I like Leota and have been enjoying writing about Dosha it's a planet I have a lot of notes on, but, have never had a chance to write about it until starting this story. Hope you enjoy it.
If you want to read the first part here's a link to it.
@killerwot/assignment-day-part-1
Entering the main hall was surreal, Doshans from all across this sector of Dosha had arrived for assignment day. It was funny really, these were people from a town over or from a few villages away but Loeta had never seen any of them before in her fifty years. Everyone was excited, the buzz in the air hit her like a ton of bricks as she walked through the room. She was glad she had Brima and Sengy with her for this. Not that she wouldn't be able to face the crowd alone, more so she was relieved just to have someone to share in her enjoyment and share the day with. The three of them found seats close to the front, where the elders would most likely be sitting. "So many people," Brima said in awe, looking around the room. "How many would you say there are?" He continued. Loeta could hardly think. "I'm not sure." "About five hundred. Maybe more." Sengy interjected. The sounds of so many voices speaking at once was almost like music to Loeta. No one voice could be picked out, instead, they meshed into one and began taking on some kind of animalistic rhythm. They seemed to get louder, swelling until soothing back down until reaching almost total silence. "The Elders are here," Brima whispered. Loeta could have guessed that.
Seven Doshan Elders slowly made their way through the middle of the room, through the mass of boisterous Doshans and to Loeta it felt as though they were able to command the entire rooms attention without ever breathing a word. Patiently they sat until they reached the large overhanging stage at the front of the hall. Each took their seats. All but one, who stood in the centre of the others and looked out at the crowd. She must have been at least four hundred and fifty years old, but, didn't seem much older than three hundred. Spritely with good posture, she had a flat, almost emotionless face, other than her round cheeks which conveyed her joy. "Assignment day has come and what a day. Each of you are the first Doshans to be assigned clans since the Confederation left this planet and Free Space fourteen years ago. We welcome you all and hope that you are as excited as we are. You will be leaving this hall with purpose, a goal in which you will achieve slowly over the next chapter of your lives. For some, it will take many years to accomplish, for others it may be quicker. But, for each of you, you will complete it wholeheartedly at your own pace. And make Dosha stronger." Although the speech was delivered slowly, Loeta hung on each word and was focused on every sentence. While she contemplated, the speaker sat down as another stood, the names had started to be given and Loeta concentrated intently waiting for hers.
After some time she heard Brima's name. "Brima of the undergrowth. It has been decided that from here on you will be Brima Petal. To focus your life, entertaining. Learning every form imaginable, learning too, to be creative and work on pieces which will last the ages, long after we all leave." Loeta looked at Brima as the words were being said and he gave that worried look he usually wore on his face when someone spoke to him. The crowd began to laugh, to which Brima lowered his head in embarrassment. Loeta could only reach out and squeeze his hand. "Have some respect. Men have made some of the best entertainers Dosha has ever seen, not every Petal has to work as a dancer!" The speaker's outburst soon put a stop to the laughing. Loeta could only feel a slight shame, as she knew if she didn't know Brima she would have laughed as well. Soon Sengy's name was called. "Sengy of the undergrowth. It has been decided that from here on you will be Sengy Stem, you will travel far from Dosha and learn the things that aren't taught here. Learning the ways of the many Cultures of Free Space, when your time is done, you will return to Dosha to start your next chapter." Sengy's eyes had widened and hadn't closed throughout the speech. Loeta was surprised as well, more so because Sengy had said she wanted to be a Stem. Loeta noticed the tears, then. "Sengy?" She looked at Loeta as she welled up but, turned from her quickly to look at the ground.
Then, almost as if a lifetime had passed Loeta's name was called. "Loeta of the undergrowth. From here on you will be known as Loeta Stem. You will travel far from Dosha and learn the things that aren't taught here. Learning the ways of the many Cultures of Free Space when your time is done, you will return to Dosha to start your next chapter." Travel far from Dosha was the last thing she focused on. Leaving? All Loeta had ever known was her home-world. As exciting as it was, it was a scary thought. Although. Getting to see what else was out there was a great opportunity, she couldn't deny that. Going out there alongside Sengy would be good she thought, at least she wouldn't feel so alone.
The ceremony ended not long after, there was a buzz around their town. Sengy had left shortly after without saying a word. So Brima and Loeta decided to hang out, they went back to the hut to find Sengy but, she wasn't there. Rather than spend the whole night looking for her they decided to instead find a place to sit and talk. It was probably going to be the last time they would be able to, now that they were all going to be so busy. By the river seemed like the best choice. It was peaceful and as they sat they noticed that the Glow Moths were in season, illuminating the whole walkway along the banks of the river. Sitting down was nice, Loeta caught one and ate it. They always had the best spice kick when they had recently hatched. Brima didn't eat any, instead, he sat silently watching the water. "Are you happy about being sent off-world?" Brima asked. Being sent, it did kind of feel strange knowing she was leaving. "It's not like I won't be able to come back whenever I get a chance." There isn't much for me here anyway. She didn't want to give voice to that thought though.
Here's a link to part 3 if you want to continue reading!
@killerwot/assignment-day-part-3-final
