There Are Babies Everywhere

What a wonderous and mysterious event it is to have a baby.. and to have 2 babies... well to me that is just utterly amazing... And yet we have had two woman now have sets of twins.. My mentor Noya.. and now Cana... We still have two more women that are expecting anytime I think.. Poni and Kaeli.. We will have babies everywhere..

I wonder what it feels like to be expecting.. I have heard it changes not only your moods but your eating habits as well... So I went to visit my mother and father... sitting around their small fire we drank blackwine and discussed the subject.. A couple of my brothers sat there until I brought up that subject.. all but one quickly excused themselves.. All except Ord.. since he was the only one that was fixing to claim a women.. The rest are vulo...

My father said when my mother carried his sons.. she was fairly normal.. a few odd requests for things.. but when she carried me... :he rolled his eyes: Well we knew something was different.. She was moody.. would cry at the smallest thing... Wanted all kinds of odd foods... and she sang to me all the time.. My father knew I was not going to be a boy.. but he would keep mother around anyway.. after all she gave him 7 sons.. And he said when I was born.. everyone in the outer wagons was woken with my gusty cries.. He said even he cried when he saw me.. a daughter.. He was afraid of me at first.. I was tiny.. red and had this mass of black hair that was wild.. but he said when he looked into my eyes.. he was lost.. so. he had to be very strict with me. or I would have been spoiled.. Well that made sense in a way.. and in another way.. I had to just watch him..

Now Ord wanted more details.. And mother suggested that he and father speak privately.. As she fingered her pan.. and looked at my brother.. Your sister does not need to know that much detail... Oh I knew the techical details.. how and why.. you know that type stuff.. but Ord wanted it from a mans view... So he and father headed off towards the herds to talk and met up with the rest of my brothers...

Mother wanted to know how I was doing at the 1st fires.. and if I had met any warriors that I liked... I told her all about my work. she she already knew... and little things... but told her no.. while there was a warrior I did like.. I was not the type of woman he would probably go for.. and left it at that.. My mother raised a brow.. as she sipped from her mug: And why would you say that Yammie... and she would wait for my answer.. .as I tried to form the words in my mind..

I am simple mother... there is nothing fancy about me.. nothing that you have to dig through layers of emotions to find.. I am neither ugly or beautiful.. I do not bring a long lineage of special ubars or leaders... Nor do I know how to play the mind games that some like to do.. I have watched them at the main fires... Some come only when certain people are there.. Some only talk to certain ones.. I am not the one that when you see you take another look at.. As I spoke my mother sat there smiling.... and when I was done she spoke.

Yamka.. you are special.. you are a loving daughter.. you are devoted to the tribe and your clan.. You have strong ideals about right and wrong.. and my daughter you are very beautiful inside and out.. and one day.. a special warrior will look at you twice and see what you have to offer.. and perhaps then you will understand the inner workings of the 1st fires and why people do what they do. and maybe you will add to the many babies that fill the entire tribe.. not just the 1st wagons.. Now help me clean up. so we can start our day.

It Does Matter

I had a conversation with those at the fires one day.. Fonce and Silken. I said it did not matter if I liked someone to be mated.. perhaps I said that because I had never actually liked anyone.. Had never really given it much thought.. but I was wrong.. so very wrong.. It does matter.. as I found out after being pawed by the warrior Brayce.. I did not enjoy it.. and how can you go through life if you do not enjoy being close to one that you will be with forever.. It would seem that my lack of knowledge on that subject was quickly put to the test.. It does matter..

Now I understand a little better.. what my mother meant when she said to be with someone you do not care for or love is like being caught in a spiders web.. Stuck and alone. unless the spider pays a call.. But I am very curious as to how one shows interest without seeming forward.

