#Celtic tribes

[mia-seth-adventures]

Celtic Tribes 50BC

[petergwaelod]

Julius Caesar/Mabinogion

Julius Caesar invaded Britain twice in 55 and 54 BC. The only surviving texts from this truly ancient era are the records from Caesar himself, which were written later in Gaul and with the benefit of consideration and hindsight. In ‘De Bello Gallico’ (his account of the Gallic Wars), Caesar states that on his first invasion he was forced to flee Prittan and leave a great deal of booty and many slaves on the beach, due to a ‘threatening and impending storm’. During his second invasion Celtic tribes buried their differences and united together under Cassivellaunus, the king of the Catuvellauni tribe. Cassivellaunus made an impact on the British consciousness. He appears in British legend as Cassibelanus, one of Geoffrey of Monmouth's kings of Britain, and in the Mabinogi, Brut y Brenhinedd and the Welsh Triads as Caswallawn, son of Beli Mawr. Unfortunately things did not go well for the Britons. Five Celtic tribes surrendered to Caesar and revealed the location of Cassivellaunus's stronghold. On hearing of the defeat and the devastation of his territories, Cassivellaunus surrendered. Hostages were given and a tribute agreed. Caesar returned to Gaul where a poor harvest had caused unrest. The Roman legions did not return to Britain for another 97 years.

[karagin22]

[stephanyrocca15]

Halloween

Es una fiesta cuyo origen está en el mundo celta, concretamente en la fiesta pagana de Samhain.

Los orígenes se remontan a Irlanda hace más de 3.000 años, ya que coincidiendo con el solsticio de otoño, los campesinos celebraban el fin de la temporada bajo la creencia de que durante esa noche del 31 de octubre los espíritus caminaban entre los vivos.

Las leyendas explican que los espíritus podían atravesar la línea que separaba el mundo de los vivos del de los muertos justo esa noche porque era cuando esta más se estrechaba.

Según las leyendas, la gente se protegía de los espíritus malignos y los intentaba alejar mediante hogueras, o máscaras y disfraces para evitar ser reconocidos. También colocaban en sus casas huesos, calaveras o cualquier otro objeto relacionado con la muerte.

Pero no sólo los espíritus malos cruzaban la línea, también lo hacían los buenos. Por tanto, mucha gente comenzó a organizar esa noche del 31 de octubre banquetas en honor a estos espíritus buenos como forma de homenajearlos y comunicarse con ellos.

Collage made by Stephany Roccaro

[roseofithaca]

Hahahahaha that is horrifying actually hahaha fucking let him rest.

[blueiscoool]

Metal Detectorist Finds Rare 2,000-Year-Old Celtic Coin

A metal detectorist says he did a “jig of joy” after turning up an “exceptionally rare” 2,000-year-old Celtic coin worth thousands of pounds.

Grandfather Mike Taylor couldn’t contain his excitement after finding the rose gold stater while searching farmland in Bishton, near Gwent, South Wales.

fter getting an “iffy” signal from his detector, he dug down four inches before uncovering the coin, struck during the reign of Antedios, an Iceni ruler, from 20-47AD.

The incredibly detailed coin, thought to be worth £4,000, depicts a triple-tailed horse alongside a cross, crescent, six-spoked wheel and pellets.

It bears the tree emblem of the Dobunni, an Iron Age tribe living in Britain prior to the Roman conquest.

The name of Antedios is inscribed in full with a Greek letter, which is unusual as abbreviations were more common.

A Timeline Auctions spokesman said: “This variant is rare because it features the complete name of the ruler, unlike most coins where part of the name is missing.

“Additionally, the ruler’s name is inscribed with the Greek letter Θ, whereas it is usually written with the letter ‘D’. It is a well-centred example with sharp details.

“Only one other example with this lettering is recorded, and our example also includes three extra pellets behind the tail. This makes it an exceptionally rare and beautiful coin in lustrous rose gold.”

Antedios remained neutral during the Roman invasion of 43AD and was made a client of Rome.

[justaz]

i desperately crave full power merlin. he was messing with time when he didn't even know one (1) spell, imagine what he could do at his peak bc i genuinely believe we never saw that. a man said to be the embodiment of magic?? said not to have magic but to be magic?? god just imagine it, wielding power like an extension of himself, taking down armies with a wave of his hand, not uttering a single word, traveling through the wind, carried by the elemental magic and reappearing halfway around the world in a single moment, traveling the same through time, reappearing in greece centuries before the romans invade, reappearing in the aztec empire before colonizers landed on their shores, reappearing in new york as cars fly past him and buildings reach up to the heavens.

[empressgeekt]

Trolls - Accidental Knight and the end of the world (Field of Forget-me-nots au - what if?) -PART 5!!!!

Okay, so this is a what if off of second movie of the FoF au (this post), where Barb won. This was inspired by the fic "The Beginning of the End" by AnimationFan2006 on Ao3. Pls go give it a read. I highly recommend that anyone go to look at the rest of the Field of Forgetmenots au. And I had to split it in half because I posted the first one at 2:00 am. Here is that first post! and here's part 2 and here's part 3 and here's part 4

Entering Bergen town is terrifying. For the Puttputts and Brozone at least. The bounty hunters are a little cautious, while Demo and Jovi are curious. When the get to the gates, Poppy and Branch exit Rhonda (much to their siblings stress) and talk to the gaurds, who are very accommodating, calling them, "Her majesty and Captain". Inside of Rhonda several trolls are two steps away from a panic attack, and Viva is straight up having and episode that Jovi is talking her through. Demo is confused as to why they were freaking out so much, so Bruce gives him and the hunters the run down. Demo is more freaked out then Tresillo and Wani since they've had to deal with giants before. Keith calls the hunters cool, and breaks Brozone's spirit. Branch and Poppy get back on board, claiming they have a meeting with the king and that if the puttputts are worried about going in they can wait for a minute while they talk to Gristle. They take this deal with the Snackpack (minus Cooper and D) staying with them for comfort

Bridget is helping Brandy in the kitchen, with Synth playing the sudsy sink as they clean dishes, when she hears the news. Trolls had come knocking on the gate, Poppy was back. Bridget ran out of the kitchen and into the throne room just as Rhonda ran in. The group of trolls that exit the critter, look exhausted, and some of them don't resemble the trolls that Bridget is familiar with, but she knows her friend. Poppy looked so worn, black and grey streaked in her hair, with heavy bags in her eyes, but she still stood so tall and strong. Those pink eyes are dull, but a small twinkle comes back when she sees Bridget. The BFFs reunite with Bridget picking Poppy up and letting the troll squeeze her finger in the closest thing they can have to an embrace. It doesn't last long however, as pink troll with blond hair starts screaming and uses a gummy hand to attack at Bridget, yanking on her hand almost making poppy fall. Branch restrains her and nodded to someone else in the group to get the troll back inside.

