3.12. The night in the forgotten town

- How long are you going to carry me? - Maat laughed.
- Don't forget that you are my swag, - Kotori winked. - If a hawk will release a little mouse it will escape!
- Very smart hawk! - Maat giggled. - But what if a little mouse will promise a hawk that it will stay near? - she smiled looking at Kotori.
- Hmm... - Kotori pretended thinking. - I think a hawk will trust a little mouse, - he smiled at Maat and put her on the ground.
Maat smiled and kissed his cheek.
- Thank you for trusting me, - she whispered looking at his eyes.
- But it changes nothing... - Kotori grinned. - Hawk will eat a little mouse earlier or later.
- But maybe a little mouse wants to be eaten, - Maat laughed playfully.
- Oh... Can it be? - Kotori poked gently Maat's arm.
- And what do you think? Can it be or not? - Maat poked Kotori's arm back.
They walked teasing each other and laughing till Maat stopped looking somewhere in the distance.
- What? - Kotori looked at her surprised.
- Do you see what I see? - she pointed at tall pines.
Kotori looked in the direction what Maat showed.
- I see a tower... It's tumbledown and very old, - he said. - But how's it possible? We hunted many times here and we've never noticed any ruins!
- Wanna check it? - Maat looked at Kotori with sparkling eyes.
- Yes, let's check it! - Kotori nodded and they rushed towards the ruins.

***

When they reached the ruins sun already went down. Somewhere high up an eagle screamed, the pines soughed. Kotori stood as if frozen and listened to the majestic silence. His ears were used to different sounds of the forest, his eyes saw as well in the dark as in the daylight, so it was more than strange that he had never noticed before neither the tower nor the ruins of magnificent palace.

- What do you think it could be? - he asked quietly Maat.
- I think that here once lived the King or Queen, - Maat smiled.
- I had never met either the king or the queen...
- I had to meet not one king and queen, but... Not all of them were worthy of this title.
Kotori raised his brow looking at Maat.
- I think you should tell me many interesting things.
- If only you are ready to listen to me and will not get bored of my stories, - Maat chuckled taking Kotori by his hand. - Let's look around, my dear friend...

- Wait... - Kotori stopped Maat pulling her to himself. - Did I tell you how amazing you are, my red flower? - he whispered leaning against his lips.
- No... - Maat said silently and smiled looking at his eyes.
- You took my heart, Maat... The same day when you came to our tribal camp...
- Is that bad? - Maat chuckled playfully.
- No... Until my red flower is with me, my heart feels good resting in its blossom and drinking its nectar.
Maat smiled and stroked his cheek.
- And what... If a wind will pick off a red flower and will take to Great Waters?
- Then my heart will drown together with a red flower... - Kotori's eyes shone in the evening twilight like two dancing flames.
- It will never happen... - Maat whispered feeling totally charmed by Kotori's look.
- Is it a promise?
- Yes...
Kotori and Maat lips merged into a kiss full of passion.

Maat stepped back a bit pushing Kotori gently away.
- What's wrong? - he smiled.
- I remembered a bad hawk... - Maat wiggled her eyebrows. - Where is it?
Kotori grinned.
- Right in front of a little scared mouse!
- Then a hawk has to catch a little mouse if it wants not stay hungry! - Maat giggled and ran away on the path lit of the moonlight.
Kotori chased Maat till she decided to give up. Kotori grabbed her by the hand and pulled her in passionate kiss.
- Come to me, my little mouse... - he whispered pushing her gently into the bushes.
- What a sweet death awaits for me... - Maat chuckled clinging against Kotori.
- The best death ever, - Kotori smiled laying her down on the grass and planting many soft kisses on her face and neck.

***

- Can you imagine once people lived here, Kotori? - quietly asked Maat, when they sat down on the bench. - And suddenly one day all was over...

