FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Little brown paws danced around a bright white flower, sometimes too close causing its delicate stem to sway and bend as if a breeze was passing through. A long loincloth hanging around the front and back of her waist served to accentuate the spots on one's legs, and also cover the space between their legs and rear. Shoulder length brown hair bounced with a small beaded necklace that the eight year old dancing genet wore. The quiet pattering on the dirt continued unabated with intervals of small and large hops on the ball and heel pads. Despite the threat to its pristine balance, the flower remained untouched as the figure paused to take a breath.

"Ugh!" Topaz, the brown genet, laid on her back and stuck her legs into the air. She stared at her feet intensely. "How does everyone dance so much during a festival?" Despite her complaint, clapping was given from the little civet watching her.

"That was really good Topaz!" Mazia, her civet friend sitting beside her clapped. "You were just like everyone dancing during the monsoon festival."

"Thanks." She grinned catching her breath. "But they didn't stop for hours, and some traditional dances hop only on the heel and front." Topaz huffed and closed her eyes, letting her legs fall to the ground. Celebrations for whatever reason in Luo were energetic to everyone who participated, even the young and old. When the young genet opened her green eyes her friend was looming over her with an outstretched hand.

"C'mon. Let's go back to Yani's house." Mazia pointed to one of the houses a few meters away. A young mother civet was sitting on the back steps to her home with an infant playing around her feet. The only item she wore was a basic free draping loincloth, which her daughter seemed to enjoy biting and playing with. It was normal to forgo clothes around the home or when bathing in one of the many rivers in the jungle, but otherwise everyone over five would be wearing at least a skirt or loincloth of sorts.

"Hello girls." Yani greeted Topaz and Mazia in a singing voice.

"Hi." They sat down below the mother on the bottom step. Yani's daughter scrambled behind the cloth with just enough to hide her face. Yani chuckled, finding it amusing.

"Are you hiding from Topaz and Mazia?" She peeked under the garment.

"She plays around like a baby." Topaz and Mazia giggled.

"I remember when you two used to play at your mothers' feet not long ago." Yani reminded them and picked up her daughter. The eighteen month old garbled a bunch of half pronounced words and stretched her arms out to her mother. "You smell just like me now." She giggled and rubbed noses with her daughter.

"More like her milk." Mazia whispered to Topaz. The two giggled at their own joke.

"So what have you girls been up to? More dancing?" The civet mother grinned.

"I can't hop around on my feet very long." Topaz huffed.

"You should practice the Shoki dance instead." Yani suggested.

"Which dance is that?" Topaz's ears perked forward curiously.

"You move a little from side to side and move your arms from your knees to your shoulders." She demonstrated the best she could while holding her daughter. "Of course everyone will be singing, dancing, and playing music too."

"I can do that!" Topaz jumped up.

"Me too!" Mazia joined her friend. Yani laughed at their enthusiasm over the casual dance. A sweet alluring scent caught Topaz's nose.

"Mmm!" The genet raised her nose into the air with a deep breath. "I smell fresh ground cinnamon." She looked around the small clearing where the jungle started, then back to the village. Mazia did the same and zeroed in on the source.

"It's coming from a house nearby." The civet pointed around Yani's house before breaking off in a run.

"You won't get there before me!" Topaz grabbed the civet's skirt by the hem to keep up.

"Up to trouble as usual." Yani grinned watching their tails disappear from sight.

"Stop tugging on my skirt or it will tear!" Mazia yelled back at her friend.

"Then wait for me." Topaz grabbed the civet's tail with her other hand. The two awkwardly hurried around the village unseen to the source of the smell. The village of Luo held just over one thousand individuals, but midday served as a moment to rest before returning to a task at hand. They scampered between a tiny gap between two homes before jumping over a small stump. Houses were rarely spaced apart more than two meters within the village, and each was made from wood in fine hand made construction. Each piece of lumber that made a house interlocked with another piece to support the structure. A lack of nails helped spur innovation in the form of interlocking beams and buttresses. The unique Inkasi shutter system from inside each home allowed the top section of some walls to "open up" for fresh air and sunlight. Plants and gardens decorated most of the small homes, and if there wasn't enough land then baskets and other fixtures would be hung around the walls. Luo was just as green and forested as the jungle surrounding it. Mazia led Topaz almost in a full circle before they found themselves across the dirt "street" and at the front of Bunpu's house. He was an old genet who liked to wear long loincloths with decorative patterns, and more importantly, tend to spice plants.

"We should've known it was Bunpu the whole time." Mazia giggled. They quickly went around the side of his house and through a short grassy garden. Behind the house they found an old genet standing by a tall table and sturdy tree, grinding spices using a pestle and mortar. The space behind his house led to more houses along a somewhat organized street rather than the jungle like Yani's. However, there was enough space to have an extra garden in the shade of the tree.

"Hey Bunpu!" Mazia and Topaz greeted the old genet. His ears perked up at the sound of their high pitched voices. He looked over and smiled at the young duo.

"What are you two little maharajahs doing?" The elder inquired while grinding the rounded stone over the spice.

"Ma-what?" The girls looked at each other in confusion.

"Ah, never mind." He chuckled and returned to the stone and spice in hand. "What brings you two here? A strong sense of smell?" His eyes knowingly glanced at them.

"Mm! I could smell cinnamon from Yani's house!" Mazia proclaimed.

"I have freshly ground cinnamon on the step if you want to take a pinch." His long tail flicked towards his house. The girls' eyes immediately located a thick pouch resting on the bottom step. They were sitting on each side of the bag in a moment, looming over it with greedy eyes.

"Mmm cinnamon." They hummed smelling the spice. Mazia and Topaz took a pinch apiece and sprinkled the spice over their tongues. The tantalizing taste spread across their tongues.

"It's so good!"

"Mmhm!" Bunpu listened with amusement as the girls devoured tiny pinches of cinnamon until their craving was satisfied.

"Thank you Bunpu!" They bade the old genet farewell and walked around the side of the house.

