The Offering
This story is heavily inspired by the picture with my otter buddy Archie.
Zake
A breeze from the ocean blew and carried salty freshness into Zake's nostrils. He was focused and intoxicated at the same time - the state of ritualistic trance. The dancing fires of the torches were burning just as vividly as his anticipation. This was the night of Ajun'j, the turning of tides and the beginning of the stormy season. For ages it has been a sacred date for all otters. Soon the offering would take place in the circle of flames and on the holy stone at the hidden cove of this desolate beach. The ritual was set up by the eldest otters and offering as well as Ajun'pkai were selected by the youngest daughter of the Wave Master. Zake could feel the tension slowly creeping into his thoughts. The ritual stone was perfect, round and with smooth carvings. White paint, ropes, everything was at reach. He took deep breaths, closing his eyes and letting his mind go blank with the rush of the water and the whisper of the wind. He heard waves roll ashore in a tranquillizing rhythm and felt a deep connection with the water. He would come. He would do to him what had to be done. He smiled as he thought: Tonight, I am Ajun'pkai and nothing can stop me.
Archie
Archie wandered slowly and carefully through the darkness. A small path lay before him, but it was thin and from time to time blocked by one of the sturdy bushes that resisted the salt and the winds. His eyes were wide and still he trod with caution on the warm sand. His ears twitched as he heard rustling noises in the high grass and the buzzing of some insect. Despite of the fresh breeze his body was hot and tense. His attention shifted swiftly, his steps were cautious, and yet a pushing serenity took control of his thoughts. This was the way he was chosen to go and everything was determined from now on - the young Princess of the Waves chose him to be the offering. His destiny was to walk the long path to the peninsula alone, find the Ajun'pkai and be his offering. Suddenly Archie's eyes caught a flickering red glow on the sandy path before him - he had arrived already! Swallowing hard, he looked up from his feet and was blinded by the sudden brightness of the torches in the cove. He moved on and on, but his heart started to race. The otter could not stop his feet from carrying him towards the circle of fiery lights. His breath went faster and he could feel the blood rushing in his ears. The soothing tranquility of the sacred night made him close his eyes. He was chosen and whatever would happen, it was right. It was alright. He took one hesitant step, and another, and soon he was walking the path with his eyes closed. He felt so safe as if someone or something was guiding him in the darkness of his inner eye. He could not say if he had walked for seconds or ages. Time was not relevant tonight. The crackling sound of the torches was the only thing he heard. He stopped because he knew it was right. Because he had arrived.
The encounter
When Archie finally opened his eyes, the Ajun'pkai stood there before him. Shadows danced around the sacred spot. Slowly, the bigger otter stepped up to him and held his glance. Archie did not look away and felt how a deep relief filled his mind. He would be the perfect offering, he belonged to this otter now. Gently, Archie was being turned around by strong paws. He closed his eyes full of certainty. Symbols of white color were smeared on his fur, in his face and on his butt. He was pushed onto the ritual stone. He was bound with ropes. And then the ceremony began.