I had informed Seveya, none too gently, that we would be having a guest for dinner; Tumka. It should go without saying that she was not at all happy to hear this news. Or that I expected her to join us for the meal and be sociable.
She tried everything she could to irritate me. I think for the sole purpose of revenge. She sulked. She pouted. She didn't speak beyond what was required to answer any question directed her way. And she also refused to eat with us. Of course, it didn't take me long to figure out why she was refusing to eat with us.
Two large bowls, steaming with a meaty stew, were given to myself and Tumka. The meal smelled quite pleasant. And we both dug in like men. It wasn't until I was into my second or third, and I think Tumka was already on his fifth, spoonful of the stew that we realized why my niece had refrained from partking. There was enough pepper in that stew to choke a kaiila!
To his credit, Tumka forced himself through the meal. He wouldn't refuse her food. His face looked like it was about to burst at any second, though. As he continued to eat, I think Seveya realized the severity of what she'd done. I could see it on her face, although she was fighting to hide it. She felt guilty. More then likely it was only a small measure. But she brought the sweating man a bowl of milk to help counteract some of that spice. All in all, he took the attack on his pallete in stride.
The rest of the night Tumka and I spent talking about the upcoming raid. And I also discussed my desire to make a journey north once more. During the Games of Love War I heard discussion about a fair that the dwellers partake in. I figure if nothing else, it will give me an opportunity to trade for things not often come across in the plains.
Eventually the conversation turned towards the topic of my niece and the stunt she pulled tonight. Tumka expressed his understanding that Seveya doesn't see him in any sort of romantic light. And to be frank, I'm not even sure the woman likes him period! But I can see that he admires her. He sees qualities in her that he knows will shape her into a fine woman for a man. We talked for several ahns about matters of the heart, he and I. And when it was all over and done with, I don't think he had any clearer and understanding of how to proceed than those few ahns ago. I couldn't help but laugh and slap him on the shoulder as he sat there by my fire stumped.
Love, relationships, emotions; none of these things have a clear path that the best of hunters can find. These are mysteries that no light can penetrate. We all, each and every one of us, must stumble in the dark and hope that those we bump into in the darkness do not hold a quiva to pierce our hearts or backs.
She tried everything she could to irritate me. I think for the sole purpose of revenge. She sulked. She pouted. She didn't speak beyond what was required to answer any question directed her way. And she also refused to eat with us. Of course, it didn't take me long to figure out why she was refusing to eat with us.
Two large bowls, steaming with a meaty stew, were given to myself and Tumka. The meal smelled quite pleasant. And we both dug in like men. It wasn't until I was into my second or third, and I think Tumka was already on his fifth, spoonful of the stew that we realized why my niece had refrained from partking. There was enough pepper in that stew to choke a kaiila!
To his credit, Tumka forced himself through the meal. He wouldn't refuse her food. His face looked like it was about to burst at any second, though. As he continued to eat, I think Seveya realized the severity of what she'd done. I could see it on her face, although she was fighting to hide it. She felt guilty. More then likely it was only a small measure. But she brought the sweating man a bowl of milk to help counteract some of that spice. All in all, he took the attack on his pallete in stride.
The rest of the night Tumka and I spent talking about the upcoming raid. And I also discussed my desire to make a journey north once more. During the Games of Love War I heard discussion about a fair that the dwellers partake in. I figure if nothing else, it will give me an opportunity to trade for things not often come across in the plains.
Eventually the conversation turned towards the topic of my niece and the stunt she pulled tonight. Tumka expressed his understanding that Seveya doesn't see him in any sort of romantic light. And to be frank, I'm not even sure the woman likes him period! But I can see that he admires her. He sees qualities in her that he knows will shape her into a fine woman for a man. We talked for several ahns about matters of the heart, he and I. And when it was all over and done with, I don't think he had any clearer and understanding of how to proceed than those few ahns ago. I couldn't help but laugh and slap him on the shoulder as he sat there by my fire stumped.
Love, relationships, emotions; none of these things have a clear path that the best of hunters can find. These are mysteries that no light can penetrate. We all, each and every one of us, must stumble in the dark and hope that those we bump into in the darkness do not hold a quiva to pierce our hearts or backs.
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