Part 9: In Love With Night
I watched on as Nahuel methodically brushed the table with some sort of finish he had made, the smell of it made my nose twitch. I was thankful he had taken to moving his work outside, so that at least the breeze created some freedom from the smell.
"That's absolutely awful." I blurted out when I couldn't take it anymore. "How do you put up with it?"
"I don't breathe." Nahuel said with a smile as he crawled down under the table, his brush moving methodically back and forth covering every inch. "At least not much." I could hear his resonating chuckle.
"Jacob seems to be enjoying himself." Nahuel moved out from underneath the table pointing his brush in the direction of the waterfalls.
"Seems so." I turned my head to catch a glimpse of Jacob's body before the water entirely engulfed him. "Good thing too, he was starting to smell." It was my turn to laugh; the whimsical sound escaped my lips before I could catch myself. I pressed a hand to my lips to stifle it.
"Good thing he can't hear us." Nahuel stated as he placed the brush into the wooden basin, taking a step back to glance at his work. "One of the many reason's why I chose this place to build a home, the three combined falls creates a symphony of silence."
"I discovered that myself the other night." I said with a smile remembering how alive and soothing it had felt underneath the pressure of the cold water.
"My second favorite spot." Nahuel said with a wink as he disappeared into the house, and reappeared with an old piece of dark cloth. He set to rubbing the stain carefully as he massaged each surface of the table.
"Can I…can I ask you a question?" I wrapped my arms around my legs and rested my head against my knees hoping to appear casual, yet I knew what I had to say next would seem forced.
"Anything."
"Are you…are you happy?"
Nahuel must have found my increased heartbeat amusing because his face erupted with a large smile. He didn't answer quickly however. He just continued to wipe and re-wipe the table until every inch was finished. He stood up off his knees and took a step back examining the finished work.
"It depends upon your definition of happiness, Renesmee." He spoke so eloquently and with such care that I found myself staring at him for a good minute or so. It wasn't until I blinked and turned my gaze that he continued. "Humans define happiness by many relational and social experiences such as marriage, children, social order, wealth, power. Vampires define happiness by longevity, survival, conquest, companionship, consumption, and influence. Where do you and I fit into these definitions? Does our kind define happiness by the human or vampire conditions for it?" He tossed the dirty cloth into the open doorway in perfect aim, but what I assumed was for more emphasis than show.
"A philosopher as well as a carpenter?" A bright smile crossed my face as he laughed upon hearing my words.
"I have a fare amount of time to ponder such things."
"So what have you concluded?" I probed.
"That I do not want to define my life by whether or not I have happiness." He took a step towards me, crouching down so that his body was inches from mine. "Happiness is fickle, Renesmee. It comes and goes based upon a multitude of variables, for both humans and vampires. If we seek to maintain happiness for the rest of our existence, we are sure to fail at ever truly harboring it."
"I don't follow."
"Happiness is a direct result of something, not a catalyst. Love, Renesmee, love is a catalyst for many a thing."
"So I guess I should rephrase my question to say, are you love?"
"I don't know about that." He tilted his head. "In all my years the only true thing I have come to believe is that love is the only thing to hope for, to strive for, to attain."
"And have you?"
The minute the words were out of my mouth I knew I had crossed an invisible line that I shouldn't have. A layer of intimacy had been pulled back between us and Nahuel responded as if he had no words to answer what I so bluntly asked.
"I'm...I'm sorry. That was—"
"Do not apologize, I only hesitate because it has been a long time since I have spoken about…about her." Nahuel took a seat next to me his arm grazing mine as he sighed.
"Did you love her?" I asked looking up into his face already knowing the answer.
"Very much." His gaze glanced out over the clearing and I knew he was seeing a different time, a different place. "Huilen and I traveled more often when I was younger, having just reached maturity, I was then able to turn her. Due to her vampire thirst we were forced to be nomads, living place to place, here for a season and then onto the next area before the locals found out about us. It took nearly 30 years before she was able to handle the cravings. At that time we traveled south, deep into the jungles. We were able to go unnoticed for several years." Nahuel voice stopped, his eyes glazed over and she could tell he was somewhere else, that he saw that jungle once more. "It was a day like any other, I spent that morning clearing a section of land to the south of our home, scouring the forest floor for wood to carve, when I suddenly came across a young woman hunting. She had traveled farther north than any other member of her tribe for I had not seen a human in our corner of the jungle for a year." Nahuel's eyes glanced back at me. "She was the first pale-skinned I had ever seen."
