dance

Ranec followed the others from his customary place in the back of the line. He liked being in the rear. It gave him time to think, and allowed him to keep an eye out for predators who may be trailing them. He also liked the fact that since he was in the rear, no one would be looking at him.

Ranec surveyed his traveling companions with a bit of irony. Who would have thought that he, Ranec of the Mamutoi would be willingly traveling to the Zelandonii. Traveling to the people of his rival. He shook his head and let out a little snort at the thought. Looking to the front of the line, Jondalar was walking, leading Racer. Close behind was Ayla who was riding Whinney, and he knew that the traveling was hard on her. She had to be due any time now, and since the weather was still so cold, with snow storms intermittently, they had been riding hard to gain as much distance as possible. Tholiza was sitting in front of Ayla while she held the toddler tightly to make sure she didn't fall off the gentle mare.

Madenia was still an enigma to him. Here she was, young, beautiful and could have had any man she wanted if she were Mamutoi, but she had chosen to give up her people and travel with them. He knew something terrible had happened to her, and had a good idea what it could have been, but he still didn't have any details.

Since they were traveling together, he tried on many occasions to turn her head, but she kept her distance, though she was nice enough. It was starting to become a playful challenge for him. He always was attracted to women who seemed to be immune to his charms, and she was one with a secret. A more intriguing combination he couldn't imagine. Besides, it helped him to keep his mind off of Ayla.

The line came to a halt and Ranec looked up to see Jondalar patting down Racer before reaching for Tholiza from Ayla. Madenia stepped up and took the toddler as Jondalar helped Ayla down.

"We'll camp here tonight. There's a small stream not too far in that direction," Jondalar pointed, "and we can probably find some game around here."

Madenia hugged Tholiza to her. "It's really cold."

Ayla smiled sympathetically at the young woman. She'd never been on a journey, and all her life had a warm cave to live in during the winter. Being out all day, every day in this weather wasn't easy. Ayla had to admit though that Madenia rarely complained. She did her share of the work and mostly kept to herself. She was more than willing to speak with Ayla on most any subject, but Ayla noticed that she tended to avoid Jondalar and Ranec.

"That's because we're nearing the glacier. The last time we traveled this way, we went over the glacier. Now with a new baby on the way as well as Tholiza, we've decided to go around."

Madenia looked puzzled. "Why are we going north then? The southern route would be quicker."

It seemed the route that Ranec had used was well known to the Losandunai, and Ayla too wondered why it wasn't used often.

"We're going to stop by the Lanzandonii to visit. They were....accepting, of us and we'll stop there to visit as well as replenish our supplies if necessary." Ayla explained. She left out the fact that she knew Jondalar would want to see his kin again. Neither of them knew what kind of a welcome they'd receive, and she wasn't too anxious about seeing Jerika again. How would she react to the fact that Ayla gave birth to a child of Jondalar's spirit? Perhaps two? She glanced at Ranec. Perhaps one, she thought.

The baby kicked and Ayla rubbed her belly as she sighed. The temperature was dropping rapidly and there was much work to be done to establish camp. Ayla unhitched Whinney while Jondalar did the same with Racer. The four had quickly established a routine where Ranec and Madenia would set up the tents while Ayla would start a fire with the burning stones that Losanduna had given them as a gift. She used them sparingly just to start the fire. Most of the wood they found was damp and difficult to light even with the firestones.

After the horses were unhitched and the fire going, the men would go off to hunt while Madenia and Ayla would start tea. Ayla had taken to adding extra herbs to give them the nutrients they needed during winter. It helped with their cravings for fresh vegetables, and sometimes when food was scarce, it helped to fill their bellies. The glacier was now visible in the distance. Well, not the ice itself, but the mist was. Only on the clearest of days could they see the actual ice.

The dreams that Ayla had been having, or rather nightmares, were all but gone now. She started to see her spirit totem again at night and she knew that she was once again being protected. Ayla had taken her best leather work and sacrificed it to her totem to give thanks.

