Chapter 13- Night of Ice Opera
During the next three weeks in December, Lewa only manages to see Venimbus briefly during each weekend, the two unable to have an outing which lasts more than an hour without the risk of being caught by watchful Junti guards Venimbus constantly avoids.
On the third weekend Venimbus brings Lewa good news, the two hiding in the flower bushes away from Junti regions. “Lewa, I have good news for you. Despite the fact we've had to be hasty these past three weeks in our meeting, I finally have room next week to leave the camp for a full weekend. I picked out something nice to wear and have a cloak, so I'm ready to go to the mountains for a musical evening. You can pick me up at my tree house and we can travel by cart to the mountains. They've got motorized transportation I've heard, so we won't have to be late.”
Lewa smiles and nods, excited at the news and knowing he'll have to find a good way to travel to the mountains by next week since Venimbus can't fly. “All right, I'll meet you then and maybe we can arrive early so we can explore.” he grins.
Venimbus nods, “I look forward to the adventure, wind spirit.”
Lewa can't wipe the sign of joy from his face, and he picks a white flower, slipping it into Venimbus's helmet, causing her to blush and nod in thanks.
When the two are done exchanging goodbyes, they have to head back to their regions, both having to keep their excitement of an interesting event to come, a secret.
While Venimbus is dealing with camp matters during the week, Lewa is finding a good way to travel from the jungle border to the icy mountains.
A week later Venimbus paces in her tree house, checking over her nicer outfit and preening herself with a bit of a jitter, waiting for Lewa to come.
When she hears him knock at the door, she practically leaps to it and opens it wide, smiling when she sees Lewa holding out a handsome bouquet of flowers, his armor polished and his shoulders covered with a cloak made from basic sailing cloth. “Hi Venimbus, you look most nice-pretty. I brought you some flowers.” he grins, holding them up.
Venimbus takes the flowers and gets a puzzled look at his cloak, but shrugs. “Thank you for the flowers...I didn't think you had a cloak.”
Lewa glances at the cloth on his shoulders, “It's...not really a cloak, just a piece of cloth draped over my shoulders and pinned.” he states awkwardly.
Venimbus sympathizes in relaxed understanding, “Cloaks are cloaks I guess, as long as they let us pass into this opera house, and at least you're clean looking.”
Lewa smiles, at first taking her words as a compliment, but pausing at the last part, “Thank you.....wait, hey....” he squints.
Venimbus chuckles and grabs her bag. “Are we heading out now?”
Lewa smirks, “Yeah, we'll have to stride-walk till we reach the main dirt-path. I found a travel cart that will take us to the mountain.” he smiles, holding out his arm for Venimbus to take.
Venimbus nods in approval and takes his arm, heading out with him and walking for the main dirt path. “You found transportation, I was half skeptical to your success in finding something that would take us that far.”
Lewa tilts his head up, “Ha, I might be an airhead, but I know how to fast-snag a deal.”
When the two get to the main dirt path of the jungle, Lewa leads Venimbus to a large vehicle built for hauling goods or passengers for long distances, the driver a rough iron Agori who talks very little, but takes orders just fine.
Lewa helps Venimbus onto the cart, and when they're seated, taps the driver's shoulder. “On to the icy mountains of the north, please.”
The driver nods and cranks up the gears, starting to drive them to their destination, Venimbus hiding her face with her cloak, not wanting many to see her with Lewa, not even strangers, for fear the news may travel.
Lewa understands her reasons for hiding, but does his best to hold a cheerful conversation for the next few hours, the two talking about the scenery and enjoying the trip, taken by surprise when it starts to flurry as the vehicle travels along the mountain roads.
When all seems to be going well and they're almost there, the driver comes to a halt, the gears of the vehicle grinding, and the engine seeming to struggle. He brings the cart to a stop and hops out of the cockpit with a grumble, checking under the side panel of his machine and sighing. “You two will have to walk the rest of the way from here. Engine gave out from the cold and it takes time to heat it with heat stones. She can't grip while it's snowing, but she should be fixed by the time you come back from the ice opera.”
