Watching (Storm)
Been watching the leaders' tent all morning but every time the flap has been lifted, and someone has come out, or someone had gone in, I've stepped back so I can't be seen.
This time though, this time more than one person steps out and as people have been gathering for the last hour, I don't need to hide.
I watch as the leaders come out, followed by six hunters, and my former friend.
They are met with the others who are going on the hunt. Young men and women enjoying their second summer meeting as young adults, and older ones too.
The crowd around me cheers as they come out, and when two of them lift Rocky up and put him on their shoulders, the crowd roars its approval.
Rocky smiles down at everyone, his face aglow.
He looks so smug.
They lead him to the young women's tent, where he will meet and receive best wishes from his intended.
Tulip.
As we move toward it, I can see her standing there.
Her white blonde hair still has a slight tint of green to it, and she's wearing a long woven tunic, edged with embroidery.
She looks so pretty.
I can't help feeling jealous when the two men deposit Rocky in front of her, and she runs forward.
And hugs him.
Kisses him on the cheek.
Hugs him again.
He just stands there, accepting her love.
It makes me sick.
And then the hunters pick him up again, and another two pick Tulip up, and we all start to leave the summer meeting encampment, though only the hunters and Rocky will be going further than the trees.
The crowd pushes against me, trying to see what is happening, but I push back.
At the edge of the forest, they put Rocky down again, and then one by one they disappear through the trees, leaving only Rocky and Tulip, and the crowd.
And me.
'Rocky,' the crowd shouts.
And he looks across at us, and smiles.
Scans the crowd.
I step back so he doesn't see me.
'Come back safely,' Tulip says in her sweet, sweet voice. 'I will miss you.'
'Yeah, he responds and then he waves to the crowd and slips into the forest.
Leaving Tulip standing there, looking oh so sad.
And because she's sad, I want to comfort her.
I step forward, as the crowd leaves.
'Tulip,' I murmer.
And she looks around at me.