"You're welcome girls!" He grinned and resumed his work. The two sat down by a small tree in someone's garden licking off the last bits of cinnamon on their fingers. "Mm! That's sweet!" Mazia leaned back on the tree trunk.

"Mmhm." Topaz hummed in agreement. It was a nice treat after hopping around most of the morning. The girls savored the tasty treat on their tongues and dried their fingers on their fur. Topaz stretched her legs into the green vinca vines and stared out into the village of Luo. The calm garden filled street was typically quiet for the afternoon hour of lunch and rest. Sounds of someone chopping wood were never too far away either. She could see the not-so distant treetops above the roofs of each home that never moved. The humid tropical climate rarely called for any wind, a breeze would be lucky enough at that! Somewhere hidden in the canopy were scattered "tree homes" that served as basic refuges for long hunting trips or sudden storms. The simple thatch pod in a tree were enough room for one or two, but rarely more. The little genet couldn't imagine growing up any other way.

"Someone's coming!" Mazia alerted her friend to an odd figure walking down the little street towards them. They ducked and hid in the shade. Peeking out, they were surprised to see a feline in the village pass by them. The ocelot wore a long white skirt around her waist that neatly draped to her shins like a gown. Each step ruffled the sheet like a dazzling light breeze. Above the neatly tucked fabric was her beautifully black spotted front and back, prominent swell of her breasts, and slim arms. Her breasts even bore pink nipples rather than brown or black. Neither youngster had seen anything quite like her.

"Wow, she's beautiful." Topaz stared at the ocelot. A hand covered the genet's eyes and pulled her back. "Hey-!"

"Staring is rude." Mazia scolded her friend.

"I thought it was a compliment." They both looked at each other and shrugged. The ocelot walked through the village slowly, observing the scenic place, before going inside a particular home.

"Looks like she will remain a mystery." Mazia slouched back in dismay. Topaz stood up and took a step forward. "Wait!" Mazia grabbed her friend's hand. "Where are you going?"

"I wanna know who she is!" Topaz looked back at her friend expectantly.

"She walked into Xhosa's house! He's the grouchiest old male in Luo, and we would get in trouble just for touching the first step."

"So?" The determined look on Topaz's face concluded that she had made up her mind.

"Oh, fine." Mazia stood up and brushed her skirt free of dirt. The two hastily made their way to the house before pausing in front of the first step. The open front door was a mere five steps above them. "Are you sure?" The civet asked warily looking around the section of village she could see. Others outside didn't seem to take notice while going about their chores and duties. Topaz nodded and took the first step with Mazia right behind her. However, the civet tripped over the last step and tumbled forward. Topaz looked over her shoulder only to fall to the wooden floor with her best friend on top of her. They both looked up in the doorway hearing a startled gasp. In front of them was a surprised ocelot, sitting on a cushion in the main room.

"Uhh... Hi." Topaz smiled lifted herself up. Mazia tumbled back onto the steps before regaining her bearings.

"You two are really brave to talk to someone you don't know." The ocelot grinned as the two organized themselves and entered the home.

"I'm Topaz!" The genet excitedly introduced herself. "Who are you and where are you from?"

"I'm Othella from the Huzuni village." The ocelot introduced herself. "And who might you be?" She looked at the civet behind Topaz.

"I'm Mazia." She more quietly introduced herself than Topaz.

"Well you two can sit down if you want. I'm not going anywhere." She offered pointing to each cushion beside her. Both girls quickly sat down beside Othella and marveled at the feline's features.

"You're very pretty." Topaz said in awe. Mazia nodded in agreement to the ocelot's other side. "I like your fur." The feline's white front and long white skirt blended neatly with the brown fur and black spots on the rest of her body.

"Your spots are pretty too." Mazia poked one on her back. They seemed to run everywhere on the ocelot's body in a beautiful shrouding pattern.

"Thank you. Each ocelot has a subtly unique pattern on their fur." She said as Topaz touched one on her side.

"They're really neat!" The genet chirped.

"You two have beautiful spots as well." Othella pointed to their back where the two had different black spotted patterns.

"Thank you." They both replied.

"Your tail looks like mine!" Topaz lined hers up beside the ocelot's. Both were long and thin with a ring-like pattern.

"Just because I am an ocelot doesn't mean that I am very different than you." Othella found their curiosity towards her feline body amusing. "Huzuni has a few ocelots, but you two might stare at them all day."

"How far away is Huzuni?" Topaz asked.

"Do you know where the village of Abussa is from here?"

"Yes! It's a two or three day walk up the Luo River depending on the rain." Mazia answered.

"Okay. If you go north Huzuni is a day or so journey from Abussa. There's a few hills that can make travel tricky though." She explained. Abussa, Oyozo, Ahawa, Huzuni, and Laepa were just a few of the many villages like Luo that made up the Inkasi Free State. In reality each was fairly autonomous with the capital city keeping cultural cohesion with larger diplomatic missions. Without writing, the culture lacked a written history that was largely left up to oral tradition and overlapping tales.

"Why are you in Luo?" One of them finally managed to ask.

"Well... It's complicated but I'm here to meet with one of your village elders." Most Inkasi villages had a council of sorts usually headed by a few prominent elders, because they had plenty of experience.

"What are you going to do? Go swimming? Fish on the river? Skip rocks? Climb trees?" Topaz hopped up on her knees excitedly.

"Not exactly." Othella chuckled in amusement.

"Aww." The little genet slouched back.

"We'll discuss a few things before I head back home tomorrow." Just as she finished, a group of four Luo villagers walked into the home where the three were sitting. Each one had necklaces, earrings, anklets, and nice skirts or loincloths meant more for style than running around in. The broad array of colors in their jewelry, fabric, and decorative feathers were beautifully crafted. Dressing up to this extent was reserved for celebrations or important meetings with other villages. Little Topaz always fancied the copper earrings with feathers.

"Sorry it took me so long!" An old brown hued male civet grinned sheepishly.

"He was taking a nap." A middle aged female eyed the old male with a glance. A third silver muzzled elder chuckled at the first two's bickering.

