In Need of a Transfusion

Ayguili continued by asking Seveya the Artisan for her story. She replied to the Ubar by stating her name .. who she was and why she was there. It was benign and brief but .. put on the spot I figured she spoke well. Ayguili asked her what she brought to the First Fires. Her answer began to take on a little more of a personal flavor. She said she brought color .. new ideas and inspirations and a lot of spunk.

Well good for her .. I liked to hear that. Her smile spoke of her pride in her Clan and her own gifts which she was offering up to the Ubar. I saw the child Seveya .. as she sought for validation. Something we all need.

Ayguili asked Seveya .. "Color. That is what you bring to us?" Seveya replied .. "Yes." Ayguili asked.. "And how do we benefit from this color?"

At this point I was interested in these questions and answers. Had I not just repainted the entire interior of my wagon in a way that I have never allowed before? Had I not just infused my entire home with color? Of course I was interested in a discussion about color and what a gift it was. Lift your eyes to the flags .. color is something we know and value as Tuchuk.

Seveya replied. "Life.. experiences.. thoughts.. even dreams, all come with color. I seek to bring these to the forefront, so that others can see and learn."

The young .. I say young loosely for I am not that much older than she is ... artist had my full attention now. I thought the words profound. I wanted to ask her questions .. I wanted to explore those words. Was it a coincidence that I had so recently delved into the subject myself? Perhaps she had some of the answers I had been seeking. I expect someone with questions about the Sky to come to me as a Haruspex .. if I have questions about color ... should I not ask an artist?

huh

Sometimes I am humbled by the simple answers to what I consider great horizon-touching questions.

Ayguili asked her .. "And how will these fires benefit from that?" I had a sudden childlike urge to raise my hand. All excited that I had just learned something.

Insert internal smirk here.

Seveya responded by saying "I think it a great disjustice for others to go without knowing the colors of this tribe.. the experiences and histories that need telling. Our generations and even those yet to be born." At this point she looked at me curiously .. probably because I was staring at her. But she was teaching me something .. something I was enjoying learning. Fortunately I was not thinking it all out too much or I would have feigned disinterest .. irreverent Cursed Son that I am.

Yes .. it is a sore spot right now ... thank you for asking.

Back to Ayguili .. who then said to her "So you are a singer. Or a year keeper."

I had to wonder if Ayguili was actually confused on this point or if he was simply experiencing the same thing I was .. and wishing for her to keep speaking of her ideas. Either way it worked for me because it caused her to keep explaining. The Artist has patience. Not something many creative minds have. Something else for me to learn.

huh

So Seveya replied .. "No, I am neither of these things. Singers paint with words. Year Keepers paint with memory. I draw forth images and give them color."

Well said. If ever I want art explained I will have Seveya do it. If ever I want the concept to be put into mortal words .. which is a terrible thing to try to do ... I will point to Seveya. I was excited .. I wanted to sit and think ... to introspect and connect the concepts of her words to the color in my wagon. I wanted to see the thread as it connected and created the tapestry of my own understanding. But there was still more to listen to at the fires and this introspection would have to wait.

figures

Ayguili indicated Cana .. and told Seveya that "Her son paints in color .. most children do if given the chance. What I want to know is how this color benefits the tribe and those of the first wagons."

This is where Ayguili lost me. Was he referring to the fact that children are more in touch with their creativity than adults? That adults lose that connection as they grow older but .. artists are the ones that keep those gifts? Artists do not put them away or lose them to the dull realities that bombard their psyche? But if that is what Ayguili was trying to say .. was he not answering his own question about what she offered the First Fires? Was it not clear at this point what gifts and talents the young artist was holding to him? What concepts and ideals were threaded through her statements like binding fibers making it stronger .. more resilient?

I caught the muscle tighten on Seveya's jaw. Then I heard Ayguili say to the artist .. "Seveya. In one hand I want you to be able to tell me what it is that you bring to these fires that will be of benefit. That would be a reason to make you a permanent member here."

I suddenly realized that Ayguili was not asking the questions because he liked the answers and wanted to know more. I realized that Ayguili had been asking the questions because he really did not .. get it. He really did not understand what Seveya offered. He did not understand her words about art .. or color. I felt my chest expand with a breath that was about to form into words as the exhale would ease over my tongue ... but who was I? I was not even a commander any more. What right had I to speak without my opinion asked for? This was between Ayguili and Seveya. I would not interfere in such a rude way .. I would not disrespect the Grays. If Ayguili wanted my opinion he would ask for it. If he wanted me to speak at the First Fires of these things he would put me in a position to do so.

I let the air escape without forming the words. But I still had much to say .. I still had many questions. I would not forget what I learned or where I had learned it. I would not dismiss such a gift that was offered to the First Fires. I would not forget to validate it .. given the chance. I believe that the concept of what Seveya offered was something we all need more of. I think every person needs art .. whether they have the ability to understand it .. or not.