This Thanksgiving weekend, I am thankful for the RNG, which chose a feast of Tlaloc for this Session and gave me an excuse to RP Thanksgiving in Aztlan.
*****
Session 2 - Morning
Harder Than It Looks
In the passing years since Eazu and Matlans wedding, the Yilfruit tribe remained largely the same. The Yilfruit trees still stood tall, the air still hung muggy and thick year-round, the people stayed happy and carefree, and a large stash of yilfruit was always kept at the meeting house.
Of course, some things had also changed, but nearly all for the good. Doubts of Cuautlequetzquis legitimacy as ruler waned quickly. The shelters of the Yilfruit people became larger and more lavish as more of them set down permanent roots there. New children, including young Ebzulotl, grew up knowing nothing but life among the yellow fruit. And most consequently for Eazu, he was raised to Citizlan of the land, and chief of the Yilfruit tribe.
Citizlan Eazulotls first feast of Tlaloc allowed him to live up to his reputation as a lavish host. Now that he gathered a certain portion of each tribe members harvest, the feast of the fertility god was larger than ever. Eazu had used a full half of the communal yilfruit storage, first for direct cooking and consumption at the feast, and second for trading with neighboring tribes for their own regional specialties. As a result, the Yilfruit tribe enjoyed yams, carrots, grains, citrus fruits, and large meaty birds caught and harvested in other areas of Aztlan.
In short, it was delicious.
But this feast of Tlaloc was notable for another reason, one that threatened to mar the days conviviality. As the large, meaty birds were being carved for the meals main course, one of Eazus scouts emerged from the jungle to speak to Eazu, who sat at the head of the long, central table.
Citizlan, please pardon my intrusion, but there is urgent news from the jungle. Noctusuma of House Filotl has declared an attempt to overthrow you! Even now he gathers those who would have you toppled, and he plans to confront you this very night!
The man hadnt spoken very loudly, but those near Eazu had heard, and the announcement quickly spread as a whisper throughout the feast. The clearing quieted, and all eyes went to Eazu, who now stood in his silver chieftans tunic to deliver a response.
My tribe, brothers and sisters of the Yilfruit, this threat is not unknown to me. And as with all events that arise here among the trees, I have carefully considered the proper response. Indeed, he had almost been late to the feast for all his planning earlier that afternoon. A martial retaliation was an obvious option, and quickly suggested within my inner circle. Eazu gestured to Aetlon -- friend and guardsman to the Citizlan -- who sat to his right at the table.
But as much as I value Aetlons advice, the consequences of battle had to be considered, Eazu continued. And to mobilize all able-bodied men at a moments notice to oppose Noctusuma, on the day of the feast of Tlaloc, would act against the very soul of our people.
For as your Citizlan, I serve not to fight all that oppose me with the power handed to me, but to embody the will of our people. And if I know one thing about our tribe, its that nothing gets in the way of the feast of Tlaloc. The crowd laughed. And for that reason, I fear Noctusuma has chosen a poor night to gather dissidents. Anyone who is not already here must be half-asleep after giant meals of their own. The crowd laughed harder. Eazu wasnt exactly a comedian, but the tension was dissipating.
So this usurper will end this night defeated, not by spears and axes, but rightfully by the will of the gods. Enjoy your meals, my friends. Nothing disturbs you tonight. The crowd returned to the feast as suggested. Some spoke worriedly, but Eazu had built enough trust in his tribe that they generally took his word and went about enjoying themselves.
Peace for one more hour, Eazu thought. That phrase had become a mantra for him since he was raised to his position, and thus far the hours had continued, crisis after resolved crisis, however precariously.
Eazu spoke to Aetlon as the main dishes were being passed, this time softly enough that only those at the end of the table could hear.
Aetlon, your counsel and protection have been indispensable over this time of transition. I fear to imagine the state of the Yilfruit tribe had we lacked your steadfast support.
You are gracious and kind, Eazulotl, said Aetlon, but you know this flattery is unnecessary. My duty to my tribe and my duty to you are the same. You will have my voice and my spear by your side until the gods see that they fail. And even then I will fight on.
In this you are wrong though, Aetlon, Eazu replied. You will be leaving us, this very night.
But--
Allow me to finish. Matlan and I have spoken of this at length, and we have decided that you will join our jaguar warriors to explore the wilderness. Reinforcements and new recruits will leave from the pyramid at first light tomorrow, which means you must leave to meet them there tonight, even before the feast is finished. I have packed the remainder of your share of the feast for you to eat on the way, although I am sorry you cannot finish it here with us.
Aetlon was stunned. With respect, Citizlan, I will be of no use among the Jaguars. My duty is to you, and protecting you here comes before all else. There will be other men to --
Again, let me finish. I would not so easily send you from my side, but among the jaguars you will indeed be of greatest service to me. You will take my son with you, Aetlon.
Ebzulotl? To the jaguars? But he is just a boy.
A boy who aspires to be a great warrior, and who should thus start on this path as soon as possible. A life of guarding his father and living among the yilfruit would serve as poor training indeed. We have spoken to our son of this plan, and he knows he will be leaving with you tonight. He is apprehensive, but eager to embark upon this adventure. Ebzu sat a places away Aetlon with a roasted limb of bird in his hand. The boy carried his hand-made, oversized spear on his back, and his off-kilter warriors outfit gave the impression of a boy playing at soldier, which is of course exactly what he was. He had much to learn.
...As you wish, Eazulotl, said Aetlon. I will watch over your boy as if he were my own, and I will teach him all I know. Aetlon was not fully resolved, however. He furrowed his brow. But why so urgently? Why before he is full-grown, and even before this feast is finished tonight?
Because I am no fool, Aetlon. Eazu lowered his voice, and leaned in. I speak with confidence to the tribe, but you know as well as I that Noctusuma may yet appear tonight to claim my title. I would have you and my son far from here by then. Even if my prediction holds true and Noctusuma does not come, he will not be the last danger which beseiges the Citizlans of Aztlan. Ebzu will be no safer here than under your wing among the Jaguars, and he will return to Tenochtitlan a hero of our people. This is what Matlan and I want for our son. We will feel his absence every day, but he must confront the world if he is to rise to greatness. It is a difficult choice, but the right one.
It will be done, Eazulotl. I am honored for the privilege.
I would entrust it to no other, Aetlon. But please stay for just a moment more, as there is one more occasion to celebrate this evening. Eazu turned to his wife. Shall we, Matlan?
Yes, Eazu.
Eazu once again stood, this time along with Matlan.
Friends of the Yilfruit, I must ask for your attention once again, but this shall be the last interruption.
The tribe quieted, as always. Eazu continued.
This morning, my wife Matlan gave me some news. He looked at her and they exchanged smiles. Her moons blood has not come for many days. We are expecting another child. The tribe exploded in clapping their hands, yelling congratulations and prayers to the god of fertility, who was kind indeed to give their chief a child on his feast day.
After seating again, Matlan said to her husband, There is one more thing, Eazu.
Yes? he asked, intrigued.
I had a vision last night of Tlaloc, who came as a great wave and spoke in a voice of thunder. He spoke of many things, and shared his mysteries. Though the words of the gods fade when we wake, there is one I remember from the vision. It is about the new child.
She placed her hand on her stomach and smiled knowingly. This one is a girl.
*****
So in case it wasnt clear, Eazulotl will procreate and Ebzulotl will enlist in the 1st Company Jaguars.
And yes, the daughter will be named Eczulotl.