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A Legend of the Before People, of Atelani, the First Female Chief

Kataku had laid out the first course of stones according to the direction of both Atelani and Kohu. There would be more work of course, but for the time being, they had come to a stopping point. Atelani had gone to fill her pot while Kohu busied himself carving something with a small knife. Elahu was still foraging in the forest, but as the shadows were growing long, Kataku expected him back soon. In the meantime, Ala rhythmically swung her mallet, intent on converting okahani bark into a new loincloth for her brother.

As Kataku glanced toward Ala he unexpectedly met her gaze. He jerked away quickly, for it was unseemly that an unmated pair should lock eyes in this manner. At the same time, he heard Ala’s steady beat falter, suggesting that she too had hastily turned away.

Risking another look, Kataku saw Ala’s ears drooping as she stared into the tree bark beneath her mallet. Kataku was not certain, but it seemed that she was swinging that mallet considerably faster now. Clearly the young doe was flustered and embarrassed.

What could it mean? Ala had forgiven his grievous sins; if anyone should feel humbled, it should be Kataku. The buck wanted to say something. He wanted to put Ala at ease and learn what she was thinking. He knew, however, that opening his mouth would only make things more awkward. Best to forget the matter, to treat the incident as if it had never happened.

But Kataku could not help feeling that it was too late for that. Something like a shiver ran through him as he recalled the intensity of Ala’s gaze. The bird, it seemed, had left the nest.

(Previous: 44: Soup )

Description

A Legend of the Before People, of Atelani, the First Female Chief

Kataku had laid out the first course of stones according to the direction of both Atelani and Kohu. There would be more work of course, but for the time being, they had come to a stopping point. Atelani had gone to fill her pot while Kohu busied himself carving something with a small knife. Elahu was still foraging in the forest, but as the shadows were growing long, Kataku expected him back soon. In the meantime, Ala rhythmically swung her mallet, intent on converting okahani bark into a new loincloth for her brother.

As Kataku glanced toward Ala he unexpectedly met her gaze. He jerked away quickly, for it was unseemly that an unmated pair should lock eyes in this manner. At the same time, he heard Ala’s steady beat falter, suggesting that she too had hastily turned away.

Risking another look, Kataku saw Ala’s ears drooping as she stared into the tree bark beneath her mallet. Kataku was not certain, but it seemed that she was swinging that mallet considerably faster now. Clearly the young doe was flustered and embarrassed.

What could it mean? Ala had forgiven his grievous sins; if anyone should feel humbled, it should be Kataku. The buck wanted to say something. He wanted to put Ala at ease and learn what she was thinking. He knew, however, that opening his mouth would only make things more awkward. Best to forget the matter, to treat the incident as if it had never happened.

But Kataku could not help feeling that it was too late for that. Something like a shiver ran through him as he recalled the intensity of Ala’s gaze. The bird, it seemed, had left the nest.

(Previous: 44: Soup )