The Land of Painted Caves - Jean M. Auel [360]
“I think I can tell you that,” Ayla said. “The S sound is an honorific; it is meant to express honor, show respect. The name S’Armunai means the ‘honored people’ or the ‘special people.’ When it is used in front of a person’s name it means that person is held in great esteem.”
“Why aren’t we called ‘special people’?” Jonayla asked.
“I think we are. I think their honorific is another way of saying ‘Children of the Mother,’ which is what we call ourselves,” Marthona said. “Maybe we are related, or were long ago. It’s interesting that they could take ‘Zelandonii’ and so easily change it to mean ‘one who is honored,’ or the ‘special people.’ ”
“When they were confined to the fenced-in area,” Ayla continued, “Jondalar started showing the men and boys how to do things, like make tools. He was the one who found a way to break everyone free. On our travels, when we would meet people, he often referred to himself as ‘Jondalar of the Zelandonii.’ One boy in particular took the Zelandonii part of Jondalar’s name and started saying it ‘S’Elandon,’ giving him the honorific, because he honored and respected him so much. I think he believed that was what his name meant, ‘Jondalar the honored one.’ In the legend, they apparently gave me the honor, too.”
Marthona was satisfied, for the present. She turned to Ayla. “I am being ill mannered. I’m sorry. Please introduce me to your kin.”
“This is Danug of the Mamutoi, son of Nezzie, who is mated to Talut, the leader of the Lion Camp, and this is his cousin Druwez, son of Talut’s sister Tulie, co-leader of the Lion Camp of the Mamutoi,” Ayla began. “Danug’s mother, Nezzie, was the one who gave me my wedding outfit. You remember I told you she was going to adopt me, but then Mamut surprised everyone and adopted me instead.”
Ayla knew Marthona had been very impressed by her wedding outfit, and she also knew that as the mother of the young woman who would soon be mated, she would want to know the standing of the young men, since it was likely they would be part of the Matrimonial Ceremony.
“I know others have welcomed you here,” Marthona said, “but I want to add my greetings to theirs. I can understand how your people might miss Ayla. She would be a very worthwhile addition to any community, but if it’s any compensation, you can tell them that we truly appreciate her. She has been a very welcome member of our Cave. Though a part of her heart will always belong to the Mamutoi, she is a very cherished Zelandonii.”
“Thank you,” Danug said. As the son of the leader’s mate, he understood that this was part of the exchange of information that conveyed status and recognition of rank. “We have all missed her. My mother was very sorry when Ayla left, she was like a daughter to her, but she understood that her heart was with Jondalar. Nezzie will be very pleased to know that Ayla has found such a warm welcome among the Zelandonii, to know that her exceptional qualities are so well received.” Even though his Zelandonii was not perfect, the young man was obviously well spoken, and knew how to convey the position of his family among his people.
No one understood the value and importance of place and position better than Marthona. Ayla understood the concept of status. It had been important even to the Clan, and she was learning how the Zelandonii rated, ranked, and awarded significance to people, but she would never have the intuitive knowledge that someone like Marthona did, someone who was born into the highest position of her people.
In a society without currency, status was more than prestige, it was a form of wealth. People were eager to do favors for a person with standing because obligations always had to be repaid in kind. Debt was incurred when asking someone to make something, or to do something, or to go someplace, because of the implicit promise to return a favor of like value. No one really wanted to be in debt, but everyone was, and to have someone of high standing be in your debt gave you more status.
Many things had to be taken into account when appraising