I would like to get my feet wet.. but not drench myself.. slowly like you would get use to a hot bath.. or a cold one... slowly.. taking it step by step.. never giving all but enough..and you know it safe to fully emerge yoursef.. No one likes to be rejected.. I will have to pay heed to those around me that are more adept at this kind of thing... Or maybe I could ask one of my brothers if I could practice on them... :smiles:

Sam has feed his girl to his kaiila... guess he found her sitting in one to many laps.. and not his.. Far be it from me to tell him I told you so.. city slaves... not worth the dung they collect.. Only reason know this is because he brought his laundry to my wagon for me to do.. He grunted when I said what happened to the girl.. That seems to be something inbreed in our warriors... the ability to grunt.. they all seem to do it.. at various things said... but I understood him.. I was kinda glad anyway.. never did like her much.. sneaky if you ask me...

Well I got off the subject.. Anyway.. When I see Fonce again I will tell him I was wrong.. It does matter.. whether I like someone or not.. But.. If whom ever I like does not return the affection.. then I move on... Certainly not going to grovel at his feet.. like some slut.. no sir eee bob.. no man is worth that much.. Not that I am saying something bad would not happen.. for this is Gor and the plains.. and many things can and have happened... but if ever I was thrown naked at some warriors feet.. I would find a way to end my life.. or his :grins: No I will never be a leaf caught in some spiders web.. I would much rather be like a butterfly.. and fly free..

Dance of the Butterfly

I sat on the step of my wagon.. just relaxing.. nursing my mug of blackwine and milk.. Its amazing what you can see when you really open your eyes.. Things you would normally miss.. because thats not where your mind is.. Let me tell you what I see from where I sit...

See over there.. that old woman? ... she is waiting for her son and mate to return from a small raid on the Kassar herds.. See how her eyes dart from the OR riding in to her work.. do you see the small bead of sweat on her brow.. She is trying to wonder what she will do if they do not return.. Who will take care of her if she is left alone.. See how her eye twitches.. that is fear of the unknown.. Its a very scary fear.. for there is nothing you can do to stop it or overcome it.. Now see.. how she smiles.. as she looked up again and a large warrior sweeps her into his arms.. The bead of sweat gone.. as she nuzzled against her mate and her son grabbed into a hug..

Now do you see over that.. :she pointed to the left: That warrior that keeps walking to one certain wagon.. then turns and walks another way.. but he keeps going back.. He is probably going to ask a father for a bride price but is unsure or thinks he is unworthy.. He has fear in his eyes also.. fear of being rejected.. I would say by the look on the young woman that is hiding behind a wagon watching him.. the she is the one of his affections... And now there he goes again. this time he stops.. and called out the fathers name.. The two men speak.. the young warrior grins.. and nodds.. He has been given the bride price.. And soon perhaps we will hear the singers calling out his claiming...

Over there.. are a bunch of children.. playing with ribbons.. and bows and arrows.. Can you hear them? Listen with your heart.. you can just barely hear the young warriors trying to boss the little girls around.. So this must be when it begins.. Boys puffing out their chests.. and calling the little girls wenches.. one little girl.. you can see her... just right there.. cowering beneath the bellowing of the little warrior... sad large eyes look up at him with adoring affection.. sad.. very sad.. so young and already she hears the calling of slavery.. Perhaps it is true that some women are born to it.. The little smirk on the young boys face.. shows he already knows.. time will tell what will happen with those two.. Skies I hope she can face her fear.. so young.. so very young..

I hope off the step.. and looked behind.. Do you see that? That is Fonce's wagons.. he has a slave now.. Maybe that will fill that dead spot in his heart.. but I doubt it.. I have asked a few questions around the outer wagons... my mother said he had a mate once.. but when he vanished so did she... she did not stay around the fires much.. my heart goes out to him.. I see so much more in him that he sees in himself I think.. but thats for my heart to know not his.. I can not imagine though a man trying to fill a void missing love with a slave.. they are nothing but well.. toys.. :whispered: At least thats what my brothers call them.. Sam has a slave.. she is just sooo annoying... Master this and Master that... :rolls her eyes: My brother is a man however and if thats what he wants hey who am I to tell him that she sits in everyones laps when he is not around..

