Religion

3 | visitors

KIWA POV

"I'm full, thank you." I say, raising my hands in defeat as Pania tries to feed me another bite. I fall back onto the floor mat, staring up at the wooden rafters and drying herbs. 

She sighs before offering it to Tui, who accepts it while looking equally stuffed. 

"How was your first ritual?" 

"Uhh good... I mean bad! I got too sore and had to leave early." I watch as Pania looks over her sister with a bothered expression. 

"She'll do better next time, there's many more new moons to serve." I say, attempting to move the spotlight to a safer subject, "How have you been Pans?"

"I've been so busy going to meetings on behalf of Tuhaka. Everyone wants my opinion now, or to invite me to their ceremonies. It's so obvious when people are sucking up to me just to get in our good graces." Pania tuts while fanning herself with her fingers, "It's exhausting!" 

"Especially while pregnant, I can't even imagine." 

"Oh, you can't possibly." she says with a smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes.

Tui obviously senses the tension in this small space because she sends me an apologetic glance before getting up quietly, "I'm going outside." 

"Don't go far. Kiwa will take you back to the Long House after this." Pania chides. I can't help but frown at the fact she is so ready to get rid of us. 

Tui mumbles her acknowledgement before leaving. As she opens the door we hear nearby voices conversing in the front yard. I only recognise two voices amongst them, belonging to Tuhaka and my mother's brother, uncle Whio. 

Pania hoists herself up quickly and peers out of the window, "Guests?! It's the tribal council, I wonder what they want. You should go." 

I nod and stand, ready for this to be over too. It's becoming clear that we are no longer close like we used to be. Before I can go, a group of elders enter with Tuhaka. Despite their humble appearance and small stature, I can feel the mana (prestige) roll of them in waves. Pania immediately rushes to them and shortly bows before offering them tea. They quickly greet her before taking a seat around the large table in the center of the room. 

I lower my gaze in respect before my eyes can connect with any of them. I even hold my breath in hope that it helps me sneak out undetected, get Tui, and head back. 

"Moana-nui-a-kiwa, is that you?" 

━━━━━━━━━

My eyes dart up suddenly, "U-Uncle Whio, hello. How are you?" 

My dear old kin leans on his walking stick and hobbles to join me at the fire place. I take his hand as he nears and return his warm energy with a smile. We lean down and touch noses in hongi (greeting), sharing a breath in recognition of each other. 

"I'm well, my niece. I have been worried about you. No one has seen you lately."

"You're always worrying, I'm well, just busy is all. I promise. What brings you here?" 

He hesitates for a second before patting my cheek, noticing my attempt to change the subject. "I'm glad you're here, more sightings were reported last night " he says, beaconing me to follow to the table.

"Oh no, Uncle I don't think-"

"You may not be of Hineteiwaiwa's womb, but you hold her wisdom. Come, we are deciding a plan of action." he says quietly, before taking a seat at the table.