Religion

2 | water memory

KIWA POV

She points to the dark clouds of the sky, then inland at the mountain ranges, and finally to the sea behind her... A shadow slowly covers us from above and I scream into the stomach of Hineteiwaiwa as it crashes down-

"Wake up!" I jolt awake to the feeling of someone shaking me, scanning to find open a tired-looking Tui sitting beside me, kawakawa leaves in a carved bowl to her side. "Wake up, Kiwa. We missed breakfast and I'm hungry."

I'm quick to spring up but quickly regret it, feeling a sudden headache rush to the front of my eyes. Looking across the long house, I see only empty beds with nothing but streams of sun occupying them. "The men came around with fish and sweet potato earlier, but I was too scared to go out there without you." she shrugs shyly.

How did we end up sleeping in so late? Last nights events slowly recollect, and the crazy dreams that followed...  a dark reality settles in as I offer an unsure smile to Tui. 

I stand despite my aching body, "Hey, you know what? I dropped off some birds to your sister the other day for plucking. I always crave chicken during my bleed, are you the same?" Her eyes almost pop out of her head in excitement, as she stands to make a hasty exit in search of food. 

We washed again in the river, and I showed her how to make and position protective pads from kohukohu moss. Satisfied with my lesson on womanhood, Tui walked confidently ahead me towards Pania's house. "Not a peep about what happened last night, okay? Especially not to your sister." I reminded her.

"Yes ma'am." she chides, "Besides, she would probably snitch to Tuhaka anyways."

I stiften in response to his name. Oh gods... I didn't even think about Tuhaka being at the house. Memories flood in and slow my stride but barely enough for Tui to notice. Thing's have been strange since Pania married Tuhaka. She's been distant ever since their engagement ceremony; always coming up with excuses related to his chiefly title and duties. At first I thought it was a phase, some time where we were meant to be apart,  but she's getting more and more distant. Different. And I bet it has something to do with that jerk face Tuhaka. 

Before too long Tui and I reach the valley way that leads to the main village. We help each other across a small creek and carry on in comfortable silence. Closer to town, the bird call softens in comparison to the sound of people. We pass women weaving in circles and farmers transporting crops and root vegetables. One particular farmer recognises Tui, and hands her a wrapped parcel meant for the household of Tuhaka. She accepts it gratefully and I help her carry it into the centre of town. 

Before too long we reach a fleet of waka taua (long war canoes) anchored along the ocean shores. These are ready and waiting for our warriors to use, and for our people to escape in. We make a bee line for the canoes, where both Tui and I run our hands along the ornate carvings on our way to her house. 

Pania and I used to spend hours sunbathing in the hulls of these waka, spying from a safe distance on the old people who were trying to find us for chores. Hours upon hours spent in our own little world. I used to think our friendship would rival that of our husbands but within the span of five new moons she has proven me wrong. She's now the wife of one of the strongest chiefs along the east coast and every bit the image of a protective chieftanness. She chases women away from Tuhaka like her status depends on it, me included.

Pania has mellowed out a bit now that her pregnancy has secured her title, but I still walk on eggshells when he's around. As we get ever closer to the house, I can't help but draw a comparison between those eggshells and the shoreline. Uneven, rocky paths lead up to a small offshoot of houses that belong to a select few. None of which Pania ever cared for before her marriage. I must have sighed loud enough for Tui to notice, as she turns to grab my hand and pull me forward. I will try to be there for Pania, even after everything that's happened; but if it doesn't work out at least I have a new friend in little sis.