Poppy is a little embarrassed but Bridget is an angel when the issues are explained. Gristle, Branch and Keith get a quick "Sup", and it's down to business. Introductions are given, and mostly Gristle is baffled on how someone manages to have five children in the first place in reaction to brozone After that Poppy is quick to explain the conflict between the tribes and how it has spilled out. She askes that they hide out in the city until they have a next move. Gristle agrees immediately, after all the pop tribe is their allies and it isn't the first refugees they've opened up their city too. Bruce hones in on Refugees and gets enough courage to ask where their from, and when Gristle says Vacay island hope swells up in him.

The next few days are spent recovering. Bruce gets reunited with his family and tries to pull his brothers in on it. Though, Branch seems to be resistant and cold towards all of them. Speaking of the Scarred troll asked Wani and Tresillo to teach him their fighting tactics, much to his elder sibling's objections (which only seems to make Branch push them away further). Viva and most of the puttputts are staying closer to where the vacayioners live simple because they can't handle seeing a bergen without a panic attack.

Eventually the question of what to do next is asked, and well while there was one clear answer "Stop Barb" it would be hard to understand how to go about it. They can't kill the Rock Zombies they didn't choose this. Demo explains how strings basically forced a connection to Rock music onto them and since it was unwilling and unnatural it twisting up their minds. Question is how do they break that connection. Clearly it's possible with Branch being patient zero. Branch explains that it was all rage, and he didn't even realize what was going on, so there was no fighting against the powercord spell.

JD: so how did you break out?

Jovi:...he died...

Branch:...I'm going to need you to elaborate...

Jovi goes onto explain that music can only link with something living. Branch's heart stopped when he drowned in the river. Sure, he was brought back but the link to all music was broken. In fact Branch didn't even get his colors back until after singing Keith to sleep. It's a good theory, however they can't exactly go around drowning every zombie and bring them back. Too risky too time consuming. John askes if they actually need to kill them or just break the connection to the powercord. Demo answers the latter, is the most likely. But how do that?

Once more Jovi chimes in, though this time he is far more sheepish. He claims he knows a way, but doesn't like it. The Celtic Tribe have something called "The river of Silence" though it is more of a ocean current in reality. The water that flows through it has and interesting effect on trolls. It drains them of their color and natural connection to music on contact. It's actually used as punishment, Celtic trolls who step out of line are doused with the water, rendering them grey and mute before being locked in the dungons. Everyone his horrified, but Jovi assures them it can be reversed, a potion brewed of honey and Trolling's Breath Flowers is enough to break it. Branch does not like it, He knows what it's like to be grey, but its better then killing the poor trolls. Dousing the Zombies might be their only shot. Poppy is on Branch's thought process and asks Jovi if he can take them to Frost Point. Jovi says they can try, but he doesn't think that the Celtics will help them. Poppy remains undeterred.

However another issue is quickly brought up after this. They don't have enough troops to take down Barb's army. Even once the Zombies are taken out of the picture. Bergentown is too small to have anything other then a small guard shift. Vacay island has fallen, and all the other tribes have been taken over. Well, not all of them, as Tresillo claims. The Showtunes Tribe had survived all these centuries too. Like Celtic, it wasn't part of the original string treaty, however it was due to being a nomadic based society that told stories through their songs. They never stayed in one place for long during that period before the great split, but at some point in the passed 200 years had settled down. Wani and Tresillo sometimes took jobs from them and they did have an extensive army, and something that might be able to go toe to toe with the powerchord. The ThunderClap. A unified applause that is rumored to smash mountains.

They also had no weaponry, but Prince D steps up saying that Vibe City was still intact. Powered down but intact they could get weaponry and other machines to help them there.

From that point a plan is set.

Poppy, Jovi, Wani, Viva and Tresillo, would journey North to Frost Point to get aid from the Celtic trolls. The funk twins along with most of the snack pack would head to the ruins of vibe city. While Branch and his brothers, plus Demo, head over to the Auditorium Isles, to hopefully get help from the Showtunes tribes. With the children and the Puttputts left in the care of Cloud Guy, the Vacationers, and Bergens

For now we'll follow Poppy and her possie. The journey to Frost Point is dangerous, the Celtic Tribe lives on a seastack far into the northern oceans, were the waters are deep and so cold that you're hair could freeze on contact with the waves. But before that they would have to run through the forests and mountains that rested between the coast and bergentown. Wani, and Tresillo are really the ones leading the group during this leg, being more experienced with the outside world. Viva is really clingy thought out the trip, and jittery, she's terrified to lose her sister, however watching as Poppy braves this journey with pride and discolored hair, she can't help but feel proud and inspired. Poppy was a far better queen, then she would ever be. It makes her want to pull herself together, and actually pull her weight.

Eventually they reach the coast, and find a small ship yard town, called Miner Key. Poppy is surprised to see trolls of all kinds living there. Jovi explains that this is a pirate town, people who are rejects from their tribes, either banished or left willingly, gather here to trade goods and make money, or steal from others. Jovi really takes the lead here. While Wani and Tresillo have experience in places like these, Jovi has a personal connection with Miner Key, as his father mostly used the port there, and he still connections that allows the group to hitch a ride on a ship run by Shanty Trolls, which are Basically Celtic trolls who rejected the strict rules of the tribe and struck out on their own. Poppy and Viva make sure to thank the captain of the ship, Captain Bones, and they actually end up having a conversation about the disaster at hand, the sisters surprised to here that Captain Bones isn't all that worried.

