[FlashBack] Nayato's Searching

[Nayato]

OOCNayato is fifteen years old Location: The Redstone Cliffs Time-Stamp: Mid-day 38th Day of Summer, 497 AV In these moments trust was only variable. trust in yourself, trust in your family, and trust in the gods. Nayato had prepared for this day for three days. All was as it should be while the young man laid in the sand starring into the empty ocean that is the sky. Nayato had ventured only half a mile away from camp finding a collective of stones to provide shade. The only sounds where of the Tribe preparing for the coming night. All the tents where set up along the path of dried stream bed. It a truly amazing site as the accumulation of tents took form as if a snake finding refuge among the cliffs. The leaders and larger families where deeper and more entrenched into the cliffs while at the middle where the smaller families. At the tail where the keepers of the Eyktolian Desertbred horses that where feeding on the many desert shrubs. Nayato, now sitting up leaning against a large stone watched the horses somewhat graze. A sudden felling as if Nayato's left arm was floating in the wind told him someone was coming. The Chaktawe's natural sense ofdisturbances in the air caused by movement was a wonderment in itself. Nijha, Nayato's father soon appeared. "Come time to prepare yourself. The other are ready." Nayato hadn't need reply as his father turned on his heels heading back to their tent. Nayato trailed not to far behind still looking to the sky. They made it to their tent as Nayato's father left him for the moment. Entering the tent their was a singular should slung animal hide pack of food for four days and a waterskin worth only a day. Nijha soon entered the tent holding a bow. It was his fathers short bow that Nayato had trained with. Nijha spoke in a proud voice. "Take this, Use it well and with the Ingenuity of Brother Crow" Nijha handed the bow to Nayato with a quiver of twenty arrows. Their was little time to marvel at the bows structure, soon placing the pack's sling over his left shoulder so the packs opening would be to his right and carried the arrows along his back with bow in his right hand. Hair only down to his shoulder tied in a ponytail tied with leather strap. He wore a cloth wrap around that went all the way to the top of his knees and was slit on each side almost completely to the top, Along with animal pelt leggings. Only three days ago did turn fifteen and now, Nayato is ready. His face still soft and youthful with curious eyes. His father led him down the shifting snake of tents till their reached the first and largest tent. It was protected by the Redstone cliffs itself guarded by large cliffs on each side and a overhanging cliff above giving amazing shade. In front of the tent where all the eldest men in the village in two single file lines, on the left and right side of the large tents entrance. Nayato's father soon left him to join the line of men on the right, motioning Nayato to enter. After a deep breath Nayato entered the tent and kneeled before the Wayhali placing the bow in his hand in front of himself soon after. His father had kneeled and so Nayato was taught as well to respect... It was time for Nayato's Rite of Searching.

[Colombina]

Wayhali Ahanu placed his hand on Nayato's head, though he could not see the Wayhali's face, Ahanu's voice betrayed that he was smiling.
"Your father has raised a respectful son. Stand, Nayato, and you shall begin to earn your own respect."

The Wayhali's face was covered in the traditional black paint of the Kalanue, making his smile all the more evident.
The white-haired Abayla Luhiwa flanked the Wayhali, her solemn eyes absorbing Nayato's likeness. She always lingered at the start of a searching, a chronicler should the youth never return.

The tent was warm with a fire that plumed blue smoke. It rose in a twisting column towards a hole in the tent's roof. The light cast long indigo shadows on the wall and burnished the tawny skin of those around it. The Wayhali and Abayla stepped aside, to fully reveal the blaze. The tongues of flame blinked violet as the Wayhali's daughter, Shikoba, rained small periwinkle flowers on the fire. A strong warm fragrance filled the tent, shimmering between sweet and herbal tones.

Shikoba moved like water over stones and light on silver, her airy step becoming a dance as she circled the blue fire. Her hands were painted with long stars, their points reaching to her fingertips and crook of her elbow.

