NOTE: The ending of Hearth of a Donii was started long before the release of SoS. Any similarities are completely coincidental, and I wouldn't dream of trying to use her latest release for my pitiful attempts at writing. I love JA! I did rewrite what I could, to make it less alike.

I hope you've enjoyed the series. I never knew when I started it that it would take a year and a half to complete. Boy I sure need to learn how to write small fics! LOL

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Jondalar looked around at all the people who had gathered at the mouth of the cave. From his vantage point on the hill he could see not only the cave entrance, but also the entire rock formation. It hadn't taken long for word to spread that the small group had not only found a large source of water, but they had found a sacred site of the Mother herself! Nothing of the sort had ever been heard of before, and those who had frowned upon Ayla, even in private, were now clearly frightened and in awe of her.

No matter what they thought of flatheads, or the animals she controlled effortlessly, she had to have been chosen of the Mother Herself to know of such things. Even the Zelandonii were somewhat frightened, though they would never admit it.

Jondalar didn't particularly like the way everyone stared at Ayla or him now, and Dalanar, Echozar and Menelan were also experiencing the same reactions. For Echozar, it was a good thing. Finally people weren't looking at him with disdain as if he were some abomination. It had been five days since they returned to the meeting with their discovery, and the cave had been the sole focus of the Zelandonii ever since. Not even the mating ceremony, or the announcement ceremony of the new acolytes had been held. Both had been postponed because none of Those Who Served wanted to miss such an important discovery. This was a tale that their children's, children's, children would tell around the fire.

He waited nervously as the Zelandonii spoke with Ayla again, inside of the cave. This time though, they said it was on a personal matter. It was no secret that many had said she should be a Zelandonii, one who served. After all, she was a favorite of the Mother's. As much as he loved her though, he dreaded her answer if that's what they were planning to ask.

Everyone knew that to be a Zelandonii, you couldn't have a mate. More than anything didn't know if he could give up Ayla. What if this is what she wants though? He thought to himself.

It didn't take long for his answer, because Zolena came out of the cave and after searching the area, glanced up and motioned for him.

When he neared, she smiled reassuringly at the younger man. Though he was worried, he didn't realize his apprehensions made women want to comfort him all the more . "Ayla would like to see you, Jondalar."

She turned back towards the cave, whose opening had been dug wide, so one only had to stoop to get inside.

"Don't look so worried," She added when he didn't immediately follow.

Jondalar waited for his eyes to adjust, then followed her deeper into the cave. He hadn't been in there since the day it was discovered. Only Ayla had led the Zelandonii to the sacred hearth afterwards. No one else besides Those Who Served dared to enter.

He was surprised to see Marthona, Ranec, Folara, Dalanar, Jerika, Joplaya, Echozar, Madenia and Willomar waiting with Ayla's children and the Zelandonii. What could they be doing in here?

Ayla smiled reassuringly at him, then took his hand. He felt his uneasiness abate somewhat and questioned her with his eyes.

Zolena, with Illiana stepped forward with a bowl and red sheathed flint blade on an ornamentally carved ivory handle. He knew what the items were and smiled broadly. They turned their attention to the Zelandonii who began the ceremony to number Tholiza and Wynic among the Zelandonii. Each child also let out a piercing yell when the blade nicked their skin, and the antiseptic applied.

The rest of the Zelandonii looked on, chanting quietly. "Ayla, your children are now Zelandonii. They will carry the ties of the zelandonii people with them wherever they journey. No matter how far from home the Mother calls them, this is their heritage. She has a special purpose for them, and they will need, and have, the protection of Her as they fulfill their destiny."

"This is why the Zelandonii have agreed to do this ceremony here. No one will dispute the decision to number them among us."

Both Ayla and Jondalar looked shocked at the prophecy. For a moment Ayla worried for her children. She had lost so many children. First Durc, then Baby, she held Wynic tighter to her. It would be unbearable to lose him and Tholiza. All she wanted was to raise her children, and see her grand children.

Zolena wasn't first among her people without reason. "Ayla, you have gone through many trials and tests to prove to the Mother that you are worthy. You know that serving Her isn't an easy calling, but it isn't without rewards. It will be many years before they are called to serve. In the meantime, you will love them, watch them grow, teach them all the Clan knowledge of healing. Jondalar you will also be called upon to teach them freely your skill of flint-knapping, andRanec," Zolena closed her eyes as if she were seeking an answer to a question. "The Mother also has plans for you. You're skill as a carver will be imparted on these children, and those yet to be born."

Looking at all three of them, Zolena studied their reactions. "Do all of you agree to follow the Mother's will and give your talents freely to them, guide them in the ways of the Zelandonii, and not to turn your back on Her?"

"Yes, we agree." They answered, and it seemed natural that they we're one voice. Zolena knew the Mother was right in choosing them.

Zolena then turned to Madenia, and the young woman tried to hide behind Dalanar somewhat.

"Madenia, step forward."

Hesitantly, she moved forward until she stood beside Ranec. "The Mother has also tested you, has she not?" Zelandonii asked.