Lewa realizes the Agori had been partially listening to their conversation, but brushes it off and nods, glancing at Venimbus. “Guess a walk in the snow won't be too bad...” he shrugs.
Venimbus nods and takes Lewa's hand while he helps her get off the cart, the two of them heading away and walking down the road towards Nu Ko Koro not too far ahead past the marking sign.
“It's pretty cold-chilly....I crave-hope that Agori gets his engine warm again before we come back.”
Venimbus nods. “He seems to be a rather grumpy fellow, but I have heard the iron tribe have their reasons to be grumpy, so I can't judge.”
Lewa shrugs, “As long as he can get us back, I don't great-mind his silence.”
After a moment as they near the village, Lewa pauses in interest when he spots an ice Agori and a Ko Matoran carving away at an ice block and snow mound, creating sculptures from the two.
Venimbus blinks and watches in fascination. “Strange....That carving is completely see through.”
Lewa smiles, “It's ice....I wonder how they sculpt the snow, looks joy-fun.”
Venimbus contemplates on an idea, her eyes squinting when she smiles, “Perhaps we can give it a try and experiment while we're in the region.”
Lewa grins, “That's a great-good idea. In fact, we have a little over an hour or so before the opera begins. Let's try to sculpt-carve the snow while we wait.”
Venimbus nods, looking around for a large mound away from the present ice artists and digs her hands into the snow, a bit surprised by the feeling of it. “It's been a long time since I've seen or felt snow. I forgot how cold it was....”
Lewa chuckles, starting to create a mound of snow, patting it down and getting help from Venimbus who tosses some at his chest plate, the two chuckling and getting each other with snow as they make two big mounds.
As they laugh and play in the snow, only partially blending with the evergreen trees, the other carvers glance at each other, the Agori shaking his head and muttering, “Airheads...” The Ko Matoran rolls his eyes and gets back to work without added comment.
Venimbus and Lewa experiment at snow sculpture, using bark chunks and sticks as their carving tools, their hands getting cold from the snow as they work, catching on fairly quickly.
Lewa is the first to get down his sculpture, looking at Venimbus who pauses to admire it. “It's uh.....gukko, right?” she asks to make sure. Lewa nods, smirking and looking at her sculpture which appears to be a large cone shape she's wedging leaves into.
“Uh...Venimbus, what are you making?” Lewa asks in confusion.
“A tree.” she states in a light laugh, Lewa snickering and face palming. “Mata Nui, that's a sneaky sculpture.” he laughs, only laughing harder when Venimbus throws a snowball at his his face, and laughs as Lewa wipes it off.
“All right....Seems we're done with our sculptures, but we still have some time left.” he shrugs.
Venimbus stands back and puts her hands under her cloak to warm them. “Hmm, maybe we can go for a walk. I've never been here before....Last I was in the north was....too long ago to remember. I only know I was rather young at the time.”
Lewa nods, “Yeah, we can go for a walk, maybe find a snack to munch-eat...”
Venimbus smiles and follows Lewa as he tilts his head towards the entrance of Ko Koro, signaling her to follow him.
The two look around, glancing over the icy buildings and admiring the architecture as art, Lewa's stomach needing a snack. He laughs as Venimbus pulls him along with her as she sniffs the cold air, noticing the scent of something sweet.
When she comes to a stop, she and Lewa notice a stand serving an odd frozen sweet that's smooth yet dense, the sign labeled “Frozen Cream”. Venimbus cocks her head and Lewa lifts a brow, “Frozen cream? What in Mata Nui's name is frozen cream?”
Venimbus thinks for a moment, “I believe it's a dessert made from milk. Looks good actually, maybe we should try it.”
Lewa shrugs, nodding, “Yeah, all right.” he agrees, eyeing the frozen cream in an ice bowl a customer walks off with.