CB: Ah Lassies, The world is always ending somewhere. Let that queen come when she comes, the ocean will swallow her alive, or we'll go down making our ancestor's proud. The world never gave much of fish's worth about us anyway.

Poppy is not please to hear about inter-tribe conflicts that Celtic had even before the String were a thing, and considering she hadn't been the most open listener lately, she takes it upon herself to learn about the shanties the crew sing as they sail. However none of the crew will speak about their bio tribe, so Jovi is the one to instructs her the most. Celtic music is about tradition and purity, making sure that things are done the right way. Songs are mostly sung during chores or celebrations to remember those of old and keep on task. and while Shanty is much looser, she still saw that focusing aspect in action when they get caught in a storm and the crew sings as they hoist the ropes and sails.

Frost Point is an intimidating sight. The sea stack stretches high into the clouds, with homes and docks of the lower levels dipping down until reaching the docks where water met stone. The dock works are chanting as they arrive ("Valhalla calling me") and the deep voices and strength they display as they work is rather frighting in a way. thought Poppy has to admire at how pretty Celtic trolls are. They weird long robes, sharp ears, and gleaming horns and wings that glittered in the little sun light. Shanty trolls are bio celtic, but they wear capes over they wings to keep them safe from salt water, and their horns are broken and scuffed from battles over booty. There are two pale purple, Celtic trolls waiting for them on the Docks, Heather and Holly, Jovi's cousins who agreed to host them during the visit.

Heather's home is warm and welcoming, filled with children, and her husband who's a carpenter offer's gifts and the master bedroom to the royal pop sisters as per tradition when it comes to hosting those of higher rank. Poppy tries to decline, but Jovi just tells her to go with it, since this was a mellow as Celtic's get in terms of treating a royal guest. And that's just the first of many culture shocks Poppy learns about the celtics during the night. Heather is Holly's older sister, and they both have another sister and three female cousins, however they are not in contact as when Celtic's marry the bride leaves to live in her husband's home. The only reason that Holly had left yet was because she was merely betrothed not married, but she would be come spring much to her dread. Poppy is confused about her not happy about getting married until she learns that the groom bought her and Holly doesn't have a choice. The entire concept of a brideprice is baffling, like Holly is a person you can't buy a person. However to Celtics females are considered lesser and need to be under custody of a male, Holly's uncle is the current head of their family, and when he passed the role will be given Heather's husband as she she's the eldest daughter. Her uncle was forced into a corner by holly's future in-laws and they had to agree to the betrothal. Come spring now that Holly was of age she's be married off. It really pisses Poppy off, but she can't force her ideals on everyone she knows that now, but she still offers Holly a place in Pop village if she wants it. Heather, holly, Heather's husband, Jovi and even the uncle are very grateful, none of them like the groom to be either, and Poppy offers for them to come too.

Sadly, things only get harder from here. King Thor is very traditionalist, and while he'll entertain a meeting with foreign Queen, he does not take her pleads seriously as she is unwed. He invites her to dinner party, to basically show off, and Poppy is not impressed especially when she learns this muffin head has seven wives, three of which are pregnant and half his age. They preform the song "The Willow Maid" for him and it as beautiful as it was weirded Poppy out. Poppy continues to ask about the River of Silence, however is brushed off by everyone except the eldest wife, Queen Delphi. The pale blue Celtic troll actually tries to get her husbands' attention on the matter, however he shoves her off, calling her a barren hag. Eventually Poppy's frustration boils over after Jovi is wrongfully accused of stealing something, and Viva has to dodge a creepy dude at the party, and King Thor sends her to the prison after claiming she's drunken herself to hysterics.

The prison turns out the be in the bowels of the sea stack and made of solid ice. While Jovi isn't that bothered, the others are cuddling to stave off the cold. Poor Tresillo's hands are too numb to try and pick the lock. Poppy hair got stiff from the temp so she can't under her hair to break out. Some part of her can't help but find the irony in the situation, since not too long ago, she was in jail in the desert. Only hickory wasn't here to break them out. Rather...Queen Delphi does. The eldest Queen decided to go behind her husband's back, gathering up jugs of the River of Silence, bundles of Trolling's Breath, and Jovi's family, shoving them all onto a boat run by trolls who are loyal to her alone.

When Jovi askes why she's helping them, She explains how for years she had been underneath her husband's thumb, even if he never looked at her anymore after discovering she couldn't give him children. She had been a passive Queen and she regrets that, Especially when Jovi's mother passed, they had been friends growing up, and she had wanted to take him in however Thor didn't allow it. She wouldn't stand by this time.

They get to the boat, and Poppy asks if Delphi will come with them. Delphi has to decline, while her husband has broken the vows they made to each other, Delphi would not, but she tells Poppy to live her best life and she'll make a much stronger queen then any in Frost Point. Screaming comes from above as guards and King Thor arrive, and the group casts off. Poppy watches the elder queen stand strong against the cruel man she was bound too, eventually being dunked in a left over jar of the river water they couldn't load in time, by King Thor. Her colors draining from her body and wings going limp. Poppy never forgets Delphi's bravery and sacrifice.

.....

Well this took a lot longer then expected. Sorry, we'll see what will happen with the other groups next time.

[corvidkusnos]

I'm all for calling out the UK because our history is fucked up and we did awful things

However, I do find people often use the UK as a scapegoat of every problem when usually other colonial powers of Europe were also helping or doing their own very similar things and often for far longer than England even existed as a country (eg. UK wasn't the only power that colonised the Americas, there was also France, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands)

And the reason it annoys me is because mainland Europeans often get to hide behind us as a scapegoat and pretend they're way more progressive and innocent than they actually are like no no own your shit too

Like. Look at what Denmark is doing to indigenous Greenlandic mothers in present day, for example

[temtamtom]

Does gaul have a human name?