Madenia's face flushed with shame at the memory of her attack. Tears stung her eyes and ducked her head. She thought she could start fresh with Jondalar's people. Not have everyone looking at her as if she was tainted. Now she knew she'd never be able to escape the attack. It was as if it were happening all over again. And she'd traveled so far!

Zolena gently touched her cheek and stroked her hair. "Child, do not cry. Nothing happens without reason. She will make her purpose known in Her time. I can tell you though, that your children will also play an important part in Her plan. Do not keep running from it."

Madenia sniffed and looked up in disbelief at the older woman. Her children? She would have children. Was the Zelandonii certain? That's all she ever wanted, but even Ayla told her that if she didn't share the Mother's gift of pleasure that she would not have any, and Ayla was never wrong.

Zolena looked at Ranec, then back at Madenia. The concern in his eyes for the woman wasn't missed on her. "I have something to ask the two of you. We've postponed the mating ceremony for far too long. It will go on tonight as planned, but every summer a man and a woman is chosen to represent the sun and the moon. The celestial mating that guides all life. I would ask that the two of you do this for us?"

Jondalar looked at Ranec and Madenia as if seeing them for the first time. It was known by all that those chosen for such an important role normally ended up being mated the next summer meeting. He never even knew of any who were chosen that weren't zelandoni, and here they both weren't. Glancing at Ayla, she was smiling knowingly and he wondered if there was something more to Ranec and Madenia's friendship that he hadn't noticed.

"I, I don't think you would want me for such an important role, Zelandonii." Madenia all but whispered.

"It is not I that has chosen you for this role, child. The Mother has made many things known to us these past few days. It is Her will that we ask you. Of course, it is your decision, and no one will make you do it if you don't want to."

"What would I, we, have to do?" Madenia glanced at Ranec, who happened to be looking at her. She blushed and looked down.

The older Zelandonii smiled at the young girl.

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Madenia nervously brushed the soft leather of the yellow outfit she wore. It was softer than any leather she'd ever seen made, and the decorations were exotic and beautiful. Just like the woman who had given it to her. She was told to wear her best for the ceremony, and after a whole day of being cleansed, both physically and spiritually, there was nothing else for her to do but wait for the signal.

Peeking around the corner, she couldn't believe how many people were out there! Of course, this was the mating ceremony, and no one from any cave wanted to miss it. Most caves had at least one man or woman being joined.

The loud drums stopped and hush's fell across the crowd and they waited for the beginning. Madenia could see Zelandonii from her vantage point, and knew in a moment the drums would start again with the flutes, and she would slowly walk out. Somewhere on the other side, she knew Ranec was also waiting for the drums. They hadn't been allowed to see each other all day, and she had to go to Zelandonii's tent to ready herself.

She almost missed the steady beat when it started, since her mind had been drifting, and quickly hurried forward a few steps. They were to meet in the middle at the same time.

She faltered again when Ranec came into view. He looked stunning! He was wearing a cream colored outfit with circles and spirals beaded across the front. His arms were bare accenting the dark color of his skin against the lightness and the front of the tunic came to a V shape at the neckline and in front.

Ranec smiled winningly at Madenia. He could tell she was nervous, and he admitted to himself, breathtakingly stunning. The artist in him recognized the quality and time that had gone into making her outfit, and he wondered who had made it for her. He wanted to examine it on a closer level.

All thoughts of how beautiful her outfit was left him as his eyes traveled from her decorated tunic, past her breasts along the hollow of her milky white neck, to the luscious red lips that quivered slightly showing her nervousness.

Her lips compelled him. They seemed to stand out more than before, beckoning him. He realized that she must have crushed some berries, or ochre on them to accentuate them. It certainly had an affect on him! He thought as he tried to readjust he tunic in a more comfortable position.

When his eyes met hers, she blushed slightly and looked down. They were now standing in front of the Zelandonii and all was quite.

"Great Doni, Mother of All, we ask that you bless the joining of your children as they leave their mother's hearths and form ones of their own. We ask that you bless all of the Zelandoni as we gather the fruit of your Earth, hunt the animals you've provided for Your children, and honor you."

"This woman, Madenia, and this man, Ranec, have accepted the responsibility to allow you to use them this evening, for Your will."

A woman stepped forward, Madenia recognized her as one of the other Zelandonii, and presented Zolena with a plain wooden box. When she opened the lid, Zolena pulled out an old cord. Madenia and Ranec didn't know it, but this cord was made from the hair of every animal the Zelandonii hunted. Horse tail, bison, elk, and many more, woven into a cohesive cord used to bind couples for as long as any of them could remember.

"Ranec, Madenia, both of you have agreed to stand in for Her, and Her mate. The spiritual bonding of you will allow Her to be among us. Celebrating life with Her Gift of Pleasures will complete the cycle."
Zelandonii tied the cord around Ranec's right wrist, and Madenia's left one.

The life forces of Her are around us. It is time.