- I remember that day when all was over...
- Me too...
They were silent for some time holding by each other's hand.
- Soon midnight, - told Kotori looking at the moon.
- So what? - laughed Maat. - Do we need a time?
- Probably not, - Kotori looked at Maat's eyes. - And where... Where you were born and raised in... Have you had the slaves?
- Yes, I remember a few... - Maat nodded. - But then I was very young and didn't have a clue about men mission in my tribe. They carried me and played with me and I called them my uncles. Last slave was sacrificed when I was fifteen summers. It's not the best memory of my past, - Maat smiled sadly. - But then we no longer had the slaves. We were warriors tribe, so our creator said that we have to be strong and brave, that real Amazons don't need the slaves, because they can take care of everything themselves, but if any of us wants to mate, we are free to find a suitable man from neighboring tribes. Your sister and our creator were similar in many ways... - Maat looked at Kotori's eyes and he smiled at her. - Our creator has found a man and lived in his tribe for some time, till she became pregnant. It seems it was so long ago... - Maat sighed. - They all stayed in the past, in that world what died...
- Yes... Sometimes I think that my previous life is just a dream, it's not real... - Kotori squeezed Maat's hand gently. - I also remember how my uncle Mato was sacrificed...He was a tribal son like me... - He said after a short pause.
- You don't have to worry about it, - Maat smiled gently. - Wenona will never sacrifice no one of you.
- Once she promised me... We were kids, - Kotori smiled remembering himself and Wenona running together on the path to their tribal village.
- And she kept her promise, right?
- Yes... She did.
- You have a great sister, Kotori.
- But I'm not the best brother.
- Come on! - Maat chuckled. - You are great man, Kotori.
- You think about me too good as I've never showed you my dark side.
- Do you think I should be scared now? - Maat chuckled.
- Are you?
- Of course, I am not! - Maat laughed. - I saw many people, I knew many different tribes and their customs and if some of these people would be so evil as you are, this world would be a real paradise!
- Don't flatter me, Maat! - Kotori pushed her gently.
- I don't! - Maat pushed him back.
Kotori pulled her in his embrace and kissed Maat's lips.
- What would you say if I'd ask you to be my mate, my beautiful red flower? - he whispered to her ear.
- I think you don't have to ask me, Kotori... - Maat chuckled blushing. - I think we are already mated, aren't we?
- I just wanted to be sure...

- Oh... It gets cold... - Maat embraced herself rubbing her arms.
- Cold? - Kotori looked at her surprised and started pull off his shirt.
- Wait... - Maat grabbed his hand. - Look here...
- Where?
- A ghost.. Woman.. - she pointed at transparent pink siluet floating in the distance.
Kotori looked at ghost astonished in a surprise. Ghost floated to pair and and sat on the bench next to Kotori.
- It's so good to see two souls in love... - a ghost smiled. - I didn't see live people for ages.
- And I can't remember when I saw the ghost... - Maat chuckled.
- Aren't you afraid of me?  Usually the living are afraid the dead.
- You aren't scary ghost, - Kotori laughed.
- Don't be so assured, young man, - a ghost smiled. - I can scare you enough, but I am too good and too romantic for being evil like you.
Maat looked at ghost surprised.
- You won't know that, beautiful lady, - a woman shook her head. - You are so in love with him just like me many years ago...
- No... Let's be frank, - Maat decided to hear the truth. - I want to know...
- Ok... - a woman looked at Maat with serious glance. - He will betray you and he will betray you many times.
- Who? Me? - Kotori bursted in laughter. - What nonsenses are you talking, woman-ghost?!
Maat felt confused, but she still smiled and looked at ghost.

- No matter what you are saying I still trust Kotori, - finally she said.
- I see... - a ghost smiled. - Love can be blind... It's your choice and your choice will decide your fate, - woman stood up and floated away.
- Don't dare to listen to her! - Kotori grabbed Maat in his arms and started to tickle her.
- I don't listen to her! I listen to my heart! - Maat answered laughing and trying to escape from his embrace.
- I am serious!
- Me too, - she chuckled.

- Really? - Kotori pushed her gently staring at her eyes.
- Really, - Maat said staring at his dark eyes back and laughed softly.
They sat  long time not taking their eyes off each other.

- I love my little red flower... I won't betray her, - finally Kotori broke the silence. - If I will do that I will kill myself as red flower has my heart.
Maat smiled and their lips merged in a gentle kiss.

- I think we should go... Wenona and others will miss us, maybe they already missed us, - Maat said silently caressing Kotori's face.
- We will... - Kotori nodded and kissed her again. - I would like to stay with you forever here... Just you and me...
- And ghost, - Maat winked at him and giggled kissing his lips.
- No... Ghosts should leave us, - Kotori laughed. - They annoy me!
- I have nothing against ghosts! - Maat took Kotori's hand. - If even she said a truth... - she looked at his eyes. - I would forgive you...
Kotori didn't say anything. He stood up and pulled Maat by her hand to himself, hugged her tightly.
- Kotori... - Maat whispered.
- Don't say anything... Listen to the silence. Then you can hear a voice of my heart, - he said kissing Maat's hair.

3.11. Love is never too much

Although the festival ended, anyone didn't drink the drink of friendship, didn't dance around the campfire and the incense didn't burn, love and friendship continued. People smiled, laughed and openly expressed their sympathy to each other.