I got distracted... so where were we.. Oh yes.. Anyway Fonce is probably one of the most handsome warriors in camp.. besides the Ubars brother.. but I am not even close to being their caliber.. One day though.. :a nod:

Oh do you see that.. look.. over there.. a young maiden trying to get that warriors attention.. fliting around him like a over protective mother.. getting him food and drink... fluffin the furs for him... Like a moth to the flame.. will she get burnt or will he capture her before she falls... Look at his eyes.. he likes her... but he will pull back.. let her tend to him... will her attentions fad if he does not show some emotion? Look at him take her hand.. look you can almost see her skin quiver.. she loves him very much... I hope it has a happy ending. Not like my young friend...

See her over ther... she looks much older than 19 summers.... years of serving him... she is used and has been abused... by him and his mate... she hates the girl.. but the girl loves him.. and if this was the only way she could be with him.. so sad.. Sometimes I want to just go up to her and shake her... and scream Why! Why did you give it all up.. to be this? a a slut? but I won't.. you can see in her eyes that love has caused this. No man is worth freedom..

Oh :her eyes sparkle: Look there is a new mother and her first son.. She how she glows? Isn't that just a wonderful look... Everything about her shines.. can you see it? No? open your heart.. open your minds eye.. do not look but see.. That is how I wish to look someday...

What do you see when you see me? Really see me.. beyond the dark hair and eyes.. beyond my youth... beyond the facade.. do you see me? I am like a butterfly.. I flit from here to there.. from this to that.. not thought random yet you think so.. Do you remember me? I hope so.... I will always remember you.. :grins: Making you think I can see that.. good.. Now look over there.

And as you look she turns and walks away.. what was that she said.. close your eyes.. can you sense her.. her scent.. does it remind you of leather... her voice.. was it like that of a butterfly kissing your ear.. Yes you will remember Yamka..

Random thoughts and emotions

There is something odd about the first fires.. something that draws one towards them yet.. warns not to get burnt.. Maybe I am just to naive.. or young or have been sheltered.. but being here on my own is no comfort.. I am use to having my parents there for a sounding board.. my brothers there to stop anyone from getting to close.. Now.. with the Ubar as my guardian. I really feel just a little alone.. Its hard to break into the circle that has been so well established..without trying to hard.. and making a complete and utter fool of yourself.

I have managed to do so on a few occasions.. and I realize the mistakes I have made.. perhaps I am to willing to speak my mind.. Which is not alway a bad thing. unless of course you say something stupid.. or do something that just causes some to chuckle and point..

I know I am young... with little experience beyong my own fathers fires.. but I am strong.. in my loyalty.. in my beliefs.. in what I would like in my future.. And I will make it to the 1st Fires..

But I have to wonder why I want to be a part of it ... there really is no status being part of the 1st Fires.. I am just as much a tuchuk in the outer wagons.. just a much a woman.. there is no stamp placed on my body saying.. Approved!.. It is more an honor than a need or want.. It brings my family honor.. it brings the tribe honor.. and I get a better view of the fires.. from my wagon.. :grins:

Task's

She had much work to do.. and started on it.. after she finished th dress.. As she laid the dress out before her.. she smiled.. While Cana did not want anything fancy... with 4 boys.. she could use an extra hand.. so tucked inside the inside seam.. Yamka created a pocket.. and placed some of her mothers honeycandies.. inside.. The dress was made the same.. a singe piece of hide that Cana had given her.. it was a beautiful color.. almost a rusty color.. she had rubbed oils into the hide to make it soft as skin... along the one and only seam.. she placed a small row of fringes.. it would hard for anyone to tell where the ties were.. as it looked seamless now... She hoped Cana would like the dress.. as much as she enjoyed making it..