Ahanu beckoned his daughter , she left the sapphire blaze, dropping flowers on the top of her feet. She stood before Nayato, her dark eyes made wise with reverence for the ritual and made kind by her goodwill.

"Solemn Nayato," she said, "So soon to be touched by the gods."

The Wayhali ushered in the eldest male of Nayato's family. In his hand was a long raven feather which he placed in Shikoba's illustrated hands.
As she tied the feather into Nayato's hair as her father spoke a blessing.

"We are with you in the raven, in our gods, in our wisdom. When you leave us, you take us. When you walk alone we follow. So take no path that would turn you from honor. For when you turn aside, we all do."

Shikoba kissed her fingertips then touched the temple Nayato's feather fluttered against.
"We are with you in the raven."

She then retreated behind the veil of blue smoke, humming and singing an old song of their people.

A figure Nayato respected and admired stepped forward with the final question and last farewell.
"What do you seek, Nayato? What do you bring to your searching?"

OOCThis final person is of your own choosing and creation.

[Nayato]

The moment Nayato heard Wayhali Ahanu speak the young man's nerves seemed to calm. It is apart of life that while it is constantly praiseworthy to believe in oneself, even the slightest sign from others is always a great thing. He rose slowly standing at his full hight of five foot ten inches as his wandering eyes followed the tower of blue and violet smoke while Shikoba danced around beautifully. Shikoba soon stood before Nayato who never stopped eye contact until his grand father approached placing the feather in the Wayhali's daughters hands, It was clear Nayato could match as his grandfathers twin in his younger days. Bowing his head slightly while the feather was placed in his hair. The moment Shikoba touched his temple Nayato went through a slight realty shock. "I'm doing it! this is it!" The blessing The Wayhali spoke overtook the crackling of the roaring fire. Their was among many one that deserved a tremendous amount of respect in Nayato's eyes then his father who delivered the final question. "I seek..." Not truly knowing what he just spoke from the heart, the questions where expected but all planned answer seemed to vanish from his mind. "It is pivotal to draw wisdom from a abundants of various places. If you secure it from only one place, it becomes rigid and stale. I seek a way to end out constant travaling to have a more stable home for our people." Things grew to near silences as he clutched his bow in his right hand before speaking with the utmost self-confidence it was a added bonus to the Chaktawe's language Tawna that made things sound ever more so energetic. "I bring with me the knowledge I have gained from family, A stable hand and endless steams of courage held together by faith." Their was no more words to be said as he stood in waiting.

[Colombina]

The room bowed their heads, respectful of Nayato's earnestness and desires.

Ahanu was the first to look up from the contemplative silence. He spoke without the constraints of ritual.

"May you find your guardian wise and the gods fond."

The tent's inhabitants slowly left in a swaying line until only Shikoba remained. From her pockets she withdrew red flowers, throwing them into the blue fire. Her voice passed through the smoke, warm as whispers and fluid and water. Even as she left the tent it followed behind her.

"Feathered brother,
Shining sister,
Spirit of guidance,
Show the way
Through me,
Within me,
Below me.
The old ways,
the forgot ways,
the wild ways."

It was the last thing Nayato heard before he drifted into slumber, wreathed in sweet smelling smoke.
~*~

When he awoke, Nayato was alone and in a patch of desert distant from his tribe. Prints of horse hooves circled him then spirited away in all directions. His bow and arrows were beside him and dusk was turning the sky red. Animal sounds churned the air to the west.

[Nayato]

Nayato looked around as all in attendance bowed their heads once The Wayhali spoke he himself couldn't help but bow his own head just slightly still keeping view as everyone started to exit the tent the voice of Shikoba echoed in his mined as the world faded away... **** Everything started to become clear as Nayato started to rub his head then shake the drowsiness away. Standing up he saw many different trails that he soon ignored when he saw his weapon placing the quiver on his back and bow at the ready in his right hand. Looking to the sky the young Chaktawe man knew it would be dark soon and he knew the dangers of the desert Nayato just decided on winging it. Looking around randomly the sounds of Animal caught his attention to the west be it food or other wise he went to scout out the animal's area.