"She wasn't a member of the tribe?"
"Adopted but not blood. Her parents were English, sent across the seas to teach about their god, but they succumbed to disease when she was but a baby. The chief's first wife was barren and desperate for a child of her own. She took her in. She raised her as her own."
"And you two grew to love one another?"
"After many a time, yes. It seemed she was just as curious about me as I was about her. Her tribe told stories about demons, blood-sucking monsters who killed entire tribes. She however felt no fear, only blind curiosity upon seeing me. To this day I will never be able to know why. She should have run away, but she stayed. Much like your own mother, Renesmee."
"What happened?" I turned my body to face him fully engrossed in this sudden revelation about his past.
"We loved one another, but I…I refused to take her as a wife." Pain crossed his face as he spoke. "I did not want to risk her life, I was afraid of what might happen to her."
"Like your mother." His silence confirmed my thoughts.
"A year past. It was the happiest year I can remember, but then trouble arose with her tribe."
"They found out about the two of you?"
"We had kept ourselves a secret, for her protection. She knew she would be rejected from her people, the only family she had known, yet nothing could have prepared me for what happened." Nahuel took a deep breath. "They had her followed for many months, chose their moment to attack. Yet when they came it was not as humans, but as animals."
"Her tribe shifted?"
"I had never known until that moment such things were possible. She held them off for as long as possible and I was able to escape, only taking with me several deep gashes, which left—"
"Scares." I finished his sentence recalling our previous conversation.
"Against Huilen's wailing, I found my way to her village, desperate to take her away. Yet when I arrived that night, her still body was strapped to a single carved wooden pole in the middle of the village. The chief's first wife lay prostrate in mourning. The chief, as an example to the rest of his people, had sacrificed his daughter's life. He and the elders would not stand for any such behavior or mixing with blood-drinkers."
"Nahuel, that's horrible!" I placed my hand upon his arm not knowing what else to say or do.
"The first wife watched me approach and take down her body with care. Her black eyes never left mine until I vanished into the night without looking back. I believe to this day she wanted me to end her misery, to quench the pain she felt for watching her daughter murdered. The last moment I have of that place is her confused face, seeking to understand why I did not move to kill her. I like to think it was then that she realized not all the tales were true, that at least one blood-sucker was trustworthy. I took her body to our meeting place and buried my love there. I have not returned since, not in the last one hundred and forty years."
For the first time in a long time, I placed my hand gently against his cheek and revealed a part of my emotions, a part of my thoughts, a part of my sadness to him through my gifting. Nahuel twitched at the sudden show, his eyes watering, the tears streaming down his rust colored cheeks.
"I'm so sorry Nahuel. I wish I could change it all for you. That she was here with us now."
"I have hoped for that every day since," Nahuel took a deep breath as I released my hand from his touch, "but time and this life, if you call it that, has gone on. She remains alive only in my memory. Yet, I no longer mourn her, Renesmee, you must know that."
The way Nahuel looked at me then caused my heart to quicken once more, for a reason I had yet to determine. It was he who broke the tension by standing up and moving away towards his finished work, his eyes gazing over it carefully.
"It is quite beautiful, Nahuel." I said studying his masterpiece as well. "You are very talented."
"I enjoy it." He shrugged at the compliment.
"From carving stone into pyramids to intricate tables you carry the tradition of this region quite well." I gazed over at him, it wasn't until I saw his blank expression that I grew worried that I had offended him.
"You visited the temple?" Nahuel voice was suddenly stern, on edge, a tone he had never taken with me before. In a swift movement he once again bridged the gap between us, holding my arms in his tight grasp. "When, when did you visit it?"
"Yesterday, Jacob found it a couple of days ago on one of his runs, he wanted to show it to me." I glanced from his hands up to his eyes. "It's breathtaking." I didn't know what else to say, or why he was acting this way. Upon seeing my confusion and pain he realized his hold on me.
"I am sorry for startling you Renesmee." He quickly retreated, holding his hands up as if apologizing.
Out of the corner of my eye I caught Jacob moving towards us, within moments he stood by my side, the water sizzling as his skin grew warmer.
"Jacob, please." I tried to calm him down, another minute more and he would shift right then and there. "Jacob." I saw Huilen rush to Nahuel's side, her eyes on Jacob, watching to see what might happen next.
I placed my hands on Jacob's bare arm, holding him physically back, I felt him shiver under my touch. I knew it was safe.
"You should not have visited the temple." Nahuel's voice pleaded rather than condemned as he eyes searched ours and then turned back to his aunt.
