Panior chuckled.“Not that I heard of.Go as you are.Anything you need, they provide for.”He gripped his dagger sheathed to his belt.“I would take this though.A weapon is always useful.”
“My thanks,” Nenn said, for he had no such blade, and grabbed the bar of soap.
“Do not tarry.Three roast banaari await, care of this season’s chosen.”Panior strode off, his shoulders back, his stride buoyant.
As Nenn soaped and rinsed, the warmed fragrance of oldarr bark and black moss surrounding him, he decided to emulate Panior in his future actions.Well, as best he could.He climbed out of the pool and dried himself with a woven cloth someone set out for him.By the smell, he’d say Kimgi.
The leggings were brown banaari leather and soft, clinging to his damp legs when he wiggled into them.On a normal day, he’d run his fingers through his hair and be done with it.Today, from his temple to the base of his spine, he dragged a comb through his hair, shivering when the tines scraped his scalp.The cream-colored tunic was well-made, the stitches almost invisible.Who’d gifted him with these?His boots were his own, though, made to fit his feet when he attained adulthood.
He weaved around the other pools, crossed the main path, and strode into the gathered crowd.The sweet aroma of banaari filled the air.He far preferred the saltiness of vibuy, but as feasts went, this one was appreciated.
“Sancnuss,” someone yelled, waving a stone mug of nulci in the air.
His tribe cheered, chanting his name.
Dumis slapped Nenn across the back.“I am not certain their excitement is to see you leave or in thanks for the venison.”
Nenn laughed.“Both?”
“You and Tugo have always been the troublemakers, the ones we could trust to get up to mischief.”Elder Lama offered a tooth-gapped smile.“Never a dull moment and the instigators of many fireside stories.”
“I shall miss you,” Tugo called from where he sat on a bench, Kimgi hovering nearby.
“You are well?”Nenn gasped, shifting his gaze between Kimgi and Elder Qon.
“I am…better.”Tugo grimaced.“Thanks to you, I will not lose my foot.”He gestured to those closest.“I can confirm it was my foolishness that led to this.”
“We know,” Elder Lama said.“The symbiotes revealed all.”
“Take this.”Dumis shoved a blade at Nenn.“Your harvesting knife will not be needed, but this dagger will serve you better.”
Nenn blinked at the intricately carved tooth as the hilt and the shimmering steel of the blade.“I cannot.”He glanced at Tugo.“This is yours, my friend.”
“I want you to have it, and my father agrees.”Tugo staggered to his feet, his face paling, sweat beading his temple.“You are like a brother to me, Nenn.Please, take the ceremonial dagger, and think of us when you are among the stars.”
“It would be rude of you to not accept,” Kimgi said, slipping under Tugo’s arm to usher him onto the bench.
Dumis caught Nenn’s hand and placed the dagger on his palm.“Come.Eat.”
Laec exploded into their midst.“The Ivoyans have arrived.”He ushered Nenn aside with a grip on his shoulder.“It is custom for you to meet them alone.”
Nenn jerked back.“I did not know that.”
“Only the chosen learn of this,” Elder Lama whispered.“Leave.Quietly.For to stroll out surrounded by revelry is not the Giniiri way.”
Nenn swept a gaze across his family.“My thanks to all of you.”
“Return well and with honor,” Dumis said, clasping Nenn’s forearm.
“I will.”He inched backward, spun on his heel, and marched up the path toward the cave’s entrance.
At the same time, Elder Lama addressed the tribe, drawing their attention.
Each step took courage, the cheers and singing fading as Nenn faced his future.Juirr said nothing when Nenn passed him.Guided by the yellow moon, he veered left along the path he’d descended with Tugo over his shoulder.His thighs burned from the steady pace he set.
In the center of the caldera, with pockets of lava bubbling at its edges, sat a sky vessel.It shone black and orange, reflecting the rock beneath it and the volcano around it.Its door slid open without making a sound.An Ivoyan glided out.His orange body rivaled that of the freshest lava, glowing in the soft light spilling from within his vessel.In dark blue leggings and a tunic that formed one garment, he approached Nenn on bare four-toed feet as if the hot rock didn’t bother him.He was taller than Tugo and Panior, his head bulbous.A strip of transparent material covered the top half of his face, strange lights and symbols flickering across it.Only two nostrils, a thin mouth, and a pointy chin were visible.
“Nenn aac Giniiri,” he said, the words clipped.“Do you accept this task offered to your tribe?”
