The Monster Behind the Mask

Chapter Eleven - Change

Nova

I sit on the ground outside of the tent, unwrapping the bandage on my hand. The white fabric falls to the ground beside me as I examine my wrist.

There is some bruising around the bones, but it looks a lot better than it did when I hurt it. I remember how crooked my hand looked, and the bulge where my bones jutted out of the skin. I turn away from my hand for a second and look out toward the forest where Kylo disappeared. He has been gone for a half hour already. I wonder if he is lost, or if he stormed off to try to find his home.

"The Chief says you may stay for the feast!" Sani's voice rings out. I look to my right and see her walking over, trailed by another creature in a white robe, which touches the ground as she walks. Her hair is up in an intricate braid, and golden bangles adorn her wrists.

"That is great news Sani," I smile at her. I stand up from the ground and tuck my bandage in my pocket – I might need it later.

"This is Nani, a personal maiden to the Chief and all her guests." Sani motions to the woman behind her. Nani bows politely and stands back up, her hands clasped in front of her tightly.

"It is nice to meet you," I bow back politely,

"We must wake your friend. It is time to prepare for the feast." Sani says. She takes a step for the tent,

"He is not in there," I say, "He woke up and went for a walk. He hasnt come back."

"Did he get lost?" Sani asks,

"I dont know; hes been gone for a while."

Sani scrunches her eyebrows and looks out toward the forest.

"I will send two warriors out to look for him, but in the meantime, you must get ready." Sani looks to Nani and smiles. She then turns and walks off into the field of tents.

I look to Nani and she nods to me. I wonder if she can speak English. Sani can, but I dont know how many more of these people are able to as well. I follow Nani toward the other tents, and we weave in between them until we reach a fairly large tent. Nani approaches a wall of leaves and pushes a few strands aside, opening the door. I stare in wonder at the cascading strands of leaves, they appear to be falling like raindrops across the entrance.

I follow Nani into the tent. Along the sides are wooden racks of cloth, hung over branches fashioned into hangers. On the far wall are two booths enclosed in the same material the tent is made from. Next to the booths are two mirrors that are easily double me in height. It makes sense, these creatures are much taller than I am.

Nani leads me to a small table in the middle of the floor. On it are three bundles of cloth. One is a light green color, another is a baby pink, and the last is white, like Nanis.

"For you," Nani motions to the folded bundles. I smile at her,

"Thank you." I say. Nani nods and begins to walk toward the entrance.

"Wait," I reach out to Nani and touch her arm. Her skin feels like silk.

Nani reacts in surprise at my touch, but then relaxes slightly. She keeps her distance. I wonder why she is so closed off.

"Do you speak English?" I ask. Nani narrows her eyebrow slightly.

"Little." She says simply.

"Why are there people here who know English?" I ask. Nani looks like she is processing, and finally nods.

"Travelers." Nani says simply and then turns and walks off. She disappears behind the wall of leaves. I wonder what travelers she could be talking about.