"What are you two doing here?" The old grouchy civet Xhosa asked with a stern look. The two girls pinned their ears back.

"Ah, these two kept me good company." Othella brought her hands around their shoulders. Xhosa didn't look too pleased but softened his stern gaze for the Huzuni guest.

"It was nice to meet you!" Mazia and Topaz shook a hand a piece. "Bye!" The two girls scampered out of the crowded house and waved.

"Wow! I never met an ocelot before." Topaz hopped as she walked through the village.

"Until now." Mazia giggled. The warm evening sun serenely marked the fun day the civet and genet had together. The waning warm rays shone off the roofs and trees, scattering golden light throughout Luo. The two waited for a few carrying large baskets of reeds to cross their path before resuming their walk down the row of homes. The fascination of meeting someone from afar sparkled in their minds like sunlight on a wide open river. Mazia and Topaz hurried up the five steps to one of the garden surrounded houses. They wiped the dusty dirt from their feet before sliding the door open and stepping inside the standard three roomed home.

"I'm home mom!" The genet yelled taking her skirt off.

"I'm at the back door!" Her mother's voice yelled from within the kitchen. Topaz hung her skirt piece on the peg beside her mom's. Mazia followed suit quickly untying hers and hung it on the next peg. The two walked through the main room and kitchen where the back sliding door was open. A genet mother was humming and tapping her long tail while peeling some vegetables to be cooked for dinner. Topaz's mom, Tiranu, was shorter than the average genet and pudgier, but her silver, grey, and black fur was no less beautiful in the Inaksi village.

"Mom can Mazia sleep at our house tonight?" Tiranu turned around on the wooden step and looked up at the two standing expectantly before her. They snickered at the adult's appearance. A few peelings were scattered across her upper body and her naked lap from peeling tubers with a knife.

"I can help clean up after dinner." Mazia offered, holding back a giggle at the mother genet's disorganized appearance.

"Of course you can stay for the night Mazia, you're always welcome at our home."

"Thank you!" Topaz hugged her mom's head. The older genet smiled as the two scampered back into the main room giggling.

"Your mom looked funny with all those peelings on her chest and lap." Mazia giggled.

"She did. I almost started laughing."

"So what do you want to do?" The civet asked. Both kids thought for a moment.

"Cushion war!" They exclaimed at the same time. Mazia and Topaz ran around the small three room home and collected every cushion and pillow that they could find. Mazia took one corner, and Topaz took another with a large stockpile. The result was a serious of shrieks, laughter, and a mess of cushions lying everywhere. Fast pattering footsteps ran around to recollect them for a other round of throwing. During the fray the front door suddenly opened as Topaz's dad, Baku, entered the house.

"It looks like two mischievous kids are playing all over the house." The slim built genet noted the cushions scattered everywhere and put up his genet styled loincloth on an empty peg.

"Dad! You're done fishing!" Topaz ran over and hugged her dad.

"Hi Topaz." He stooped down to hug his daughter. "Hey Mazia-woah! I'm not in this war." He smiled dodging a cushion. Topaz quickly retrieved it and threw it back at her friend.

"Friendly fire!" Mazia squealed and ducked behind a small stack of her soft weapons.

"You two make sure to clean this up before we eat, ok?"

"Yes sir!" They both replied. Shrieks resumed as soon as the adult entered the kitchen

"I guess we have a long noisy night ahead of us." He quietly spoke sitting beside his wife in the kitchen. The female genet was tending to a large pan of food sizzling over an open flame.

"Hush you, and help me cook." Tiranu giggled and elbowed her husband's side before kissing him.

Chapter II

Topaz hummed staring out into the jungle from her back porch. Her long ringed tail tapped idly beside her. The genet's mother was shopping for winter melons in the village's designated "market area," and wouldn't be back for a while.

"Dad wouldn't take me canoeing with him, Mazia's is visiting her family, Petra is helping her dad cook chicken eggs..." She rambled off a list of what everyone else was doing for the day. However, the genet was left without someone to enjoy the day with. There wasn't even a festival to prepare for! 'This is boring.' She looked back inside before staring into the jungle once more. It was the only thing that managed to hold her attention when she was bored. A low buzzing made her ears dial to the side. The genet turned her head and noticed a beetle lazily flying from the porch beside her out to the jungle. Its exoskeleton's colors glimmered in the sunlight resembling a tiny flying gem.

"Wow." She whispered in awe watching the beetle fly away. The genet's tail twitched excitedly. Spurred into action out of curiosity, Topaz jumped off the steps and walked into the jungle. She parted a giant green leaf and looked back over her shoulder. The house silently waited for her to go back, but the youngster stared back into the jungle. The noise of the village was distant and quiet.

"I'll be back before anyone notices that I'm gone." Topaz grinned and continued walking, in search of adventure. "Now where did that beetle go?" She peered around the foliage. A butterfly flew out of the rustled leaves and fluttered around the genet. Topaz twirled to and fro to watch the fragile violet and black wings before they disappeared into the canopy above. Her green eyes stared above before looking straight ahead. The dense foliage only gave a few meters of sight at best without a path or road. The animal inside Topaz drew her deeper into the jungle. A spiny stem attached to a thick vine caught the string that held her loincloth together. A misstep caused the fabric to unravel from its foundations and slide down her sleek spotted legs.

Topaz looked back as she stepped out of the pool of cloth. Her body was bare to the surrounding plants, nature herself. She stepped forward and let the vines, leaves, and ferns brush over her naked fur. Each step she took over the firm ground filled her soul with an indescribable sense of the plants, animals, and insects around her. Her brown ears preened the area around her. Not a single sound was from the village. The muggy hot air was teeming with the sounds of thrumming insects, chirping birds, monkeys howling far away, and movement above her in the canopy. A hand trailed over a smooth barked tree, then a rough one. Her senses were alive and alert to the world around her. Ears perked up hearing a new noise ahead that resembled pouring water. She peeked through some papyrus plants growing in number and found the source of the quiet trickling.

