Shadows To Call

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After two months out on sea some progress began to fill their minds. Nikolai grabbed a compass and a map and looked around. They were really close to reaching Spain maybe an hour or two away. He sat down on a bar stool and tilted his head back. "We're so close." He grinned.

Roman laid on his back in only a piece of clothing covering crotch as he sunned himself. "This sucks." He grumbled. "So close but so far."

"Mika, Kitchi, it is time for both of you to receive your totems." Dakehl began and gave his daughter a soft smile. "I'm proud of you." He said gently. It had been months since her return and they couldn't push back this ceremony any longer. He had been more then disappointed with the fact she had had a child before marriage, for a clean reputation he lied to the tribe and told them she was widowed. Only Devi, Kitchi, and himself knew of the dirty lie but he was sure none of them would share it. 

Kitchi stood straight with his head low. This was probably the closest he had been to Mika in the longest time, and probably the last time.  It's not that he was holding a grudge against her, he chose to preoccupy himself with training under Dakehl. He hadn't even gotten a glimpse of her baby. He only knew it was a girl named Catori. He glanced over at the baby in the arms of Devi beside her own son and exhaled.

Mika stood beside Kitchi and nodded at her father, she had become a bit of a loner lately. She missed Roman more and more every day.

"The story of our ancestor tells us to name the spirit animal of our young once they come of age so they my be guided forth in life. This is a unique and special celebration for us all. We hope to continue this tradition in the newest additions to the tribe that I can only thank both of my daughters for." Dakehl gave them both a nod and a smile. "Dakehl, as a child you were a child of many nerves and shyness but as you grew older you became all the morning cunning and brave even when you gained such power and never let go of that peaceful aura that has taken you this far. Today, your animal  has been chosen as the bear." He said and put it around the confused Kitchi.
"Mika, my daughter, you have always been full of surprises, you may come up with the most spontaneous actions or ideas, or stay as silent and unseen in the shadows as you wish, for that, you are the clever, intelligent, independent, cat." He put it around her neck then looked at the crowd with a small smile and nodded for them to cheer.

Kitchi ran his fingers over the new totem and swallowed as his nerves began to act up. He glanced at the crowd and broke into a run away from them and into the woods where he could find some solitude.

Devi cheered for both of them then frowned as Kitchi broke off from the group and ran away. What has gotten into that boy?

Mika stared at her totem and frowned. "A cat?" She asked.

"Mika, what is it?" Dakehl responded as she frowned at her totem, and questioned it.

"I don't get it." Mika shrugged.

"I just explaine-" Dakhel cut himself off. "Just go back to your sister Mika." He said shaking his head. Since she had left it was like she was oblivious to their religion.

Mika shook her head. "No, ,I don't want to." She mumbled and walked away.

Devi watched as Mika walked off and followed her passing Catori in her arms. "I'm not her mother." She said sternly.

"All you did was hold her for a ceremony Devi." Mika growled, taking her daughter gently.

"That's good enough Mika." Devi responded, and looked at the little girl. "Do you not play on being wed?" She asked curiously.

"No, I lost my love and now I'm fine with just being alone. I don't need any more heartache." Mika said and rocked Catori.

Catori snuggled against her mother and yawned.

"You're young Mika."  Devi reminded her. "Maybe he wasn't your love." She implied gently as she swept a hand over Catori's cheek gently. "She's beautiful. Just like you."

"Oh just go away." Mika grumbled and started to walk off again.

Devi pulled her sister into a hug. "I do not tell you this often Mika but I love you."

Mika sighed and hugged her back. "I know, I love you too."

Devi kissed the top of her head a few times. She scowled as she saw a figure on shore. He wasn't familiar.

Roman dragged the little boat onto land and looked around dripping wet while panting.

Mika looked over at Roman, nearly dropping her daughter.

Devi  pushed back Mika and looked stood in a protective stance. "Mika stay back I'll handle this okay?" He reassured her and glared at the man.

Roman lifted up his hands as he approached. "I do not want to harm anyone."

"Roman why are you here?" Mika asked, ignoring her sister.

"Old friends told me to come back and speak to you." Roman admitted and eyed the child in her arms. "Mika our child."

Devi stood up with slightly narrowed eyes.

Mika scowled. "My child."

"I don't understand." Roman responded finally foot to foot with her looking down at the baby.

"You gave her up the minute you left me." Mika spat and backed away.

"Mika, I don't have to love you to love my daughter." Roman argued.