The next day started early for Tiasa and Pacu. After all, there was a lot to be done. The village was abuzz with anticipation. Even in the early hours of the morning, the preparations for tonight's bonfire and tomorrow's ceremonies were in full swing. The main logs had already been selected, the blessings carved upon them, and placed out in the shrine green. Many had already thrown their own prayerwood upon the pile as well. Tents were being raised in the village square, barrels of food and drink rolled out from the docks. Otters chittering about, following their masters, watching things for them, and even helping out in their small ways.

However Tiasa was not amidst the excitement. She watched it through the window, her mind wandering beyond the present. No, focus Tiasa, she thought, forcing her thoughts back to the nursery. Aradu was still giving his speech, his otter glaring at them but even she was beginning to doze off, her eyes half closed.

Yara, the other girl who would be having her ceremony tomorrow, was paying close attention, nodding along with Aradu's every phrase. Her otter was well groomed and trained, sitting in an almost soldierly fashion, unlike Pacu who was sprawling on his back at Tiasa's feet. Even her hair was neat, enough of it pulled into a bun behind her head to reveal her ear. She watched as Yara stifled a smile as Aradu spoke to her. Tiasa couldn't make up her mind whether she liked Yara or not, then quickly realised that her thoughts had been wandering once more. Tiasa ripped her eyes away from the girl and back onto Aradu, just in time for him to address her.

"Tiasa," the aging man began with a sigh, "You have had your troubles, but you grew up into a fine young woman." His words were warm, against her expectations. "When I first began teaching you, you could barely sit still. You always had your thoughts elsewhere, and that made it difficult for you to find companions." Tiasa felt her face flush, though Aradu did not hold a tone of reprimand.

"I was concerned about you," he paused for dramatic effect then continued, "Of course none of that has changed. Except for my concerns. I was afraid you'd end up killing three, perhaps four pups before you could take care of one long enough for him to become your partner. I am glad I was wrong." Tiasa's cheeks didn't release their redness, but she felt his words settle in her chest pleasantly. "Not only is Pacu still alive, he is happy and well cared for."

The otter, hearing his name, sat up, his fur unkempt and standing on end. Aradu squatted to inspect him, stroking Pacu's head. The otter enjoyed his touch, leaning into it and yawning widely. Her mentor spoke as he stood back up, "This is little more than a formality, but Tiasa, you are ready to become an adult. As your mentor I approve of your bond with Pacu, and believe that you will be a good sister to your younger siblings."

Aradu gave her a smile and moved on Kaua, the last of the adolescents that would be coming of age tomorrow. However Tiasa remained tense. She thought that the stiffness would fade as the moment of judgement did, but it did not. She did not quite know why.

It took a while for Tiasa to calm down, perhaps specifically because she did not know why she was agitated. Yara, Ka'ua, and her carved their individual prayers. The other two talked as they carved, and even sometimes addressed Tiasa, though even if she did respond her answers were short and fleeting. She managed to stay focused on the neatly trimmed log of darkwood. The rind was easy to cut, revealing the navy blue wood beneath. She carved what was expected of her, a successful ceremony, safe passage into adulthood, long life, and health for both her and Pacu. The concentration didn't come naturally to her, but she persevered, and eventually did find herself absorbed into the careful scratching.

She carried her log for the rest of the day, keeping it in her pouch. This was important, she knew that, so even when she let Pacu out into the sea for a swim she fought the urge to jump in after him. After all, she could not leave the log unattended, nor could she get it wet.

At lunch, Jala asked to see her work first, and she happily obliged. She glimpsed a tear in her sister's eye before she could wipe it away. Tiasa looked for words to say, though she took long, and before she could even say anything it felt like the entire village was crowding around her. They'd noticed her despite her best efforts, coming to congratulate her on her imminent coming of age, wanting to admire her prayerwood, and embracing her one after another. Though Jala remained close, Tiasa was quickly overwhelmed as the crowd did not give her any time to rest or even speak more than a few words to any of them. Not that she would know what to say, and to whom, as the platitudes melted together into noise.

