Headstrong

[Anjali Raskor]

Two Weeks Later.

The Undead Fires' new home was coming together well, including the nearby cave network the clan's shaman Megaera had found. The Clan would be safe and able to accommodate growth whether through a few more survivors or through new generations. Anjali had been busy as everybody else, for she didn't believe in not being involved as a leader. She had helped train promising sisters in Beast Mastery, as well as taking care of other tasks that required her direct attention. She was getting the hang on this whole leadership thing, and she felt it was her rightful place, between how fate had brought her to this place, and the hard work she was putting in. She wasn't the kind of woman to do half-ass anything. Either she did things the best she could, or she didn't bother. It may be a double-edged sword, but so be it.

Riding Raja, her female Rancor, she had been roaming the south borders of the clan lands. Not that there was really other clan to come in conflict with them, but they had loosely chosen natural landmarks to define the Undead Fires territory, in the case of the South border, a large crevasse that was a direct result of the cataclysm. Anjali often felt pulled towards this place and couldn't truly explain why. She trusted her intuition though, and patrolled there every once in a while.

For now, she felt a ripple at the edge of her perceptions, which brought a smile to her face. The hunting expedition led by Sister Cearia Tserta was returning to the settlement. She led Raja back home, curious to see how the hunting had gone, and eager to hear Cearia's report and findings.

Once she had returned Raja to the Rancor's enclosure, she took the proper time to take care of her before scampering off though. She respected her Rancor and she knew that skipping on such things would be a blasphemy to the majestic beast, and all Beast Wardens who had come before her.

After she was done, she turned to her feet and Iss-Ka who had been very quiet, was now hissing impatiently at her from the edge of the enclosure. Anjali chuckled at the sight of her Voritor lizard, who seemed quite impatient to get going, as if she knew what was on the Clan Mother's mind.

Cleaning her hands after dusting herself off, the brunette clicked her tongue to Iss-Ka, who fell in stride, as they made their way towards the hunting party's location across the settlement.

[Cearia Tserta]

Cearia had chosen the two best trackers among the Nightsisters to accompany her on this two week hunting expedition. She also brought three Nightbrothers that Enjo thought could best herd any of the verne that they came across so that she and the trackers could focus on finding as many of the animals as possible. After speaking to members of the clan that had spot tracks, droppings and possible sightings, Cearia had plotted potential areas of focus. All of her planning had blessed the group with success, even if the first week was disastrous. They only found small mammals to supplement their supplies so they wouldn't go hungry as every lead began to dry up. They had avoided the larger predators by keeping to the trees and underbrush.

Until midway through the second week, their patience was rewarded. Clomping through the savanna were a group of five verne, which were successfully incapacitated with the use blow darts, the tip laced with a strong sedative. As the verne slept, she quickly returned to collect her brothers as the other hunters made haste to tie the down. Once the group was fully awake to travel, they immediately started back home. There wasn't enough time to look for another grouping of verne, but there were other opportunities to please the Clan Mother along the way that she had requested. And a little extra.

The Nightbrothers did their part well with keeping the herd contained. They did not lose any of the six captured. She just hoped that Enjo had an enclosure strong enough to keep these beasts contained and with luck, able to breed more as they had one male to five females.

She inhaled deeply, pleased as how they returned and unaware that the Clan Mother was on her way.

"Go ahead and make sure the clan prepares for our arrival. Enjo especially," she ordered one of her hunters, who quickly nodded and sprinted towards the camp.

She clicked her tongue, assisting in herding the verne towards their new home and had to nudge one of them away with a playful shove against it's wet nose. "I've told you many times, no. What's in the pack is not for you. It's for our leader."

It huffed and stomped off as Cearia adjusted the pack slung across her shoulder, hearing distant commotion that had to be related to their return.

[Anjali Raskor]

When Anjali finally left the Rancor enclave, she heard commotion and people getting excited. She saw that as the confirmation of the ripple she had sensed, indicating Cearia's return with her group. Given the joy she could feel from the clan, she believed the hunt had been successful, which would be a blessing, especially if there were possibilities for breeding, as to have livestock on hand, besides continuing hunts. She was soon directly updated about the success and she was very proud and satisfied. It was great news, and the Clan could use such things. Surviving was one thing; but her goal was for the Undead Fires to thrive.

Iss-Ka tried to scamper off ahead of her; but the Clan Mother's sharp command kept the Voritor from misbehaving. Her reptilian companion would get her share; but not now. Moving through the gathered people close to the verne enclave, she took in the sight of the hunt's result. Her instinct had been correct about the Night sister she had appointed to lead this expedition.