"A creek." The young genet stared at the little waterway. The creek was barely a foot wide and shallow. It likely fed into one of the Luo tributaries underground. Topaz approached and sat down. She drew her legs out and dipped her feet. The cool water brought a welcoming sensation to her warm pads.

'Ah.' She sighed and spread her toes in the relaxing water. Nothing could've appeared more relaxing or soothing. Topaz drew her feet slowly along the top of the water and listened to the quiet ripples that she created. Her soles brushed over the colder silted bottom before letting the water clean clean them off. The genet lifted her legs out of the water and stretched towards the opposite bank. Her heels rested on a patch of moss on the other side. She watched the water drip off her feet for a moment. The whole scene oddly made her happy.Topaz leaned back on her hands and looked at the canopy above, waiting for her soles to dry. The beautiful jungle greenery of lush plants indulged her. She smiled watching two birds singing on a branch together. Without anyone talking or any noise, she could hear the entire jungle.

The birds suddenly flew away much to her dismay. She looked around hearing someone nearby clear their throat. The genet curiously looked around before staring up into the trees where a small thatch treehouse was. A pair of black furred feet and silver legs were hanging out of a hole above. Topaz stood up and slipped away. She continued her adventure through the magnificent greenery that only the jungle around Luo could provide. Her bare fur brushed against tall stalks of wide green leaves, tantalizing the youthful skin underneath. The whole jungle was her paradise, and it was a beautiful feeling. She was a part of nature, and nature was a part of her. However, a yawn halted the genet's exploration. Topaz found a good spot to lay down in a sun beam from the open canopy. The afternoon rays were warm and cozy on her bare fur. The little genet spread her limbs and breathed a content sigh closing her eyes. 'Just a quick nap.' She settled in.

"Topaz! Topaz!" The genet's brown ear perked hearing distant yells.

"Ugh. Too early." She grumbled.

"Topaz!" The voices were much closer, and stirred the young genet awake. "Topaz! There you are!" Her mother's voice rang aloud. "I found her!" Tiranu yelled.

"Thank goodness." Someone nearby sighed.

"Huh?" Topaz rubbed her eye, but was suddenly picked up by a strong pair of arms. "Why did you run out here by yourself? You can't run around outside the village on your own." Her rant went into one ear, then out the other. Leaves and other foliage brushed by them as Tiranu walked back to the village. "Topaz, where is your loincloth?" Tiranu sighed as she cradled her daughter. The little genet saw how worried her mother was. Tiranu looked in her arms and saw her daughter softly grinning at her.

"I love you mom." Topaz buried her cheek into her mom's shoulder and hugged her neck. Her dangling long tail happily swayed.

"I'm glad you are safe." Tiranu sighed with a smile and held her daughter closely.

A young genet frowned staring at the floorboards beneath her feet.

'Sitting here is so boring.' Topaz looked around the small Inkasi house with a dull expression. Her black nose wiggled. The house even smelled stale. It was the sacrifice she unfortunately had to make. 'Ugh!' She looked over her shoulder at the old genet watching over her ever so faithfully.

"Caught running about the jungle without permission again Topaz?" The elderly adult stated without looking up from his go board. "This is the second time in the past few days." Topaz opened her mouth for a sharp retort, but the sound of a knife scraping in the kitchen reminded the little genet that the elder's wife was home. "And each time your loincloth seems to disappear in the jungle..." Topaz zipped her lips and looked away to pout.

'I don't lose my loincloth.' She thought to herself.

"You should be grateful of the time you live in. Long ago, before I was even born, the Inkasi Free State was in constant warfare with its neighbors, not to mention itself. Villages constantly change hands between various clans and factions-"

'I would rather listen to old grandmothers talk about when they were my age.' She slumped in her seat while the male rambled on. Topaz stared at the door wishing he would take a nap so her ears wouldn't have to hear his blabber. A few loincloths were hung by the door like any household. Hers was on the end of the row. It would seem that the chance of tripping over a skirt while standing up or catching fire in the kitchen would make the elderly genet less likely to use one inside. Nabooru didn't seem to mind the risk of a fall with his long decorative styled loincloth. At least his kinder wife didn't bother wearing one much.

"Furthermore, your mother worries where you run off to without supervision-"

'Maybe Nabooru will trip on his tail so his mouth will shut.' Topaz grumbled to herself wishing he would stop lecturing her. All the little genet wanted to do was go outside and have fun because she couldn't bring the jungle inside. Topaz sighed placing her muzzle in her hands.

"One day you will understand as an adult." He hummed placing a white stone on the grid with a sharp clack.

"Huh?" Topaz looked back at him questioningly.

"Did you hear a word that I said?" He set a round go stone back in its respective bowl with a quiet rustle. She mumbled out an inaudible response. Their ears dialed up hearing a sudden knocking at the door. "I'm coming!" Nabooru stood up and walked to the door. Topaz watched it slide open where two others around his age greeted him.

'Listen to my history of the Inkasi. Blah. Blah. I'm talking about the importance of clans fighting and frequent floods. Blah. Blah.' Topaz didn't pay any attention to what they actually said. She watched Nabooru put on his loincloth before leaving. The young genet blew a sigh of relief as the door slid shut. 'Thank goodness.' She rolled onto her back and appreciated the relative silence.

"Hm hum hummm." The bored genet listened to the rhythmic soft sounds coming from the kitchen. Topaz looked at the upside down table and go board in front of her.

"That's the most boring game I've seen." She mumbled to herself. How someone found joy out of placing stones on a grid board was beyond her imagination. After a few minutes of empty contemplation, she rolled onto her front and stared up at the wall. The shutters were open, giving the young adventurous genet a glimpse of the outside world. 'What's wrong with being naked in the jungle by yourself for a while?' She wondered. Topaz's ears perked up hearing the door slide open. 'He's back already?!' The genet frowned expecting the world to end next. Instead of an old male greeting her, a young civet peeked inside the house.

"Hey Topaz!" Petra slipped inside and shut the door behind her.

"Petra? What are you doing here?" Topaz sat up while she hung her skirt on a peg.

"I heard you were caught going into the jungle alone again." The little civet sat down beside her friend.

