Just Another Day

Shanku ducked her head in shame. He knows.

"That's not a bad thing," Shaman Onami said gently. He stood and exited his tipi.

"Maybe not for you, you still have your family!" Shanku called mournfully after him.

"My ancestors took the journey a long time ago and as Shaman I have taken no mate."

"So you're all alone?" Shanku peered at him from inside the tipi, her wings drawn close around her.

"Far from it. The clan is my family. I tend to them as any sire does his cubs. There is no difference to me."

Shanku's eyes narrowed. "Like I said, you still have your family," she said darkly.

"Dai cares for you the same as he does his own little one, does he not?" he asked her.

Shanku remained quiet.

"Family is not so far away," the shaman smiled kindly at her. "I must go. Many need my help in preparing for our festival."

Shanku stared pensively at the grass as he left. I guess so. Dai's been pretty nice, for an adult. He's teaching me to shoot a bow, too.

"But he married a witch! I can't trust his judgment, can I!?" Shanku exclaimed, throwing her hands up. Oh, yeah. Shanku rubbed her chin thoughtfully. I need to get back to tailing her.

Shanku yelped as Jakko suddenly came up to her and gave her a big, slobbery lick across her cheek.

"Quick, Jakko! We have a clan to save!" Shanku stated with determination and set out to find Zihna. She wandered throughout the clan. Everybody was bustling about and preparing for their upcoming festival. Costumes and decorations were being crafted. Colorful beads and feathers could be seen adorning many tipis.