3.8. The warm smile

Noel was greatly impressed by Wenona's speech. He thought about her spoken words and thanked his destiny that Blessing Moon tribe accepted him as tribal member. It doesn't matter he was used to see how the tribal sons were sacrificed, no matter it has been interpreted to be sacrificed to goddess Nanina is a honorable death, Noel never wanted to die. He wanted to live as any person and it was a real miracle to get such chance. It seemed like his prayers were heard by goddess Nanina and even much more than he expected... He got new friends and here was she, so deep, serious, subtle and proud... It was hard not notice her dark beautiful eyes and not to feel her silent melancholy, no matter how much she tried to hide it. Noel had a gift to feel other people, especially those with whom he had a special bond. Wenona was special to him in all meanings. It was one more discovery to Noel, his secret he didn't want to share even with his sister twin. But when Kotori said something mean to Wenona he couldn't stay silent.

- I'm sorry for interfering, but you shouldn't talk in such way with your sister, Kotori, - Noel said it with a smile on his face, but Kotori understood that he is serious.
Kotori looked at him surprised as he really didn't expect that Noel will defend his sister. Their looks crossed and Kotori saw something in Noel's blue eyes what made him obey and think.

 - Your sister is very great and really wise creator, Kotori, - Noel couldn't hold his words. - If not she probably you and me would be already dead. Think of it, my mate, - he patted Kotori's shoulder with a smile on his face.
Noel was self-assured and brave since those days when he learned to walk and say the first words. It helped him a lot, maybe it was one of the reasons why Amazons respected him more or less in his native tribe. To be creator's son meant nothing in his tribe, but to be brave and self-assured meant a lot. Once when some woman wanted to slap him because he didn't do what he was asked, Noel stopped her holding her by her hand. "- You don't have to beat me only because I didn't do something. Show me and teach me, then I'll do what I was asked to". Woman was so astonished by his bravery that she didn't dare to use physical force against Noel. Here, in Blessing Moon tribe, he didn't have to take care of himself and his sister's safety, there was all different, but to protect others and fight for justice was Noel's nature, so it was difficult to watch how Kotori treats Wenona, a woman whom he liked and was very close to. Wenona didn't say him any word, but she smiled at him and her smile warmed his heart. He felt her warm smile even running on the narrow forest path. Their hike in the woods wasn't in vain. They found the traces of deers flock, their accurate arrows shot a few of elks and now Noel hurried to announce the good news to his creator. "Will she choose me for mating someday? Does she feel what I feel?" - he thought running through the meadow lit by the moonlight. Noel hoped. He hoped that this warm smile meant something more than a friendly smile.
When he reached the tribal camp it was almost the morning.
- We found the traces, my creator! - Noel was glad to announce the good news to Wenona and sitting next to her Nikki. He found both women sitting by the fire. - And even more, my lady! We hunted a few elks, so our tribe will not have to starve longer!

- Really? - Wenona's face brightened. - That's great news, Noel!
Their eyes met in the darkness and Noel felt how Wenona's look melted in his heart. The huge wave of warmth flooded his whole body.