7th Winter, 516 AV
Early Evening
Speech
Others
Early Evening
Speech
Others
The Horserun Pavilion hadn't had much fun in the past few seasons. Winter was always going to bring fresh challenges (something they had all known subconsciously all of last season), but it was only when the oppressive, unfamiliar, worrying heat wouldn't go away that they realised exactly how difficult it might be. Still, now the mood of anxiety was spreading as pavilions observed the world around them responding to the strange weather. What with the growing, billowing clouds and the skittish nature of their livestock, the Opals that ran together with the Horserun family had discovered that enough was enough. The heavy mood needed to be lifted, and so three pavilions had all camped closer than usual, to enjoy a day of companionship, stories and song.
At first, Haena had counselled Epaiza not to take part. They could ill afford to spend time on talking and eating food they couldn't afford to spare. The herbalist had grimaced at the thought of falling behind in their tasks, of the extra work they would have to do on the morrow, if they missed their chores. But Ep had been convincing, adamant. They needed the relief, they needed the break. Finally, Haena had been talked round after her two children had begged and cajoled her, and after she realised the party would not be excessive in terms of food and drink either. Everyone was pinching together. Something about the season boded ill.
Now, Haena stood at the Heartgrass Pavilion, the biggest Opal Clan family nearby. Their tents were brightly decorated with multi-colours, their family large and sprawling. She had been on the receiving end of their kindness too. It had made her blush to have been welcomed like a sister into their home. Her stuttered protests had fallen on deaf ears and they had pushed aside her gift, a small hare carcass.
Inside was warm (a little bit too much, for her). She stood at the entrance, watching a story being told. Epaiza was somewhere on the other side of the tent, laughing raucously with a group of girlfriends, midwives from the River Flower. It made her smile to see her relaxed, the first time in a long time now that she thought of it. Lucia, Epaiza's daughter, was getting a night off too, and was playing with Haena's own children and some of the Heartgrasses in the squirreling darkness around the edges of the tents.
Haena was relaxing, half listening to the story as she braided her hair back. She had an old hair ribbon entwined in her fingers, and thoughts of her Ma made her smile again in the warmth of the tent as she finished her braid up and tied it sloppily at the end. Her gaze wandered to the people, clumped into groups, conversing and getting along. In the corner, three youths had produced a flute and a drum, and were beginning some quiet songs. Nearby, the Heartgrass' Ankal was telling an animated story of their pavilion's past. She walked closer, wondering curiously what the wisps of story actually were.
She settled herself down on the worn rug just as a sharp crackle of thunder rolled across the sky and fields outside. The air seemed stiff and still, even inside the tent, but most managed to try and forget about it. Haena leant forwards, intent on listening to the spiritedly old man discussing history long past.