Lewa pauses and looks at the menu, reading the description on what the cart sells. “Oh, you were right Venimbus, it's a dessert made from cow's milk, more specifically with the cream of the milk, then sweetened. They have toppings for it, and different flavors.”
“Different flavors?” she questions, looking at the sign, then at the owner. “We're new to frozen cream, any recommendations?”
The frozen cream owner pauses, finding Venimbus's curiosity rather amusing. “In Ko Koro, frozen cream is the one dessert that fits the atmosphere. The dessert was invented here obviously. Currently our best seller is Ko Koro mint sundaes. Our frozen cream is made from mountain cow milk slowly churned in a chilled pot, then hooked to a machine which is cranked by the very cow we get the milk from. While the cream is mixing we add our sugar and a mountain mint that grows like a weed in these parts. We have two kinds of textures for our cream, hard scoops, or soft creamed which is easier to eat.”
Venimbus licks her lips slightly, “What do you put on your Ko Koro Mint sundaes?”
The owner points at the sign, “We add a frozen fruit that compliments the mint, then drizzle it with chocolate.”
Venimbus looks at Lewa, “Think that sounds good? I do.”
Lewa smirks, “If you want to try it, then why not?” he chuckles, setting down payment for two mint sundaes.
The cart owner serves out their dessert in ice bowls and slides it to them with little wood spoons.
As they take their first bites, they look at each other with smiles, liking the taste and making yummy sounds, then laughing at each other, the cart owner smirking at their quirkiness and getting back to work.
Lewa and Venimbus sit down on a bench, Venimbus scooping big spoonfuls of the ice cream into her mouth, suddenly to tense and hold her head, “Oh....ow....” she groans.
Lewa's brow lifts and he looks at her in concern, “You okay?”
Venimbus nods, “Yeah....don't eat this stuff too quickly or you get a headache the way you would when drinking an iced drink.”
“Uh....brain freeze I think is what they call that...” Lewa adds, patting her back lightly with a bit of caution, suddenly sitting very still, and getting very tense when he notices a familiar figure staring at him across the way with a judging gaze and a lifted brow.
Lewa gulps, noticing Kopaka who stopped to observe them silently. “Ugh....” Lewa groans.
Venimbus looks up, “What? What is it?” she wonders edgily.
Lewa shakes his head, “Nothing Venimbus...I, just need to go talk to a friend-brother of mine real quick and I'll be right back.” he says while getting up and walking over cautiously to where Kopaka stands in silence.
“Hello brother...Uh, Tahu has been wondering where you've been.” Lewa states hesitantly, hoping Kopaka doesn't ask him anything about Venimbus.
Kopaka blinks. “I'll be seeing him soon...” he states plainly.
Lewa nods, “Right, just thought I'd let you know....”
Kopaka squints, glancing at Venimbus, then at Lewa, his eyes suspicious and piercing as though he's on to Lewa's secret, but makes no comment. “You didn't need to come here to tell me Tahu wants to meet, I've known.”
Lewa pauses, “Ah...well, no point in grumble-fretting now. A little frozen cream was
worth the trip.”
Kopaka squints, glancing at Venimbus one more time, then turning his back and starting to walk off, a faint smirk showing on his face, Lewa's sharp eyes noticing and causing him to get even more edgy as he heads back over to Venimbus and sits down when Kopaka is out of sight.
“Who was that?” Venimbus questions.
Lewa shakes his head, “A Toa-brother of mine, part of the Toa Nuva team.”
“The Nuva? Aren't you guys considered legends among your people? Or is that a myth?” Venimbus wonders.
“Uh...no, it's not a myth, we're the only Toa who dropped into energized protodermis and came out alive with enhanced power.”
Venimbus nods, “Energized protodermis, that stuff which caused this planet to tear itself apart....Throughout most of history it has been a very destructive thing, yet it seems sometimes good things come from it.” she smiles, hinting a compliment at him.