After scratching my head for a while I've settled on the name Vindiorix!

I came up with a list based on a paper I found, and I kept gravitating towards this one in particular. I love the -rix suffix, and maybe it's because of Vercingetorix and the character Asterix, but I automatically associate it with Gaul lmfao

Also Vindiorix kinda fucks

But now I'm wondering what kind of name he could have in a modern AU 🤔

[amy---pearson]

If you're being called weird,

strange, crazy or witchy... take

it as the best compliment ever.

It means you are brave enough

to step up and show the world

who you really are!!!

[rioabaixo]

If nobody got me, I know Portuguese toponymy got me!

[oennpellmell]

Since people are sharing. Why not adding more :)

This is why I read the reddit comments

[aerikarkadian]

Here are the written highlights for episode 10, the very last episode of Season 2! In this episode, I chatted with Ellen Evert Hopman about druids and herbs and other fun stuff. Enjoy! #druids #herbs #herbalism #druidry

[jessiec-writes-fantasy]

This short has one of my MCs called Ress, though I'm not sure yet if she'll be the main character. She is from Suuroo She's a mother of three, formerly a warrior taking part in fighting the Tasoragh tribe. These shorts help me explore and get to know the characters more.

Warning: a character experiences vertigo, but it's not described in great detail.

Synopsis: Ress is used to being a protector. She fights for her tribe and her children. But after a blow to the head she's sent south, away from the fighting and away from her purpose. She tries to be strong, tries to find something to fill the void, but nothing really works. Then one day a visitor comes and gives her an idea of how she can keep her life purpose.

Other posts: Maps Main post

Title: It’s My Shame That I Can’t Protect You.

Arms suddenly wrapped around her neck from behind with a chorus of giggles.

“Mum, it’s going to start soon! Oh, that looks good, mum.”

Ress blinked and focused on the work in her hands. The wicker plate had holes the size of small berries.

The corners of her lips twitched upward in a smirk. “Thank you, hun. That’s nice of you to say.”

He laughed and kissed her freckled cheek. “No, Mum! It really does look good! You could be a weaver-” he gasped. “I mean- um….” He quickly let go and pointedly turned to look at the crowd of people beyond the buildings. “We should go or we’re going to miss sis’ naming.”

Ress shifted the failed plate from her lap and rose to her feet.

“And your’s too,” she reminded him.

She held out her hand and he eagerly grabbed on to it, smiling up at her with searching eyes. She reassured him with a smile of her own, but once he turned away her smile faded.

They followed along the familiar trodden paths. Cold torches stood in front of the houses, and smoke rose from their thatched rooftops. The moon shone bright and, adding to the light of the bonfire ahead.

Drums rumbled a rhythmic beat through the air, which thrummed through their chests. A duo of flutes accompanied it, followed by the deep voice of a visiting druid-bard.

Ress smiled through each heavy beat on her skull.

One of the farmers greeted her and she slowed to say a few words.

Her son tugged on her hand. “Muuum!”

Sarma laughed, “Never mind, you had better go.”

Ress waved as she was pulled along. Her son weaved them through the crowd. Some waved and smiled at them, while others averted their gaze.

Ress quietly sighed through her nose.

Then a thought occurred to her. “Is your grandma there?”

“Yeah! She’s with everyone. See!”

She ignored the lump in her stomach as she followed his pointing finger. People sat around the roaring bonfire with cups of mead in hand and wicker plates full of warm food on their laps. Around them people danced and sang along to the music.

Sorsee’s mother and brothers sat with Ress’ aunt and uncle on the opposite side of the fire. They looked up and their smiles slid from their faces.

Ress straightened her shoulders.

One of her girls greeted her from where she sat nearest the chief’s home before anyone else could.

She waved, “Mum!” Her hair was tied up in a horsetail. A few bone beads had been woven into a single braid framing her face.

“You’re late, mum,” her other girl grumbled. Her frown quickly turned into a grin. Her hair flowed freely down her back, with a bird’s feather tied to one lock.

Her son finally let go of her hand and quickly sat down next to them. Under the cool light of the moon their blond hair shone as brightly as hers.

“Mum was working on a plate,” her boy explained.

“A warrior’s plate,” an elderly voice said. “The one who eats from it will be fortunate indeed.”

The chief rose up from the long ramp leading down into her home. Her well-worn silvery cloak had been wrapped tightly around her to hold back the chill. An ornate, bone broach and pin kept it in place, but her hands clutched at it from the inside for added security. Her druid-advisor and a guard followed.

Ress bowed. “Thank you, Chief Seaur. I apologize for being late.”

Seaur chuckled. Her old voice cracked, “Let’s not worry about it, hm? I’m eager to learn what new names we have this year.”

Ress smiled. “So am I.” She bent to her children and they turned to give her better access. She gave them each a kiss on her forehead. She briefly brushed their hair and got giggles in return.

She stood and her smile fell as she found a place near her aunt. The dirt and grasses were dry, flattened over time from many feet.

“Hello,” she greeted flatly as she faced the ceremony.

With an irritated look on his face, Seaur’s advisor called out for the visiting druid-priest.

“Did I hear you were trying to weave again?” her uncle asked carefully.

“I was, Uncle Roan.”

Her aunt Seia leaned forward, smiling as she tried to make eye contact with her. She anxiously rubbed her hands together. “And how did it go?”

Ress glanced at her, but her gaze remained focused on her children. Laughter erupted as the priest was dragged from among the dancers. She winced at the noise.

Once the laughter died down, she began, “Well….”

One of Sorsee’s brothers glared up at the priest from his plate. He muttered, “Useless Kasst druid.” His eyes lit up and he pointed at Ress with a dirty finger, “That’s what you should be, sister-wife!” Small bits of deer meat and green flecks of leek flew from his mouth. Some remained in his long moustache and beard.

His brother Inaee scowled at him. “Clean yourself, Arcsen.”