She would tackle the saddles first.. first she looked to see what needed patching.. and would find hide swatches to match.. and then with nimble fingers.. she would attached that swatches.. her stitches were so tiny that it piece seemed to melt into the saddle.. She would do this to each one of the saddles.. then would spend time rubbing them soft.. with a oily cloth. so they almost looked like new again..

The bridles. they were a little harder.. as she sat with them in her hand.. the leather had been so worn.. it was very thin and ready to split.. so instead of trying to mend it.. she would find a few piece of thin hide.. and curl it around the splits.. and then sew it tightly flat against the leather strap.. on both sides.. keeping the appearance of the strap.. she would do this to each she could.. and then once again take care and cleaned each .. with a cloth.. making sure that the mending blended in with the orgianal piece of leather.

Taking a tea break.. she would sit and watch the elders create new pieces.. with awe.. soon perhaps she would be able to create such wonderus leather pieces.. Her mother had sent honey cookies.. to the clan fires.. and her father would stop and share them with his only daughter.. In his eyes she could see that something had changed him.. it was a good change.. She asked him about this warrior Brayce..and he grew quiet.. He is not for you.. stay away from him.. he comes and goes like the wind.. and is has not shown his loyalty to the tribe.. I will send one of you brothers to watch over your wagon by night... His large paw like hand reached out and captured her hair: So much like your mother yet so different.. I know you feel that what you want in a warrior does not matter... and there is no choice.. but there is my daughter.. you just have to find the right way to approach it.. Her father watched her: You do not want this warrior do you? :she nearly spit out her cookie: Skies No Father.. no he was to fast and forward.. no.. I do no care for him.. I will keep my distance from him as much as possible..

Well I have one more task father and then I will come visit you and mother. And so off she went to mend the clan tarp... Climbing up she found the ripe.. and with a bone needle and some heavy thread.. she took her time and carefully fitted it together.. She definitely had this thing about making things look in one piece and not fixed.. She made her way to the ground. and found a place around the clan fires to wait for Noya to check her work.

Love Warriors and Slaves

I found my way to the main fires early this morning.. It was pretty quiet, just Fonce and the woman Silken.. Now I probably should have gone the other direction but I didn't. I like people and I like company..

We talked of a few things.. and then there I went and opened my mouth and before I knew it words flew out like a caged herlit.. I probably sounded like a dimwitted twittle doodle.. but what do I know.. except this.

When I mate it will be to a man that is tribe.. that cares for me.. I don't care if he loves me or not for in the long scheme of things love really does not mean much.. I will mate so that I can bring new warriors to the tribe.. I will mate because its expected of me.. Love is something that could come later or never.. but in my mind its only part of the plan.. Oh sure I am like all other young women.. I want to be woo'd and wanted.. but I also know my place and whats expected.. Our life if a harsh life.. one day here another gone.. I have seen the looks on faces of women that have loved and lost that love to raids.. wars and what ever else comes our way.. The crushed look. the dead eyes... and the hearts broken.. And then I see my parents.. their love is strong and has lasted many summers... That is what I want.. what my desires are.. but we can not ever be sure that it will happen.. Perhaps its just once in a lifetime it happens.. And maybe only to certain few.. I don't know really.. but one day I may find out..

I told Fonce my father had stopped using his whip and he asked if I was disappointed.. What a silly question.. I did not enjoy or savor those whippings... Yes my father loves me. I know he has an odd way of showing it.. but my brothers were whipped as well growing up.. it was my fathers punishment. it might not be for all.. maybe others do it differently.. maybe some children are not punished at all... and we can see what happens to them.. Rogues... slaves.. no. I would rather have been whipped and learned my lessons.. than to have been coddled and been ungrateful for what my family is.. I missed my friend.. the girl that is now a slave.. but she really no longer exists..