Lewa grins, finishing his ice cream. “I think it's time to head for the opera house now...It's somewhere near the ice temples in the center of town.”
Venimbus nods and sets her empty bowl to the side, then stands and takes Lewa's arm as they head through the grand archways of snow towards the Nu Ko Koro temple, an echo of tuning instruments faintly ringing from the opera house as they near it.
Already the skies were dimming and the setting sun bathed the area in gold, quickly turning a purple blue as it sinks further down the horizon.
Lewa and Venimbus step through the doors to the opera house which is filled with grandly armored and decorated individuals there to see the show, Lewa and Venimbus slightly out of place, but glad to spot a few water types and even stone types among the many ice types.
Lewa pulls out the tickets, glancing at the poster of Frona on the wall as he hands his tickets to the Agori before the opera room door.
The doors are open for them and they walk in, Venimbus’s and Lewa's eyes widening at the grandeur of the place, sparkling white with gold light from the candles, and accented with silver, dark blues, light blues, a place that seemed as a palace.
Venimbus sits, her eyes fixed on the glistening chandeliers above them, and at the stained glass window on the ceiling that seemed as painted ice.
Lewa's eyes are only fixed on the details of the place for a brief moment before he looks at Venimbus, feeling warmed by her enchanted smile.
As the orchestra almost finishes tuning, and nearly everyone is seated, Lewa whispers in Venimbus's ear, “It's not the first time I've seen Frona. I've never met her at the opera house, but I helped her once many years ago when she was hanging by her foot from a cliff side. She felt she owed me for quick-helping her from what could have been tragic-bad, and for it, she asked we meet her after the opera, backstage.”
Venimbus gets a face of surprise, “We get to meet the singer?”
Lewa nods with a smile, finding the past can catch up with you and result in good things sometimes.
Suddenly the lights are dimmed with covers and the sounds of people talking comes to a stop as the announcer comes on the stage, clearing his throat. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Ice Opera House. We welcome you with sincerity and hope you enjoy this month's opera, She Came From the Sky, performed by the lovely, and talented singer, Frona Glasgel. Please remain silent during the play, exits are on either side of the theater, enjoy the show.” he bows, leaving again as the curtains open and the play begins.
Lewa and Venimbus watch the play contently, impressed by the acting and staying quiet for the next two hours.
At the very end of the play comes the final song, the finale everyone came to see, and Venimbus practically holds her breath in awe as Frona sings for the crowd with a humble gaze, looking like a princess in her costume and taking in a deep breath after carrying the last note before the curtain closes and the crowd claps with enthusiasm.
Lewa and Venimbus stand, Venimbus looking thrilled and happy as Lewa tilts his head towards a side door Frona told him to enter through to the backstage.
Lewa is quick about slipping through the door, not wanting anyone to make wild assumptions or send guards after them in misunderstanding. Venimbus gets the hunch that's why he's holding her hand firmly and moving like a sugar buzzed toddler.
When they get back stage, Lewa slinks around in search of Frona, spotting her as she heads through the door of the dressing room and following close behind. “Hello Frona.” Lewa states in haste to get her attention.
Frona pauses and sets her glass of water down. “Toa Lewa, good to see you again....Who's your friend?” she wonders, peeking at Venimbus who stands behind Lewa patiently.
“Ah, this is Venimbus.” he nods, nudging Venimbus who waves hello and smiles. “You were lovely.” she says in genuine appreciation. “It's my first time to an opera, so I'm quite surprised.”
Frona smiles, “First times tend to be the best. Thank you for coming, it's nice to see new, and familiar faces. Now don't get me wrong, I am flattered by your compliments, but as one of the main singers I do feel there's more talented voices they could have chosen for the lead singer of She Came From the Sky.”
Venimbus gets a puzzled look. “You mean there's someone else who can perform that well?”
