3.25. The gossip

Kotori was silent like a shadow during the whole hunt. He so hated Okomi that even didn't want to look at him... But when Kotori drew his bow and targeted to his childhood friend and cousin, his hand trembled. No matter how he was angry and wanted revenge, Kotori couldn't kill Okomi. But how to live knowing that Okomi lured his red flower? Maybe that's some spells? Kotori has been heard about the spirits what live in the woods and curse people, perhaps Okomi and Maat are spellbound? Kotori had lots of questions... However, nothing could be worse for his hurt ego. How such urchin like Okomi could do so to him? How Maat could pretend that nothing happened and lie to him? If they decided to play with him that stupid game he'll play with them, but they'll play by his rules.

***

It was already late evening when Nikki had dinner with her daughter Senia and Tahatan.

- Is that true that aunt Maat sleeps in uncle Okomi's tent? - suddently asked Senia.

- Who told you that, Senia? - Tahatan looked surprised at his daughter.

- I heard how Inara teased Chatan...

- Inara? 

- Yes... - a girl nodded. - She said him that his mom will leave him and his dad and will move in uncle Okomi's tent. And she also said all know that his mom doesn't love his dad anymore.

Tahatan looked at Nikki.

- Children... - Nikki chuckled. - Inara isn't very nice girl...

 - Isn't a very nice girl? - Tahatan looked astonished at his mate. - She behaves horribly! And you, young lady... - he turned to his daughter. - Don't you think that's not nice to spread gossip around? 

Senia blushed and fell her eyes.

Nikki smiled.

- They are just kids, Tahatan...

- Kids shouldn't interfere in the adults life. Kids should play and enjoy their childhood, right, Senia? - Tahatan looked at his daughter again.

- I agree, dad... - a girl nodded. - But Inara...

- It's not important what others say, Senia! It's most important what you believe in yourself! - Tahatan taught his daughter. - People can tell many things and all they said can be only a lie. Until you'll not see with your eyes or will not touch with your hands, don't believe what others said you.

Senia looked at her father with big eyes trying to understand his words. A little girl understood that he can be right and she should keep his words in her mind, but then what about her sister? Did she really lie to her? If Inara did then she will regret... Senia will make her regret.

Nikki smiled watching her daughter and Tahatan. She didn't say any word, just ate and thought of something.

Then was heard how someone is running through the grass. Tahatan turned a bit and saw Chatan. A boy was crying and tried to avoid Tahatan, but a man stopped him grabbing Chatan by his hand.

- Hey! Where are you running?

Chatan lowered his head looking at the grass.

- I don't know... - he muttered after a short pause. - I guess I and my little sister don't have home longer...

- Why? - Tahatan asked.

- Because my mom doesn't love us anymore... - a boy lifted up his tearful face and looked at Tahatan.

Tahatan gave a deep sigh.

- Who said you that nonsense?

- Inara said him that! - Senia exclaimed. - I heard it myself! 

- Senia! - Nikki looked strictly at her daughter. - The question wasn't intended for you!

- Did Inara say you that, Chatan? - Tahatan asked a boy looking for short at his daughter and Nikki.

Chatan silently nodded.

- Oh, my boy... - Tahatan smiled and stroked his nephew's red hair. - I am sure your mom loves you and your little sister, how it could be otherwise? 

- But Inara said that my mom sleeps in uncle Okomi's tent!

- Inara lied to you... She can be mean girl sometimes, but I promise I'll talk to Inara. 

- And my dad? 

- What about your dad?

- Will he not leave us if our mom doesn't love him?

- Of course, he will not do that! - Tahatan chuckled and hugged a boy. - Now let me help you to find your mom. I am sure she missed you.

A little boy wasn't sure about anything, but talking to Tahatan he felt much better. Chatan even laughed through his tears hugging tight his uncle. He believed in him. He wanted all what Tahatan said him wanting to console him would be true. However, uncle Tahatan would never lie to him, so he has to trust him. 

Tahatan didn't lie. He felt sorry for his little nephew. "What's going here?"- he thought leading a boy to his mother. All these talks he heard from her daughter seemed disgusting to him. He didn't like the gossip and he really wanted to know the truth. Especially when his daughter is involved in that.