Mother and I talked about it once.. I could not for the life of me figured out why this girl did what she did... Mother explained that some women are just slaves waiting to be discovered.. My friend was spoiled.. and was never taught by her parents what was right and wrong behavior... My mother whispered.. that this woman ..her mother.. wore a collar under her clothes.. she said it was done sometimes.. Well that confused me to pieces.. but I just nodded: She tugged on my braid.. and looked at me.. her eyes mirrored mine.. as I looked more like my mother than father... Yamka.. you will find a mate.. have his sons... and be a good mate.. and if he has slaves..and if he is a true gorean man.. You will be his prize.. That is my wish for you my daughter.. to find a warrior such as your father..

So I sat there by the wagon.. and closed my eyes.. and pretened such a man exisited.. I could see him in my mind.. Well not him.. but something well made up.. I hope he does exisit.. somewhere amongst the tribe.. I would do everything for him.. cook and make sure his wagon was always clean.. have sons. and maybe daughters.. Be at his side.. be his friend and lover.. one of these days.. maybe..

The Rescue

It seemed like I had been there for days.. but really it was just until the sun went down.. my leggs were numb by now.. I was singing off key about the plains.. when I heard the sound of thundering hoofs... I started to yollar.. just so no one rode over me.. it was getting dark... When I heard one of my brothers hollar back: I found her!.. I found her!

So I had been missed and it brought a smile to my face.. I heard the thud of the ground as Ord.. jumped off his beast and ran towards me.. He stood for a moment: How in the skies did you manage to do this Yammikins? Well that threw me back for a moment.. as I looked up at him: Do you think we could talk about how after you get me from under this large now smelling dead beast?

Sam and Raven headed over.. and so did Jess and Kalen along with Ord they all tried to pull me from under the dead beast... finally another brother showed up and suggested that they tie the dead beast up and pull him off with the other beast.. Well finally.. as it was pulled off me.. I let out a peep of a scream.. my legs were now throbbing.. As Sam gingerly knelt down and placed his hands along the curve of each leg.. his large hands were feeling for breaks.. but luckily I did not have any. mostly just squished.. and I am sure they would bruise.. but at least I was free..

Now Sam picked me up and placed me over his beast.. and we all rode back to my fathers wagon.. Seems.. he had missed me from the clan fires.. and sent my brothers out to find me.

Someone must had spoken to my father.. because He did not seem quite as angry at me as he normally did.. Or maybe it was because I had been doing things right lately.. Anyway.. I could see tears in his eyes when my brother Sam handed me down to my fathers arms... I winced only because I thought I was going to be punished.. but my father kissed my cheek and hugged me.. telling me he had gotten worried when I had not shown up at the clan fires.. My mother came out of the wagon and made a big fuss... And then had Sam take me back to the 1st fires... and my wagon there.. With some of her stew and bread..

Death of an Old Friend

I had taken a early morning ride.. It cleared my mind and soul.. as the wind danced against my back and caught my braid.. It was also good for my partner.. Samson had been my beast since I was 10 summers.. after Ord had outgrown him.. He was not a large beast.. but he had a large heart.. Always gentle with me.. but he seemed to be slowing down now.. He had gone through 7 boys until he was given to me. I am not sure exactly how old he is.. but I am sure he is tired.. His large paws maul the ground as we moved quietly against the soft plains grass... but I sense something is just not right... his movements seem choppy.. and he started to slow down until without a notice he reared up, throwing me off his back.. I tried to scramble away as I looked up and he rolled over right onto me... Knocking the breath right out of me.. I could not panic.. as I quietly pleaded with him to get up.. Even with my strong hands.. I could not budge him.. and my leg was starting to go numb.. We were to far from the OR for me to scream.. to far from the wagons for anyone to even notice.. What was I gonna do... tears crested at the corners of my eyes... truly I was scared..my Samson was dead... and I was stuck underneath him..

I would have to wait this out.. until someone rode along and found us.. there was no moving the dead beast off me... and my legs were pinned underneath his hind end.

