The young women's tent (Rocky)

When I get to the young women's tent I have to wait outside. But I can see into the dark interior of the tent where young women stand with older ones. Or sit eating as a grey haired woman runs around looking nervous.

One particular girl, her white hair stained with some sort of pale green dye screams as an older woman tries to plait shells into it.

'That hurts,' she moans. 'Stop pulling my hair.'

'If you would just sit still then it wouldn't hurt,' the woman says, her face turning red with what I can only assume is anger.

'But you keep pulling it.'

'It has to be tight or the shells will fall out.'

What a brat.

I can see I'm not the only one who thinks that. Another girl standing nearby is shaking her head and tutting at the girl's behaviour.

I lean forward to look at her. She's wearing a white tunic and looks familiar.

'Can I help you?' a woman says as she steps in front of me. 'You shouldn't be here.'

I swallow hard. 'I was asked to bring something to one of the girls.'

'Oh?'

'It's a necklace, made with blue stones.'

I start to pull it out of my pocket but stop when I realise who this woman is.

My aunt.

My cousin's mother.

The wife of Lightning. I can't remember her name.

'It's me, Rocky,' I say. 'Lightning asked me to bring this mecklace to...'

'Rocky?' she laughs. 'You've grown.'

I nod my head.

'ANd Lightning sent you?'

'Yes. He asked me to do him a favour and bring the necklace...'

She smiles. And reaches out and squeezes my arm. 'You're young yet but yes, you'll do. My husband has made a fine choice.'

'Pardon?'

'Oh nothing. Give me the necklace and I will make sure my daughter gets it.

'Can't I give it to her?'

She shakes her head 'No men or boys are allowed in the young women's tent and they, the young women have to stay inside until nightfall. They aren't even allowed to come to the tent's flaps to talk to a visitor.

'But...'

I sigh as I hand the necklace over and turn away from the tent. But I still Hear the voice as I hurry away.

A girl's voice.

Or a young woman's voice.

'Was that Rocky?'

I think about turning around.

Instead, I start to run.

Heading toward the young men's tent.