At the same night of celebration of Love Nikki and Tahatan moved together in one tent. Nikki thought a lot of him, what a wonderful and strong his body is, how his dark eyes shine in the dark and the gentleness of his lips when he kisses her... She wanted to have him all the time, sometimes maybe even at the worst moment her desire has arisen to grab Tahatan by the hand and make love to him somewhere hiding under the trees. But Nikki wasn't sure if it's love. Somewhere close she always felt Kotori, although he even didn't look at her. He still avoided her, they almost didn't speak, however, Nikki thought it's only for good. It's most important she fixed her mistakes and now everyone looks more or less happy and relaxed.
Maat painted a lot, Okomi gathered wild plants walking in the woods and tended his little garden.

Now Nikki didn't argue with Wenona, she was her right hand. It was so good to talk to her that night when all danced around the bonfire. They cleared all up and became friends. And it's really good to see her brother happy... Maybe it would have never happened if this world would the same like it was before the great punishment of Gods.
Life continues... Life grows inside Nikki and it was a real miracle to find it. Tahatan was surprised and very happy knowing that he'll become father.
- It's wonderful! I'll be father! I'll be father! - he shouted like crazy and Nikki enjoyed watching him with a smile on her face.
No, she doesn't need Kotori.... Tahatan is her best friend and he believed in her.

Meanwhile, Kotori really didn't think about Nikki and their quarrels. Only Maat lived in his thoughts, he was ready to run away with her to the edge of the world. Kotori adored every moment he spent with Maat. He never thought he'll fall in love so easily, but it happened and he knew it happened before the celebration. It only strenghtened his feelings and their friendship. They talked the whole night. After the celebration Maat and Kotori shared everything and everything they did was only a fun for them.

- May I kidnap you? - once Kotori asked leaning against Maat.
- And why do you need that? - Maat chuckled looking playfully at Kotori's eyes.
- Because I am greedy and I won't share my little red flower with anyone, - he smirked.
Maat laughed.
- Then you have to catch me!
- Catch you? - Kotori raised his brow.
- Mhm... - Maat nodded and laughed again. - Let's play a round-up!
- Ok...
- Close your eyes, - she told him. - And don't dare to look at me till I'll not give you a sign!
- Ok... - Kotori closed his eyes.
Maat giggled and ran through the grass towards the forest.
- You can look! - she stopped and turned to him.
Kotori opened his eyes.
- You are too far! - he rushed towards Maat.
- I don't think so! - she giggled and started run again. - Catch me, hawk!
- I will, my little mouse!
Kotori chased Maat around the meadow till she fell in a grass laughing. He sat down next to her.
- And? If you'll try to escape I'll catch you at once, - Kotori smiled.
- I see... - Maat chuckled wrapping her arms around him and pulling him to herself. - And who said I want to escape? - she kissed him.
- So does it mean a little mouse gave up to a big and scary hawk? - Kotori smiled kissing Maat's lips.
- Let's say so... - she winked at him and giggled.
- Teaser... - Kotori smiled and wanted to kiss her again, but Maat pushed away him gently.
- Not here... You promised to kidnap me, - she reminded him and stood up.
- Do you think I forgot it? - Kotori smiled and stood up, too.
- Then kidnap me, - Maat chuckled.
- As you wish, my red flower, - Kotori picked Maat up taking her on his hands and brought her in the forest.
- Bad hawk! Very bad hawk! - Maat started punch Kotori's chest gently laughing.
- I know.,, - Kotori looked at Maat smiling.
Soon they disappeared under the trees.

3.10. Celebration Of Love

Without waiting Nikki rushed to look for Wenona. She found tribal creator training together with tribal men and Maat. It was the usual morning ritual for Wenona. She was a warrior like her mother and grandmother and she cared that her tribal people would be strong and great warriors.
- May I say a few words? - Nikki politely inquired.
- Of course! - Wenona came to Nikki. - I'm ready to listen to my sister.
- I've been thinking a lot about  about life of the Blessing Moon tribe and about my creator's advice that I have to go on the way, what is chosen by my heart, so I thought that as the tribal shaman I should help my creator to take care of the Blessing Moon tribe's traditions. Where I and my brother were born, it was focused a lot on love and friendship rituals. Some rituals used to be performed before breeding with one of the slaves, the others were performed during the visit of other Amazon tribes as union and strengthening of friendship rituals. It was a real celebration, what lasted for several days sometimes, - Nikki smiled. - So I thought, why Blessing Moon tribe could not have such celebration? I... - she lowered her head. - I would like to fix my mistakes as well and show everyone that I want to be a part of the Blessing Moon tribe. I don't want to be the cause of discord among the tribal members.
Wenona smiled.
- I like your thoughts, Nikki. Moreover, such celebration could replace a pre-existing Tribal Sons festival. Does it need a preparation?
- No, my creator... Anyone doesn't need a special preparation. I'll meditate before the celebration and prepare the drink of friendship.
- Excellent! Then  let's invite everyone to the Ceremonies Square and tell about it!

