Chapter Twenty-One

Atohmma did not realize, that since she wanted the use of wings during daytime for the monsoon, that she and the other natives also had continuous use of their wings as required. It was only a thought away for her and demand for them. Although she had full control of her wings, she was unaware that she had control over everyone else's as well. She was exhausted after her assignment. She went home to rest for a while. The old lady left her a note on her kitchen counter saying that she went to check on her cave and to do some work in the village, but that she will return. She left some breakfast which she had prepared for Atohmma before leaving. Atohmma dropped herself on her bed too tired to eat and replayed her task with the mystical bowl and the mountain in her mind, she tried to make sense of it all. She knew for certain now, that they had use of their wings in daylight, but she didn't have a hint about her part-to-play in it all being possible. She wondered if it was a matter of desire or just a wish coming through. Somehow she felt it was like an allowance when in dire need or difficulty. Atohmma couldn't quite figure out the reason she had to be the one to place the bowl on the rock. Anyone could have done that, but she knew she was the interim go-to person in the village among the natives, so she didn't see it having any mysterious significance. She looked at her journal and decided to make a quick entry, she wanted this experience to be recorded as fresh and with much detail as it happened. So she grabbed her pen and began writing. She even drew the bowl. It was her habit to illustrate. She drew herself like a butterfly, so she could get as much definition of the larger-sized wings she knew she had, but didn't quite see. After writing it down, she closed the book and fell asleep with it on her chest.

After some hours had passed, Atohmma was awakened by her memory of the message from the guard, that a wolf was seen in the mountains. She jumped off her bed and ran outside to see the moon. It was already dark out and she couldn't believe she'd slept that long. She observed it was a full moon. She asked around nervously if anyone saw the moon last night, but no one did. She had no choice. Atohmma had to get organized for the Wolf Festival. Although she was uncertain about the time, she sent word to the elders of the village, that they needed to see her right away. The Wolf Festival was held to commemorate the wolves and their peace treaty with the natives. It was a ritual carried out by the native elders and not many spectators were necessary, but the villagers usually participated. This time, because of uncertainty and very little time to prepare, Atohmma had to get it done quickly and without much planning.

Some of the elders went to her at once upon receiving her message. She asked if they knew what moon was out for the past few nights. One mentioned seeing a full moon last night but didn't pay it much mind. When told this, Atohmma indicated hastily, "we don't have much time or any to waste. We should get this ritual done tonight at midnight. It is the only precaution we can take and no moon will appear soon." Another elder said, " do we have everything we need? What about the Shaman? Wasn't he aware of this moon? "I don't know, maybe he is waiting for our invitation or maybe he is also unaware. One of the guards saw a wolf in the mountains," replied Atohmma. The elders looked at each other with apprehension. "Okay, midnight it is, we all know what we have to do, and let us go gather what we need." said another elder. "I will send word to the Shaman," said Atohmma. She whistles one of the guards and sent him to notify the Shaman. She went ahead to get help from a few other villagers nearby to prepare the fire and place the drums in position. She asked Venomma to get the drummers and the other elders left to gather the ritual materials. This was a sacred ceremony for all natives from every village, but it was done in their village because of the chosen one, who had no clue that her name was Atohmma.

The drums sounded, it was midnight. The elders prepared well in the few hours they had, and the shaman was present. He came by knowing that this was impromptu but he couldn't make the call. He had faith in Atohmma. He notified the Diamond-Back oracle Cobra and they both attended but, the Cobra was not a participant in the ritual. He kept himself at a distance. The chanting and dancing began. The elders had ritual dances and songs. The necessary materials were in place. Slowly, one by one, in twos and threes, other villagers received word and came a bit after midnight but they were there as they were accustomed. They sat and listened to the ceremony that went well into the early morning. It was good that Atohmma had taken some rest the previous afternoon. She didn't see the old lady, so she believed she must have returned to her cave after checking on it. Representatives from each adjacent village attended, the Wolf Festival was a success. The wolves could have been heard howling in the distance and by the sound of it, there were many and not just one as seen by the guard.

Atohmma was relieved that she actually pulled this off ad hoc, but she was also concerned mainly, that she almost didn't. She almost missed the full moon and she was very worried. Despite this, she managed to be in good spirits with the ceremony and the mood of it.