"Yeah. My mom wanted someone to watch me for the morning so I can't go into the jungle by myself."

"That's boring."

"I know." Topaz sighed. Their ears perked up as a matured female genet walked into the main room with a bowl in her hands. It was Nabooru's wife, Lady Amasi, naked as she always was inside her house. She had a somewhat pudgy body that came with many in age, but still retained most of its former youthful beauty. Her breasts had lost their shape in a bouncy sag, but if you stared into her bright green eyes long enough you would think she was a lively young adult. Also, the respected title of Lady applied to a renowned female in Luo.

"Hello girls! Would a few mashed pears and cinnamon help your thoughts?"

"Yes please!" They quickly answered. The elder genet sat down with them and offered the entire bowl. The tops of her feet were dusted lightly with cinnamon from preparing the treat. Topaz and Petra helped themselves. They hummed with a sweet taste on their lips.

"I hope this will make your stay a little better Topaz." Lady Amasi dipped her finger in the bowl and licked off the sweet mash.

"Why is Nabooru so mean?" Topaz wiped her chin and licked her fingers.

"My mate is stubborn and strict sometimes, but it's all with good intent." She replied. Topaz couldn't see how Nabooru acted in good faith, but it was all behind her now. "I see you could use some good news." The old genet smiled.

"Uh huh." Topaz licked her fingers clean.

"Now, I am not the oldest villager in Luo, but Masenda who is the oldest female told me that she wants Mothering Days to start soon. Preferably after the next full moon." Mothering Days was Luo's least flamboyant festival where families would stay with maternal relatives. The oldest female in Luo initiated it during the most convenient time of the year. It helped reinforce bonding between extended families and the village as a whole.

"Wow!" Topaz turned to Petra. "Mothering Days will start soon."

"It'll be so much fun!" The little civet excitedly smiled.

"Thanks for telling us!" Topaz thanked Lady Amasi.

"You're both very welcome." She picked up the empty bowl. "You two can run along. Topaz, I'll tell your mother that you behaved." She smiled and nodded.

"Thanks Lady Amasi!" She gave the older female a strong hug.

"Stay out of trouble sweetie." She watched the two girls scramble to dress themselves before leaving.

"Ah! It's so good to be back outside!" Topaz stretched her arms. She dragged her feet for a few strides, happy to feel dirt underneath her soles for a change.

"What do you wanna do?" Petra asked as they passed a few small houses. A male and female were mashing a fibrous plant in a wooden bowl together.

"I don't know." She shrugged. "Something fun." The two meandered down the dirt "street" when a sudden flurry of white flew by them.

"Ah! A chicken!" They smoothed their ruffled hackles seeing the domesticated fowl land on the bottom step of someone's house. Chickens were a common food source for the villagers of Luo, and much of the Inkasi Free State.

"That bird nearly hit us." Petra balled up her fists. A young adult female brown civet hurried after the bird, but it scurried away from her reach. She collapsed to her knees with a depressed sigh. Her feet and anklets were covered in dirt and mud. Hair and fur alike were disheveled. Even the little carved stone on her necklace drooped unhappily in the tuft of tan fur on her chest.

"What's wrong?" They approached the sulking lady.

"My chickens escaped their coop. Can you help me catch them?" Her brown eyes sadly looked up at them. "There's only four that escaped." Petra and Topaz looked at each other.

"Yes ma'am!" They gave a resounding nod and turned to face the white feathered foul foul aimlessly pecking at the bare ground. Around the adjacent houses the other three were enjoying their momentary freedom. Petra tapped her friend's shoulder and split up. They could get the job done much faster that way. Topaz threw caution aside and bolted towards the chicken. It's head perked up and fled from her. She chased it, careful to avoid knocking over baskets and pots, but the chicken remains done step ahead. Topaz pivoted left and right, and even circled a house to catch it to no avail.

"I'll get you." This time she lunged for it. At the last second the fowl flew up and onto a roof. Topaz landed on the ground and skidded to a halt. 'Ugh!' She grumbled and dusted her front. "No fair!" Topaz pouted a the fowl perched high up. She looked around and found a long stick on the ground. 'Aha!' She held the item up and drove the it off the roof. The bird flapped to the next roof and Topaz followed wielding her stick. "You can't escape forever!" She pushed it off. The chicken jumped down and Topaz caught it. "I got you." Topaz gritted her teeth only for the chicken to start flapping its wings. "Aaah!" She fell back as the bird scuttled away. 'But I had it...' She dumbly stared at the sky as a white feather landed on her nose. Petra ran by her friend in pursuit of another, having similar luck. Not defeated just yet, she jumped to her feet and chased after the crafty bird.

"Hah!" Petra and Topaz dived for the feathered fowls countless times wherever they could find them. Without much luck, the little duo paused to straighten their garments and take a quick break.

"This is impossible." Topaz re-tied her loincloth again for the fifth time.

"Did you see how that one looked me in the eye?" Petra pointed to the colorful hen.

"I think they're mocking us." She wearily sighed. The owner approached them. "Thank you for trying. I'll manage the rest." She thanked them.

"You're welcome." They watched her run after one between two houses. Topaz shook her head in disappointment.

"What are you doing Topaz?" A familiar voice made the little genet spin around. Tiranu looked down at her daughter with a bemused grin on her cream furred muzzle.

"Catching chickens." She blew the feather off her mouth.

"I can see." She looked over at Petra standing nearby. "I just stopped by Lady Amasi's house and she told me that you behaved yourself." She brought an arm around Topaz and kissed her daughter's head.

"I was stuck in there forever!" Topaz exaggerated her time in Nabooru and Lady Amasi's house.

"If you had an ounce of patience then you could've waited there for me."

"Then we wouldn't have heard the big news!"

"What big news?" Topaz's mom asked.

"Masenda is going to announce the start of Mothering Days after the next full moon." Petra informed Topaz's mom. Mothering Days was an annual four day festival where families organize and live under the same roof with their respective matriarch. Most extended families had more than one, so it was up to their daughters to decide who to live with.

