The EastFestival (Fog V)

“I remember”

Yust was slightly annoyed. His mama kept calling him Yusti and kept reminding him of things he had already done. She seemed agitated and distracted. He hadn’t remembered that he was supposed to recite a story during his announcement. He wasn’t sure how he had forgotten that important bit. He decided to tell the story of the Bear Star since it was his favorite and the only one he remembered from childhood.

EastFest was the most important of the four festivals, though not always the largest, that was CelFest, though ThanksFest sometimes rivaled it. By tradition, only a few from each village were expected to attend the festivals, but EastFest was when ouriens and weddings were announced so many came to hear. It was also the festival where traditions were discussed and decisions for the new year made. This EastFest, since Bran’s wedding and Yust’s decision were being announced, their entire families and their friends were coming also. One other wedding, that of an older 20 sol woman named Del, was being announced. A 22 sol man from FoxHome was to move to the village after CelFest to be her spouse. They were older than usual. Yust wasn’t sure why it took her so long to find a mate, perhaps it was because she was tiny and weak. The man from Foxhome, whose name he had not learned yet, had been wed for two years, but Yust was told his spouse died in childbirth. The child, a girl, was to stay with the care in Foxhome, he would move to Ravenhome with his new spouse.

Preparations for EastFest seemed more frantic than usual. They had arrived back from Heronhaven just two days before which didn’t leave much time to gather and prepare the food, gifts and discuss the ceremonies. They also had to make their headdresses. Those usually took over a quartermoon or two to complete. Each person was to make their own, though Yust and Bran’s mamas started theirs and their papas for them.

Their visit to Heronhaven had been fruitful. Bran was able to see his new announced spouse, decisions about helping with the hairy men and Yust’s likely move to replace the memory of Heronhaven were made, though the final decisions couldn’t be made till the EastFest assemblies. Importantly for Yust, he spent some time with the care Ry. He was impressed at how calm and peaceful he seemed. He bested even Yust in his knowledge of the local plants and herbs. As they were taking a walk through the forest, they made a little competition of naming what they saw and something they knew about it. Ry won the competition. They both knew every plant they saw, but Ry knew far more about the plant itself. It was impressive considering he was only 18 sols. Ry was a little feminine in his mannerisms at times, but that endeared Yust more than anything. After their long walk and resting on a log, Ry had said he hoped that Yust did in fact become the new memory and his companion. He gently touched his arm. Yust had the urge to kiss him, but thought better of it.