"They had no warning from us, dear one." Huilen cooed. "They did not know, it is our responsibility, not theirs."
"If anyone where to—" Nahuel stopped and we all knew why.
It was at that moment all our ears caught the approaching sound of footsteps deep within the forest. I turned towards the sound. The footsteps were heavier, not light like a vampire, nor as hard as an animal. It was human. The smell however is what confirmed it, the sweetness hit me hard, and I knew Huilen was having a more difficult time. Nahuel and I were less sensitive, more in control. She however was a beginner.
"Who is it?" I asked Nahuel.
"A member of the nearest Tacuna tribe. It sounds like two or three of them." Nahuel glanced at his aunt. Huilen simply nodded towards us. "Jacob, Renesmee, do not speak unless addressed. I will do my best to translate."
Nahuel and Huilen walked forward, until they stood at least two feet in front of us. Jacob took a step forward his body shielding mine. I listened as the steady sounds of their footprints grew closer and closer, until finally they stopped. I heard the strange voices through the brush, the language I could not understand. Was it supposed to be hostile or was that just the way it normally sounded? I looked to Nahuel, he simply stared ahead, his body still and firm.
"Nahuel, Huilen." The strange voices bellowed as they moved through the brush and into the clearing.
Their stature was much shorter than ours, yet lean and well muscled. Two older men stood straight-backed, a simple cloth, like Nahuel's, covering their lower half. Their bodies were painted nearly everywhere with black, red, and yellow lines. A third person moved slowly behind them, a woman, drabbed in a cloth made of vibrant colored fabric, a sack hung from her shoulders. She was much older than the men, her hair slightly grey on the sides, a wide taught brow, having seen many years in the sun. The two men raised their arms in what I assumed was a greeting.
I watched as Nahuel and the two men exchanged embraces, yet it was clear that they came on business. The men soon pointed past Nahuel and Huilen, to the two of us, then to the woman who stood behind them. Nahuel raised his hands and spoke for a very long time. The two men simply listened, their heads nodding one way and then shaking violently in another. Nahuel finally turned back to us, motioning us to come forward.
"This woman saw you two at the temple." Nahuel began to explain.
"This is my fault, not Ness', Nahuel." Jacob's voice echoed through the clearing. "If they want to be angry, they can take it out on me."
"They mean neither of you harm, Jacob." Nahuel stated with a smile as he placed a hand on the older man's shoulder.
"We should have warned you about the temple, we were careless." Huilen said quickly to both of us, her eyes darkened. I could tell she wasn't breathing, precautionary I assumed, for their guests safety.
The woman stepped forward her finger pointing between Jacob and I, her hands then raised to the sky above us. Her eyes were dark and deep. I couldn't help but feel as if she could see through me. She must have gone on for nearly five minutes before she stopped and pointed from Nahuel to us.
"The temple is sacred to the people. It is one of the last remaining ritual sites that remain undiscovered. So much of the jungle is no longer natural. They believe that as technology increases so do man's thirst for further exploration and devastation. To the Tacuna people that temple is their only connection to the history of their people, a place sacred, to be protected by Tacuna people, for Tacuna people." Nahuel looked from us to Huilen, before turning back to where Jacob and I stood. "We made an agreement with the tribes upon residing here, that we would not go near it."
I looked from Huilen to Nahuel back to the three strangers who stood in front of me. I knew this wasn't going to end well. We had broken a treaty we never even knew existed. I sought Jacob's hand and held onto it. He simply squeezed it as if doing so would help comfort me.
"We're sorry." I said finding my voice. I looked from the two men, obviously the leaders of their people, to the older woman. "We didn't know." I knew they couldn't understand me, but I needed to say it anyway.
The woman glanced from my eyes down to my hand that was held within Jacob's. She clapped her hands together, a large somewhat toothless grin spread wide over her face. She then began to move her feet to a silent rhythm. I glanced up at Jacob, he too it seemed was biting his lip, what had been keeping his anger at bay was now to keep his laughter silenced.
"I don't understand." Jacob spoke as he eyed the woman whose actions had baffled the two of us.
"Rhurita is a mid-wife, a great leader among the women in their tribe. Last night seven babies were born, all boys. A good omen."
"What does that have to do with us at the temple?" I asked still trying to understand.