Ranec and Madenia walked over to the side, as they had been instructed to earlier. Their part in the ceremony was over, except for later. Madenia blushed when she thought about sharing the Mother's Gift with him. She was nervous. Not only because she still feared men, somewhat, but because she was attracted to him. When it had occurred she wasn't sure, but nevertheless. It was too late now to change her mind.

Ranec reveled in the feel of her heated skin against his. It was difficult to concentrate on the couples coming together, one by one for the ceremony. All he could think of was later, when he'd finally know what it was like to have her in his furs. It was as if she filled a hunger in him he didn't know existed.

Zelandonii speaking in a booming voice reminded him how important their role was, and he tried to focus on the ceremony.

As couples stepped forward to be bound, the Zelandonii spoke.

"Great Doni, Mother of All, we come to you separate."

The crowd responded as one: "The Mother is One."

"Bind these men and women together, so that they may Honor you and your mate."

"The Mother is One."

"Bring children to their hearths."

"The Mother is Fertile."

"Bring food to their hearths."

"The Mother is Plentiful."

"Oh Great Donii, let us never forget your sacrifices, Great Giver of Life."

"The Mother has Multiplied."

The phrases continued as couples were bound. A sudden hush filled the crowd as Ayla and Jondalar stepped forward. The woman wore a tunic of a kind no one had ever seen. She proudly showed her breasts, and some, getting over their initial shock, wondered if it was appropriate. No one though, could doubt the stunning picture she made.

Looking at Jondalar, they couldn't contain their excitement. His tunic was also of a foreign cut, but it was completely white! Decorated simply with ermine tales, the simplicity of it made a bolder statement than if it had been intricately detailed.

Jondalar smiled with all the love he felt at Ayla. Only this morning had she given him this rare gift. He hadn't even known she made it, let alone carried it on their journey all this time. Ironically, it made him realize how their misunderstanding all those years ago that they wintered with the Mamutoi never needed to happen. No, he reminded himself, it was his jealousy, thinking that she was going to make Ranec something with the ermine that caused their divide. Even after all this time, it shamed him to admit how easily the evil spirits had taken hold of him.

To show his appreciation and love for the tunic and for her, they coupled by the stream most of the morning until they were nagged by Folara, who'd come with Wolf to find them, that it was time to get ready. His mother had made him a matrimonial outfit, but even she insisted that he wear Ayla's once she'd seen it.

He'd never seen Ayla more beautiful, and felt an overwhelming need to take her in his arms and show her how much he loved and needed her. The color of her tunic matched her hair almost perfectly. She looked like Doni reincarnate and he knew he was very lucky to have her coming towards him, wanting to mate with *him*. They were the last to have their wrists bound together, and he held her hand and squeezed it.

A silence filled the crowd and Zelandonii perused the new couples seriously.

"The Mother has smiled upon your mating. She has entrusted you to continue in Her way, bringing forth and nurturing new life. This is a serious responsibility you are given. Men, you must provide for your new mate, and any children she bears. You must honor her as she takes on the Mother's role. Women, it is your duty to be there for your mate. Make sure he has good clothes to wear, not withhold Her Gift of Pleasures out of anger or spite. Take care of his needs so he able to take care of you and your children."

What the Zelandonii said was a simple reminder. The roles of men and women were ingrained in them from the time there were little. It never hurt to remind them that as easily as the Mother blessed them, the blessings could be withdrawn.

Ayla scanned the faces around her. Ranec and Madenia were smiling, though she could still see a hint of pain in Ranec's eyes. She wished there were some way she could ease his pain. More than anything, she knew what it was like to be in love with someone she thought she couldn't have.

Marthona and Dalanar, Willomar, Folara, Echozar and Joplaya stood proudly near the front of the crowd. Tholiza and Wynic looked content as they were held by family.

The crowd cheered as Zelandonii lit the fire pit beside her, bringing forth a flame taller than anyone there. The couples were offered congratulations and Wolf joined in with a series of barks that turned into a wolf song.

It didn't take long before the couples, including Ranec and Madenia, made their way towards the temporary tents set up for them so they could be alone on this special night.

Ayla and Jondalar's tent was on a slight rise away from the crowd of the Summer Meeting. When they reached the tent, Ayla stopped and turned to look at the fires dotting the ground below.

Sighing, tears came unbidden to her eyes as she thought about everything they'd went through these past few years. The journeys, not having a hearth of her own. The difficult winters. They were finally going to be accepted among Jondalar's people. Her people, she now realized.

Jondalar wrapped his arms around her, and rested his chin on her shoulder. He knew she was emotional and gave her the space she needed.

Their travels were over. She and Jondalar were finally mated. Though it wouldn't be easy overcoming the prejudices of some of the people, Ayla knew that in time people would be more accepting of her background, and the Clan in general. A tear dropped from her eye and landed on his hand. He leaned over and kissed another one away before it could fall.

"What are you thinking?" Jondalar murmured into her ear as he kissed her neck.

"We're home, Jondalar. We're finally home." She sighed, then melted into his touch.

~~~~~~~The End~~~~~~