Piercing eyes looked for said Night Sister, and it didn't take long to find her. Walking towards the other brunette, the Clan Mother, still quite dusty from her recent patrol, came to stand before the huntress. Iss-Ka was relentlessly sniffing at the vernes but dared not move from her mistress's side.

"Welcome back. I see you are successful, Sister Cearia," she said with a proud smile.

[Cearia Tserta]

She smiled tightly and respectfully at any congratulations received. Cearia was relieved that the expedition was successful and no lives were lost. Both were crucial to the survival of this clan. And if not for the information gathered from its members, Cearia wouldn't have had any leads that brought this bounty back home.

The arrival of Iss-Ka quickly brought the hunter back to the present. She knew the Clan Mother would have complete control over the lizard, but the hunter couldn't help feel a rush of anxiety that made her heart race wondering if any of it would slip, allowing the voritor to consume all of their hard work.

She bowed, keeping those thoughts to herself. "We were. The gods were with us."

Carefully, she removed the strap up and over her head and loosened the pack. "They wanted the dead to be honored."

Cearia carefully pulled out a veeka by the legs in offering. The sacred bird was a smaller male, but its prized red feathers were bright and plentiful. "I found it yesterday. A fresh offering for our dead. I left it untouched so you may prepare it as is your right and duty."

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali caught a brief glance Cearia gave to Iss-Ka. She could understand that a hunter would be wary of the massive lizard; but Iss-Ka stayed put. Before becoming Clan Mother, the night sister had been a most promising and skilled beast warden, and it had definitely helped with both her Voritor hothead and the Rancors they had found right after the cataclysm.

The Clan Mother was very pleased with what the hunting party had brought back. It was definitely a good hunt. "I am glad to hear that. The Clan will make best use of your game. I am grateful the gods blessed your travels."

She watched with increased curiosity as Tserta opened the pack she had been carrying personally. She accepted it when the hunter handed the bird to her. Her smile widened and she bowed her head, seeing this as a good omen. Even a small male veeka remained a special and worthy tribute to the higher powers.

"Thank you very much, Sister Cearia. I will prepare the offering to the gods and offer it tonight."

She felt drawn to involved the hunter, due to the impressive work she had done leading the hunting party. "It would be appropriate for you to be present during the ceremony; before we all celebrate your return."

[Cearia Tserta]

"I ..." the hunter began, but Cearia quickly quieted her concerns about the ceremony.

She knew her place and it was not with mysticism and ritual to the gods. Of course she honored the ceremonies that she was allowed to witness, but this was unexpected and felt odd to her. She internally waged a heated debate inside her soul of how she was raised to what her new life in the Undead Fires meant. It would also be highly insulting to her Clan Mother to refuse.

"Thank you for the invitation. I accept. But we don't have to celebrate my return. Seeing our people happy and have hope in their eyes is enough for me." Cearia felt it was a compromise for the turmoil she felt.

She reached into her belt pouch and held her fist out to Anjali. Slowly her fingers curled open to reveal a bright blue stone that was translucent with small streaks of white passing through it like mist. "I found this on the way home. Made from the cataclysm no doubt. Something beautiful to come from the destruction. Like our new home here. I wanted you to have it."

[Anjali Raskor]

While Anjali was no shaman, she nevertheless practice regular offerings, and as Clan Mother was all the more inclined to do as such, besides her personal practice. Her growing friendship with Megaera had also anchored the night sister deeper into her beliefs, along with the loss of her younger sisters, more prone to mysticism that her own nature and tangible affinities. She waited for the huntress to offer her answer, hoping she would say yes. It seemed only appropriate that having providing this difficult to acquire offering in their times, she would be present.

"Meet me at sunset by the promontory west of the the settlement then. As for celebrating you all, I believe the clan at large sees differently than you."

Given the clamor and the great rejoicing that clan members had been experiencing since word of the hunting party's return had made it clear that they wished to celebrate. Given the dire situation they had all been through, Anjali saw no reason to deny them their want of celebration.

When the huntress held her fist out to her and revealed a beautiful stone, Anjali was taken by surprise. It was beautiful and Cearia's gesture was unexpected but more touching than the Clan Mother may be willing to admit publicly. She stared in awe at the cataclysm-polished stone and took it in her hand, looking at it in greater detail.

"Thank you, Sister Cearia. This is a beautiful. I will find a right use for this testimony for what came out of our ordeals."

She briefly wrapped her hand around the huntress's wrist, and gave it a squeeze, with a slight nod of her head, her smile warm and grateful.