"She will? Who told you that?"

"Lady Amasi." They answered in unison.

"Hmm. She didn't mention that to me." The mother started walking.

"Where are we going?" Topaz asked.

"Come on. We're going for a bath at the creek." Tiranu nudged her daughter along.

"Why?" Topaz asked.

"Because of your fur. That's why." She pointed to her daughter's dirt covered body. The young genet looked at her body. Even her palms were caked with a thin layer of mud. "You don't need to worry about keeping up with your clothes there Topaz." Her mother chuckled. "You should come along too Petra. I sure your mother wouldn't mind having her daughter come home for dinner with a clean coat of spotted fur." The older genet chuckled.

"I thought the spots helped hide the dirt." Topaz whispered to her friend.

"I thought they did too." Petra tagged along and the three walked through the busy village. On the other side of the village, and within sight of a few houses, was one of the creeks near Luo. There were other creeks, but none were large enough to bathe in. Also, the shallow parts of the Luo river beside the village were usually crowded with people and fisherman. This creek emerged from underground within sight of the larger Luo river. It acted more like a protective three foot deep cove for those unwilling to venture out in the current. There were a dozen others already enjoying the tepid water that was cooler than the humid air. Bathing regularly was normal in the Inkasi realm, and it was another time to socialize.

"Give me your loincloth and skirt. I'm keeping our garments on this branch." Tiranu held her arm out. Both clothes were quickly draped over her forearm.

"I'll jump in the creek before you." Petra challenged Topaz.

"No jumping into the creek." Tiranu ruffled their heads.

"I'll wade in before you!" Petra changed her mind. Tiranu sighed and let them go. The two naked girls scurried to the water with some form of composure. Topaz tripped over a leg and stumbled into the water's edge with an abrupt splash. She jumped back to her feet and noticed a much older genet behind her with a stunned expression. "Sorry ma'am!" She apologized and quickly splashed into the water where Petra was waiting.

"Don't worry, I am fine." She chuckled to herself and relaxed. Topaz and Petra looked back at the grandmother genet sprawled out on the riverbank. Her muzzle was peppered with silvery white hairs; her thighs and lower tummy had a noticeable thickness; her breasts rolled off to the sides of her chest; yet, she wore a content smile watching her grandson play in the shallow end of the creek.

"I wonder if I will look that way when I'm old." Topaz whispered to Petra. The civet giggled imagining all of the grandmother's aged body parts on her friend's little body. Tirana watched her daughter play in the water with Petra.

'Oh to be a kid again.' The mother wistfully thought to herself. The sound of paw steps behind caught the attention of her ears. "Someone finished fishing early." Tiranu looked over her shoulder and noticed her mate approaching her from the village.

"I did." Baku set his plain loincloth aside and approached his mate. "How did your morning go?" He sat down beside her and kissed her muzzle. She smiled and wrapped an arm around his waist.

"It went well. I finally got around to buying some cloth and fruit." Tiranu watched her mate extend his feet into the murky water.

"Hi dad!" Topaz bounded up to her parents on the shore.

"Hello my little gem." Baku leaned forward and kissed his daughter's forehead. "Did you behave yourself today?"

"Yes!" She chirped. "Masenda told us that Mothering Days will start soon!" The overly eager genet cheered.

"She did?" Her father had a less than enthusiastic reaction.

"Does that mean we get to stay at aunt Annika's house again mom?"

"I hope not." Her dad's ears pinned back.

"Baku!" Tiranu glared at her husband.

"She's still at Abussa right? We're not going all the way over there to visit!" He feigned a proper defense.

"I would travel to see my sister, but she should be back any day now." Her answer made the adult male swallow uncomfortably. Topaz's gaze lifted up seeing someone.

"There's aunt Annika!" She exclaimed and pointed at the slim genet approaching them. A few years younger than Topaz's mom, Annika had a more athletic build. Her blue feathered earrings, obsidian studded bracelets, colorfully beaded anklets, and tasseled zigzagged patterned loincloth told of a fine taste jewelry and garments. All of them were slipped off, however, while Topaz and her parents stood up to greet her. Baku took his time.

"How was your trip?" Tiranu hugged her sister tightly.

"It rained for two days straight on my way back." She huffed wearing a smile. "My fur was ready to swim away."

"It barely drizzled here." Tiranu chuckled.

"Hi Annika." Topaz hugged the taller female. Her head barely reached Annika's tuft of chest fur.

"How's my favorite niece?" She patted her head.

"I'm your only niece!" Topaz made everyone laugh.

"Don't stand back there Baku. Give me a hug too." Annika stepped forward toward the nervous male and outstretched her arms. He braced himself.

"Please don't break my back." Baku grunted as Tiranu's sister hugged him. 'She's stronger than my wife!' He held onto his sister-in-law's sides for dear life.

The faint glimmer of morning sunlight crept through the uppermost openings of the shutters in houses. The nighttime sounds of loud insects were gradually dying down as Luo's inhabitants began to stir. Topaz crept out of bed and smoothed her disheveled fur. The cozy space between her parents in bed was something she didn't like to give up in the early morning hours, but she had a plan for the day. The little genet tiptoed around the bed. Her parents were still asleep, but that was about to change. "Hey, dad." Topaz poked him until he stirred. "Dad, can we go canoeing today?" She asked.

"Unngh... Maybe later Topaz." He grumbled.

"Dad! Please!" Topaz crouched by his bedside, doing her best to keep her voice low. His eye dared to blink open, only to find his daughter looming over him expectedly.

"She's been wanting you to take her canoeing for the past few days." His wife mumbled.

"Oh." His waking brain remembered. The cheerful face eagerly stared at him nose to nose. Baku rubbed his eyes and conceded. "Put on a skirt Topaz. We can't go in our bare fur." The genet scampered off into the other room. Loud thumping paw steps soon returned to the bedside.

"Ready!" a cheerful high pitched voice responded. Baku opened his eyes and noticed that she was wearing an elaborately designed breech cloth that nearly touched the floor.