***

- Today, I will speak a little, - Wenona smiled and turned to standing next Nikki. - But our sister Nikki definitely has something to say to all of us.
Nikki bowed respectfully to Wenona and looked up at all. - We stayed alive when the whole world died in our presence, - finally she said. - We have weathered the cold, hunger and diseases on a long way looking for new lands, where we can start a new life. I think we have to celebrate and thank goddess Nanina for giving a second chance to us and the biggest gratuity will be if today we'll celebrate together love and friendship. Let it be this celebration of love as the Blessing Moon tribal tradition! I invite all to gather around the fire before sun will come down and to taste the drink of friendship.
All joyfully exclaimed accepting Nikki's proposal. Blessing Moon tribe didn't celebrate anything long time, so it was a great oportunity to remember what is the joy of life.
- We'll roast the meat, - smiled Okomi.
- If you don't mind I will help you, - offered Noel.
Tribal sons liked Nikki's suggestion as well, especially Tahatan. It was as an evidence that Nikki is really worth his faith.

***

As it was agreed the festival started before sunset. Nikki lighted a fire, lit incense and took a bowl full of fragrant drink. All smiled and curiously watched Nikki. Now she was their woman of knowledge, a mediator between the spirits and the human world, a woman, who was second after the tribal leader according to the importance. At least it was important to Nikki. It was her first big and important step in the life of the tribe, her own life. The tribe's respect and Nikki's relationship with tribal members depended on this celebration. She sincerely wanted to be a good shaman and win the confidence of the tribe.
- May this drink bring our hearts and minds together, because we are one flesh and blood, - Nikki solemnly raised the bowl like a cup. She did everything she saw doing Lakesha many times when she was still a child. - Those who will taste a drink of friendship, will be blessed by goddess Nanina, their minds and hearts will be ready to receive the love and friendship. May what will be born tonight in this union remain forever as a sacred and indissoluble symbol of friendship! Let it be as I said! - Nikki closed her eyes and tasted a drink, then she gave a bowl with a drink to Wenona.
The drink went from hands to hands until went around all tribal members.

***

The sun went slowly down, the night was coming.  People danced around a campfire singing, their faces were shining with smile, they laughed and chatted carelessly as if all their troubles and suffered hardship would be melted in the fire, what merrily danced its silent magical dance in the twilight of evening. 

Nikki felt happy seeing all relaxed and having fun. It was a good sign that her efforts weren't in vain.  And perhaps it was the only and the best opportunity to make it up with Tahatan.

- Tahatan... - she called him coming to him closer.

Tahatan turned his face to Nikki.

- I am sorry for all what I said you, - Nikki smiled. - I hope you can forgive me and be my friend like before.

- I already forgot I was angry on you, - Tahatan laughed. - Of course, I am your friend, Nikki! Thanks for giving us such celebration! - he looked smiling at Nikki's eyes.

- It's good to see happy people around although I'm being sad more often than happy, - Nikki smiled. 

- And why? Is here a reason to be sad? - Tahatan raised his brow.

- I don't know... - Nikki shrugged. - Maybe because I missed my mother when I was a child and we lost Lakesha, who was very close to me, maybe because it's just my nature and I am unable to enjoy the life like other people, - she looked at dark Tahatan's eyes. 

- Oh... - Tahatan chuckled. - Come on! You are too beautiful and too young to be sad, - he smiled warmly at Nikki.

- You are flattering me, Tahatan, - Nikki smiled back at him.

- Not at all... I am your friend... I just tasted the drink of friendship made by your hands, so... It means our hearts are connected, so we are friends forever, aren't we? 

- Really? - Nikki came closer to Tahatan. She felt how his hand touches hers.

Tahatan nodded smiling.

- I thought... - she blushed reaching for his hand. Their fingers entwined, it was so good to feel a big and warm Tahatan's palm. - I thought friendship and love magic will work for others, but not for me.

- How it can not work for you? You are shaman, Nanina loves you, - Tahatan pulled Nikki closer a bit.

- Then... Then I am happy. I want to be good shaman.

- You are...

- Thanks for your kind words, - Nikki smiled shyly. - And... What would you think if I would ask my friend to mate with me? - she blushed deeply.

- I would say Yes... - Tahatan nodded smiling.

- Then it means Yes?

Tahatan looked at Nikki's eyes silently.

- It doesn't mean that I gonna treat you as slave, Tahatan... I promise. I learned something from my own mistakes, - Nikki said sincerely. - You are honorable tribal son, my friend and... your eyes reminds me the midnight.

- I believe in you, Nikki, - Tahatan smiled pulling her to himself so close as Nikki could feel how his bare chest touches her body. She shivered slightly and squeezed his hand feeling totally dizzy. She couldn't say if she was affected by the drink of friendship and incense or it was their closeness. Nikki looked at Tahatan's eyes not hiding her lust. She knew it was the best way to forget Kotori and if she'll not do that she'll regret later.