Almost immediately, Ayla had found a small spiral shell and knew her totem had accepted the gift. She placed it in the pouch around her neck and felt herself relax. She was doing the right thing after all.

Ayla stirred the embers and added more wood to the dying fire. She looked around the campsite for any predators that may have wandered into the area, though she knew that the horses, as well as Wolf, would warn her in plenty of time.

Whinney lifted her head and let out a soft nicker, which Ayla returned. She had tried most of the night of sleep but it wouldn't come. She just couldn't find a comfortable position. Giving up, Ayla donned her parka and mittens and left the warm tent. Knowing that everyone would probably be waking up soon, she decided to boil some water for tea. They hadn't been by a stream in two days, so Ayla scooped up snow into a large skin to melt, then boil.

Wolf poked his head out of Madenia's small tent. Lately, the animal had taken to sleeping with the young woman, probably knowing that she needed support. He always had been sensitive to the needs of others. Ayla's eyes misted as she thought of the special way he had taken Rydag under his wing and looked after the boy.

Ayla felt the small ache start in her back and shifted position again. They still had a long way to go before reaching the Zelandonii, and she knew that though it was still winter, it would be well into summer before they arrived. Jondalar had estimated that they'd arrive during a summer meeting, and hoped that they'd reach Dalanar's cave before the Lanzandonii left for the gathering. It would be nicer to travel with others for a change.

Ayla shivered and hunkered closer to the fire. It seemed as if they'd never be warm again. She knew that it would still get a lot colder before they made it to the glacier, and decided to ask Jondalar about going north before it became much colder.

Ayla was so lost in thought that she hadn't noticed the wind die down and an eerie calm envelop the darkness. Wolf whined bringing her back to the present and she looked around. It was then that she heard it.

Off in the distance, it sounded like someone was playing a reed flute. She hadn't heard such a beautiful sound since they'd left the Mamutoi. When Deegie had taken her into the music tent at their summer gathering. It wasn't a particular melody, just a sad, lonely tune. Ayla wondered if there was a camp nearby. Certainly the sound wouldn't have been able to travel that far on the wind, could it? She was hoping that they'd meet other people before reaching the Lanzandonii. After all, they wouldn't get there until early spring and that was still a long time away.

She could hear stirring and looked towards Ranec's tent. He was getting up early today, she thought as the flap pulled back and the carver smiled at her.

"Good morning" she greeted as she placed a rather flat rock into the fires edge.

"Good morning. What are you doing up so early?" Ranec asked as he stretched and then shivered rubbing his arms. Though he was wearing a parka, it was cold.

"I couldn't sleep."

"Again? Are you still having the nightmares?"

Ayla shook her head. "no, I just can't seem to get comfortable today."

Ranec nodded and headed off into the woods, no doubt to relieve himself Ayla thought. After a few moments he returned and sat down beside Ayla. Pulling her to him, she rested her head on his shoulder and he slipped his hand under her parka, rubbing the knots out of her back.

Ayla let out a breath as the tension started to leave her body. "that feels good."

Ranec smiled and bent a little inhaling her scent. He closed his eyes savoring the all too rare moment before clearing his throat. "I'm glad."

He watched as Ayla closed her eyes and leaned against him deeper. He still longed for her in his heart, but knew it was a dream never to be realized. He had made a promise that he'd travel as friends. That's it. He knew that she loved Jondalar, and there was nothing he could do to change that.

Still, he valued her friendship more than anything, and even if it meant that his heart would break everyday, he would be there for her as a friend. There was still the part of him that wished she would mate with him, and bring children of his spirit to their hearth.

Maybe, he thought, Muta would bless Ayla with a child of his spirit. Not that he would admit it to anyone, but he asked the Mother to do just that on many occasions.

Ranec felt her body tense and looked at her worriedly. Her eyes were still closed, but her brows were furrowed.

"Are you alright?"

"I..I think it is soon time." Ayla admitted somewhat hesitantly.

"Time? For what?"