[Cearia Tserta]

Cearia scanned the crowd as the verne paraded through towards the enclosure was on the far side of the settlement. Eager hands tried to reach out to touch the animals with bright smiles and eyes wide with happiness. The hunter still felt that a celebration for what she wanted to do, which was to help aid her new clan, was unnecessary. Her brothers and sisters chanting and cheered praises for the group and to the gods. For now those hands remained away from Cearia, as she was in conversation with the Clan Mother and it would be rude to interrupt.

"I'll just make myself scarce until sunset," she said calmly. "They can enjoy the good fortune."

Anjali's reaction to her gift was exactly what she wanted and that elicited a smile. "I'm glad. It was one of those moments that felt ... important. And I had to bring that stone to you. I'm looking forward to how you present it."

She smiled wider, feeling honored that her leader shared this moment with her, delighted that the time away could bring joy.

[Anjali Raskor]

The way the huntress seemed more inclined towards avoiding the festivities and being directly celebrated reminded Anjali of how she had felt when first negotiating her appointment as Clan Mother. She had been used to hold power but in a much lesser capacity. She had eventually embraced her position and knew that it was where she belonged, with the gods' blessings. She nodded to the huntress's comment, knowing they would meet at sunset.

She couldn't help smiling, her eyes joyful but slightly pensive, at Cearia's words about the stone. She would pray for what to do best about it, but already had a few ideas. Time would tell but she knew it deserved a special way to be used and exhibited on her own person. "Rest assured it will be worthy."

Letting go of the other Night Sister's hand, Anjali smiled one last time, giving the huntress a nod. She then turned on her heels and retreated to her living accomodations to prepare for the ceremony later that day.

****

Anjali had cleaned up and prayed until the final hour before sunset. She then had made a short stop to meet with the clan's shaman, valuing Megaera's guidance in spiritual matters. When time drew near, the Clan Mother carried all she would need for the offering ceremony and headed to the location she had given to Cearia.

Once there, she placed the pouch containing the vekka, as well as ritual dried flowers that looked most like the ones near her original clan. In a large and public ceremony she would probably not have used them, but this one was to be private and she had felt called to include them.

Picking a handful of earth in her, she began tracing a circle around the flat stone upon which she would offer the vekka. She stood before closing it though, waiting for the huntress to show up and step in, so the ritual may begin.

[Cearia Tserta]

Cearia waited until her Clan Mother was out of eyesight before trudging back to her hut that she shared with a couple of hunters. There were not enough dwellings to house all of their people. With gratitude towards the gods that the other hunters were not present, Cearia was able to enjoy solitude. She unpacked her belongings and took only her knife, bow and quiver with her as her mind wandered how Anjali would use the stone she found.

She allowed herself the private satisfaction of a smile at making the settlement so happy and hopeful, still hearing their shouts of glee even now. Seeing the look of pride in the Clan Mother's face was also reward but to be included in a private ceremony was a high honor. She hoped she didn't make a fool of herself since there wasn't an ounce of Shaman blood inside her body. Cearia would hate to inadvertently do, or say, something disrespectful without meaning to.

Why Cearia preferred sneaking out of her hut and off away from the commotion, just wanting to focus on honing her skills for the betterment of their people. She wouldn't be missed as the other night sisters and brothers in her company were just as important as her in finding the blessed verne.

***

Cearia returned just before sunset, pleasantly sore from the day's walk. She had stopped to wash her face at the closest stream and tied back her hair to be presentable for the Clan Mother. She slung her bow across her chest and kept out of eyesight of clan members, needing to go straight away to the agreed on area for tonight's ritual. Being late would be unacceptable.

Anjali was waiting for her at her arrival and Cearia bowed deeply. "Clan Mother. Thank you again for the honor in being here with you for these blessings to the gods."

[Anjali Raskor]

Iss-Ka was keeping guard as always, albeit several meters away from the ritual space. The Voritor rarely wandered far away from the Clan Mother. The bond forged in natural catastrophe was strong, and the beast kept watch over the Clan Mother, as much as Anjali made sure that the Voritor showed restrained behavior when need be. For the moment, Iss-Ka slithered by bushes, before eventually climbing up large tree branches, falling in an asleep state.

The Night Sister felt Cearia approach, still surprised by the ease with which she recognized the huntress's presence among others. It brought a faint smile to her lips, and she noted how her fellow Night Sister carried herself, and how she had her bow and quiver with her. She found it fascinating how certain things were so embedded in one's identity that it would feel wrong to part with them.

"Huntress, thank you for joining me. Please step forward so I may close the circle," she instructed with a small bow of her head.