Frona nods, “Yes, a certain female sonics type with a voice so pure you'd think she was granted a gift from the great beings. Unfortunately, she has sensitive hearing and hasn't yet been able to afford sound barrier cuffs to put over her ears so she can sing for a crowd in comfort. The owner of the Ice Opera House is also fearful of having her sing because when she nears high keys impossible for the average vocalist, the building tends to shake or vibrate, and the owner fears she could shatter the columns of the place. She's still fine tuning her ability, one day I hope she makes it to a lead role where she deserves to be.”
Venimbus nods, “Shame I will probably not be back here for many years, but I can imagine it will be grand when this friend of yours perfects her ability.”
Frona nods and glances at Lewa, “So, is Lewa your handsome prince charming?”
Venimbus squints, “In a way....Why?”
Frona shrugs, “Well, it's good to see a Toa like him finally met someone he's interested in. He has a big heart, but where he has heart, he lacks a strong mind.”
Lewa snorts and gets a sour face.
“I'm joking....maybe.” Frona states nonchalantly. “I invited you back here so I could properly thank you for that day you kept me from falling into a bed of icy rocks, dangling above death. That day actually led to me writing my own play which they carried out here. The title was Dangling Above Death, and I half reenacted parts of the story that actually happened, but since we couldn't get an air type to come to the Ice Opera House as an actor to represent you, we settled with Gelu as the hero of the story.”
Lewa blushes slightly, “You wrote a play based off that day? That's...strange-odd but rather interesting.” he nods.
Venimbus gets a jealous look, but then out of the corner of her eye, notices Frona is staring at Gelu who passes by, her eyes holding a vibrancy Venimbus knows all too well, one of love for another.
Frona nods and looks back at Lewa. “That day led to me being here in a way. I liked the sound of echoes in the mountains, practiced with my own voice and discovered I could get by just fine in a place where people come to hear the power of the voice. It's been an interest five years; there's even talk about certain artists wanting to make mural books with text....a...what did they call it? Graphic novel? Themed around certain life events in my past. It's kind of strange, somewhat flattering, but awkward. Of course the writers wish to elaborate and adjust the stories to be thrilling.” she shrugs. “But enough about me, I'm glad to see your life has taken good turns and that you're still alive, and to repay you, I've taken the payment off your tickets.” she smiles, handing him a small bag of return pay from the manager of the Opera house. “Being a well liked vocalist has it's advantages in some ways.”
Lewa looks at the bag of repay and hesitates, not feeling right to take it, but knows ice types can be as stubborn as fire types, “I....don't require repay.”
Frona sighs, “As any Toa would say. Think of it this way, the repay is a compliment so you can buy your lovely lady something that will last longer than a one night ticket at the opera house for two.”
Lewa blushes again, seeing her logic and noticing Venimbus's relieved, and content face at Frona's words. He nods and finally takes the repay, slipping it away and smirking at Venimbus who makes her own statement. “So, do you happen to have the eye of anyone? You have a loveliness too after all.”
Frona looks down for a moment, “At this time I'm unsure, but I do like someone...someone I work with.”
Venimbus nods, knowing what she means and not carrying the conversation further for sake of privacy.
As the ladies talk, Lewa notices a familiar figure slip past in the background towards a utility room. He squints, waiting to see who comes out, his eyebrows lifting high when he sees it's Kopaka. “Kopaka?” he mutters in utter surprise.
Frona pauses from her conversation with Venimbus, noticing Lewa's sudden bafflement. “Is Kopaka a friend of yours?”
Lewa twitches and glances back at her, “Yeah....he's one of my teammates, a member-friend of the Toa Nuva. You know him?”
Frona hesitantly nods. “I don't exactly know him directly, but I'm familiar with his name and work position here.”
“Work position?” Lewa questions in surprise.
“Yes, Kopaka is the security guard and foundations officer of the opera house.” Frona explains.
“Foundations officer?” Lewa questions with a lifted brow.