The Quiet Night

It had been quiet the last few evenings.. the skies full of stars.. as I laid on my bed of grass near the streams and just looked up at them.. Making silly young woman's wishes for a family.. a strong warrior to love and care for.. and sons and daughters to help make the tribe stronger..

There were several warriors without mates around the fires.. both the 1st fires and the outer wagons. Not that I had really looked to much.. The thought of someone going to my father I think scared me more than the thought of one talking to me. I also think of my young friend who wanted a warrior so much she got more than she asked for.. And that above all else makes me just keep back. The warrior Fonce is very nice.. but he has some things deep inside him he has to work out.. He would make a good companion and father one day.. He does not look that old.. unless you stare into his eyes.. then he seems ancient.. There is also something else I see in him.. and that is hurt.. I bet my mother would probably just give him a hug.. cause thats how she is.. my brothers get that same look sometimes.. Ord especially.. when a certain young maiden ignores him.. He goes right to my mother.. and she comforts him..

The only other warrior I know from the 1st fires hmm well I don't know his name.. but he is large.. and brooding.. but I watched him with some little boys.. the ones I made boots for and he seemed so at ease.. but he too has been hurt.. and he takes it out on every woman he sees.. Sad in a way.. Not all women are alike.. Not all women hurt men.. Perhaps one of these days he will actually open his eyes to that.. and see that not all women are Osts or sneaky.. but he is very handsome.. probably two handsome... And I am just to young... and not of the 1st fires.. so.. these are just my thoughts..

I would love to have what my parents have.. Yes my father is very strict.. and my mother is very gentle.. but weilds a large pan.. My father is very tender with my mother when they are alone.. I know cause I have watched from the corner of my old wagon.. She feeds him by hand. and he holds her in his lap.. they talk low to each other.. and kiss.. They have been together for over 40 summers.. He as been wounded on raids... kicked by bosk.. hit with pans.. but each night he comes home.. they talk about the day.. they talk about us children.. and our futures.. My brothers are alot older than me.. I came as a surprise to them both.. but its something that I hope will happen one day.. But for now I must concentrate on my clan work. and making it to the first fires. Tribe will always come first..

The Clain Leaders Opinion..

::Noya sought out the young woman returning the items to her::

The work is very detailed, the boots are very well put together. The design of the dress is a little different but quite nice, a woman likes a little style and something slightly different than what others wear, I think it will be liked. My question is the choice of beads. Is this for Cana of the Kailla Clan?

I also noticed the smell of scented oil on the leather. I suggest caution in doing this. As a pregnant woman's nose is very sensative, I'd hate to have a scent send her running for the trenches, a woman's scent is very personal and any scented oil must blend with her scent to please her and her mate. If you wish to do so in the future, I'd recommend having her select the scent before adding it to the leather.

Yamka too to heart what the leader had said..Yes the dress is for Cana.. I will remove the scent.. your are right.. and with a damp cloth she once again oiled the dress and removed any trace of the scent... with slender fingers she lifted it and placed against her face... making sure she got ever bit of the scent off.. Now it was done.. she would set these items on his steps.. for his approval.

Boots and a Dress

She had a very honorable task that laid ahead of her.. So she sought out her father and with his help she was able to find a very good hide of bosk. it had already been soften many times.. it was soft yet sturdy for the young boys..

The slave brought her the boys and the old boots.. except for the youngest.. this was his first pair of boots.. She would measure each foot.. noting from their old boots how they walked and how the boot sole and small heel was worn.. The baby of the boys.. she worked on first.. seems he was a little scamp as she measured his foot.. he would giggle..