[Colombina]

High dunes separated Nayato from the source of the sound. As he crept over the hills of sand, his fingertips began to buzz with the current of nearby movement. Alerted, his eyes turned directly toward the source.

Fat crows were skipping and fluttering around a Golden Wolf. It was on its side, sand gathering around it. It's parched tongue lolled from its mouth, and its striking amber eyes were flicking over the awaiting birds. The crows cawed amongst one another, as if bickering over what piece of the wolf they would take. One grew impatient and hopped close to peck at the languishing animal.

A quick snarl and flap of feathers, sent the tide of crows backward. The wolf was not able to stand, but it was fighting until the last breath. Even as scavengers loomed over him, divvying up his hide, the wolf was struggling against the fading light.

It was a common casualty of the desert. A lone creature, separated by a storm or perhaps the last of its perishing pack, was faced with the cruel indifference of Eyktol. Maybe water was only another hill away, but it was one hill too far for the moored wolf.

[Nayato]

Nayato was cautious as he ran while in a low crouch. His toes spreading with each step letting the webbing brace his footing as he climbed the top of the many dunes. The sand dunes where only an annoyance at any other time but, not now. When the tips of his fingers began to flow as if he ran them atop a pool of water, Nayato crouched even lower hiding behind the tip of a dune and looked over. The first thing to catch his attention were the crows. They always made Nayato think of Eywaat, undoubtedly a trait all other Chaktawe shares. Nayato watched as the murder of crows danced around the wounded Golden Wolf fighting for its life, staving off the crows as best it can with only a growl and snarl of its teeth. Nayato rose from his crouch and slid down the face of dune gracefully then made his way over to the fallen wolf, shooing away any near crows with the end of his bow. Nayato remained at a safe distance from the Golden wolfs mouth as he took a knee in the sand behind the animal. It was a sad sight to see as the sand had slowly started to bury it alive. He started to rub away the sand that proved to be a deciding factor in the wolfs fate. It was a moment in time that Nayato felt genially sad for another life as he started to pet the wolf along its side, to prove he wasn't its enemy. The wolf was to pitiful a sight for Nayato to think of it as pray, even with his new found affinity to hunt. It also help that Nayato disliked the taste of wolf and his hunger wasn't dire at least for the time being. He decided to help the creature placing his bow snuggly between his back and quiver of arrows. Nayato continued to pet along the wolfs side for a minute longer then looked it in the amber eye. "looks like you can use some help..." He continued to talk to it as if a well known friend. "Don't worry this is what I'm trying to change... I have given myself a cause to go on living, it may be a lost cause but I'm sure you have one too. So you can't die now..." No matter how Nayato talked to the wolf he still remind wary of the danger that the wild creature held. It was a smooth action as he placed the wolf over his shoulder. "Not this day my friends" Nayato said to the crows as he began to continue on his journey with a new travel companion. The red of the dawn sky causing Nayato's already vibrant copper skin to almost glow as he climbed yet another dune.

[Colombina]

Despite Nayato’s merciful attitude, the wolf startled and tried to snap defensively. There was not strength enough to fight further than a shake of its golden snout, just as futile as its warning for the crows.

Nayato’s hand passed over the animal’s fur, subduing the wolf. It breathed shallowly, its ribs barely rising. It couldn’t moan or speak like a man, only pant its pain, not understanding why the skylight was fading.

Its wild rolling eye settled on Nayato. A beautiful color this near, amber with lightning flashes of gold and crags of bronze. A long mournful look to the man and the wolf was satisfied.

The wolf whimpered as Nayato picked it up, not knowing its captor brought salvation.

The Chaktawe began to sweat and itch where the wolf’s coarse fur pressed against his bare skin. Though half-starved the wolf was no light thing. Its weight pressed Nayato deeper into the sand, and his dangling paws and claws lightly scratched at the Chaktawe’s skin.