Arcsen chuckled as he wiped his mouth and beard. “Ah, sorry. Better?” He grinned and giggled at his own joke. “Ress the druid.”

She barely glanced at him.

Aunt Seia wondered, “It’s not a horrible idea.” She gasped and touched her forearm. “You could become a healer! I bet one of them would be willing to mentor you—and you could help out our warriors! Inaee could begin your learning.”

Roan muttered, “Seia.”

She turned to him with wide eyes. “What? What did I say?”

“Perhaps we should talk about this later,” he pressed with a meaningful look.

“But I was only just-”

Ress could feel her wife-mother’s heavy gaze as Saceera said, “If they were to accept her, then being a druid would likely mean constant travel. With her illness she wouldn’t be able to.”

Inaee scratched at his much shorter beard. “She could settle in a tribe.”

“Hm. I suppose-”

“Hush,” Ress interrupted without looking at Saceera. “The ceremony is starting,”

“Finally,” Arcsen muttered.

Saceera frowned at Ress, but didn’t say anything as the priest cleared her throat.

The music and dancers didn’t seem to hear them. They clapped and howled with laughter, their limbs moving to the beat of the drums.

Chief Seaur’s guard raised his voice, which shot over them like thunder. The world quickly turned quiet.

Ress’ body relaxed but the noise in her right ear, like that of a rushing river, roared on.

The priest ran through the familiar motions. She greeted spirits and asked everyone to call upon their ancestors, particularly any deceased family members of the children. Ress pressed a hand over her heart as she murmured her wife’s name.

The priest welcomed Serova, and then Soarfi as an after-thought. At the first name a soft snort came out of the dark from one of the horses. Chuckles arose from the audience. The priest greeted Messaress, and a comfortable but respectful hush flowed over the crowd.

Ress smiled with pride. She watched as her children stared up at the priest with wide eyes. They had seen namings before but watching and participating were two entirely different experiences.

Her eyes grew watery as the three lovingly presented Sorsee’s favourite wooden cup and bone knife. The priest put aside her wooden staff to accept them. Then she smiled and spoke to the children as she knelt. From her small pouch she pulled out a metal knife and a roll of cloth. Their eyes widened at the shiny metal.

The priest’s smile grew at their curiosity.

“Now, who’s first?” she asked.

“Me! I want my name first!”

“Hey!”

“I-I can wait.”

Ress chuckled. Her bold daughter and her son grinned back at her. Her second daughter’s smile wavered, but Ress nodded reassuringly. Her girl sat straighter with a brighter smile.

The priest held out her hand.

Long moments later the entire tribe cheered, shattering the silence. Drums accompanied them. Ress grimaced but smiled.

She clapped and cheered, “Romee!”

Romee’s long, wild hair whirled around. She grinned and waved with her now bandaged hand. Eventually the priest called for quiet again.

The priest turned to Ress’ son and repeated her actions. Soon enough he got up and ran directly into Ress’ strong arms.

He laughed and said, “I’m Arna! Do you like it, mum?”

She hugged him tight. “I do,” she said warmly. “It suits you.”

He beamed and hugged her as tight as he could before returning to his spot.

Ress’ last girl bit her lip and turned her face away from the bone blade as it neared her hand. Ress met her eyes and she waved. Her girl smiled a little but it fell when the knife cut her palm. She hissed and the priest apologized. The woman caught the blood in the cup and then cut another new length of cloth with the other, metal knife to wrap her hand in.

“Sera!” Arna shouted moments later. He leaned around Romee and hugged her. Sera giggled and returned the hug. Then Romee smirked and leaned back until all three fell backward onto the ground. They laughed and their audience cheered.

The priest finished and Chief Seaur stepped forward, but before she could say a word Sera, Romee, and Arna got up.

They ran to Ress and she wrapped her arms around them all three. One had their arms around her neck, another around her arm, and the third around her other arm.

“Mum, it hurt but I really like my new name.”

“Do you like my name?”

“Mum, mum, call me by my name!”

Ress winced and turned her head in pain. Immediately their voices lowered. Wide eyed, they whispered apologies.

She smiled. She matched their quiet voices and said, “It’s alright, it’s alright, but you should go back and finish.” She nodded toward the chief, who was waiting patiently for them.

Sera and Arna gasped and ran back. Romee grinned as she stepped away. She threw out her arms and spun around several times before returning to her spot.

Chief Seaur chuckled, but it turned into a dry cough. She cleared her throat and accepted a cup of water with thanks. Her sparkling eyes returned to Arna, Sera, and Romee. The wrinkles around her eyes grew as she smiled.

She briefly let go of her cloak to raise her arms. “Welcome, Romee, Arna, and Sera. May you be guided and protected by those around you, and may you do the same for them.”

Arna, Sera, and Romee beamed and bowed their heads. Cheers erupted. People stood and clapped and the music struck up again, filling the air with noise.

Ress covered her ears as she rose to her feet. Her children looked at her but she smiled reassuringly.

Then a war horn tore through the air. The sound drowned everything out and burrowed deep into her skull like a spear in the flesh of an enemy warrior. The world shifted and spun, shifted back and spun again. She inhaled in panic and her feet fell out from under her.

Someone caught her before she could hit the ground and she whimpered from the sudden stop. There was shouting, and noise, and her ear thundered. It felt like a cloth had been stuffed into it.

“No, no. Not-” She swallowed hard as her stomach turned. “Not again.”

“Whoa! That’s an interesting dance move. Is everything alright?” the person asked with a chuckle. She whimpered again and his smile faded.

Somewhere Romee yelled, “Stupid Sonu!”

“Mum?!” Arna rushed over. “Are you okay?”

“Mum?!” Sera rubbed her shoulder. The man shifted to bring Ress’ arm over his shoulders, and she said, “Slowly! She might be sick.”

Ress choked back a sob and he stilled. She opened her eyes, unable to keep them closed without her stomach lurching harder. Arna saw her eyes and called for help.

Inaee wiped his hands on his tunic as he rushed over. He checked her eyes like Arna had. He nodded and looked at the stranger holding her up. “Can you bring her to the healing house?”

