Winds of Change

Gonyaul woke the next morning very early, it was uncomfortably colder today. The sun's warming rays had not yet kissed the earth and he couldn't even hear the sounds around him due to the chattering of his teeth. He was used to a much warmer climate, and he instantly realized his mistake. His camouflaged treetop hammock allowed for air to circulate from below and he was losing too much body heat. Next time at the campsite, he was going to have to build a ground-based shelter in order to preserve more warmth for the winter season.

It was no use in staying in bed and shivering. He decided getting a move on for home would be warmer, especially if he took a brisk pace. Gonyaul retrieved the small ceramic pot with the small bit of sap, made sure his camp site was left in good order, and then set off for the colony.

He was very pleased when the sunlight began spilling over the horizon and bathing him in its glowing warmth. It would only get better as it climbed higher into the sky; however, he made up his mind to actually update his wardrobe upon his return.

To pass the time on his journey back he formulated a poem in his head. He tweaked and modified it until he felt he had something worthy of sharing with the nature within earshot. His first pass at practicing the final version was in Vauxian sign language. When he thought it was ready for ceremony, he recited it in the Vauxian tongue. In speaking aloud this way, he was empowering his words in his mind. As he saw the signs of civilization appearing off in the distance it also gave him the idea to practice using the common tongue with his poem. It went as follows:

"If winds of change could pass my way and send me circling over. I hope they do bring warm whispering songs to tease my attentive ears. And when all my soul is swaying to the gentleness they offer, I'll open wide and not ashamed breathe deep the loving air."

He hurried inside when he got back to his shack. A quick pitstop to collect himself and grab a light breakfast before heading into town.