Two Eyes Cenote calling the scarlet sands

The Fellahin, Tuna, had led Seal, @Heph, and @Raiyuk to the incomparable Muat-Riya where a great crowd mingled in the terrific hall. The young woman had never seen such a spectacle! Wolves from all walks of life were represented and many were decorated in fine feathers, furs, and makeup to embellish their natural feature. Coyotes effortlessly weaved between and doted upon the guests with food and drink, but the most tantalizing of all was a great feast that filled the room with a mouth-watering aroma.

Seal adjusted the fishercat pelt across her shoulders as she walked beside her Moon Village companions. Outgoing and social, Seal felt that she was in her element. A broad smile squeezed her cheeks so tight that they hurt! She clung near Raiyuk, but her attention was barely present. Like a finch, her eyes flitted about the room in wonder as they gazed upon beautiful faces, royal ornaments, and grand architecture.

The crowd was shepherded into the adjacent chamber. They were seated in rows. Then, the ceremony began.

The procession was only distantly familiar to Seal, who felt a kinship in their spiritual reverence. Her ears were attuned to the cleric’s chanting, eyes fixed upon the radiating figurehead at the center: Pharaoh Toula. She admired the way the woman and her pageantry captured the attention of Teekon’s denizens. This notion planted the seed in Seal’s mind that tradition and celebration were at the beating heart of any, and every, village culture.

Besides Pharaoh was the handsome Prince Rashepses. Suddenly, a mysterious gale made Seal glance toward the heavens where the stars shimmered brighter than they ever had before. Her expression became awe-struck but a little skeptical. She thought of Sedna, spirits, and the Land of Dancing Lights.

what do you be thinkin' of all dat?

The voice was like a fingersnap. Seal double blinked as Seal discovered that she sat next to another girl her age. With easy camaraderie and a bright smile, she breathed the word. “Fascinating.”