“No,” she swallowed again. “Just need… to lie down.”

Inaee looked at her for a second before sighing. He turned to the faces around them and nodded.

“Where are we going?” the stranger asked.

Inaee answered, “Her home.”

“Slow- slow,” she weakly reminded.

Arna and Sera stayed close as Inaee led the way. She was heavier but he held her up with ease and didn’t seem to mind her stumbling feet.

Sarma had followed the sounds of the commotion. She frowned and snapped at Sonu, “You know better than that!”

Sonu scowled and looked away. He held the long war-horn in his hands. “Oh come on, I was just celebrating.”

“Right next to her,” she shot back. Around them a couple of others nodded and glared at him. The rest ignored them.

He muttered an insincere, “Sorry.” With a last glance at Ress he left.

Ress fought to keep her feet under her but the ground kept sliding away. She leaned heavily on the stranger as he followed Inaee through the crowd.

“This is why she needs to give up on being a warrior and do something else,” a man muttered. A woman nodded. Another woman glared at Ress out of the corner of her eyes.

She tried to straighten again but her world still spun. She whimpered and let the stranger take over.

A forever later they finally descended the packed ramp into the family home. Inside, her fingers clutched at the stranger’s clothes as he lowered her to a cot. She let go and when he stepped aside the flickering fire in the centre of the house churned her stomach. She quickly turned her head and stared at the ceiling as she breathed quickly.

The stranger leaned over her again. A scar traced from his forehead to his jaw, leaving behind a closed dip where an eye had once been.

He observed her closely, and then leaned back and said, “Oh I see. Her eyes are moving a lot. Well, that’s strange.”

Romee stomped her shoe on the padded dirt floor. “Leave her alone.”

The man cowed and stepped back. “Sorry, sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it. Erm… what’s wrong?”

The fabric of Inaee’s pants shifted as he kneeled next to Ress. He offered her a cup of water from the cauldron by the fire. She held onto it but didn’t take a drink right away, vaguely registering as the warmth spread through the cup and into her hand.

“It’s an… an injury,” she answered him. “I fought… north… and a Tas- Tasoragh hit….” She stopped to fight with her stomach.

Arna had quickly sat next to her bed. He turned and explained, “They hit her head with a rock.” He bit his lip. “Then she got sick like this.”

Inaee shifted back, allowing Romee and Sera to get closer to her. He sighed and shook his head. “I don’t know what it is. We asked a druid-healer some time ago but they hadn’t heard of it either. They promised they would ask others, but they haven’t returned yet.”

Ress took a breath. She quickly lifted her head to take a sip. Afterwards she leaned back and breathed.

She licked her lips. She attempted to look toward Sera. “You don’t have to stay. It’s… it’s your naming.”

Sera and Arna quickly shook their heads.

“We won’t leave you alone!” Sera said.

Arna frowned. “We told you before, mum.”

Ress sighed.

The stranger grinned. “Such good pups.”

Inaee raised a brow. His gaze travelled over the man’s cream-coloured tunic and brown leggings. They weren’t too much different from their own clothes.

Romee asked, “Are you a dog? Uncle Arcsen says that the dog tribe is dumb, but he’s makes fun of mum so I don’t believe him.”

A great smile spread across his long face. “Well thank you for not believing him. Yes, I’m a dog. I’m Roe’naco.”

She frowned. “Roe?”

His smile lessened. “No. Roe’naco. Son of Ros’na. And you’re Romee, right?”

She spread her stance with her hands on her hips. “Yup. Daughter of Ress and Sorsee.”

“And you’re Arna, and Sera, and…?”

Arna explained, “Ress, and that’s uncle Inaee.”

“Nice to meet you.” Roe’naco looked at Ress and his smile faded. His voice lowered, “Is there nothing we can do?”

Ress stopped herself from shaking her head. “No. Thank you for your help. It… it’ll be over once I fall asleep.”

“Oh, okay.” He sat down and Romee and Inaee blinked in surprise. He hummed and asked out loud, “Got any good stories?”

Ress’ brow furrowed. “You don’t… have to stay.”

He whined. “Oh course I do. It’s not to leave someone hurting alone.”

“Sorry, Ress,” Inaee said, glancing over Roe’naco again. “You know I’ve said the same thing before. We’ll stay, at least until you fall asleep.”

She quietly hummed. She fought for another sip and then lay down again. Arna gently took her cup from her hands.

Inaee smiled softly in triumph.

He turned to Roe’naco, and in a quiet voice he asked, “I’d heard we had someone from the dog tribe visiting. How are they doing?”

Roe’naco chuckled. “I haven’t been there in a while, so I’m not sure.”

“Are you a druid?” Romee asked. She sat down and held on to her legs where they were crossed.

“Nope.” He smiled. “I’m a warrior.”

“Ah.” Understanding flashed over Inaee’s face.

“Like mum,” Arna said proudly.

Ress tried to look. Their faces still shifted but she could again make out Roe’naco’s scar and missing eye. His long auburn hair was pulled back in braids, revealing a missing ear.

“Not quite like your mum,” Inaee said. He looked at their guest. “I’ve heard Coo’noam’s warriors are travelling warriors.”

“Sort of!” Roe’naco straightened and his voice rose in excitement as he explained, “After training we search for a tribe to stay with for a while.” His gaze travelled around the home and up to the ceiling. “Ive had some trouble deciding who to go with, but I’ve been going around for a while now and helped out some folks, so I figure I might as well be a travelling warrior.” He beamed.

Ress said quietly, “Travelling?”

He nodded firmly. He hummed, eyes bright. “Wherever I go I help those who need help.”

Romee frowned in thought. “Every tribe?”

“Yup.”

Sera’s eyes grew wide. “Would you help the Tasoragh?”

“Sure, if they needed it. Any Coo’noam would.”

Romee’s fist’s bunched in her lap. She glared. “How could you?!”

“Romee,” Ress warned.

“But you fought them! They hurt you!”