"You can't go canoeing in a nice skirt Topaz. Wear a basic one." He yawned realizing that he would have to get up. She quickly ran to the other room before returning in proper attire. "Hand me my plain loincloth, and then we can go." Baku stretched, relishing the last few seconds of his lazy morning. Topaz didn't hesitate to retrieve the garment.

"Here you go dad." The older male sat up and tied it around his waist. Topaz impatiently watched as he smoothed his disheveled fur.

"Let me fix your bandana..." He moved it so that the genet's bangs didn't overcast her pretty green eyes. "Ok! Let's go canoeing." Her dad stood up in a crackling stretch. Topaz bounded for the door. "Sleep in for me." He called back to Tiranu. The female genet smiled and curled her tail over her front. Topaz could've ran circles around her dad while he walked her through Luo to the village's namesake river. Some villagers were already out and ready to start their day's worth of work. A few returning from a night hunt were retiring for the day. Topaz's dad would wave and say hello to other early rising villagers that he knew along the way.

"How far are we going down river?" Topaz asked.

"Not too far. It will rain later today." He pointed towards the cloudy sky.

"Aww! It better not!" She scolded the cloudy sky while her amused father continued walking. They trekked down a short path through the small grove to the river. In a moment the houses behind them disappeared and the dense foliage ahead opened out into the river's edge. Topaz jumped excitedly at the wide expanse of water. Baku approached one of the canoes on land and untied it. Topaz eagerly explored the light vessels while her dad pushed theirs to the water's edge. "Why are most of the canoes tied up here?" The little genet traced a finger over one.

"It's almost the monsoon season, and during the monsoon season it is wise to drag any boat inland and tie it to a tree." Her father explained.

"So it won't float away?" Topaz guessed.

"Exactly." He tossed the length of rope into the boat. "Let's hop in." The two genets pushed off and jumped in. Topaz sat down in the middle behind her dad. Baku retrieved the single oar. "Alright, I'll start paddling and you watch carefully." Baku instructed and turned the canoe downriver. Topaz watched his slow rhythm but couldn't help herself from looking around the beautiful river. Low overhanging branches and other bright green vegetation spilled over the river's bank and into the river itself. Lily pads and reeds were scattered along the opposite bank, making it somewhat problematic for fishing or swimming. A small dock with several boats by a flat area of lush grass. There was a large area that many villagers used for farming. Upriver, the water was lighter in color in a large section. It was a popular shallow spot to bathe and play in for the villagers. If it wasn't for the dense foliage on the bank, no one passing by would have noticed a village just a couple of steps away. Further up river, Topaz watched two villagers in separate canoes used fishing nets to catch a few fish. They disappeared from sight behind overhanging trees as Baku steered down the gentle curve of the river. Topaz stuck her hand out and ran it through the surface of the water. The little wave she created splashed quietly. Today the water was calm but days after a rainstorm the current could sweep even a skilled villager.

"Are you paying attention Topaz?" A voice reminded her. Topaz looked up and noticed that her dad was looking over his shoulder at her.

"Uh. Yes!" She sat up straight. Her attention was focused on his paddling but easily deviated to the riverbank. Along the village's side of the river small canals were dug from the waterway to help irrigate small farms on dry land near the water's edge. Some led to larger constructed inlets where wet crops could be grown. A few villagers were in knee deep water tossing seeds into the water to grow rice while others were tending to matured plants. Nearby, little thatched huts served as places to nap or take shelter during a rainstorm. Baku and Topaz approached a fairly young fisher standing up in his canoe. It was a young adolescent genet, and a friend of Topaz and her family.

"Hello Zeno. You're not wielding a fishing rod now are you?" Baku chuckled at the teen's tented loincloth from sporting a case of morning wood.

"Morning! I'm excited to fish downriver!" The fourteen year old nearly jumped up in his canoe causing it to rock. He quickly lowered his stance to steady the vessel. Anything excited someone his age.

"What are you trying to catch Zeno?" Topaz peered over at the genet's canoe seeing it was empty, except for a net and a small fishing spear.

"I want to get a pacu fish." He held his hands up at an exaggerated distance.

"You can't catch that! It's too big." Topaz giggled.

"I can spear it, and then I'll dive in and grab it with the net." He planned out the eccentric idea as he spoke.

"Are you sure you can handle something of that size?" Baku mused. "The fish might wrestle back."

"Choke it with your tail!" Topaz gripped her tail to demonstrate.

"I can't do that!" He shook his tail at her. "If you're not helping me fish, then what are you two doing downriver anyway?" He asked.

"My dad is showing me how to paddle a canoe."

"Oh." He watched them in he downriver. "Good luck with that!"

"Thanks! Good luck fishing!" Zeno yelled.

"See you when we come upriver." Baku gave a quick wave. Topaz eagerly returned her gaze to the wide bend they approached downriver. They passed the last riverside farm and both embankments were teeming with the Inkasi jungle's flora and fauna.

"We're in the middle of the jungle." The little genet's excitement was evident enough.

"The middle of the river too." Her father grinned hearing her tail thump against the canoe. Topaz's fascination with nature followed her everywhere. The trees spilling over the river's edge, constant thrumming of insects all around them, and the river's murky surface had her utmost attention. Baku noticed his daughter staring off into the jungle with wide eyes.

"What are you looking at Topaz?"

"Huh? Oh, the jungle."

"I can see that." He chuckled. "Have you heard the tale about the elder and the river spirit?" Baku asked.

"No."

"You are too busy playing with Mazia and Petra." He teased. "The tale begins with an elder male who is trying to cross a small river, but when he reaches the spot the bridge is gone even though the river hadn't flooded. He returns to his home to talk to his village's matron about the ominous finding. The matron was puzzled at the finding and told the elder male to visit her sister, Unla."

"He had to do all that just to cross a bridge that disappeared?"

"Yes."

"Why didn't he find another bridge or swim?"

"I'm not finished with the story yet." Baku reminded his vocal daughter. "Anyway, he talked to Unla who was a shaman-"

"What's a shaman?"

