Our tale begins in the T'sana Woods, a rugged little patch of existence tucked into the mountainside far away from the likes of developers. The Skye People had lived on these lands for many, many generations, and their history was passed in stories told around the evening campfires. It was in these times that the children gathered around the elders, eager to hear another tale of their past.
Stories about the animals, the people, and about the lands far beyond their travels were common topics. Tonight was one tale that had never been told before. The tribe's Chieftain, Bodaway (the fire maker) came slowly out of his lean-to and scanned over the young ones. He pulled his furs to one side and sat on a log, the fire glinting over his raggedy face.
He began slowly in the ancient tongue. "It is said that the Star People have sent us the gift of life. We know that the Star People and the Skye People were once united in the great beyond. I feel that in these times they have sent us a blessing." He spoke deeply, motioning over them all. "Tonight, I retell the tale of your brothers Ahote (restless one) and Hok'ee (abandoned) as they have brought to us this blessing from the Star People."
A hush came over them all. The Bodaway continued. "Hok'ee and Ahote like all of the children of the Skye People know better than to loose the arrows of their fathers when it is hunting season and the catch is few. But they, knowing this, went out after dark and traveled deep into the T'sana Woods to play. This was two winters past." He cleared his throat. "Ahote called to Hok'ee 'I bet I can shoot higher than you!' And Hok'ee, never able to give up a challenge, accepted his brother's taunt."
"Ahote aimed his bow into the clouds and let it go. The arrow sailed up and up into the trees until it disappeared. It did not come back. Hok'ee was afraid to loose either the arrow or the challenge. So he reached into his pack and pulled out a long rope. He tied the rope to his arrow and aimed it into the sky." Bodaway paused for emphasis, watching the reactions of the children as he spoke.
"Hok'ee released his arrow and watched the feathers fly up into the sky, it too disappearing from sight soon enough. It entered the galaxy far above, flying much higher that Ahote's arrow. It struck the blanket of stars with a loud plunk and stopped moving."
The crowd murmured and some of the children were seen nudging one another in excitement. "Now Ahote, not wanting to be punished by his father for loosing the arrow, tugged on the rope of his brother. It did not move. Hok'ee gripped the rope and together they pulled. The groaned and grunted and dug their heels into the ground. Suddenly, the arrow gave way, ripping open the galaxy of the Star People. Hok'ee watched his arrow tumble safely back to Mother Earth. Feeling the wound, the Heavens cried many tears. The rain was a strange one. Hok'ee has said that the Heavens cried tears of color." His voice rose to a climax.
"These tears came fast and heavy, landing in great colorful puddles on the forest floor. Ahote was afraid of these puddles and grabbed his brother by the arm, pulling him home before anyone found out. He was sure that the adults would be angry with him for causing conflict with the Star People. The seasons passed, and the boys grew. They played in the forests often, practicing their skills on small woodland creatures." He motioned for his squaw to pass him the water skin and he took a long drink. The children coaxed him eagerly to continue.
"Hok'ee ran ahead one spring morning, determined to bring back a fine young hare. He went deeper into the forest then he had traveled before. Soon he was confused as to where he was. Things were different in this part of the forest. He did not know why. On his travels, he came across a strange nest. Bending closer for a better look, he gasped. Inside, were three small animals like none other that he had seen before. The looked as if they were a litter of wolves, yet they were more colorful than the brightest birds he had ever seen."
"He tucked one into his tunic and ran clumsily back home, somehow his feet knowing the correct path, to show Awan (somebody) the Seer his finding. Awan then brought the creature to me. I know not what these creatures are, yet they appear peaceful and protective of our people." He released the furs from around his body and out popped a bright teal bundle. It yipped and ran up to the children one by one. They squealed with delight. "I have chosen to call them Moonlits, a blessing from the Star People."
"So my people, please do not forget the gifts we are sometimes given. These lands are blessed and so are we. Remember that always. Aho (amen)" The Chieftain got to his feet slowly, then took a long look up into the stars, pondering the true origins of these creatures. Perhaps one day, all would be known.
