Somanca ( The Healer)

Chapter Five

CHAPTER FIVE

The village was bathed in red drapings and white and red flowers. The villagers were clad in different shades of red. Flowery crowns adorned the heads of the women and flowery necklaces hung from their necks. Overall everyone looked spectacular.

I watched in bored longing as couples danced in the village square. Love poured out from their every move. It was enchanting. The men courted their women with flowers and gemstones. The women flattered their lashes and swayed their provocatively on the dancing square for potential suitors.

I sat under a tree sipping on my mella wine. I was just glad that I didn't have to heal anyone today. But tomorrow they would come flooding to me with their hangovers and I'd be compelled to heal them. I was addicted to the pain that came with healing. It was the only thing that told me that I was not unfeeling.

I brushed the tips of my fingers on the soft petals of my flower crown then let my hand drop. I was bored out of my mind. I wanted to dance just like all the other girls. I wanted to be swept of my feet. I wanted to be consumed by the throes of pleasure. I wanted to be consumed by the searing heat of love.

That was just wishful thinking of course. I couldn't do anything with the elders checking out my every move like persistent guards. My protectors were ordered to stay by my sides at all times. It was my caretakers who got to take part in the festivities though we're not allowed get involved with anyone.

I could make out Leela swaying her hips to the beat of the drums. Her dress flipped, whipped and billowed caused by her intricate dance styles along with her multi beaded necklaces.  Her partner stared in horrified fascination as she danced against him. I couldn't help but crack a smile. Only she could take charge like that. As for Anza she was dancing crazily around her partner. Her partner kept checking at his sides helplessly looking for an escape route.

They both looked absolutely beautiful in their finery. I was wearing a red cape dress that was agonisingly plain and a crown made of red athelas and white little prickly bells.

I was not allowed to wear anything that would make me stick out in anyway. It was rather depressing.

No man was allowed to come anywhere near me but I wasn't surprised when Venerus came to sit with me.

He wore a red wool cardigan and a cotton tunic with matching pants. He was barefooted. I've come to learn that he detested footwear. It was amusing to say the least. Everything he did was a breath of fresh air.

" Shouldn't you be dancing, healer? " That was the first thing he asked. Taking my drink and chugging it down. He gave me the empty cup licking his lips in contentment.

I didn't have the energy to scold him for that. Not many people did half the things he did. So I let it slide knowing it wouldn't make a difference if I chastised him for it.

" Don't feel like it, " I murmured a reply.

" I've never danced with land nokuratus," he observed the dancing masses in the square, then added " it must be fun. Don't you think? "

" There's nothing vaguely enchanting about it. I don't understand your fascination with dancing. "

" Our version of  dance is very different from yours. You must teach me, healer. At least you wouldn't sit here bored out of your mind," he said hopefully, excitement brightening his eyes.

" Okay, I'll teach you but I'm not really perfect." He didn't seem to listen as he got up then helped me up.

He led me to the dancing bodies then spun, looking at me expectedly.