Eventually she did manage to pick out a single phrase or two, such as "You have grown so much", "I can't believe how fast the time has passed" The majority of the mob were older siblings of the tribe, like Jala. Each one felt like a tree in a dense and ancient forest, the winds pushing them against her. She was sure that a few of them looped back around to talk to her a second time, just to keep the excitement going. Only after each one had come to greet her did they disperse, only to find another target to pile onto as Yara arrived at the square.

"Everyone makes such a fuss about this," Tiasa said, having completely forgotten what she had thought of before the commotion, "I'll still be the same person... right?" She didn't mean for her words to sound as uncertain as they did.

Jala smiled warmly, reassuringly, but Tiasa could see that her eyes were pensive. She remained silent for an almost uncomfortable span of time, before speaking, which was only lengthened by Tiasa's mounting anxiety. "To be entirely honest," she began "I don't really remember my own ceremony that well. It was such a blur. So much fear, excitement, all this..." she motioned vague forms in the air, "feeling inside you. It wasn't all exaggerated, it is a big moment in your life. You will change, not just your body, but your mind too. You'll have a roommate in there, and things will feel new and different, especially as your bond strengthens. But all that change, it's a good thing. It's part of growing up. You're not going to lose who you are now."

She paused, then continued. "My grandmother used to say, if everything were perfect as it came into the world, then seeds would never grow into trees. Life is change. It can be frightening, sometimes even painful, but in the end it will all turn out as intended." Jala sighed as she finished.

The two girls sat for a while, the conversation drifting from topic to topic, sometimes taking random leaps of faith. As usual, Jala spoke a good measure more than Tiasa, though both were more than happy with that arrangement.

The rest of the day seemed almost normal. There were still duties to be taken care of around the village, especially since the merchants were here. Tiasa spent the day helping out at the jewellery, threading pearls. It was not an exciting task, and far from her favourite, but it gave her something to do with her hands while her thoughts flew off into the clouds. The others did try to talk to her, sometimes crashing her back down to earth, but rarely to much avail. Pacu on the other hand was far more sociable, passing his time playing with the other young otters. It was only when the sun was deep enough her eyes strained to see the strands she held that she stopped.

The night air was cool against her skin at first, sending goosebumps down her arms as she wrapped them around herself. She breathed in deeply though, letting it flood her lungs. Janosa's cleaving was bright and clear in the skies, with not a single cloud covering it. Staring skyward, Tiasa was almost oblivious to the stream of people walking towards the village green. She didn't dream long though, as the occasional bump from passers-by made it difficult. She joined the herd, letting them guide her to the festivities.

Just as she arrived at the green, a surge of light stung her eyes as the bonfire was lit. Cheers erupted around the crowd, soon followed by the sound of drums and rattles, then long flutes and singing filling the air with merriment. She watched as many got up to dance, some partaking in a large common circle, while others clapped along on the perimeter. Tiasa found herself smiling, the rhythm was quite infectious. She didn't join in though, instead prowling across the green to where smaller fires had been built and the scent of food flooded the air. She grabbed one of the fish skewers for herself and some of the uncooked fish for Pacu, sitting down on one of the stripped logs.

She had partaken of so many of these pre-bonding celebrations, but of course, this time it was different. This time it was her turn, this was her celebration. The last night she would spend as a child.

There it was again, that unknowable pit, the cold knot right in her stomach, the feeling tugging at her lungs. She tried to push it back down, trying to quickly think of something else. No matter what she tried though, the thoughts came back to her. Was she ready? The best answer she could come up with was a resounding "maybe". Pacu butted his head against her leg, demanding attention, prompting her to throw him another fish.

Through the smoky green and dancing villagers she caught a glimpse of Quai'tlo, the merchant, sitting with his back to the bonfire. The light reached past him, catching on the faces of a good dozen children half her age. Strange, for them to sit by so silently, given the festivities, she thought. He's probably telling a story of his travels, and a good one at that. A good distraction. With her mind set, she stalked over to Quai'tlo. She didn't join the audience, remaining a good distance away though still within earshot. Nonetheless she had to concentrate to make out the words he spoke. 

"...and so, youth waited for many nights, until finally, it was came to be that the stars, river, and moon were not to be seen in the sky. He steeled himself, for the task before him would be the most dangerous yet, and this he knew well. With only his faithful lamp, he rowed to the island at the edge of the world and ventured into the jungle there. The undergrowth was dense, and it was difficult to see with the little light that he had. He wandered for a long time, but did not find what he had come for."