She was a far cry from a shaman; but she still recalled certain basic rituals the Clan Mother from her birth group had taught her when a child. It was how she kept her faith, anchored in nature and simple. She was happy to leave the more complex rituals and deeper understanding of the higher powers to those gifted in such matters.

With reverence, she then pulled the sacred bird out of the pouch, and spread its form atop the flat stone. She then retrieved the knife from her belt, and held it above the stone. She wasn't the most eloquent speaker; but there was nevertheless genuine reverence as she spoke.

"Gods and goddesses, we thank you for your blessings in the recent hunt. We are in your debt for providing for us as we rebuild our home and replenish our strength..."

As she spoke, she began carving into the bird, ensuring its vibrant red wings remained spread out, while blood spilled as Anjali carefully opened its inside, exposing them to the wind and skies.

[Cearia Tserta]

Acknowledged, Cearia stood upright and used careful steps to walk through the opening of the unfinished circle. Immediately upon entry, Anjali closed the circle and began preparations. She watched with interest and curiosity, never seeing this ritual before, only heard of them through stories and offerings that the elders of the Red Hill Clan spoke of.

There was no way for her to know that Anjali had little practice. To her, the Clan Mother had a deft hand with the knife. Quite different than how she, a hunter, would handle it. Cearia grip would be firm, allowing her wrist to be loose for ease of motion. She wanted her options to be flexible depending on offensive or defensive needs during a hunt, or a fight.

Anjali was gentle, slow, and purposeful - completely opposite of their time together cutting and cleaning fish. As she watched further, Cearia noticed that her leader was being cautious, reverent with how she cut. Before with the burra, it was methodical and repetitive to be as swift and accurate as possible to feed their people. What she watched here was beautiful - the ritual dissection of the sacred offering, blood spreading across the stone surrounding the feathers that miraculously remained untouched.

She had no words to express how moving it was and she, a simple hunter, could witness the beauty of this moment.

[Anjali Raskor]

The ethereal real, wasn't where Anjali's natural inclinations lied; but how things had played out since the cataclysm, embodying a prophecy the Lavender Rift clan leader had told her since she was a child, had invigorated her faith. And the way the survivors had gathered under the Undead Fires banner was nothing short of a miracle. Sure, the strong survived best, and life was filled with trials to test one's mettle; but she was aware that the gods had had their hand into the events regardless. Denying it wouldn't just be blasphemy, but sheer idiocy.

She was keenly aware of Cearia's presence by her side, whispers in the wind flowing around them. She could feel the energy vibrating around them from above, from within, as she proceeded with the ceremony. She eventually put her knife aside, and retrieved the pouch with the dried mauve flowers, and she rested them under the red bird's spread wings.

"We place ourselves under your watch and guidance, now and always."

She bowed her head again.

"May we prove worthy of walking the lands and grow stronger for whatever fate awaits us with."

The Clan Mother then placed some dry small branches and leaves around the offering, close enough the fire would take when lightened.

Her hands still blooded by the offering, she looked at the huntress.

"Sister Cearia, will you light the fire?"

It was the right thing to end the ceremony with ensuring the offering was for the gods only and not for any natural predators looming in the area.

[Cearia Tserta]

An involuntary shiver coursed through her body, forcing Ceara's jaw to strain to keep teeth from chattering. It confused her because the temperature was not chilly at all tonight and then wondered if their sacrifice was gifted with the gods presence. She even repeated the words to herself, wanting to be in the moment with her leader.

Her mind quieted and watched Anjali bring kindling out. At first it was surprising to her, but if this was to honor the dead and bring blessings to their settlement, it made sense to have fire cleanse the offering and allow it to scatter by the winds. What she wasn't expecting was being the one chosen to light the fire. Her mouth fell agape and froze, eyes darting from the offering to Anjali.

"Of ... of course," she forced out and approached the stone.

She knelt down, pulled flint from her pouch and focused on this important task, not wanting to disappoint her leader. She brought the flint down and struck it against another shiny stone to produce sparks that leaped onto the dried twigs and leaves. White smoking billowed up and Cearia coaxed the tiny embers with well placed puffs of air from her mouth. The smoke increased and there was a small pop as the embers grew hotter until a tiny fire appeared.

Cearia stood up and joined Anjali as the fire quickly spread around the veeka, but it did not consume the its flesh yet. She could smell its blood filling her senses and slowly closed her eyes, hoping that gods appreciated and accepted her role in this offering tonight.

