Celebration Timeout

JP with Islana and Gonyaul:

Gonyaul felt like he had braided the hair of most, if not all of those interested in the entire tribe. Near the end he had taught some of the older women how to do a simple vauxian braid and was more overseeing their styling to give himself a break. The climax was some sat him down and wove small bones and trinkets into his hair; him redoing his existing braid while they helped insert them in properly. It was all in good fun for everyone.

Gonyaul then got whisked away by some of the kids and brought into the dancing circle around the camp fire. It took him a moment to see what they were doing to the beat; however, in just a short while he looked like a pro ashen hoof dancing. He was laughing and shouting along with the rest of them as his body moved to the sounds of celebration. He had not had a sip of liquid spirits, Gonyaul never touched alcohol. He was just high on life!

Unfortunately the bandages on his back showed a subtle red claw mark seeping through. All the excitement was causing it to bleed a little and he was too wrapped up in the moment to mind it.

*Erewhon* The one word the old woman said stuck in Islana's mind. She had no idea what the word meant but the redhead knew it was important.

That was it, though, there was no way to truly understand more from the other woman and the young woman was sure the older woman probably didn't understand her.

Eventually, the older woman pointed at her tent, laid a hand flat and put her head sideways on it. Islana did understand that, her kindred spirit wanted to go to bed.

Islana helped the woman to her tent then looked around at her friends. Everyone seemed in their element, everyone but her. She thought about going back to their own camp but it would be rude to their hosts, and Islana didn't want that.

She was going to just find a spot by the fire to sit, maybe by Alexis, but as she was looking around, the site of Gonyaul dancing caught her eye. Or more the red coming through the man's bandage.

She made her way over and waved at Gonyaul, and motioned for him to come to her. Once Gonyaul was near , the young woman spoke.

"You need to stop dancing, your back is bleeding. "

Gonyaul bowed to those dancing with him to excuse himself and greeted Islana with a smile. His hair had the ornaments of the natives. He obviously was having no trouble socializing with them.

Her advice brought it to the front of his mind. Yes, she was right. Nicolaus wasn’t going to be thrilled by his antics. He nodded.

“You correct, thank you.” His demeanor softened and relaxed as he conceded to start taking it slow and easy.

He turned to look back at the celebration focal point. “It’s fun. You try it yet?” He would have asked her to dance with him but he just got benched.

The bleeding didn't seem too bad but it was better he stopped.

She was about to ask if he needed Nicholaus when he asked her about the dancing.

"No," she shook her head. "I'm a little overwhelmed by all of this."

It was just the truth and, she figured, maybe understandable to those that knew her well.

"Do you need me to get Nicholaus?"

Gonyaul empathized with her response. Everyone had their own timing when it came to things.

Gonyaul assess how his back felt. It didn’t feel like any stitch had broken and reopened the wound. He shook his head, “No need right now, fine till later.”

He gestured if she wanted to sit off to the side of all the commotion. A reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the celebration.

“Care sit with me?

She nodded to his response about Nicholaus and left it alone.

Islana noticed his gesture, sitting with him off to the side sounded like a good idea.

"Yes," She responded.

The young woman walked with Gonyaul, a little off to the side and then sat down next to him.

They took a seat on a carpet size Luger fur. Just being slightly off to the side created a less overwhelming environment from the people and noise.

Gonyaul could tell her battery was depleted from the event and perhaps from her conversation with the old lady he noticed she was talking to earlier. He wanted to cheer her up.

Gonyaul politely offered, “I do many hairs tonight. You think you like me do your hair too? Promise no bones.” He politely smiled pointing to his catlike hairstyle with ashen hoof decorations woven in.

Islana was depleted and filled with questions that she might never know the answer to.

The young woman had been so caught up trying to communicate with the older woman that she hadn't really noticed anyone noticing them.

"You did those hair styles? I saw a few." She smiled at the comment about the bones. "I'd like that."

“Yes” he affirmed.

Gonyaul nodded and moved around behind her. She could remain seated and relaxed. He would be on his knees to be high enough to work.

“Any requests? Up? Down?”

As he waited for her response his strong dexterous hands began preparing her red hair. His imagination pictures that he was reaching into fire. He began to massage her scalp while simultaneously detangling her tresses.