- Come with me, my mate... - she whispered to his ear.

Tahatan nodded in agreement with a smile on his face, Nikki took his hand and they went towards the nearest tent. 

***

Wenona watched how Okomi chases Suletu enjoying their laughter. She couldn't hold her smile looking at them. They were so still childish and careless... She saw how Nikki and Tahatan disappeared in the tent, how Kotori talked to Maat. It was so good to see how she makes laugh her brother twin. All were happy and enjoyed the celebration and its weird romantic and free atmosphere. Wenona couldn't remember anything like this celebration. If it happened it happened many summers and winters ago. The last celebration they had was her and Kotori's Birthday, when they turned to teenagers. She remember her father, uncle Hassun, their step-parents, Akecheta and their grandmother Amadahy... That day was the last day when she saw them all alive and happy. After few days they all went to Netherworld together with the world what was before. With fighting warriors in the war somewhere in Northern lands, together with growing new cities and kingdoms, with slaves what escaped and wanted to be free... It was the world she and her brothers were born, it was the world she knew when she was just a child. Wenona gave a deep sigh feeling how tears fill her eyes. She didn't miss the slavery and sacrificial ceremonies once she saw when her uncle Mato was sacrificed, but she missed the people she knew and loved. She will always miss them... Wenona felt how someone looks at her. She turned her face and caught Noel's gaze. He smiled at her and she did the same. It was one more weird thing what happened to her. Wenona was used to feel her brother Kotori if even he was far away and hunted somewhere in the woods, but how to explain that weird feeling when she felt Noel? It seemed like he stuck in her, Wenona always felt when he was looking at her, it seemed like she can read his thoughts. It was more than weird. It was... magic. Magic she's never known before. Was it attraction? Maybe... But here was something much more than attraction, something Wenona didn't know how to name. And now Noel came to her. Their eyes met and it seemed like the whole world disappeared. 

- Why are you so sad, my creator? - asked Noel.

- I am not sad... - Wenona smiled a bit.

- No... - Noel shook his head. - I felt it here... - he placed his hand on that place where his heart is. 

Wenona swallowed gazing at Noel's blue like the sky eyes.

- I remembered... - she answered.

- Those you loved?

Wenona nodded.

- Many summers and winters ago... - she said silently. 

- They are happy there, in Netherword as they can see you alive and being a great creator.

- Thank you for your words, - Wenona smiled and felt how the tears fell on her cheeks. - It means... a lot to me.

Noel smiled and reached for Wenona's cheek. She didn't resist, just stood and looked at his eyes. 

- One day the pain will pass, my lady... - Noel said wiping her tears.

Wenona smiled softly and didn't feel how her arms embraced Noel. He did the same. They stood holding each other totally forgetting everything.

- It's so weird... It feels like I embraced myself, - Noel chuckled.

- And... I feel the same, - Wenona stepped back a bit and looked at Noel surprised.

- What could it mean? - Noel took Wenona by her hand.

- I don't know... - Wenona smiled.

- I think I know... 

- Seriously?

- Yes... If creator Wenona doesn't mind we could go for a walk, - Noel offered.

- Sure, let's go for a walk, - Wenona agreed.

- Once I heard what our shaman Lakesha told the women... - Noel started tell.

- And what did she tell them?

- She told that the human soul is divided into two sides, so people often feel lonely, because they are longing for the soul what is their another half. Many women didn't believe in our shaman, but I'm sure she told the truth.

Wenona smiled.

- It's a nice tale, Noel. 

- I don't think it's a tale, my lady, - Noel stopped and took Wenona by her hands. - No matter how it will sound silly, but being beside you I am feeling whole... I felt it since that day when I saw you. I feel like I know you more than hundred winters and summers, like I always knew you.

Wenona didn't know what to say. She just stared at Noel's eyes as she didn't know how to say him she feels the same.

- I don't know what is that, but I am ready to follow my lady even to the edge of this world, - Noel kissed Wenona's hands.

Wenona smiled.

- Are you sure, Noel? - she teased him. - Be careful as I can lead you too far...

- It doesn't matter... - Noel answered staring at Wenona's eyes. - There's nothing could scare me.

Wenona didn't say anything. She came closer and kissed Noel's lips gently. Noel smiled and pulled her in his embrace.

- If we'll die we'll die the same day... my another half, - he whispered in the kiss.

Wenona laughed happily wrapping her arms around his neck. She felt like in a dream, but if it was a dream she'd never want to wake up.