His boots were made with a very tiny heel.. the ankles were strengthened to help him walk.. they were made from the soft bosk hide.. Each boys foot was measured.. as she drew on the hide.. then cut out the patterns.. She would within the clan fires.. her Father would stop and check on her work.. as would some of the other elders.. She noticed that the boy that called Tug worn the side of his boots.. more than the bottom.. so she would add a little extra to compensate for that wear and tear.. The other 2 boys.. well their boots were mostly scuffed.. but mostly the normal wear a young boy would have.. Each boot was made with pride.. she would oil each pair.. and set them on the step.. using a soft cloth she would rub the oil in with a caring motion of her hands.. hands worn.. and covered with little cuts and nicks... the boots done she would wait for Noya to check them over.. While she would start on the womans dress

Since it had been said she was with child.. maybe two.. Yamka.. made the dress so that the woman could adjust it with the growth of her belly.. it would wrap..and tieswold weave inside the leather dress so that it would look like one solid piece.. the woman could adjust the ties of the leather dress to fit her while she was carrying.. It was made from a soft piece of bosk hide... a fawn color had been added to make it more to the womans coloring.. didn't all women wish to look lovely when in such a condition... Not that she would know but she thought.. as she would sew alont the seams of the shoulders.. she would place green beads for the woman's clan. Once the dress was done.. she would take a clean cloth and gently smooth over the leather dress with a scented oil... it was a very light scent.. and only she would notice.. Now once she had these tasks done.. she laid them where Noya could find them.. and wait to see if she would approve.

Taboo

Skies what did come out of my mouth... but maybe its a good thing... maybe my father will think before he uses the whip on me again.. I know he has already found out about being called before the Ubar... His recommendation was not to fail..and that is my goal.. boots and a dress his next task.. I will work with my clan on this project.. I will not go it alone.

Cana tried to get him to move my parents wagon further back.. but in reality that would only anger my father and hence his anger would be shown to me. I know Ord was watching... and he will come looking for me.. but tonight he will not find me.. not tonight.. I ran to my wagon once everyone had left.. and packed a small bag.. I would not take my old beast.. cause they would come look. No instead.. I went to the clan fires.. and found a place to sleep under the stars.. this would be the last place my father would look for me. I had done nothing wrong. not this time.. I had not failed... but.. my father would see I had been called out.. and in his eyes.. it brough unnecesary attention.. but not tonight.. my wounds have to heal.. and I will try and avoid my father at all costs.. No he would not find me tonight.

Smiles to the Skies

He accepted my work.... my smile is wider than the skies right now.. Until.. I ran into one of my brothers... my face dropped... as he approached me... Yamka.. father wishes to see you...

I love my pappa..and my mamma... more anything.. but.. whenever he wanted to see me it was one of two things.. I was in trouble. or I was really in trouble.... But obedient daughter that I am.. I headed to my fathers wagon... I kept my head up cause I knew at least I done something the right way.

Well there were my brothers.. my father and mother.. all with the saddest looks on their face... as I headed towards the wagon.. Did someone go to the cities of the dust? I thought maybe Uncle had .. or someone... Until I got closer.. and I could see there on the step was a small parcel.. and mother had made sweetcakes... Then my father.. my father mind you.. drew me into his arms.. and hugged the life out of me... He whispered words to my hears for only me to hear... and I started to cry... I am proud of you my little blossom.. No words could have made me so happy..

And so my brothers all hugged me in turn.. and swatted my backside in turn... we ate cake and I told them all of the 1st fires... It was a good day.

A Task Failed

He returned the leathers again... this man was a hard task master.. and I would prove to him. I could do this. But I needed some advice.. I left my wagon and headed to the clans fires.. and spoke to the woman Noya.. she gave me some advice on maybe what he was expecting... I had been making plain and simple leathers.. that looked more like something the barrens people would wear more than what we would... I was trying to do something different.. and I forgot my fathers basic rules...

So I sat by the fires of the clan of leatherworkers.. and drew out what I hoped he would approve of this time..

I had found four nice hides of bosk leather... it was perfect in every way.. not a mark on it.. as I cut the patterns for jerkin and pants.. Once I had these cut... I unrolled the varios needles and threads I would use... I spend all day at the clan fires.. getting advice and help from the more experienced workers.. I made sure each stitch even and smooth... Soon I had each set done..and I treated each peice with a soft coating of bosk fat.. to make sure it would remain soft. I also made 4 quilted jackets each one different for each boy.. and a leather windscarf.. Each was given my utmost attention..