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali wasn't as surprised by Cearia's initial reaction as she might have been during their first meeting. It seemed matching with how the huntress had expressed discomfort at partaking in the celebrations earlier in the day. The Clan Mother knew that it was right for her ceremony companion to light the fire that would connect the offering to the gods even further, mingling the sacred bird with the wind and eventually the earth.

She watched Cearia light the fire, her attention upon her gestures. Her eyes went back to the spreading fire as the two Night Sisters stood side by side. Anjali felt a shiver course down her spine as she smelled blood. The current of energy was powerful at the ceremonial site, comforting her in her decision to invite Cearia to join her. It had been a strong inkling, the kind she had learned to recognize and follow over the years.

The moment the fire licked and began consuming the crimson feathers and the sacred bird's flesh, Anjali noted how the skies had darkened, sunset slowly giving way for night to take over.

[Cearia Tserta]

Cearia was fixated on the moment, watching the fire consuming the veeka. It was a beautiful display, the orange and yellow flames spreading along the well carved body and blood. The crackling of kindling thundered against her ears as the smell of burning flesh hit her nose harder than the smell of blood. Blood she was used to. Cooking she was used to. This ceremonial offering by flames was a distinct smell of wood and flesh to bring ancestral blessings.

She was used to eating what she hunted and used whatever was left for clothing and weapons. To consume a creature just for sacrifice was strange to her but it was beautiful to watch. Standing by Anjali during the ceremony and being part of it, not just a simple watchful bystander, had made the moment more intimate. Cearia was still unsure how deserving she was of this honor by the Clan Mother.

Uncertain how long they would wait, she continued to stand vigil alongside Anjali.

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali's eyes remained upon the fire until the very last spark faded out. The energy and atmosphere of the ritual was eerie, and she couldn't help wondering whether she was oblivious to some deeper meaning or hint. Time would tell. What she knew deep inside was that the gods' approval was interwoven with the huntress's presence by her side. Things had unraveled as they were meant to with the offering, and she felt a sense of rejuvenation. There was a subtle disquiet in her soul; but she kept that to herself. Even as the two women stood beneath the light of the almost full moon, the Clan Mother could still feel the tendrils of energy around and between them.

Remaining silent, Anjali eventually opened the circle again, and blurred the faint line with the rest of the ground, tracing it from memory. Brushing the dirt off her hands afterwards, she heard Iss-Ka move, but keeping her distance until commanded otherwise.

The Clan Mother looked at the huntress as she rested a hand upon her arm.

"I am glad you could be part of this ceremony, Sister Cearia."

[Cearia Tserta]

Anjali finally stirred and Cearia's attention went straight to watching how her leader tended to the area after the ceremony. Cleaning the area properly was just as important as preparations and the ceremony itself. It was similar with hunting. A hunter had to make sure they had all the equipment they needed to be successful and anticipate any issues. Then the act of the hunt itself could last hours or days depending on prey, until the butchering and cleaning of the animal to secure as much meant and materials for the clan. Ritual and hunt had many similarities even if the tasks were different.

The touch of her leader stirred Cearia to the present and immediately turned to gaze at her. While she still felt out of place, Cearia kept that to herself. Her words were still from the heart.

"I'm honored you wanted me here, Clan Mother."

[Anjali Raskor]

Survival had been at the forefront of everything Anjali had done in the past months; but she had learned to admit, at least to herself, that the huntress had caught an interest that wasn't solely in relation to the thriving of the Clan. She was by no mean shy or ashamed of having carnal wants. Other clan members had either joined as mates already or found one another, whether for a night or for life, since the Undead Fires had emerged. Yet Anjali felt it inappropriate to consider such inclinations with her current positions. It felt particularly wrong to let the thought pass through her immediately after the ceremony that had taken place.

Or maybe, it was a sign of the gods she shouldn't deny part of herself.

Regardless of what it was, Anjali would reflect on that at another time. She still had an example to set for the whole Clan, and her strength would help rule, lead, and support the survivors so they would become stronger as years went by.

She let go of the huntress's arm, and nodded. "It was the right thing to do. I am glad the gods blessed you so you could become part of the Clan."

[Cearia Tserta]

Cearia inclined her head, unaware of the conflict that Anjali felt as she was not connected to the Force like many of the settlement. She was a mere mortal with skill.

"I'm fortunate that my path found me here. As far as I know, I'm the last of my former clan. I can provide what I was, to what I am here, to keep our people's bellies full," she said with conviction. "Their hope is what matters."

Yes, she was sad that she was all that was left of her proud people from the Red Hills but she was a survivor. They all were and this settlement creating the Undead Fires Clan was a testament for that need. The gods had blessed this land and survivors to continue their way of life.