Syna stared down, brighter over each dune. In Eyktol she was unbridled and free; her glory turning unbearable at times. The sand and rocks faded into the horizon in all directions without the comforting bulk of the redstones. The sky rippled, false water, in the rising temperature.

Nayato was accustomed to the barrenness. It had weaned him and tried him, but in his youth he always had a tribe, a party, a companion near enough. This was a profound emptiness, unmoored from destination and purpose. What was he really seeking? Where was he going? When did the rite end?

Like the wolf on his shoulder he was wandering alone.

The animal’s breathing and subtle heat petered out. Its body turned heavy as stones on Nayato’s shoulder, exhaling the precious spark.

[Nayato]

Nayato glanced over the wolf he carried with a joy , neither repulsed by the fact that it had denied him the desire. No, not desire... Satisfaction. Satisfaction of a comfortable trek through the Burning Lands of the Redstone Cliffs. "The Cliffs?" His thoughts were interrupted when he notice the Redstones where nowhere to be seen. The bronzed skin of his feet were taken over by an inch of sand. The webbing in between his toes barely helped at all but they did enough. The talks Nayato had with his father began to echo through his mind, the same thoughts he held moments before he was summoned to start his rite of searching as he laid under the open sky. There were only two things that he still desired within this world; The spark of interest he held for ghosts along with the otherwordly and second the hope to one day free his people from their nomadic life. To find a permanent place to rest and farm the lands, make their tents, and grow. The imagination of a child still held a small hold of reality no matter how hard it tried to let it go. Since his peoples way of life is what has made them what they are today, Strong in culture, and family. A hardy people. They really didn’t need that much. But a child's gracious greed made Nayato want his family to have more then they would ever need. As the quiver of arrows on his back barely protected him from the rough fur of the animal he was carrying. Nayato couldn’t find the right words he was looking for or put his thoughts together. What was he trying to find? His identity by loosing something that he already laid claim to? Searching for a way to end what make his people strong? With a sigh Nayato said to himself and the wolf. “Father was right, Over thinking is the gift and curse of the quite.” Looking to the sky Nayato could feel the light scratches of the wolfs claws along his lower back, the sensation only made dull by the sun’s radiant beams that warmed his skin. Though his water bladder was far from empty it was futile to think one could out last the desert he would need water soon and his wolf guest, Sooner. The wolfs warm breathes every so often catching Nayato on the nape of his neck. The black, freckle like marks on his fingertips began to tingle as the disturbances in the air caused him to feel a near by water source. The wolf on his back began to double in weight which cause the young man to cringe, leaning forward almost making a full bow as he waddled for a few yards before catching a stride while trying to find water.

[Colombina]

The fatigue of aimless thoughts and an extra ninety pounds began to grind the Chaktawe deeper into the sand. Nayato pulled against the ground for leverage. The sand broke in his hands, a worthless foundation. How far until things made sense? Until the land returned the blood and sweat it took?

Nayato wilted into the ground. When his elbows were pressing the earth, he heard a woman's voice. It was full and layered, shimmering between tones deep and bright.

"You are a good man."

A gentle hand lifted his chin to look at his face. The woman was all the voice promised and more. Her hair was dark and bewitching as running water, and her eyes the golden color of dusk on rivers. She was draped in blues and grays. The fabric moved hypnotically, untouched by wind. A writhing flicker of bronze jumped from one fold into another.

She smiled, "Almost a man. There is much growing left to do."

Her attention turned towards the heavy wolf pressing Nayato further into the earth. Though she seemed to barely touch it, the heavy body was lifted in her hands. She carried it so lightly, no woman her size should have been able to.

"This beautiful creature perished for want of me."

Her beautiful eyes were half lidded and downward in mourning. A sorrow she could not speak pulled her fluid limbs toward the earth.

"And yet more have suffered the same."

She looked at Nayato, and the glance was almost painful for its gravity.

"What do you say to that, Nayato? To the cruelty of the world?"