Tales of Greater Zesipia

Teeshpat: Part One

Hello, thank you for taking the time to ready my story. This is technically a short story but—being on the longer side—I'm splitting it into three parts. I welcome comments, constructive criticisms, and (of course) likes! 

Story writing is new to me. I've always been a fan of the fantasy genre since I was a child so it's natural there is were I'd start. I hope you enjoy my first first Wattpad story.

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With a pail in her hand, Kullae skips into the tall grass to find her position. In the daytime, muted ochre and vibrant orange carpet the savanna, but now under the light of two moons, the colours wash away. Spectral weeds ripple in the summer's breeze, absorbing the bask of silver and gold light.

She had been looking forward to tonight's hunt, known as the Shenobayeen, for half a year now. Her enthusiasm grew since realizing she was tall enough to look over the grass. Last year was her first time, and the grass was intimidating, an endless maze closing in on her. This time she has no reason to be afraid.

Other children with her—similar in age to her between five and eight—are spread out across the vast grasslands outside her village. Each child with a sack, box, or bucket in hand is ready to collect their spoils from the hunt.

A long breathy whistle rings out across the savanna and the children tear off across the grass, giggling gleefully.

"I'm gonna get more than you!" says Neek, Kullae's older brother, as he comes up alongside her.

"Uh-uh," she replies.

"You'll see!" Neek darts ahead of her, the grass swishing behind him. "Don't get stung!"

Kullae ignores her brother's taunts because she has a plan. He and other children will run haphazardly through the grass, while she intends to sneak deliberately to not startle the loot. This strategy yields quick results, and soon enough she spies something only a few steps ahead of her. Creeping towards it, she crouches and with one agile scoop she grabs it before it can scurry away.

She clasps the teeshpat in her hand. Its long horns are safely poking out beyond her grip. A hard carapace allows her to clench the insect without crushing it. Its legs wriggle and tickle her palm, both unsettling yet satisfying, as it tries to escape.

The beetle makes a plunk as it drops into her metal pail.

"That's one!" she says to herself, hoping Neek overhears.

A few more paces and she captures another beetle. The teeshpat are everywhere and, eventually, she has collected enough that they no longer make a sound as she tosses them into her bucket.

Her father had told her that the beetles come out in force as moonlight illuminates the grassy plains. This is the reason behind Shenobayeen, which usually occurs once per year when the two moons—Rifjord and Sorfivik—are simultaneously full. It is a significant occasion for all villages in the region.

Kullae is diligent to snag the beetles from their backside, avoiding the wicked horns from stinging her. Her father had cautioned her to always keep the forks pointed away from her. The venom from a wound is strong. Last year, she remembers a boy whose hand had to be amputated after being bitten.

With her pail full, Kullae returns to the village to meet her father. She transfers the contents into a rucksack by his side.

"Great work, Kullae!" her father says. "You filled the bucket fast! We'll get much mayshi for this."

Smiling from the praise, she returns to the savanna to pack her pail once more.

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