Quai'tlo paused, scanning the crowd of children. They were still hanging on to his every word. Satisfied, he continued. "Finally he asked his lamp, once again. 'Oh lamp, what do I do? How will I find the beast that swallowed the sky?' And again, the lamp spoke to him 'Oh little weaver, you need do very little. Just take the wind in your lungs and blow me out.' 'But won't I be in the dark with no light?' he asked the lamp, and it again responded, 'twice have you called upon me, been faithful. Trust my words and you shall do well by yourself.' And so the weaver did. With a big breath, he blew out the candle in a single huff. No sooner had he done so than he spotted a glimmer off in the depths of the jungle. Carefully he approached, and as he did, the glimmer grew into a glow. Finally he saw the beast, sitting upon the clearing surrounded by stones. It had the body of a jaguar, though covered in the scales of a caiman alight like the moon. Its teeth jutted out of its maw, and among them the youth saw the fangs of a viper. Its eyes shone with the light of distant starts, and its claws like luminous knives tore the dark like the great river of the sky. The beast roared so loud that the earth shook and the air was filled with thunder."

As he spoke, his voice rose to a roar matching the beast in his tale. The children winced back, their eyes wide. "The weaver was terrified, and quickly hid behind a rock, but the beast had sensed his presence. 'Mortal man, who haunts my forest, why are you here?' it bellowed. The weaver scrambled to light his faithful lamp once more, but answered his foe. 'I have come to slay you! I will cut open your belly and free the light of moons and stars!'

The monster laughed terribly. 'I have drunk the river of night, I have eaten the moon, and I have eaten the stars, and soon I shall eat you too!' The little weaver had finally managed to light his lamp, though he hid it in his hands. 'Oh little lamp, what do I do? ' he whispered into the flame, yet again his lamp answered him 'Oh little weaver, you need do very little. Just set me down behind this rock and stand before me, such that your shadow is cast upon that boulder over there, and taunt the beast.' Quickly, without another word, the weaver did as his light bade. His shadow was much larger than he himself, and it towered over the beast. 'Come beast, my flesh is strong as stone, your claws cannot pierce my skin,' the weaver called, 'I do not believe the tales of your greatness now that I see you.'

'Foolish boy, my claws cut all' the beast growled, 'your last breath will be filled with faith!' With that, the creature sprang, pouncing not upon the weaver, but upon his shadow. Its claws dug into the rock, catching like knives in wood. As much as the beast heaved and pulled, it could not dig its claws out of the stone, so the weaver stabbed it in the heart. He cut open its belly and the moon, stars, and river spilt forth into the sky, as did the beast's red blood. That is why when the night comes, the sky is red, as the blood that dyed it. With his final task completed, the weaver returned to the king, who brought him into his family. He kept his faithful little light, and gave it a special place in the king's castle such that it could look out and illuminate the whole land. As far as I have heard, the weaver lived happily for ever more. Some say he and his light are still well until this very day."

Quai'tlo sat back, content with the children's expressions before him. He smiled, thanked them and stood despite their cries for another story. He excused himself, saying that he needed something to drink, though it was clear he enjoyed the interest the children were showing. Tiasa could understand what her mother saw in him. She found herself grinning a little. Then, just as suddenly, she was pulled to her feet, dragged by her arm to the middle of the dance, coming face to face with a red-faced broadly grinning Ka'ua. He said something, but it was lost amidst the noise.

Tiasa felt disoriented, there was so much noise, so many people, clapping, chanting. She saw Ka'ua moving his lips, he was speaking, but she couldn't hear him.

"What?" she shouted, over the noise.

He came close and nearly bellowed into her ear such that Tiasa winced. "You looked so lonely!"

"I was fine!" she shouted back, but that did little to dissuade the boy. His face was very red, and he sounded a little strange.

"You're always so tense, Tiasa!" He yelled, once again right into her ear. "You have to learn to cut loose! Have some fun! Forget about them, just dance!" He stepped back and began dancing, and Tiasa had to stifle a laugh. She did not recall him being such a bad dancer.