Ayla sat up and looked at Ranec, she looked just like a frightened animal, he thought as he watched a small tear cascade down her cheek.

Taking her mitted hand, he wiped at the tear streak. "What's wrong Ayla? You can tell me."

Ayla swallowed hard and let out a shaky breath. "I think the baby's coming."

Ranec stared at her in shock as the words set in. when realization struck, his face split into a big smile and he pulled her to him. "Ayla that's wonderful! You must rest. Let's get you back into the tent." He started to stand but she shook her head no and pulled her hand from his.

"There is time left. It will probably be awhile before the baby comes. Maybe later today. I am just now starting to feel a little pain. It is still more of a discomfort."

Ranec didn't seem to calm down at all as he stared at her. When he didn't answer, she looked back up at him and couldn't help but smile. "Relax Ranec. I've been through this twice before."

"But..we have to do *something*. You need other women around. I'll wake Madenia!"

"You'll do no such thing! It's not even morning yet. Everyone will be up soon enough and it will be a long day."

Ranec sat down somewhat reluctantly as he continued to stare at her. She didn't seem excited as most women are at this time. Perhaps it was because they were out here, without the help of a cave around?

Both of them sat in silence while the water boiled, and Ayla dug some herbs out of her medicine bag, separating them into different bowls for later. The sky was starting to turn a little lighter, and Ayla knew the others would be waking soon.

Taking a parchment that she stored the leftovers in last night, Ayla mixed some grain into the mixture and once it was still enough, placed little cakes on the heated rock to cook.

Ranec didn't know what to make of her mood. He'd been around many women who were going to have babies, and though they were normally at the back of the cave with other women around, the mood had been happy and light. Ayla seemed nervous and frightened. Of course, he would be too if he had to give birth out in the middle of no where. What if something went wrong? Who would they turn to for help? They were too far from the Losandunai to return for help. They had been traveling for at least 3 weeks. According to Jondalar there was no other camps between there and his people. At least not on this side of the glacier.

Not knowing really what to do, and wanting to wake Jondalar and Madenia, Ranec moved over to Ayla again and continued to rub her lower back. When the cakes were finished, Ayla unexpectedly leaned over and rested her head in his lap as he continued his ministrations. It didn't take long before she was asleep.

When Jondalar came out of the tent, Ranec breathed a sigh of relief. "It's about time you got up!"

"What's wrong?" Jondalar asked, looking around. The horses were nearby and Wolf was by the fire. Ayla seemed to be sleeping and he went over to her. "she couldn't sleep again?" he softly asked so he didn't disturb her, as he brushed a strand of hair out of her face.

"Oh Muta! I wish it was just that."
Jondalar looked at him puzzled. "She said she thought it was time for the baby to come, then she wouldn't let me wake anyone. Next thing I know she falls asleep! I don't know what to do."

Jondalar frowned as he looked down at the woman he loved. It was then he became aware that Ranec was massaging the small of her back and smiled in relief.

"That'll do it every time." He nodded to Ranec and the carver stopped. "When she was pregnant with Tholiza, every time I rubbed her back she'd fall asleep." His smile faded as he looked around.

"We do need to get her out of his weather. It could snow any time again. How are the supplies looking? Do we still have most of the deer we killed?"

Ranec shook his head. "Only about half."
"We're going to have to stay here for awhile, and also go hunting. Ayla won't be able to travel for at least half a moon."

"I'll go as soon as we get her settled." Ranec then looked around at the small tents. No one could really do anything more than lay down in them, maybe sit. Jondalar and he would both had to hunker over at little to even do that.

"Why don't we combine the tents like we used to? Including Madenia's? that way Ayla will have more room for the baby and it will be warmer."

Jondalar looked at the three tents and nodded. "It's a good idea. It will be crowded, but this way there is more room for her to give birth." He looked at Ayla sleeping peacefully. "Are you sure she said it's time?" he just couldn't imagine her sleeping at a time like this.

"Of course I'm sure!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ayla woke to find three pairs of very concerned eyes staring at her. Blushing, she sat up and Jondalar quickly moved over supporting her against his chest.

