Searing 3, 122
It was just before dusk on the second day of travel for Yeva. Camp had already been secured and made, large huts formed by the careful selection and weaving of the tall grasses here. It was an intricate process, handled by the seniors scouts and Chieftain Boraba herself, but they had the recruits watch. It was important work because by selecting the correct ones, they were able to build shelter to hide them from the creatures of the ground, without giving away their position by making a void in the grasses visible from the sky.
Each hut had a covered chimney built in it from treated leathers, to hide the light of the small fires within, while allowing the heat and smoke to escape freely. There was one large hut built for the entire regiment to sleep within, a cooking hut, and a storage hut for the supplies they were traveling with. The Ci'uvan all hated sleeping indoors typically, so they had already begun making their nests around the huts, utilizing the grasses in the same way the Orkhan had. It's how the Orkhan learned to do so in the first place.
But unlike the previous day, unlike many of the days that these Ounokt Nora traveled, an additional hut was made at the request of Chieftain Boraba. It was much like the others, rounded, formed from the grass, a low fire within, mostly hot coals. But overhead, a glowing crystal for additional light was placed. Boraba herself had crafted a table with a clean slice of Wind Singer through a large rock and it was placed between two cushions, crafted from woven grasses and stuffed with the fluff of a flowering plant.
Boraba had given word for the newest recruits to join one of the scouts on a foraging and hunting expedition for tonight's meal. The remaining contingent, and guests, were mostly sharing free time, while also maintaining security of the camp. It was during this downtime that Boraba sought out Yeva, smiling genuine at the foreign lass.
She knew that Yeva was attempting to learn their language, and she had been doing a wonderful job so far. Chieftain Boraba greatly preferred when foreigners tried to join the culture rather than remain an outsider. In Ecitharese, "Yeva Bleu, would you join me, please?" It was said softly, friendly even, and spoken just a hair slower than Boraba normally spoke, to ensure there was no misunderstanding.
If Yeva agreed, Boraba would lead the way to the special made hut, parting the curtain of reeds and allowing Yeva to enter first into the warm glow. Inside, Yeva would find two steaming cups of tea made from herbs foraged around the camp. Boraba followed, gesturing to the cushions, sitting down once Yeva was comfortable.
Chieftain Boraba gestured to the tea, again, waiting on Yeva. Once drinks had been shared, Boraba spoke. "I care for each and every villager in my charge. I was a young girl when Norani was born, but I was there when she was. Those of us from Ounokt Nora are close, and it pleases me to see that Norani has extended hospitality to you." She sipped from the herbal tea, "Seeing Norani make a friend, one who makes her smile so broadly warms my heart. And it seems that your time here in Ecith has done you well. I have invited you here so that we might better know one another."
Another sip, followed by a soft smile, "And if it is pleasing to you, I would like to offer myself to your Sky Reading. Please read what you can about me, I know no better way for one such as yourself to learn about me, and I you."
She set the tea down, "Will you do me this kindness?"