3.9.The advice

Kotori spent a lot of time talking and just being beside Maat. Nikki understood that he likes a tribal scholar very much and it seems Maat doesn't mind his company, too. "It's only better.." - Nikki thought. -"Maybe it will help me forget him..." However, it wasn't easy to watch them and see how Kotori and Maat feel good just talking and laughing together, Nikki felt jealous if even she realized that she'll never change Maat.

But here was Tahatan, who believed in her and it helped and supported Nikki a lot. Although... It wasn't easy, too. Tahatan liked to laugh and tell jokes, but Nikki didn't have any sense of humour, so mostly she didn't understand him.
- Isn't it funny or I just said something wrong? - Tahatan looked at Nikki watching her face and trying to perceive even an attempt to smile.
- It's not funny and it's stupid, - Nikki mumbled shaking her head.

Of course, then he felt disappointed and she was looking at him with silly smile on her face feeling guilty and not knowing what to say.

Mostly anything Nikki said went wrong. She didn't know how to treat the tribal sons what knew their kind, were self-assured and didn't fear that they can be punished even for saying No to Amazon. Nikki wasn't nice, especially with men. She was used to forget that Tahatan will not obey her will, especially if she'll yell at him. But it was so normal in her native tribe when men always obeyed Amazons and feared to be punished. She saw the submissive slaves since her childhood and now everything has changed. When she yelled at Tahatan he also raised his voice reminding her that he's not a slave and if she'll not change her behavior she can forget him as her friend.

Tahatan's words reached her heart. Nikki didn't want to lose Tahatan as her friend. He was calm and subtle, supported her. Being with Tahatan Nikki didn't think of Kotori. Seeing how Tahatan feels offended Nikki felt bad. It was first time when she started to think of her behavior with men. She felt embarrassed and totally confused. Nikki realized that "I'm sorry" will not be enough, she has to change her view and behavior if she wants to live in the Blessing Moon tribe.

And when she felt bad and very sad solitude was her best friend. Nikki loved to be alone, but she understood that living together with people it's almost impossible. She appreciated her such moments when she could stay only with herself. And now she lay on yoga mat and tried to concentrate on her heart center, to get energy from nature. She prayed silently in her thoughts asking Nanina to give her more wisdom and find the right decision. Nikki didn't want to hurt anyone, especially Tahatan, but she always did. "I am not a bad person", - she talked in her mind. - "Anyone can't see my heart so clear as you, goddess Nanina. I just didn't know that this world will change and I'll have to change together with it. Strengthen me, oh, Nanina, and open my heart, lead me on the way I have to go, be my star in the night..."

Tears were running on Nikki's cheeks and fell like a dew on the grass. Suddenly Nikki felt a gentle wind. It felt like an invisible hand what touched her face and she could swear she heard the whisper in her ear: "- I am here, my daughter... Love.... Bring love to these people. It's the best way to fix your mistakes. You know what to do, my daughter."
Nikki opened her eyes and saw a raven flying over her. "Love... Bring love to these people"... - she repeated the words in her thoughts watching the raven."- I know... I know... I know!" - she rose to her feet.
- Thank you... - Nikki bowed respectfully still looking at the bird what landed on the branch of tree. - Yes, I know what to do.

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.