“A foundations officer is someone who watches over the rope men and guys who work in the mechanics above the stage. People who create the special effects above have a risky job. Kopaka is there to make sure they secure everything properly, and don't fall.” Frona shrugs.
Lewa smirks, “Oh....Hehehe, a security guard and special effects guardian. Never thought I'd sight-see the Toa of slush in a place like this.” he chuckles.
“If you know him, perhaps you should catch up with him.” adds Frona.
Lewa pauses, his nose scrunching as he has second thoughts to that idea and knowing full well that if he goes to talk with Kopaka about his job, Kopaka will return questions about his relationship with Venimbus, the two Toa having ammo against each other. Lewa shakes his head, “Ah...I better not, we already talk-spoke outside before coming here, and he doesn't like length-long conversations.”
Frona nods, “Then you best get your lady home, it's getting late, and it's not easy to travel through the mountains at night.”
“Yes, you're right.” Lewa agrees. “Come on Venimbus, best head out while we can. It was great-nice to see you one more time, Frona. Have a nice evening.” he nods, heading out with Venimbus holding his arm.
“Farewell Toa of air.” Frona says in a soft, chilled tone.
Lewa and Venimbus travel back through the evening snow, looking at the stars as they walk, their dreams big and hopes high.
“I crave-hope the Agori got his cart running.” Lewa sighs.
Venimbus nods, tugging his arm when she sees the iron Agori and his cart outside Ko Koro's gates.
Lewa comes over to him. “Hey, did you get the cart warmed?”
The Agori shakes his head, “She only warmed enough to make it to the gate. Without a good boost I can't get her to kick start.”
Lewa looks down and paces in brief thought, muttering about needing a kick start before snapping his fingers and looking back up. “I have an idea. Venimbus can get on the cart, I'll sit on top and create a sail with the tarp, then while I summon a large-big wind to push the cart, you steer.”
The Agori squints, thinking about it for a moment, then smirking. “That might just work.”
Lewa grins and helps the confused Venimbus onto the cart, then climbs on top and ties himself on after creating a quick sail. “Ready?”
The Agori lifts the breaks and gives a thumbs up, his eyes widening when Lewa brings a wind gust their way, the cart being pushed along the snow at a rather quick speed and he steers down the winding road of the mountain till they reach a hill, the ride smooth from there and the engine warmed enough to work on its own.
Eventually the group reach the main jungle path, the iron Agori getting very twitchy and refusing to stay in the area any longer when he sees the sun is almost gone, driving off for the nearest lit village.
Lewa lifts a brow, “What in Mata Nui was wrong with him?” he wonders in confusion.
Venimbus shakes her head, not wanting to talk about it. “We need to get home now. The jungle is dangerous at night. We best go to the nearest lit village and stay there at possible rental huts till morning.”
Lewa gives her a puzzled face, getting the hunch she knows something about why the Agori was so spooked, but for the sake of saving sleep, doesn't ask many questions and the two jog towards the same village the Agori drove off to, and rent their own little huts for the night.
Lewa dreams about his evening, his mind filled with many questions he knew would have to wait.
By morning, Venimbus is already gone from the village by the time Lewa wakes, and he knows it will probably be a few weeks again till he can see her.
Wondrous Winter Waning
Lewa's chances to meet Venimbus again weren't as long as he suspected, one week into January and he's already at her doorstep to see if she's home. He had checked the week before, but had no luck, finding she wasn't there, much to his confusion.
But here he was again, peeking through her tree house window with hopeful eyes, his heart starting to sink when he doesn't see her, but notices odd decorations in the home.
Just as he starts to turn around and leave, there Venimbus stands with a basket full of feathers and a few odd objects, her sudden appearance startling Lewa who flinches and lightly gasps before holding his chest and chuckling. “Venimbus....hello.”
Venimbus pats his head and opens her door. “Come in Lewa.” she says in a light, happy tone.
