The valley of horses_ a novel - Jean M. Auel [134]
The shape, design, and painted or carved features announced the donor as plainly as if they had been presented openly; not the individual maker, which was of relatively small importance, but the family, or group, or Cave. By well-known and mutually understood systems of value, the given and received gifts would have a significant impact on the relative prestige, honor, and status of the various groups. Though not violent, competition for esteem was nonetheless fierce.
“He’s certainly getting a lot of attention, Thonolan,” Jetamio said, noticing a handful of women hovering around the tall blond man leaning casually against a tree near the overhang.
“Always like that. His big blue eyes make women come to him like … moth to fire,” Thonolan said, helping Jetamio lift an oak box of bilberry wine out to the celebrating guests. “Have not noticed? You not ever attracted?”
“You smiled at me first,” she said, and his broad grin provoked her beautiful response, “But I think I understand it. It’s more than his eyes. He stands out, particularly in those clothes. They do look good on him. But it’s more than that. I think women sense that he’s … searching. Looking for someone. And he’s so responsive … sensitive … tall, and so well made. Really quite handsome. And there is something to his eyes. Did you ever notice they turn violet in firelight?” she said.
“I thought you say not attracted …” Thonolan said with a look of dismay until she winked impishly.
“Are you envious of him?” she asked gently.
Thonolan paused. “No. Not ever. Not know why, many men envious. Look him, you think he have everything. Like you say, well made, handsome; look all beautiful women around. And more. Good with hands, best flint knapper I ever see. Good head, but not talk big. People like him; men, women, both. Should be happy, but not. He need find someone like you, Tamio.”
“No, not like me. But someone. I like your brother, Thonolan. I hope he finds what he’s searching for. Maybe one of those women?”
“Not think so. I see that before. Maybe he enjoy one—or more—but not find what he want.” They dipped some of the wine into waterbags and left the rest for the revelers, then walked toward Jondalar.
“What about Serenio? He seems to care for her, and I know she feels more for him than she will admit.”
“He care for her, care for Darvo, too. But … maybe not anyone for him. Maybe he look for dream, for donii.” Thonolan smiled fondly. “First time you smile at me, I thought you donii.”
“We say the Mother’s spirit becomes a bird. She wakes the sun with Her calls, brings the spring with Her from the south. In the autumn, some stay behind to remind us of Her. The hunting birds, the storks, every bird is some aspect of Mudo.” A string of running children crossed in front of them, halting their progress. “Little children don’t like birds, especially if they’re naughty. They think the Mother is watching them, and knows everything. Some mothers tell their children that. I’ve heard stories of grown men driven to confess some evil deed by the sight of certain birds. Then others say She will guide you home if you’re lost.”
“We say Mother spirit become donii, fly on wind. Maybe She look like bird. I never think of that before,” he said, squeezing her hand. Then, looking at her and feeling an upwelling of love, he whispered in a voice husky with emotion, “I never think I find you.” He tried to put an arm around her, but found himself tied to her wrist, and frowned. “I glad we tie the knot, but when do we cut off? I want hold you, Tamio.”
“Maybe we’re supposed to be finding out that we can be tied too close.” She laughed. “We can leave the celebration soon. Let’s go take your brother some wine before it’s all gone.”
“He maybe not want. He make show of drinking, but not drink much. He not like lose control, do foolish thing.” When they stepped out of the shadows of the overhang, they were suddenly noticed.
“There you are! I’ve been wanting to wish you happiness, Jetamio,” a young woman said. She was a Ramudoi from another Cave, young and