"Rhurita traveled to the temple to place an offering to their gods on behalf of all the stillborns she had birthed within the last year. It seems the tribe has suffered greatly. Upon seeing the two of you together atop the temple, she fled in anger to tell the tribe's chief of the violation that had occurred, yet when she arrived she found seven women in need, for their time had come all at once. After the seventh boy was born, Rhurita knew in her heart that it was your doing, you pleased the gods and they in return took pity on her people blessing them with seven new sons." Huilen words carried over us. Jacob and I simply glanced at each other and back at the woman whose smile beamed at us.
"They come to request that you be the guests of honor at the blue moon festival." Nahuel spoke.
"A blue moon?" Jacob mumbled.
"An eclipse as well." Huilen spoke. "Blue moons are rare, they only occur every two or three years, but in conjunction with an eclipse makes it even more unique."
"It is in correlation with the blue moon's eclipse that this blessing they believe has been given, a marking of a new tiding for the next three years." Nahuel spoke to us.
I took a step forward releasing my hand from Jacob's. I smiled and extended my hands to them all, and nodded my head. Nahuel spoke a word and soon they all clapped their hands and began the dance the woman had begun only moments ago. I simply stifled my laugh as I looked from Nahuel to Hulien.
The woman stopped abruptly and gently took down the bag she held on her shoulder. She moved to stand in front of me and placed it into my hands. I took it, not knowing what else to do. Her eyes traveled from mine to the bag, her fingers pointing from it to me. Following her adamant instructions, I opened its flap and pulled out several pieces of blue cloth delicately trimmed with silver, the thread catching the light in the sun. The different shades of blue moved as I rubbed my fingers over the material, it was if I was holding water in the palm of my hand. Rhurita pointed to me and then back to the material in my hands.
"You must wear it for the festival." Nahuel translated.
"One woman is chosen from the tribe to wear it each blue moon festival. It is the highest honor they bestow upon a young woman."
I bowed my head towards the three of them, hoping that it would show my appreciation. Yet Rhurita kept pointing into the bag again. I glanced into it once more and was stunned by what I saw. I carefully took out the thick necklace, holding it delicately in my hand. It had to be old, for the beads were worn, yet despite it all it was the most intricate, beautiful piece I had ever seen. White, blue, and silver beads wove together to create an intricate design that encompassed each layer of the tiered necklace. Upon seeing my smile, Rhurita just smiled wider. She spoke forcibly to Huilen and then to Nahuel before turning from me and standing beside her tribesman.
"We are to arrive well before the moon is at its full height." Nahuel spoke to both Jacob and I. He turned and exchanged a few, what I assume, were good-byes, before we all watched the three turn and walk back from the brush where they had come.
"Well it would seem you are well received." Nahuel said through a tight laugh. "We will dine with the Tacuna tribe in seats of high honor." He raised his hand to his mouth as if he himself couldn't believe what just happened.
"This has never happened before." Huilen spoke as if marking the occasion with her words. "The Tacuna tribes are very wary of strangers, yet they seem to believe you are the blessing they have been beseeching the gods for."
"For trespassing?" Jacob chuckled to himself. I just nudged him in the ribs forcefully, he didn't find that funny, as he exclaimed and rubbed his hand over his side.
"You will represent the blue moon herself, Renesmee." Nahuel said as he took a step towards her pointing to the items in her hands.
"I don't have to do anything, right? I mean we just show up and watch."
"It will be a night you shall not forget." Huilen spoke with a smile as she placed her hands on the fabric I held in my hands.
I was glad that Nahuel and Huilen did not own a single mirror. For if they had I might have skipped the whole festival and paid the consequences for enticing the anger of the Tacuna tribe and their gods. I had never worn less clothing in my entire life. Living in Washington does not usually lend itself to wearing such dismal clothing, even for someone like me. It had taken at least half an hour to figure out how to put on the two pieces of blue cloth I had been given.
"Need help?" Huilen spoke from the other side of the quilt.
"Please!" I said through an exasperated sigh.
Upon entering and seeing me Huilen stifled a laugh, a simple brim of a smile crossed her face. As she moved to me and began unwrapping and rewrapping, I realized the piece of cloth I had been trying to fit over me was actually meant to be wrapped through and around the bottom, and the top, which at first I thought was a larger head scarf, was unfortunately just suppose to be that small.
With gentle fingers she twisted and tied, wrapped and tucked, until it felt completely secure, at least from complete exposure. All in all it took Huilen no more than three minutes to have me dressed. Then very carefully she placed the tiered silver and blue beaded necklace over my head, I lifted my hair so that she could fasten it tightly. Its weight was heavy as it hung over my exposed collar, yet it was the only item I was comfortable with. My exposed porcelain legs and stomach felt the soft breeze that blew through the leather cloth over my doorway. I pulled on the fabric around my waist twisting it slightly as if that would help cover more.
