Revolutions

50 - Haesan

I awaken to my head swimming in confusion. For a moment, I forget where I am, startled by the commotion taking place outside the tent. Where am I? Did the previous days really happen? My foot is still sore and swollen, the pain not allowing me to forget. This bedroll's straw and grass occasionally scratches my skin, reminding me that the space in which I find myself is a significant change to the vast bed I slept on while in Qapauma. Relief, anger, sorrow—it's difficult for me to determine how I feel. Most likely, all of those emotions all at once.

There's a sudden, resonating toom toom tum-dum toom accompanied by wispy whistling, stirring me off my bedroll and out of the tent. In a clearing at the middle of the settlement, people dance, hopping to the beat and swirling colorful sashes and ribbons as they twirl in circles. The women have tied their black hair into braids behind their head that swing from side to side as they move about, as do the yellow and red tassels at the bottom of the men's tunics. The notes of the flutes flit and flutter, singing a melody of joyfulness intertwined with a profound sense of longing, a duality between celebration and reflection, between the present moment and a deep reverence for the past.

Chalqo gracefully sways from side to side as he performs with one of the flutes. He seems entirely consumed by the music, eyes closed as though he's savoring a delectable dish. One of the dancing women attempts to cajole Qane into joining her for a dance, which he politely declines, with a llama-like hesitance in reaction to the proposal. She is stubborn and persistent, however, and she eventually pulls him into the circle, eliciting an eruption of cheers and laughter as he tries, and fails, to emulate the moves.

After the song ends and revelry sweeps through the campsite, Chalqo opens his eyes as he graciously accepts numerous compliments. As I approach him with my hobbled steps, he beams that charismatic smile of his and bows deeply at my arrival.

"My Lady Haesan," he exclaims. "I trust you are feeling better?"

"Physically, I'm improving," I say. "Emotionally... I'm still trying to figure that part out."

"Understandable," he says, no longer flashing his bright smile and nods consolingly. "From what I gather, it has been a trying few days. But you are welcome to stay as long as you need in order to return to your vibrant self."

Turning the attention away from myself, I look upon the dancers and musicians, preparing to begin a new song, and I ask, "I didn't realize you are such an accomplished flute player, Chalqo."

"I have many talents, Lady Haesan," he says with a sly grin. "If kings were crowned by song and dance, I would rule over all of Pachil. Alas..." He lets the thought hang in the air, seemingly pleased with himself from crafting a poetic way to describe his skills.

"Achope doesn't have such instruments," I say. "We- uhh, they appreciate art and music, but aren't ones to divine such things themselves."

He frowns with mock sympathy, saying, "Not everyone possesses the gift of music, certainly. This," he proudly presents his flute, "is a quena, my instrument of choice. The wonderful people over there," he points to the other musicians standing at the edge of the dance circle, holding items that have either one or two rows of pipes that are lined from short to long, "are playing either a siku or an antara, depending on their preference and where in Atima they originate. And those drums," he nods to the group of seated men, "are playing various-sized tinyas. Their ability to keep the rhythm is impeccable!"

"What is all the music and festivity for?" I inquire.

"Aside from celebrating being alive," he answers, "today marks the beginning of the harvest in Aimue. The people commemorate the change in the season, and give thanks to their god, Laytauma, for blessing them with another bountiful yield. We may be from a different faction, but I enjoy honoring their festivals, as well as celebrations from all the factions. Speaking of which, the Tapeu will soon be preparing for their grand celestial festival, Chasqa Quimi. It's a rare and magnificent event, aligned with the stars and steeped in tradition. I had the fortune of witnessing it once during my extensive travels. The transformation of the entire city of Qapauma is a sight to behold—truly a spectacular spectacle!"