Jenivive made her point to the child often.
Her affection for the woman, not good to begin with, fell further and she was hardly able to smile as she approached, but did so for Aneisha’s sake. The girl had been so kind to her that she did not want to be rude.
“I did not know Aneisha would be bringing you over.” The woman said, wiping the sweat off her brow with her sleeve as she set down the bag of coal she had been carrying back from the cooking fire.
“Mama where’s Dynan?” Aneisha asked and the woman shrugged.
“He’s a man.” She stated. “You think I am still your brother’s keeper?” Jenivive asked. “Go play, I have work to do.” She snapped, motioning them away then she lifted the bag back up over her shoulder, letting out a grunt as she moved on.
“I can help you…” Erenia suggested and Jenivive stopped moving and set the bag down again.
“If you feel so inclined and think you can.” Jenivive said, looking almost grateful for the offer. Almost.
Erenia walked over to her and took one end while Jenivive held the other and on the count of three they lifted the bag with ease and carried it what seemed like only a few feet to a large wagon. “Thank you.” Jenivive said and Erenia could tell by her voice that she meant it. “That would have taken me fifteen minutes had you not helped me. I may have been wrong about you.” She said and though she looked confused, Jenivive did not question her motives, and Erenia was glad because she herself didn’t understand them.
“Let’s go find Dynan.” Aneisha said once Erenia returned and the child grabbed her hand and led her off towards the large center fire. As they weaved their way through the different groups of people and Aneisha spoke, Erenia was painfully reminded of her younger sister… it had only been a day and she already missed her younger brothers and sisters so much. And Drez’n… she missed him too, but in a different way.
“Who’s Dynan and what does he look like?” Erenia asked after a few more minutes of wandering around the almost dark campsite. She was beginning to wonder what was taking the council so long and how she was going to get back to the city if they decided she wouldn’t travel with them. It was almost pitch black out…
“He’s my older brother. He’s tall like Ogem but has lighter hair.” The girl said. “But I can barely see any more, it’s getting dark out.” She admitted almost shamefully and Erenia felt a pang of sorrow.
“I have enough eyes for the both of us to find this Dynan,” Erenia encouraged and Aneisha smiled, looking up at Erenia, gratitude in her eyes, which Erenia now saw were filling with the white of blindness. How she had missed it before was… well, it was strange.
“Is that him?” Erenia asked, pointing to a light-haired man.
“I don’t know, call to him.”
“Dynan!” Erenia shouted and the man turned, took one look at her then Aneisha and walked over.
“What’re you doing little girl?” The boy asked playfully and Erenia smiled. He was obviously very fond of his little sister.
As he neared, Erenia realized he wasn’t a man at all, but an older boy. He was certainly as tall as Ogem, but he was slighter and had a more handsome, youthful look about him.
His sandy brown hair fell just above his shoulders and his face, which Erenia targeted as his most prominent focal point, was long. His eyes, which were dark, were set under protruding brows, his nose was aquiline and angular, and his lips were very thin. His tan skin suggested he worked a lot and often in the sun, but no more than anyone else she had seen this night.
“And you’re the southerner.” He stated, his accent thick. Erenia nodded, holding out her hand to him. She watched his eyes move from her hair to her face then he made eye contact and the look in his eyes was one of interest.
“My name is Erenia,” She said with a smile.
“I spoke in your favor,” he said quietly, taking her small, soft hand into his large, rough ones and giving it a gentle shake before he hesitantly released it. “We need some change, things are getting stagnant and there have been a lot of problems. Maybe you’ll be able to relieve some of the pressure.”
“I’d very much like to travel among you,” she said and what she said was surprisingly sincere.
“We’d have so much fun!” Aneisha interjected and Dynan broke Erenia and his intense eye contact, bending down level as he looked at his little sister.
“That we would, but we’ve had lots of fun before, haven’t we?” He asked, stroking her nose and the girl giggled, batting his hand away.
Erenia saw the sense in what he had said because she had done the same thing often when her little brother would ask her if their father would take him hunting that day, or that week, or that month. Erenia hadn’t wanted to say no because it would have been devastating, but she hadn’t wanted to get his hopes up either. To be vague and hopeful was often more rewarding than being honest. Dynan didn’t want Aneisha to get too hopeful because the council had yet to announce their decision but he didn’t want to share with her his doubts either… a respect for this Gopan man-child formed in Erenia and it made her smile.
From somewhere behind them, a horn was sounded and Dynan stood. “What’s going on? What does the horn mean?” She asked, her heart jumping into her throat as she looked around at all the moving people.
“The council is reconvening. They have reached a decision and wish for the tribe to gather again,” He replied, his voice void of any emotion whatsoever.
“I’m sure they won’t say no… It wouldn’t be right.” Aneisha assured Erenia, who smiled at the small child’s youthful optimism. Erenia could see by the look on his face and his attitude towards her that Dynan didn’t think so positively as his younger sister.
“Come on Aneisha, walk me to the fire, my princess.” He said and Erenia nearly cringed at the use of the word.
Erenia followed behind them, listening to the talk of brother and sister as they moved on to the fire and once everyone was seated, there was once again an almost complete and utter silence.
Gods did she hope it was good news. The more she learned about the tribe and its people, the more she wanted to be a part of it.
There were apprehensive whispers as the council once again approached and Erenia’s heart took its place in her throat.
She didn’t want to get excited, but she didn’t want to assume the worse, so as she sat there, she tried to find a happy medium, telling herself that if she weren’t allowed to travel with the tribe, she would move on anyway. How? She had no idea. The thieves who had stolen her horse had also taken her bag of jewels and all of her money…
Shawn walked to her side as Ogem raised his hands for silence, readying to translate for her. Then, Ogem began to speak.
“Yoo fouz sootuc oh cutavem…” The leader called out and there were nods around the fire.
“We have reached a decision.” Shawn whispered, relaying Ogem’s words.
“Ru keamtaj fouv voke ros mey, Erenia laj meyr rasozuj onem iv.” He stated, a finality unrivaled in his voice. Shawn paused, looking at her with a look that said everything. He didn’t need to say a word, but he did. The moment called for niceties.
“The council has said that no, Erenia will not travel among us.”
A/N: yay! another chapter and a review! Finally! Thank you very much to lafemmemusketeer! I was very happy to hear you liked it.. heck I was happy to hear anything at all lol. :) Hope you liked this chappie. For any new readers, if you read this, you might as well review right?