"Kaya, Kaya, where are you?" Ciqaya sighed. She had given up on being called by her whole name. She looked up from the garden to see who was calling her. She smiled to see Beijide running toward her, her hair flying every which way. "Kaya, Mother Elma is looking for you. She says" Beijide paused to catch her breath, "She says to come im-, immed, right away! But you're not in trouble." Ciqaya stood up and brushed the dirt off her hands. "I wonder why Mother Elma wants to see me?" she thought. Mother Elma had taken over the job of Children's House Mother when Brina had become to old to fulfill her duties. She took hold of Beijide's hand as they walked toward the children's house. Ever since the disappearance of Lalaga five years ago, Ciqaya had become very protective of all the younger children in the Community.
As they reached the Children's House, Ciqaya could hear Mother Elma's loud voice scolding somebody. She couldn't quite make out all of the words, but when she heard her name being used, she picked up Beijide and began to run towards the House. "It's faster this way" she told Beijide. She set Beijide down at the door of the house and walked toward Mother Elma. "You sent for me?" she asked. Mother Elma looked at her exasperatedly. "Honestly, Ciqaya, today of all days." Despite Beijide's previous reassurance that she was not in trouble, Ciqaya knew that when her true name was used, it was unlikely that Mother Elma was pleased with her. "Today?" Ciqaya asked; confused. What was today? She thought hard, but she couldn't remember what was special about today.
"Today is the day that you begin preparation for White Night. How could you have forgotten. And you're filthy. You know Matriarch's rule, all daughters must be clean before beginning the purification rituals. What could you have been thinking?"
"I'm truly sorry Mother."Ciqaya answered. "I guess I just forgot. It's just, do I really have to do this? Is it absolutely necessary, can't I just stay in the Children's House forever?"
Mother Elma's face softened. "I, too was nervous before my White Night; but in the end I realized that it was something magical, something you will never forget. Just remember that every woman here has gone through their White Night, and that we love you, and would never do anything that would a daughter of the Community. Now go get yourself washed and be quick about it. And then get yourself over to the Council for presentation." And with that she gave Ciqaya a push and an affectionate swat on the shoulder.