Once I was done.. I would have the leaderof our clan.. look them all over and make sure she approved...I still have very much to learn... and I knew I would soon be emersed into the workings of the clan... I would wait for her to approve what I had made.. before I would even consider delivering these items.

Task Completed

headed to the main fires... its so much closer now that Cana is letting me use a wagon.. There was a warrior there and the woman named Tarra.. and I don't know the other womans name. but she is a healer..The warrior handed me his mug for some blackwine... and then asked what I brought to the tribe... and then tested me.. by grabbing Tarra by the throat.. oh and sure.. there I got rushing off headlong towards him with my quiva pulled... :rolls eyes: He broke my quiva.. its the one my father gave me.. so I know I will be whipped for that.... and then he said for me to run at him.. and so I did that run and slide trick that Ord taught me... and ran right into him full slam.. and he jumped over me.. and then swatted my bottom... so there will be another whipping... but at least I did not argue with him... I could see one of my brothers had been watching from the rows.. and ran back to tell my Father what he had seen... So I went to my wagon to wait... but at least I got my 3 anwers as Cana had asked me to... I did accomplish that much..I did not have to wait long.. before my Father appeared at the back of the wagon with my eldest brother Sam.. My father spoke low to me... thats when I knew I was in for it.. Sam looked at me.. his dark eyes flickering his angry.. not sure if it was at me or at my father and what he was about to do... I could see the whip at his hip... and I begged him not to do it so close to the 1st fires.... Girl once again you have shamed me with you actions.... :my eyes lowered: Yes Father I am sorry... :Sam tried to speak up..: Father its our fault.. we have treated her like one of the brothers... we taught her that slide and slam move... :my father hand shot up: Silence!.. she is a young woman now.. not some boy.. she needs to learn her place.. and its not sliding into the Ubars brothers knees... :well my mouth dropped: the who? .. he is just some warrior... at least thats what I thought... :before I could say anything my father pulled me from the back of the wagon and nearly drapped me to the outer wagons... to his own... You are MY daughter... you abide by MY rules... Girl... you try my patience... :as my mother stepped out from inside the wagon.. standing there as she always did when my father was about to punish me..Oh sure my mouth couldn't just close.. no words flowed out like the stream... going over rocks and the banks.. Thats what he said. I was starting to irratate him.... :the her hand quickly covered her mouth as the gaze on my father grew black.. Sam.. tie her to the wheel... My brother shaking his head as he spoke low to me.. Yammikins... when will you learn... :his large hands tied both my to the tip of the wheel.. .. I could not breath.. I was so scared... I have to please everyone now.. My father the 1st fires.... "Raise her tunic :my father growled... and before Sam could get it lifted I felt the sting of his whip. on my back.. the other stripes had not quite healed yet.. as he danced his whip around them. My mother did not say a word.. as I was given 5 lashes.. to teach me respect.. I tried not to cry.. I really did but I could not help it.. My father wanted me left there over night.. but my eldest brother Sam.. spoke out.. No.. why shame her and our wagons.. I will take her back... :he stood his ground this time..As my father relented.. So be it!.. and he headed to the herds... with my mother following him..Sam cut me down.. and lifted me.. speaking quietly to him as he carried me back the dark row to my own wagon... He put salve on the stikes.. and then set me in my furs. and sat there talking to me. .. Yammiekins.. You must forget the things we taught you in fun.... You are now a young woman of the tribe.. and you must act as such.. Its our fault.. :he shook his head.: I will be watching you Yammikins... do not make anymore mistakes.. or next time I am not sure if I can stop Father.. :he wiped the tears from my eyes and kissed my forehead and left for his own wagons..I just laid there... thinking.. I am not an ost. if he only knew... I slept on my belly that night.. and finally fell asleep