"Come on!" he yelled. "Just give it a shot! Close your eyes if you need to!"

"Fine," she said, not loud enough for him to hear, closing her eyes. She began moving her hands, then her feet, and before long she felt her whole body bouncing along to the drums. He was right, this did feel pretty good.

"See?" Ka'ua called, "No one cares!"

He was wrong about this though. Whatever it was that had kept her away, she didn't think it was the gazes. Now she just let herself melt into the music.

The night dragged on for quite a few more hours. Far longer than Tiasa would usually remain awake. Pacu found a spot among other otters to get some shut-eye even with the noise. Tiasa did get tired of dancing after a good time, pushing into the perimeter and joining the audience to clap along with the beat. She had worked up quite a sweat already, and the ambient heat from the bonfire did not help much.

The smoke began to take a toll on her throat, and she stepped away to get a drink. As she quenched her thirst, noticed her grandmother arrive at the bonfire. Despite far past her prime, and a good handspan or two below average in height, she struck an imposing figure. While she walked with a cane, she rested none of her weight upon it. Her hair was pulled into a bun so tight that it seemed to stretch out her wrinkled skin to appear ten years younger.

She strode to the bonfire. She did not need to slow at all, as the villagers quickly made way for her. She stood before the fire, thrusting her cane into the earth such that it stood as straight as she did. Tiasa's mother, standing a pace back, stepped closer and handed her a masterfully carved prayer log. It had been fashioned into an effigy of some humanoid god, though Tiasa could not make out which one from where she stood. She bowed her head, and holding it in both hands, cast her log into the fire.

Tiasa had made certain her log would be safe, hiding it among the roots of an old tree on the far edge of the green. As she went to retrieve it, Pacu ran up to her. He must have somehow noticed she was moving to leave despite being fast asleep.

"Do we even need a bonding ceremony, hmm Pacu? You seem to understand me just fine as is," She said. Almost as though to mock the notion, the otter tilted his head with a look of confusion. Tiasa sighed, and grabbed her log. "Come on, we have to go burn my prayer."

Tiasa made her way over to the bonfire again. The rhythm of the drums had died down, only the flutes and singing filled the air with a certain deliberate melody. The other youths were in front of her, with Yara in front, then Ka'ua. She watched as the girl bowed her head, delicately holding her log. It was crafted into the shape of Tacoliami. That's so like her, Tiasa thought, and regretted the fact a little not to have carved her log into an effigy. Who would she have chosen anyway?

Yara threw it into the flames and stepped away, and Ka'ua moved along. He glanced back at Tiasa, and his lips curled into a smile which he quickly pushed down. He held his prayer log, which was rather plain, even more so than Tiasa's own before him, bowing his head and saying a few words. Dang, what am I going to say? Tiasa thought, why didn't I think of at SOME point before now? She set her mind, and rushed to come up with some words to say. It's not like anyone will hear them. It doesn't matter, right? She tried to calm herself. It does matter though. This is a big moment, and I'm about to squander it!

Ka'ua raised his head and threw his log into the fire, walking back out of the little corridor that had formed. It was Tiasa's turn. The pit in her stomach was deeper than ever. She was not ready for this. Nevertheless, she raised her log before herself and looked down taking a big breath.

"I..." She began, her voice catching in her throat, "I promise to take good care of Pacu. I promise that when I get more important duties, I'll focus on them better than I am now. I know that I haven't been perfect all the time, like Yara, but I will do my best. Please accept my prayers."

She sighed. What did she mean "like Yara"? Tiasa felt stupid, and like the pit inside her was going to swallow her up. At least it was over now. She raised her head, gazing into the fire. It warmed her face, the smoke biting her eyes and lungs. She threw her log in, it bounced from one half-blackened log to another, throwing forth sparks. She could still see it, though it was hard to tell if it caught fire or not. She stepped away, and like the others she was greeted by cheers and affectionate pats on the shoulder. Tiasa did not really want to be touched right then, but she wouldn't make a fuss. She was too tired. The exhaustion had come all at once, like a realisation. She pushed through the crowd, slowly, and as soon as she had pushed through they returned to dancing. She could still hear the drums as she walked back into the village, Pacu waddling in front of her.