“I know, but.…” She took a breath. “The Coo’noam are different. Dogs are like horses, when it… when it comes down to it, you can’t control them. Leave… him be.”

Romee opened her mouth, but closed it and crossed her arms.

“Stupid,” she muttered.

Roe’naco just chuckled.

Inaee sighed. He warned him, “I wouldn’t tell too many people around here that you would help the Tasoragh. Especially if visit northern Suuroo.”

Roe’naco shrugged. “If they don’t like it I’ll just move on. Someone else will need help.”

Inaee rubbed his face with another sigh. Arna looked down in thought. Romee kept silent, glaring at their guest. Sera slowly looked away and grasped Ress’ hand. Ress wrapped her fingers around her hand as she pondered Roe’naco’s words.

“How-” she licked her lips. Arna offered her more water but she declined. “How do you fight with your injury?”

Roe’naco head tilted much like a dog’s might. “Hm? Well, it was hard at first. I had to re-learn a lot. And all the fighting I’ve been doing while travelling has taught me a lot.”

“You kept fighting? After… you were hurt?”

“Of course! I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.” He paused and then straightened with excitement again. His eye brightened. “Ooo! I’ve got a good one. Want to hear a story about the dog who ate the sun?”

Arna and Sera’s eyes widened. Romee slowly uncrossed her arms.

Ress faintly listened as Roe’naco began. The room still spun, and her stomach occasionally twisted forcing her to swallow back the need to empty it, but her eyes grew heavy. Her mind wandered, thoughts turning, until eventually, finally, she fell into a welcome sleep.

Ress watched as the familiar blond locks fell to the ground around her. Stray strands picked at her neck but she refrained from moving. She smiled as a horse wandered over, his snout tickling her head and shoulder. He snorted and moved away and she laughed.

“Oh, Osis, it’s not that bad, you crotchety old horse,” Eseca said.

Ress kept still at the foreign feeling of a razor along her skin. “Thank you again,” she said.

“Not a problem. Besides, I’m the only one you’ve got, seeing as no one else has cut hair before. At least, not anyone in a long time.” He dipped the razor into a bowl of water. It faintly sloshed as he shook the blade. Gently holding her head with one wrinkled hand, he brought the razor up again and continued with his work.

She softly said, “I’m sorry if I brought back bad memories.”

“What’s done is done. At least this is for a better reason than my son’s haircut.”

Romee sat next to Ress, facing her with her head resting on her fists.

She watched with a deep frown. “I still don’t get it. Is it because of people who say you shouldn’t be a warrior?” Her tone turned defensive.

“No,” Ress gently said. She paused. “Partly.” Romee took a breath but she quickly said, “I have my own reasons too.”

“You already told Eseca,” she whined. “You could tell me now and we could tell Arna and Sera together.”

“Listen to your mother, Romee,” Eseca said as he worked from the right side to the back. “Or you’ll be picking up horse droppings left around the village.”

Romee pouted but didn’t protest her mentor.

Ress pressed her lips together to fight another smile.

A gust blew across the plains and the grasses softly hissed. Ress shivered without the warmth of her long hair. Eseca’s work continued in silence while around them his other mentees went to and from the horse-keepers’ house. A few glanced at them and then looked in surprise as they walked up the ramp to leave the house, nearly tripping over their feet. Eseca shook his head.

He finally lowered the razor just as Arna and Sera ran toward them.

“Mum!”

“Mum, why?!”

She gently shushed them. “It’s alright.”

“But what’s wrong?” Arna asked.

Sera’s wide eyes took in all the hair scattered on the ground.

Eseca took a brush of horse hair and removed as much of her hair from her neck and her linen tunic as possible.

While he cleaned up, she answered, “Please sit down and I’ll tell you.”

Sera and Arna quickly sat.

“Thank you. And thank you, Eseca,” she said as he wiped her neck with a wet cloth and began cleaning his razor.

He hummed.

Arna stared at the left side of her neck. He breathed, “Wow, I can really see your stain now.”

Ress smiled. Without thinking she rubbed her neck where she had had a skull and spear embedded into her skin with charcoal.

She lowered her hand to her lap with a deep breath. “Thank you, all of you, for being so worried about me, but I want to reassure you that there is nothing wrong. I….” She looked down at her hands and at the long locks of her hair on her ground. The wind took a few strands away with it.

“You know I’ve been hurting and not just from my illness. Being a warrior was important to me. Not being able to do that, to protect you and my family, everyone… it’s been hard.”

All three reached out to hold her hands. Missing her chance, Romee scooched closer and rested her hand on her forearm.

Ress squeezed Arna and Sera’s hands and gently bumped her forehead against Romee’s.

“You know I was sent back south because I couldn’t fight anymore.” A crease appeared between her brows. “At any moment I could be sick and then I wouldn’t be able to fight with the others or protect them in battle.”

“It’s dumb,” Romee said.

Ress shook her head. “It’s not, hun. It’s fair. I would be horrified if we were attacked and I couldn’t fight back.

“Which is why I’ve cut my hair. It’s my shame that I can’t protect you.”

Romee scowled, tears at the corners of her eyes. Sera whined. She snuck in under Ress’ arm and wrapped her arms around her. Arna briefly hugged her around her neck.

“But I don’t think you had to cut your hair,” Arna said. He paused and looked over her much shorter hair again. He asked, “Why now?”

Ress took her arm from around Sera and tipped Arna’s head to kiss the top of it. “Because I now know what I’m going to do.”

She leaned back to address them all. “I’m going to leave for a while.” Their eyes widened, and she continued, “Roe’naco gave me an idea. I saw how capable he was on his own and I even watched as him spar with someone after I woke up. I… I want to be like that, and the only way I see how is by learning like he did.” She shook her head and swallowed. “I need to grow somewhere else, outside of the tribe where I won’t be looked down on for continuing down this path.”

They protested. They hugged her tight and kissed her, and eventually she wrapped her arms around all three.

“You don’t have to leave! You could help me with farming!” Arna cried.

“Or help with the horses!” Romee said as she nudged her shoulder.