"Leave it alone, you will only loosen it."
"I feel…" I wanted to say naked, but I knew saying it out loud would only make be blush harder. "Is it supposed to be this small?"
"Just be grateful there is a top piece, there usually isn't." My eyes widened upon hearing Huilen's words. "Do not worry. You look—"
"Absolutely ridiculous." I mumbled.
"Exquisite." Huilen folded her hands together and nodded, a smile creeping over her face. "The blue moon goddess herself would be flattered."
"Let her wear it." I snuffed. I knew my words were harsh but this was way out of my normal zone.
I took a deep breath as if willing myself the sudden confidence and care-free attitude that was needed for such a moment as this. I decided to ignore the running thoughts in my mind and the increased heart rate that I knew probably everyone could hear. I flipped my hair over and ran my fingers through it, giving it a good toss, before flipping it back over. I bit my lip and looked back at Huilen.
"Okay, I…I think I'm ready." My hand brushed the necklace at my throat, the coolness of it was somewhat calming.
"Smile, Renesmee." Huilen spoke sweetly. "It is a festival not a funeral."
I tried to smile, but I knew it looked forced. I had to choose to have fun, to let go, to simply embrace the opportunity. This was an extreme honor. I had been hand chosen from a group of people I had never met to represent them. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Yeah, right, a once in a lifetime opportunity to make the biggest fool of myself. I shook my head and took a deep breath. Huilen lifted the cloth over the door. I followed her out of the room and into the clearing where Jacob and Nahuel stood talking. Upon noticing Huilen they broke their conversation and looked our way.
For the briefest moment I felt like rushing back into the safety of my small room, I tried not to fidget as I made my way over to them. Their eyes never leaving me as I approached, I felt myself blush underneath their stares.
"It suits you." Nahuel finally spoke his eyes still on me. "The Tacuna people have chosen well. You will fit right in." A smile broke out across his face as he said so.
"Except for the pale skin." I pointed out as I brushed a piece of hair behind my ear.
"Simply moonlight." He muttered under his breath.
"We had better get going." Jacob chimed in as he glanced up at the ascending moon over the trees. "Don't want to keep the locals waiting."
"We will return soon." Nahuel nodded to Huilen as he turned and began walking swiftly in the direction we needed to go.
"You're not coming?" I asked turning towards her.
"No, it is better that I remain here. Nahuel will give my regards." She pointed to her nose, and I knew instantly that it would be more of a funeral than a festival for some members of the tribe if she were to loose control. "Have fun, Renesmee." She nodded with a smile.
I smiled back at her as Jacob and I followed closely behind Nahuel, leaving the clearing behind.
"What do you think it will be like?" I asked Jacob as we traveled through the jungle.
"I don't know, probably a lot different then our camp fires back on the reservation."
"Probably." I took a deep breath and exhaled as I pulled on the side of my clothing, feeling it cut into my skin as I moved.
"Stop fidgeting with it, Ness. You look…you look good." Jacob's words stumbled out of his mouth and from his reaction I knew he had wanted to say more but just didn't know how to. He nudged my bare shoulder, and I simply nudged him back.
"We had better catch up." I said upon noticing how far we had drifted from our friend.
We picked up the pace and closed the distance. The jungle was getting darker and darker as we traveled on through the thickest parts of the bushes and trees. Our path became less and less pronounced, passing streams and even walked alongside a larger river. It was the sudden but faint smell that caught me off guard, I knew we were getting close. My nose twitched at the aroma of humans, many of them. I knew now it was probably a wise decision for Huilen to stay home, this would have been very difficult for her, being so new to her diet. What caught my attention even more were the sounds that rang in my ears, heavy drums, clattering of silver upon silver, many beats all in one blend of music that filled my body as we moved closer and closer. Soon we were able to see through the tips of the trees the smoke of many fires.
"We are here." Nahuel stopped as he extended a hand to me; I looked back at Jacob, then obeyed as I placed my hand in his. Nahuel led me through the brush that cleared to reveal a large dirt path that I assumed led into the heart of the village.
The village itself was settled on the large river for I could hear the waves lapping against the sandy shore as we moved closer. The small thatched huts lay on the outside of a large circular area. We passed by countless linens hung from wooden posts; pots and basins lay strewn along the side of the circle huts smooth walls.
