The smell of roasting boar filled the night air.

Buakaw was certain that he had never smelled something so delicious in all 19 of his winters. Boar was rare these days, and it made Buakaw a bit uneasy as he realized he'd almost forgotten what it taste like. Reinvigorated, Buakaw quickly gathered the remaining Kamia at the base of the massive Seneca tree.

It was a dull task, collecting these mushrooms. Buakaw would much rather be included in the Maizran tribal hunting party. Hunting is what men do. Hunting is dangerous and exciting. Gathering Kamia is woman's work, as far as Buakaw was concerned. He took comfort, however, in the fact that these particular mushrooms only sprout by moonlight and the forest is not safe at night. Considering this, Buakaw's pride enjoyed a nice boost and his hunger increased.

He wrapped up his Kamia and used the aroma of the roasting animal to guide him home.

The sound of children’s laughter mixed with the smells of a feast washed over Buakaw as he walked into his village. The village was alive with eager anticipation of a most wonderful and long overdue celebration. Buakaw breathed in the energy of the evening and gazed up towards the swollen moon in the night sky. The moon sat above the great fire of the village and the smoke danced with it. Things were as they should be.

“White Lotus, you’re late.” Said a fair voice with just the slightest bit of teasing. “How are we to prepare the Kamiola with no Kamia?”

As Buakaw turned to face the young woman, she slipped the pack of Kamia off of his shoulder.

“Don’t call me that,” he tenderly scolded.

“And why not? It’s your born name.”

Every time he saw her, he was taken by her natural grace and beauty. Buakaw found her to be perfect in every way. And while she knew every way in which to annoy him; calling him by his born name was one of her favorites. And while they have known each other since childhood, Buakaw found it impossible to be angry with her.

The young woman seemed content with her playful coaxing, and with her Kamia she turned to join the rest of the women prepare the meal.

She took only a few steps and Buakaw was filled with great fear.

“Ria!”

She looked back at him with confused, star-filled eyes.

In a fell swoop, Buakaw drew his knife and stabbed the Kamia slung over her shoulders.

Green fluid stained the sack where Buakaw’s dagger found its target.

As he pulled out his knife, a dead Roon spider dropped to the floor.

Originally posted 10/04/07