3.20. The punishment

It was already the late evening. Suletu tried to eat her dinner, but she was afraid she'll throw up again like in the morning. She felt really bad in all meanings. It seemed the whole world was against her... Suletu felt tired of her own thoughts "what will happen if..." She wanted the silence, but she knew she has forget about it for a while.
- Are you nauseous, Suletu? - she heard Wenona's voice.
Suletu didn't dare to look at her creator and big sister.
- When did you have your moon days last time?
- I can't remember, my creator, - Suletu answered silently. - It was long time ago...
- And what do you think of that, Suletu?

Suletu didn't doubt that Wenona knows the truth. Okomi told her everything, so there was no reason to lie, but it also wasn't easy to talk about it.
- I... I don't know... - Suletu's voice trembled. -  I didn't think it will happen so soon.
- It will always happen,  Suletu... Later or earlier. It's not a game! - Wenona's voice sounded strict. - I didn't think you and Okomi will be so naive... and you'll break the traditions and laws.
- I am sorry, my creator! I know we did wrong, but we can't change anything, right? - Suletu looked at Wenona scared.
- No, we can't change anything, you are right, - Wenona nodded. - Your baby will be born and we will raise him or her as it is in our tribe. But it doesn't mean you and Okomi will avoid the punishment. It will be a great opportunity to learn from your own mistakes.
Suletu lowered her head.
- My mother made the same mistake like you and Okomi, my grandmother told me about it... But then goddess Nanina punished her taking her baby away! I hope it will not happen to you, Suletu... - Wenona came closer to the girl and looked straight at her eyes. - I am mother myself, I wish you would carry your baby and he or she would come to this world being strong and healthy. Do you think it is easy?
Suletu shook her head.
- Good, you understand it at least!
- But I'm... I'm almost adult... - Suletu said.
- If I am right your next Birthday should happen after few months. The word Almost means nothing and you know it.

Suletu didn't say anything. She didn't know what to say.
- Invite all to the fire! - Wenona told the girl.
- Yes, my creator... - Suletu said feeling neither alive nor dead, but she had to do what was told.

***

- I didn't ask you to come without a reason, - Wenona looked carefully at everyone. Fire shadows danced on the people's faces. They all looked at their creator wondering what has happened and why they are here. - I know this is unusual, mostly we have tribal meetings at day time, but something has happened in our tribe and I want to let you know about it. Soon we'll have one more baby in our tribe. Suletu and Okomi are gonna to be parents.
Maat turned her face to Suletu and Okomi. She was surprised. Tahatan was quiet as always. Kotori smiled. Nikki threw indignant glance at both lovers. Noel seemed worried.
- Yes, they broke the tribal and traditions and laws and they'll be punished for that, - Wenona continued. - This baby will be the only baby for you both, - she looked at Suletu and Okomi, then turned to Nikki. - It's a time, my sister.
Nikki nodded silently and came to Suletu and Okomi. She had two bows filled with some liquor.
- Both of you are fools... - she muttered gloomy. - Take it!
Suletu and Okomi took the bowls looking surprised and worried at Nikki.
- When you'll drink it you'll both never have children. If you were a slave, Okomi, you would be useless, unless only for scrubbing the pots. Any Amazon tribe wouldn't buy you, - Nikki smiled ironically. - You also, Suletu. You will be barren as an apple tree that stands for years and doesn't give any fruit, even worms don't want to chew it...
Suletu stared at Nikki with full eyes of tears. Her words sounded scary, but it was better than to lose the baby and be banished from the tribe. She felt how Okomi's hand gently squeezed her fingers.
- Drink the drink, Okomi and Suletu, - Wenona's voice seemed so distant.
- My baby... - Suletu whispered.
- It will not do any damage to your baby, - Nikki said. - Your baby will grow and will be born like all babies. This poison will damage only you as woman...
Suletu and Okomi changed the glances.
- Let's drink it together... - said Okomi.
- Yes... - Suletu nodded and put the bowl to her mouth. The drink wasn't disgusting, it was just bitter a bit.
Nikki looked sadly at her eyes and took their empty bowls.
- It's just one part of your punishment, - said Wenona.
Okomi and Suletu looked at their creator surprised.
- You have to learn the patience and discipline, - Wenona smiled subtle. - We are warriors tribe and we learn it since young days, but it seems you didn't learn to as well as you had to learn. So you, Suletu, and you, Okomi, will never stay with each other in privacy. You'll be always surrounded by other people. I forbid you two to sleep in one tent to Suletu's Birthday. If you'll break my order, both of you will be banished from the tribe. As you know I always keep my word, - Wenona bowed. - All assembled here can testify my words.
- Yes, creator! Yes, my creator! - were heard the voices.
- Thank you... Now all can go to rest, - Wenona threw a short glance at Suletu and Okomi and left quickly a bonfire.

***

Suletu couldn't believe in what just happened. She felt like dazed. Okomi even didn't look at her. It seemed like he is busy with trying to grill something for late dinner, but she knew he was very sad. They'll never have children. Never. But they both and their baby were alive. Wasn't it the greatest gift they've got from their creator and big sister? Suletu didn't know how accept it. She was too tired and still shocked. Suddenly she bursted in laughter.

She giggled louder and louder till her laughter started to sound almost crazy. Okomi stared at her worried.
- Suletu? Are you ok?
But Suletu didn't answer. Her shoulders twitched of silent lament. Okomi gave a deep sigh and came to her. He didn't know any words what could comfort them both, so he just stood beside holding Suletu's hand. The night seemed darker than ever before.