It seemed deserted, it wasn't until the path opened that we realized everyone had already gathered in the center of the village. At least ten fires stood ablaze throughout the center of the clearing, and gathered around them was every member of the tribe, at least two hundred people, men, women, children, all dressed in leather garments like the visitors who had invited us. Yet despite their simple attire, their bodies were covered in colorful paints. The men all had a red or yellow stripe across their eyes, their forehead, and their cheeks. The women's bodies were decorated in white, intricate designs that covered their breasts, eyes, arms, and legs. A sort of language I did not recognize. Several older members braided hair contained bright feathers or beads. I assumed it separated them from the rest, a symbol of importance. I glanced back at Jacob to see what he thought, yet it seemed we both were thinking the same thing, what had we gotten ourselves into.
Upon seeing our arrival, the entire tribe all began to cheer and rush towards us in greeting. The woman circled around me forcing me to break off from Jacob and Nahuel, yet it seemed the men too had encircled them. The women pointed and smiled, spoke aloud to one another in their native tongue. The only familiar face I saw in the crowd was Rhurita.
"Rhurita!" I exclaimed.
The sea of women parted for her and she came to stand by my side. She turned from me to the crowd and spoke enthusiastically. She pointed to the ascending moon and they all jumped and cheered. I tried to smile and follow what she was saying but all I understood was what I already knew, that I was the chosen one to represent the blue moon. Rhurita pulled at my outfit and laughed to herself, her stomach shaking when she did so. She called several names I could not catch and they moved forward in the crowd. She pointed to me and then to them and suddenly they had grabbed my arms and were pulling me across the village. I glanced back at Nahuel and Jacob, yet it seemed Jacob had already disappeared. Nahuel however was deep in conversation with the two elders. He looked up and caught my eyes, with a wave he smiled and returned to his conversation.
I didn't have another moment for the women had shuffled me into one of the larger huts, pulling the leather cloth that covered the door shut. They giggled and pointed to one another as they set about the room leaving me standing in the middle. Several torches were ablaze allowing light to filter over the room, casting shadows against the walls. I watched as the women scurried through out the large room, it seemed to me that they were gathering supplies. I waited patiently and watched quietly, mesmerized by their quick words and hearty laughter, but within moments their hands were upon me. I had no time to protest. My clothes were ripped off my body, and I almost toppled over due to their pulling this way and pulling that way. If I hadn't been in shock, I might have protested, but I honestly didn't want to hurt anyone. I knew I was stronger than all of them combined, so I simply closed my eyes and tried to be as still as possible as I felt twenty hands roam over my naked body. It seemed that they had not been pleased with the way Huilen had wrapped the cloth and now set about changing it. They pulled the top tighter and weaved one end of it over my left shoulder and tucked it into the back, the bottoms eventually becoming half loincloth, half skirt. Either way, I was grateful, for it seemed that this way of wearing the fabric was less intimidating. I took a breath as they all stopped fixing the clothing and took a step back admiring their work. They seemed to like it for they all nodded their heads very quickly.
Then came the painting, it seemed that I two should be covered in white markings like they were. I was amazed at their artistry, their tiny brushed dipped into their basins filled to the brim with white paint and within moments my whole body was covered with markings, symbols, and designs. Yet I soon realized that I was unique, for they began to use shades of blue and then silver as well, dots all along my body then up to my face. The woman in front of me mimicked me shutting my eyes, so I obeyed. I felt the cold paint wipe over my eyelids, the brim of my nose, all the way to my hairline on the side of my face. Each woman had their turn to paint my body. I stood still further as parts of my hair were braided and strewn with blue and silver beads, and small white feathers. They interwove them throughout the thickness of my hair, yet to my pleasure they kept my hair loose, unlike theirs that braided all the way down their back. It seemed they enjoyed this about me. I was finished, at least I assumed, because they all clapped their hands and danced around in a complete circle. Once their motions came to a complete stop three of them exited the hut. It was then that I heard the large shuffling of many feet and the rising noise of cheering. Yet all the sounds were soon silenced completely.
"Goddess of the Blue Moon, we are honored to be your host tonight." Nahuel's voice echoed over the silence as he translated the native tongue that I heard as well.
I smiled upon the formality he took. I knew then that this was some sort of traditional program of the festival. I just hoped I figured out what was expected of me.
"Come goddess, come and reveal yourself to your servants."
I felt a nudge on my back from the two women behind me and I walked slowly towards the doorway. I took a deep breath and pulled back the cloth taking a step out into the darkness.