3.7. The tribal meeting

Wenona looked at all standing beside and smiled. She rarely smiles, maybe because she had not an easy childhood, but her smile was always sincere and genuine.
- When this world was different, I had a friend on behalf Akecheta, - Wenona started to talk. - He has been seen more summers and winters than I and my brothers, in addition, he was a man of spirits and knowledge, so his lips frequently spoken wisdom, even though he was very young. Why did I remember Akecheta today? Because I think I made a big mistake forgetting his wisdom, what I learned from him, when I was only sixteen summers.
Tahath looked at his sister and quietly nodded. Kotori smiled. They found what their sister wanted to tell.
-Akecheta always used to say that every person is born being free as a deer or an eagle, soaring height above the Black Mountain. "Nature is our home, we are all brothers and sisters, no matter what language we speak, walking on two legs or fly," - so spoke Akecheta and his words always seemed the truth to me, - Wenona looked at Nikki.
Nikki looked back at tribal creator not daring to interrupt her. Wenona's words sounded too much dignified and solemn that she would be dared to oppose.
- Yes, our father was a slave, a slave and tribal sister brought up us when we lost our mother and I'll bow my head to these people to the rest of my life, because they gave me and my brothers all their love and warmth, if not for them, we wouldn't be what we are today. Neither my father nor my step-father never been slaves to me, they always were the people I loved. I believe in Akecheta words and I feel that my purpose as tribal creators is to walk in his footsteps. We were all born be free regardless of whether we are men or women, so there never will be more space for slavery in the Blessing Moon tribe. For what are needed the slaves, when we have the tribal sons? - Wenona smiled. - Are they unable to carry out all the work and be useful to the tribe? The tribal sons aren't intended to be sacrificed to goddess Nanina. If my mother and other Amazons would be realizing that before we might all be avoided the great punishment of Gods. Second, the world is too few people we could to kill each other senselessly. If we want to save our tribe, we have to appreciate both men and women equally. The tribal sons have the right to choose what woman they want to mate, they have the right to express their views at tribal meetings and live in their native tribe until the end of life. Amazon has always been and will be a free to mate outside the tribe. Maybe somewhere are the single men's tribes, so why not explore the world? If Maat, Nikki and Noel found our tribe, it means that there are more people in the world. Amazons are always free to find the child's father outside the tribe.
- Creator Wenona... - Nikki looked at Wenona with concerned glance. - May I ask?
- Of course, Nikki, - Wenona nodded.
- If we'll not sacrifice the tribal sons to goddess Nanina how will we thank her then?
 - Aren't more ways to thank Goddess in this world? - Wenona smiled. - Goddess Nanina always bless us by giving us the fertility and rewarding us with beautiful daughters and strong tribal sons, so that's why we couldn't thank her with more meaningful gifts than tearing our hearts and sacrificing our sons? Nanina is love, isn't, Nikki? In addition, we don't have a shaman or  tribal daughter or son who could communicate with the spirits...
- Me and my brother were brought up by shaman, - Nikki replied shyly. - She taught me something... I could do a try to go this way. By the way, this way is very close to me.
- Great, Nikki! - Wenona was glad. - Necessary go on this way, what is close to you! I'm sure the spirits will tell you how we can thank the goddess Nanina without sacrificing our sons and brothers.
Maat smiled warmly and looked at Wenona.
- I like the way how my sister and creator Wenona thinks, her soul is wide and deep as a river and her mind is sharp as a knife's blade. Where I was born and grew up, it was always appreciated the wisdom and knowledge, so I hope that Wenona will not object if I'll share my knowledge with her and the Blessing Moon tribal people.
- Only a fool can think that he knows everything, - Wenona smiled a bit. - Tribe without knowledge like a bird without wings. We need a person who can not only teach us how to pray to goddess Nanina, but also a person who can make us more open mind and teach us something more than we know and are able to. Do you agree to be our scholar, Maat?
- I would be honored, - Maat bowed respectfully.
- Does anyone object that the tribal scholar would be Maat? - Wenona took a look at all.
- No, no... - all shook their heads.
- Then announce Maat our tribal scholar!
Together with Wenona's words rippled the joyful shouts. All liked red-haired woman with always smiling eyes.
- My big sister and creator, - blond-haired young guy smiled and raised his hand. - I'll turn eighteen springs soon, so I thought... What do you think if I'll look around for some plants around and will plant a garden for us? I love plants and I feel a strong bond with our Mother Earth, so I think I could be useful as gardener and help Nikki with plants as she is gonna try the shaman's life style.
Nikki smiled at young boy. She liked him.
- It's a great idea, Okomi, - Wenona nodded. - It would be great to have a small garden in our tribe. I'm sure Nikki will be glad too having you as her helper.
- Thank you, big sister and creator, - Okomi smiled happily. - I'll try to learn exploring the nature and plants around and I believe I'll be good gardener in time.
- I believe in that, too, Okomi. So here is our gardener Okomi, - creator smiled back at the guy. New joyful shouts rippled. When all became silent Wenona looked at her tribal people. - Now I want to tell you something important... - she did a short pause. - The spring came and all what is live in this world awoke. We need the food and new tents as those aren't strong we live in. Just remember how many times our tents were broken by strong storms, - Wenona looked at her brothers, Okomi and Suletu. They silently nodded in agreement. - I know it's not easy to find animals after the great punishment of Gods, but I think we should try it again. It's a great time for that now, so our tribal sons could go to the forest and look for the traces of animals. Maybe they'll be lucky.
- Yay! - Kotori and Tahatan almost jumped in joy. - We can go to look for the traces already tonight, sister, - offered Tahatan.
- May I join your brothers, dear creator? - smiled Noel.
- Of course, Noel, - Wenona nodded. - Tahatan and Kotori will be glad having you in their company.
- And me? - Okomi smiled shyly.
- You'll stay with us in camp, - Wenona said.
- When you'll celebrate your eighteen springs we'll take you together with us, I promise, Okomi, - Tahatan smiled at guy.
Okomi was upset a bit, he so wanted to go together with men, but he still smiled and nodded.
- Then it's a time to prepare for the trip to the forest, - Wenona turned her face to the men.
- Yes, - Tahatan nodded.
- I hope my speach helped to understand many things about the Blessing Moon tribe and my laws, - creator looked at Maat and Nikki. - Only a united tribe can be strong. Only weak and despicable people humiliate others. I hope my sisters understand what I'm trying to say them.
- I do, - Maat nodded.
- I respect your will, creator Wenona, - Nikki bowed.
- Great! Now all are free! We have a lot of work to do today... - Wenona said.
When all left the ceremonial square Wenona stood alone for a while. Finally, it was put the first foundation for her tribe. Now all what was needed that this foundation would take root.