Lewa gets himself together and stands tall, following her in and getting a closer look at the place. “What's with the strange-odd decorations?”
Venimbus sets her basket on the table, sorting through the feathers. Well, they're part of another Junti tradition. This is the month of the snow moon, the specific celebration day is near the end of the month and we call that day Frost wane.”
Lewa cocks his head and sits down, looking at the feathers, “So...what's with the feathers, and how does this celebration work?”
Venimbus chuckles at Lewa's curiosity. “All right, I'll let you in on the fun. The month of snow moon and the day of Frost Wane are to celebrate a good year coming to a close before a new year begins. In some parts of the jungle it can get rather chilly, and there was a time when famine almost took the land because of an odd frost that nearly killed all the plants. During that time the villagers sought refuge with others who weren't affected by the frost famine, and when they told what was going on, people started to store foods and share, feeling sorry about the bare areas of the jungle from which these villagers came. The chiefs of the tribes came together, and agreed to help those of famine pull through.
To make up for the lack of color and plants these villagers longed for, a group of Junti craftsmen came together and wove large cone shapes with branches out of dried vines. On these vine cones the height of a Glatorian, they wrapped assorted feathers, natural and dyed, all around it till it was completely covered, resulting in what looks like a tree, but isn't. From the fake trees they hung sparkly things and colored objects, getting creative and making these hanging objects as trophies to share with each other, family, friends, chiefs. They became interesting gifts of sentiment hung on the tree to brighten ones day. Thus they started calling them trophy trees.
The garland was an extra thing for color and well being, and also an excellent way to store beads, dried nuts, berries, and other assorted foods hung in the window for color and for eating or wearing. It was also used as a sign to frost famine villagers that they were welcome to come in and stay till their land grew back.
Eventually the day came when the villagers returned to their land to find that the frost was waning and their plants hadn't fully died, already starting to come back after three weeks of death. The villagers rejoiced and to return their thanks to those who housed them, they brought gifts, and this became a tradition among all Junti after.
We kept the trees and garland more for decorative purposes after a while, and share gifts on the day of Frost Wane, the day the famine villagers shared gifts in thanks. This is a month we see as a time to celebrate in what we have, rich in food, and in plants, glad we're not in famine. We keep the traditions of Frost wane as a reminder of what can happen, and rejoice in what hasn't happened since. Plus it's a great way to add color to the home since many flowers close during this month and the color’s dim.”
Lewa grins, “So...the feathers you have are for making a trophy tree?”
Venimbus nods. “I wanted to make a better one for my tree house with some natural ornaments.”
Lewa looks at the feathers, “Sounds like joy-fun.”
Venimbus nods and pulls out some dried vines and waxed leather twine. “I'll show you how to make Frost Wane decorations. “We'll start by weaving our cone base with branches. To do this you just need to know how to weave and tightly tie it together with waxed leather thread.”
“Why waxed leather thread?” Lewa wonders.
“Because leather lasts a long time, and the wax preserves it further. Plus we melt the wax a little to better hold the form together, basically it's a type of glue.”
Lewa smirks, watching Venimbus and trying to remember all her instructions.
After a few tries and getting hit in the shoulder by whip lashing dry vine, grumbling and puffing, Lewa finally gets the hang of weaving the cone and helps Venimbus make the trophy tree, enjoying the steps where they thread the feathers onto twine first, then add to the tree base, even adding fake cloth leaves to fill in, then making some basic ornaments and garland to add on top.
When they're done, they stand back and smile at what they made together, Lewa already itching to share this new tradition with his people, knowing they'd enjoy it just for fun.
Venimbus makes instructions for Lewa to follow so he can go home and make his own Frost Wane material, and for a moment she almost hugs him, but refrains from getting too intimate and decides to keep a respectful distance.
After a few more hours of making garland for Venimbus's windows and his own, Lewa must return to his village while Venimbus returns to hers, the two planning on meeting again as soon as possible sometime in the month.