"How are you feeling?" He asked, concerned.

"Fine. I'm, uh, sorry for worrying everyone. I guess it isn't time after all." Ayla sheepishly admitted. She knew that sometimes the spirits made women think they were in labor, only to make them wait. Sometimes that could happen for weeks, she knew, but she never thought it would happen to her.

A collective breath was let out as her traveling companions relaxed. Ayla was handed a cup of tea by Madenia, and smiled her thanks as she looked around the 'tent'.

"When did you put the tents together?" She asked, puzzled and wondered briefly how long she'd actually slept.

Ranec smiled at her and shrugged. "Not too long ago. We thought if the baby was coming that you'd need more room."

Madenia didn't look at anyone as Ranec was speaking, and Ayla felt herself growing more concerned for the woman everyday. "Madenia, are you ok with this idea? If not, you can still have your own tent?"

Madenia smiled at her before glancing nervously towards Jondalar, then Ranec. She looked down again and busied herself with stroking Wolf's fur. "The baby's more important. I don't mind."

"Good, it's settled then." Jondalar smiled. They would all share a tent until after Ayla was recovered enough from giving birth.

"I need to feed Tholiza," Ayla announced, and Ranec reached for the toddler who'd been entertaining herself with Madenia's pack. It didn't take much to distract the small child and they often found her examining with great interest a knuckle bone, or stick, or scrap of leather.

While Ayla fed Tholiza, Jondalar and Ranec went outside. Ayla was glad for the opportunity to speak with Madenia alone.


"That was very sweet of you. I know you haven't been too comfortable around Ranec and Jondalar, and I hope you'll tell me if you change your mind."

Madenia blushed deeply, avoiding Ayla's concerned gaze. If Ayla only knew *why* she was uncomfortable around them! She was a woman now, and she shouldn't feel flustered like a girl around men, but that's exactly how Jondalar made her feel. He'd been extra nice to her, and attentive, and Madenia didn't know how to handle her feelings. If Losaduna had been there she could have talked to him about it, but he wasn't. Ranec seemed nice enough, and he seemed interested in her, but Madenia didn't really know him. She wasn't 'drawn' to him like she was to Jondalar.

Maybe it was because of the fantasies she had had all those years after meeting Ayla and Jondalar for the first time. She didn't know. One part of her never wanted another man to look at her let alone touch her, but the other part wanted to experience and feel what Ayla did. Almost every detail from that night, the night she snuck to the hot springs and watched them make love, was still embedded in her memory.

When Madenia didn't answer, Ayla frowned and was about to say something when Jondalar poked his head back through the tent opening. Madenia jumped, then blushed as she stared at him before turning away.

It was finally starting to dawn on Ayla why Madenia was uncomfortable and she turned to Jondalar to see what he needed.

"It's too late today to travel, and Ranec and I are going to see if we can replenish our supplies. Not too far back we saw a small heard of deer. If they hadn't traveled far we should be able to bring down one or two of them.

Ayla smiled at him. "That sounds like a good idea. Why don't you take Whinney and Racer? Wolf can stay here with us."

Jondalar hesitated then nodded. "Are you sure the baby isn't coming?" He asked, uncertainly, causing Ayla to laugh.

"Only the Mother knows when it's time for a baby to be born, but yes, I'm pretty sure it isn't coming right now."

Jondalar let out a relieved breath and reached for her hand, squeezing it slightly before starting out of the tent opening.

"Wait." Madenia called, and fidgeted when he turned his piercing blue eyes to her. "I....you might get hungry." She handed him two containers. One was a bladder full of water, and the other was a leather pouch with some of the grain cakes Ayla made earlier, as well as dried meat they used when traveling.

Jondalar smiled one of his best smiles at her, making Madenia have to remind herself to breathe. "That's very thoughtful of you Madenia. I'm sure Ranec and I will be starved later on." With that said, Jondalar left the tent leaving a very flustered Madenia behind.