The Gift The Moon Gave

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

ADORA'S POV

The first snow fall was here, and it was beautiful, far more so than those I've seen back home. The trees have already shed their leaves and the small critters scattered for shelter a while back; preparations made for the hibernating season. It had taken some getting used to, but we were in a good place. The chill that this time of the year brought had always annoyed me, but this time around felt different.  From the white that covered the land to the almost melancholy atmosphere that it brought; Christmas had now given me a new view on its significance.

Oregon was beautiful, beyond what justice; books and pictures had painted.  A beauty, I had only ever thought to dream of visiting; never having the courage to hope. Yet here I am. Over the last few years many things have changed, some for our betterment while others not some much. It's hard to believe at times that we're here, that I've made it this far and that fate had placed its touch upon me.  To say I'm happy would be an understatement.

According to Celeste these lands where they had first inhabited when they had arrived in this hemisphere, they had name it Yacchati,  but now it's known as Yacchats.   It had offered shelter, food and vantage points from their enemies.  It was the place it had all started, where the Aikyam was created, and the first alpha chosen. Such a remarkable place it once was, that it was once seen has a place of divinity, a place that offered protection and consolation for those seeking it. However, as the years passed our people had forgotten about this place and its meaning, but only for a few.

Much of our history had begun here in this place and somehow it seemed so ordinary and at the same time so special.

With the land being has vast as it is, it was divided and maintained according to our old laws. The homes here were simple, open, with nature friendly access. And from first glance it would seem to be more of a campsite if anything else, scattered across the meadow each home was safely and securely separated and grounded far enough apart allowing privacy. Majority of the homes here were cabin like structures which had remained closed. Then there were a few that seemed to have been recently occupied.  At first, I was skeptic of taking over another person's home but was then informed that the homes which were inhabited were those of the council members. None of which were being offered, the others were once those that belonged to clan members all of whom had vacated and left to join other tribes after the departure of their Chief.  

Though, these homes remain intact and well maintained for their descendants, any of whom wish to return home, none ever did.

Thiu had never stayed in any of the homes close by, other than the small cove in the woods that we would often spend time in. I had never seen him anywhere else. Which had me a bit curious and worried has I wondered where he stays. It had been a few days since we had last seen each other, and it was becoming jarring. I literally had an itch to find hm and if not for the respect for the traditions he still follows I would.

"You know, if you continue to stare like that the snow may burst into flames..... literally."  His voice echoed off the empty walls of the room

"Why are you always sneaking upon everyone like that." Quirking a brow he looked at me unimpressed.

"Can't be considered sneaking if you know I'm there Addy."

"Quen, what do you want?" With that same look he watched me bemused.

"That obvious huh?" Turning away from his gaze I walked away from the windows to the armchair near by.

"It isn't that hard to read you, you know. I just know these stuff." I kept silent not really having anything to say.

"So....have you spoken to him?" Stiffening on its own accord my eyes gingerly met his. I felt awkward speaking to one of my brothers about this.

"Where is mama?" Again with the look.