In the middle of the village lies a giant totem of a deep sea leviathan made of wood. The structure is made from a big mangrove tree that has been sculpted by the carpenter. This is the statue of a deep sea leviathan that the village worshipped.
It's a tale from long ago that if you "Feed the sea, the sea will feed you". every year the Boniha village would drop some of the monsters they hunt into the sea to please the god below the depth. They said that if you didn't make a sacrifice that year the Boniha island will stop raining.
It could bring a disaster for the island people if the rains stop. Much of the farmland near the village mostly takes advantage of the Boniha flood.
All the festival activities took place in the village's center. To have the water god serve as both the judge and the witness, right there in front of them. Additionally, performance is put on for the water god. Today is no different, a woman in middle age with an aquamarine festive cloth dace in front of the Statue to start the day.
Dancing solo in front of the statue is a sign of honor from the village. The dance has been a long tradition on the island. The dancer is required to dance in an aggressive motion that tests their stamina and endurance. Accompany by a drum sound that increases in intensity every 10 minutes If you could last for 3 hours you would be crowned the Forest queen for 4 years.
After winning, the forest queen would receive a discount, honor, and other conveniences from the whole village until a new forest queen is selected. However, in order to have a new face in the pageant, the previous queen is not allowed to compete.
The dancer is on the stage in front of the statue and is the last winner of the dancing competition 4 years ago. The visage of a red hair girl dancing energetically felt enchanting and beautiful. Although rough and aggressive the dace felt somewhat elegant like fish that swam through a harsh river upstream.
Most village girls dream to be here one day as dancing here is an honor and strength.
tun tun tun paw!
When the 3 hours is up The drums came to a stop and the forest queen finishes her dance. She bowed to the audience applauded and left the stage while people are cheering. After the forest queen left the stage a bulky man walk up. He is a middle age man with a brown headband that is prop up his spikey red hair. He walks on the stage shirtless, showing his toned muscle with confidence, commonly found in Boniha tribe members. his only piece of clothing is grey pants and a headband.
This is the vice village chief, second in command and currently running the village in the absence of the chief. Belga The boulder, as his name suggests, he's famous for his bulky body that's said to be as hard as a boulder.
"Hello everyone! Welcome to the Boniha trial festival! This year we have the pleasure to open the festival with a spectacular performance by miss Shaly the forest queen! Let's give her another round of applause!"
The crowd cheers and gives miss Shaly another round of clapping.
"Now let's cut to the chase! The main menu of the festival! This year we have 15 contenders waiting to join our tribe's elite hunting force!"
Belga pan out his hand. The festival has been set up and the participant all bow in front of the Statue. They each pay respect to the Water god and line up for the village to see.
"Look at all these young and strong seeds... Oh, it seems like not all of them are strong... Well, I guess we'll have to see! These young and great seeds are about to complete a trial to see if they could become elite tribesmen! The hunting force of the tribe!"
"Ohh!!!!" Roars filled the place when Belga spoke!
"Now, let me confirm the rules to you guys so that there's no funny business going around! First, you have to hunt a monster alone in seven days! Second, you can't bring any weapon except the one we provide you, and lastly don't steal each other hunt! Violate one of these rules and you'll be instantly disqualified! Am I clear!?"
"Yes!" All the participants answered in unison. Belga smiled in response. Looking through the participants Belga thinks that this year's festival will be quite amusing. Not only is the chief son here but also Gurara's daughter.
The other participant is good but, they are no match for the two rising stars. The strength of these two kids is nearly as good or even better than some adult hunters in the village. Belga has to keep an eye out for these two performances.
What is surprising is Michael, the mainlander kid that's lives in the village also participates. There are no rules on who could participate in the Boniha trial, the only requirement is that you're under 18, so Michael can participate. Belga doesn't like that fact however, he can't change the sacred trial rules while the village chief is away.
Most of the tribesmen have disdain in their eyes after seeing Michael in the lineup of participants. Their hate for Mainlanders is still deep in their heart. However, there's also an honor for the strength. Gurara vouched for the kid and they at least respect Gurara.
"As usual we will give everyone an encouraging feast before the Trial. Boys, Bring the food in!"
The tribesman people pull in the wagon full of food and prep them up on the table around the statue. The chef work to cook more meal and the bard play song to keep the mood high.
All 15 kids scatter around the statue, preparing for the hunt and talking to each other. From the line up you could tell that this year's kid would bring in a good hunt. There is Graha is with his two closest friends. Layla with her group of friends and other elite class members. That leaves only Michael without a group to talk to.
'Where's Brava?'
He remembered that his friend is also participating in the trial too. Michael searches around for him but, he can't seem to find Brava. Disappointed, Michael grabs a piece of meat, finds a quiet corner, and sits there while he waits for the feast to end. Feeling a little lonely He expect this to blow over but, Michael actually had people to talk to.
"Hello, little Michael. Why are you sitting here all lonely?" a voice said mockingly.
"....."