3.6. Things must change

"Maybe this world really has changed", - thought Nikki. It was so hard to accept different laws and rules than she was used to follow in her native tribe, but Nikki didn't have another choice. She felt offended by Kotori as woman and as Amazon, but maybe she really was wrong? Yes, the men were taken by Amazons without asking they want that or not in her native tribe, but it seems, the Blessing Moon tribe lived different. Tribal sons had much more rights in this tribe than she expected. Nikki gave a deep sigh. She didn't want to fight against Wenona and her laws.

She didn't want to see her quarreling with Kotori like yesterday.

Nikki felt guilty and thought how she could bring back the peaceful atmosphere to the tribe. She spent a lot of time doing yoga rutine and trying focus on her heart. Nikki always felt a deep touch with shamanic life style. A woman who cared of her and her brother Noel when their mother Anya was far away was a shaman. She taught Nikki many things hoping that one day the kind spirits will find the way to Nikki's dream and the girl will find that she's a knowledge woman. Woman's name was Lakesha and she came originally from western lands, she told Nikki and other children many tales and stories about her native tribe, about animals and birds, she knew everything about every plant and tree, Lakesha even could tell what one or other tree feels and thinks. Nikki loved Lakesha so much, she changed her mother and gave to the little girl everything she could give, but once Lakesha died of the mysterious disease. Nikki still remembered Lakesha's pale face and how dying woman whispered weird never heard words in foreign language, big tears fell down on shaman's cheeks... Nikki cried caressing Lakesha's hair, asked her not leave her alone, but Lakesha sighed deeply one more time and closed her eyes forever. Later Nikki saw a raven flying around empty Lakesha's hut, Amazons talked that Lakesha turned to raven and Nikki believed in that. She saw flying raven around their hut very often... Nikki was sure Lakesha's spirit still cares of her and Noel. At that morning doing yoga rutine Nikki remembered Lakesha again. She tried to feel with her heart what Lakesha would advice her if she would be alive.

And Kotori didn't feel good, too. Hurting his sister twin he hurt himself. They never quarreled before, but now almost all were infected with some weird anger, it almost became the madness.

Kotori felt he has to do something, but he didn't know what to do. Wenona was very proud as he was, and he said really bad things her, it sounded almost like the accusation. Seeing his sister very angry he didn't dare to come to her and apologize.

But when in the tribe camp appeared Maat, Kotori's face brightened. When she joined the Blessing Moon tribe it seemed, suddenly started a summer. Her laughter was light and sounding like the wind rocking the flowers in the meadow, her look was warmer than the sun, Maat had what he missed so much. Maybe all tribe missed it, not only Kotori.
- May I ask why you all are so angry? What's wrong here? - once Maat asked Kotori. Even she felt annoyed and tensed of all this unpleasant atmosphere in the tribe.
- It's just because I and Nikki hate each other, - Kotori smiled ironically as always.
- But why? Is here a reason to hate each other?
- Honestly... - Kotori chuckled and shrugged. - I don't know! Well.. I know in fact... I understand that Nikki can't accept my sister's laws and rules... and I don't want to be forced to mate against my will. But you don't have to be worried about it, lady Maat, - Kotori smiled. - I believe you are totally different than Nikki.
Maat listened to Kotori carefully and nodded smiling when he stopped talking.
- I think I got it. Let's hope that the things will change soon.

Maat worked out long time till she decided to talk to Wenona.
- My creator, may we talk a bit? - she came to Wenona with a bright smile on her face.
- Sure, - Wenona nodded.
- Yesterday I walked around and I thought it would be good if we could change the tents to new. They seemed me too weak for such climate and weather what we have here.
Wenona thought a bit and then she nodded.
- Yes, our tents aren't strong. I thought many times about the hunt, but Kotori and Tahatan didn't notice any animal traces long time.
- They should to go and look around again... It's a spring, many animals should be awake from the long winter's sleep.
- You are right, - Wenona smiled. She already forgot about such things like hunt and fishing or gardening, they lived so long underfed and wandering from one place to another that they even used to hunger, cold and tiredness. - We need a try again... I'll talk about it to my brothers and Noel.

- Greet, my creator! - Maat smiled widely. - I'm sure this time we'll succeed.
- May Nanina bless you, Maat! - Wenona also smiled at Maat. It was a first time when she felt a hope that many things should change to better side, they just need to work hard for that.
Tomorrow she'll call all to the first tribal meeting.