Sera grasped at her tunic. “Please mum!”

Tears crawled down her cheeks. She shook her head. “I can’t protect anyone here. It’s… I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.” She smiled with brittle humour. “Sorry, Eseca.”

He shook his head from where he stood, dumping the water from the bowls. “You’ve nothing to be sorry for.”

She turned from him and smiled. She lovingly brushed a few loose strands away from Sera’s face.

“Don’t worry. I’ll visit when I can, I promise.”

Arna sniffed and rubbed his nose with the back of his hand. “Maybe you could protect the south when you come back.”

She nodded. “Maybe.” She lifted Romee’s chin. “You all have your family and your mentors. Everyone will help you, so be good.” Her lips curled. “I don’t want to come back and find out Eseca had to cut your hair as well.”

They quietly laughed.

Eseca grunted. He nodded at Romee, “That goes twice for you.”

She stuck her tongue out but her heart wasn’t in it.

“I’ll miss you,” she said.

“Me too,” Sera said. She rubbed her face against Ress’ shoulder.

“Don’t be gone too long, okay?” Arna worried.

“I won’t.” Ress lowered her head and nuzzled his cheek. She did the same with Sera and then Romee.

“When… when will you go?” Romee asked.

“Very soon. Will you see me off, like before?”

They nodded.

She looked up. “I’ll see you again, Eseca.”

He nodded. He said, “I’ll see you again, Ress.”

Arna, Romee, and Sera wiped their eyes and stood with her. She walked with them to their family home where Saceera was just leaving.

She stopped short and stared at Ress’ short hair and wavy bangs in shock.

Ress smiled as they walked by. “Ask Inaee or Eseca again it. I’ll be leaving soon.”

Inside the house was largely quiet. The fire crackled and spat with warmth. Without it she would need to dress warm. Arna and Romee packed her winter clothes, including her wool and fur cloak and boots. Sera gathered other necessities like her comb, soap, some blood cloths, and her spear.

Ress pulled her long-sleeve wool tunic over top. Next the leather chest piece. Vambraces went over her arms and she tucked her fingerless gloves in with her other clothes for now.

She straightened and turned to watch as they worked, smiling with a mixture of pride and sadness. Her gaze drifted from them toward a lovingly folded tunic by her bed. A yellowed skull sat perched on top. After a pause, she turned and kneeled in front of it. She pressed a kiss to her fingertips and touched them to the top of the skull.

“I will see you again, Sorsee,” she whispered.

She sat for a while, recalling fond memories with a smile as she listened to the rummaging through the house. Soon the noises turned quiet and she rose.

She shouldered her bag they had perfectly packed and grabbed her spear. She gestured for them to follow.

“What food do you think I should bring?” she asked with a light voice.

“Mmm… meat,” Sera suggested.

“Berries,” Romee said.

Arna said, “Not too much though, or it’ll weigh you down.”

“Those are good ideas,” Ress said. “Let’s talk to Ceuan and see if her hunters have caught anything. If they have nothing to spare then we’ll go to Saarea and Sarma.”

Arna nodded next to her, changing course to head toward the hunters’ house. “Saarea said Sarma’s field is growing as well as her’s this year.”

“Good.”

They gathered attention as they went from one place to the next. People were distracted by Ress’ hair and they bumped into each other. Some looked away while others stared. Whispers began but Ress kept her back straight and her children raised their chins. The people they spoke to were surprised as well, and Ress summarized her reasoning for them. They were sad to see her go but they happily gave her food for the beginning of her travels.

By the time they were finished the moon had disappeared from the sky. As they neared the outskirts of the tribe their footsteps slowed. A warm breeze blew from the south.

“Are you sure you don’t want a horse?” Romee asked when they came to a stop.

Ress turned to her and smiled. “I’m sure. Our people need them more than I do.”

Romee sighed. Her eyes travelled over her, unsure, but she nodded. “Okay.”

Ress put her bag and spear down and wrapped her arms around her for a long hug.

She put a hand on her shoulder. “Be wild, but be safe.” She kissed her forehead.

She hugged Arna. “I’ll miss the food you help grow.”

He sniffled. “You’ll have the best veggies when you get back.”

She chuckled. She rubbed his back and kissed his nose. “I can’t wait.”

She moved on to Sera, who jumped up and wrapped her arms around her neck. Ress easily caught her and held her up.

She turned her head and whispered in her ear, “I… I don’t know if I want to make clothes anymore.”

“No?”

Sera hummed.

She rubbed her back, smoothing the fabric of her tunic. “What will you do?”

“‘m not sure yet. Maybe something with animals. Like Romee.”

“Eh?” Romee asked, leaning in to better hear. “Did you say my name?”

Ress smiled at Sera. “Then I can’t wait to see how well you take care of the animals. And even if it isn’t animals, I can’t wait to see what you do.”

“Miss you,” Sera said.

Ress lowered her to her feet. “I’ll miss you too. I’ll miss all of you. Don’t cause our family too much trouble.”

Romee wrinkled her nose. “What about Grandma Saceera and Uncle Arcsen? And Aunt Seia.”

Ress sighed wryly and put a hand on her hip. “Remember, use your judgement. Respect your elders until you think what they’re doing is dangerous or hurtful. Ask someone else if you’re unsure.”

Romee nodded sharply. “Okay. You too, mum.”

Ress smirked. “I will.”

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and released it. She picked up her bag and her spear and turned to look at the three of them, committing to memory their hair, their beautiful eyes, their bright smiles.

She lifted her spear with a smile. “I will see you again.”

They repeated back to her, “I will see you again.”

After a moment she lowered her arm and turned away. Her footsteps were quiet in the growing darkness. Her boots padded on the dirt of the worn path.

She quietly sighed and shifted her bag.

Voices suddenly called out. Surprised, she looked over her shoulder.

Her children, Inaee, and friends waved. Romee jumped and yelled goodbye again.

Ress laughed and waved her spear in the air.

Up into the starry sky, carried by the winds her voice rang out, “I will see you again!”