People of the Lightning(52)
“Grandmother promises me that will come later—if I can keep standing long enough to be married.”
“Well, at least that means you’ll get to lie down.”
Pondwader leaned sideways to whisper, “I hope so. Grandmother suggested I may not, and it’s been worrying me ever since.”
“Huh?”
His blue hem whipped and crackled in a sudden gust of wind, and he gripped Kelp’s shoulders more tightly to steady himself. “Never mind,” he said. “I didn’t understand it myself.”
“You might not be lying down?” Possibilities wandered through her mind, and she blushed. “I’m glad you’re the one getting married and not me, Pondwader. I’d faint.”
For the first time in days, he laughed. A hearty laugh that came from his belly. It made Kelp laugh, too. They stood there, in front of everyone, holding each other and guffawing, though neither of them had the slightest idea what was so funny. But it felt good to laugh. Only when Moonsnail lifted a condemning brow did they stifle their amusement. Pondwader, however, kept breaking out in mirth intermittently, as though he had held it as long as he could.
Moonsnail hobbled forward and looked him in the eyes. “Quit that. People will think you’re an idiot.”
“I’m sorry, Grandmother,” Pondwader said and attempted to look serious. “I know you’d just as soon Seedpod didn’t find out until after I’m related to him.”
Moonsnail pretended to be straightening Pondwader’s hood as she whispered furiously, “Now, listen to me, Pondwader, this is a very solemn event, you are supposed to behave in a way befitting your station in life.”
Pondwader blinked solemnly and nodded, like a good, obedient grandson should, but he pinched Kelp’s shoulder and she almost choked swallowing her giggle. In a sober voice, Pondwader said, “I promise to conduct myself as you would wish, Grandmother.”
“Good,” Moonsnail whispered. “Now stand tall. Musselwhite is coming.”
“She is?” Kelp asked breathlessly and craned her neck.
Pondwader sobered truly this time.
Seedpod led the way, emerging from the trees in the rear of the village with a folded blanket under his arm, his white head held high. He walked forward slowly. Musselwhite followed. She wore a cream-colored tunic with yellow splotches sprinkled irregularly over the fabric. It required careful work. Live sandstars had to be pressed against the fabric and left there long enough to leave their bright amber stain. It took one sandstar for every patch of yellow. Someone very patient had dyed that tunic. A polished sea urchin-spine necklace encircled Musselwhite’s throat. She had plaited her silver-streaked black hair into one long braid which lay over her right shoulder. As she approached, and met Pondwader’s awed gaze, the lines around her eyes crinkled as she smiled.
Seedpod took his position alongside Moonsnail, and they turned in unison to face the crowd. A loud cheer went up, and ten-and-two warriors broke into a round dance, Singing the Warrior’s Song in honor of Musselwhite.
Wrath has finished it,
Wrath has finished it,
All our enemies are dead!
They lie in pools of blood, like gutted mice.
Wrath has finished it!
Musselwhite walked up to Kelp and quietly asked, “Are you holding him up? It looks like it.”
“Yes, I am. Your turn.”
As Kelp stepped out from under Pondwader’s arm, Musselwhite slipped beneath it and pulled his hand snugly over her shoulders.
Pondwader whispered, “I promise you won’t have to hold me up my entire life.”
“And I promise,” Musselwhite whispered back, “that I will hold you up for as long as you need me to.”
Deep emotion shone in Pondwader’s eyes, and his pale fingers squeezed Musselwhite’s shoulder. She slipped her arm around his waist, and hugged him.
Kelp stood beside Musselwhite and silently prayed the ritual would begin soon. Polished Shells and Dark Rain had lined up beside Pondwader; both were scowling, muttering insults to each other. Kelp caught only a few words, shameless slut, and … you are jealous, my ugly sister … as the members of Heartwood Clan formed a semicircle around them.
Seedpod raised a hand for silence and the crowd hushed. “I have come to your fine village, my friends, to witness the marriage between the greatest warrior in history, Musselwhite of the Windy Cove Clan, and Heartwood Clan’s White Lightning Boy.” He turned and gestured to Musselwhite and Pondwader, and the crowd went wild, hooting and clapping, stamping their feet. Children raced around in circles, shrieking their joy.
Over the din, Moonsnail shouted, “I beg the blessings of Sun Mother on this union . May it bring us all security and happiness!”