"They can divine things to help people with conflicts whether its a decision to make or a dream to interpret. Just about anything really, but younger people don't use them very much.

"How do they interpret dreams and make decisions?" Topaz's long tail curled curiously.

"They throw yarrow sticks to draw up a symbol to interpret the situation." Topaz didn't know how consulting someone who threw sticks could help anyone make a decision or anything important. "Did you know that Lady Amasi's older sister was a shaman?" The older genet passed away last year when she became sick.

"No." Topaz shook her head. "Do we have any other shamans in the village?"

"Well... Only one. Hmm... I can't remember what story I was trying to tell you." He hummed and paddled. His daughter giggled and returned to drawing her finger across the water's calm surface. "Now..." Baku began. "The trick to paddling upstream is finding the slowest movement of water." He looked with a trained eye and pointed to a certain spot. Topaz scanned the waters but didn't notice anything different. "Here." Baku handed his daughter the oar. "Paddle out a little bit and try turning upstream." Topaz looked at the large wooden item in hand.

'It's heavier than I remember.' But that did not phase her. She gripped the handle with determination and climbed in front of him. Topaz sat down and plunged the blade into the water.

"There." Her dad smiled. "You paddle like a fish swims." Baku observed. She paddled on one side and then the other to move the entire canoe appropriately. The humidity made using an oar to paddle upstream all the more tiring. Her arms began to ache and burn from the effort.

'This isn't easy like I thought!' She clenched her teeth at the effort required from her little body. Each little bend in the Luo river seemed longer than the last, and pushed the young genet to her limit. "Dad-" She blinked as a larger pair of hands gripped the handle beside her own. Topaz didn't say anything as her dad continued paddling for her. She leaned back on him and took a moment to relax. "Thanks dad." She looked up at him. Baku patted her head.

"When you are proficient in paddling, then I can teach you how to use a pole."

"What would I do if the current is too strong, or if it's raining heavy?"

"You could tie a rope to the front and drag it from the shore, or you can carry it."

"I can't carry a canoe!" She blurted out.

"Maybe with a group you can." He grinned. They neared the shore beside village. The two villagers who fished earlier were hauling up their catch. "Get ready to jump out." Baku jumped into the water and pulled the vessel ashore. Topaz helped pull as much as she could to the tree. The little figure tugging along was more of an amusement to the adult. "There. That should do it-" Baku tied it to a tree and felt two arms wrap around his sides.

"Thank you for canoeing with me!" Topaz smiled.

"You're welcome Topaz." He patted her back. Baku watched his daughter scamper up the path while he finished tying the canoe. "Always full of energy and onto the next thing." He mused. Topaz walked around the village wondering what to do. The wondering genet paused by a small group bartering melons and other goods when an idea formed in her mind.

"I'll go see if Petra wants to do something!" She broke into a run for the civet's house. Topaz slipped between houses and around small gardens to the civet's house. The structure was similar to that of any other household. Two small baskets hung beside the doorway, each filled with vinca plants with their leafy vines almost reaching the ground. A small row of bright green grass and little ferns surrounded the front of the house. More importantly, the front door to the house was open, along with its shutters. 'Yes! She's home!' Topaz walked up the four steps. Inside she spotted Petra's father, Udouna. The muscular civet was naked and sitting on a cushion against the wall. His hands were grinding something using a large pestle and mortar. Chopping noises in the kitchen indicated that Petra's mom was cooking.

"Hello!" Topaz stepped inside and took off her loincloth.

"Ah, hello Topaz." The civet lifted his gaze. "How are doing on this cloudy weather?"

"I'm doing fine. Where is Petra?" She hung her garment beside everyone else's.

"She's in the side room." He pointed to the right side of the front room. Most homes in Luo had only three rooms: a front room for eating and visiting; one back room that acted as a bedroom; and another back room that acted as a kitchen. However, larger households sometimes had an extra room or two.

"Thank you!" She quickly walked over.

"You're welcome." He grinned and returned to grinding. Topaz entered the largely empty room. A few wooden cups and other small nicknacks were scattered around by the walls. Petra was in the middle of the room with a tired expression on her face. The civet was laying on a few cushions for comfort rather than a typical blanket.

"Hi!" Topaz greeted her friend. The civet slowly looked up through her half open gaze at Topaz.

"Hey." She half groaned.

"You look half dead. Are you ok?" Topaz laid down beside her friend.

"I worked all morning in the field with my dad." She huffed and rested her head against the cushion. Two large fields near the village were primarily used for farming plants that didn't need a constant source of water. "We came home because he said it would rain soon." The young civet thankfully sighed.

"So you can't come out and play?"

"No." She mumbled. "My... everything hurts." She closed her eyes.

"Ok. You stay here and rest." Topaz sat up and patted her friend's leg. Petra groaned and clenched her toes. 'Oops!' The genet quickly left the room. Topaz put her loincloth back on and promptly left seeing the empty front room. 'What to do, what to do...' She asked herself while walking around the village once again. The village was active as always during the day, but it was a calm active. There wasn't any festival going on to create an exciting atmosphere for the adventurous genet. An older couple was playing a game of go on the ground. Further ahead a group of adolescents were playing with a ball and sticks. A young adult was painting the side of a drum while a much older female civet was inspecting another. Several middle aged females in fine garments and jewels were talking together, enjoying a good round of gossip. A young pregnant civet hummed contently while tending to a section if flowers around her home.

'No one my age to play with.' Topaz wiggled her nose in disappointment. She passed by Mazia's house. The door was shut as well as the shutters. Normally that meant no one was home, or someone was taking a nap inside. Topaz sighed as she found herself at Yani's house. Around back, the simply dressed civet mother was nursing her daughter. "Hi Yani."

"Hello Topaz." The mother turned her head to see the younger guest. "You look glum. Is everything alright?"

"No one my age has time to play with me right now." The genet sat down on the ground below the mother.

"You won't be saying that in a year or so when a certain someone begins walking and talking." Yani smiled at her daughter.

"Where's Mazia? You two are always getting into trouble together."

"Her house was quiet so I came here."

"I'm afraid I can't do much while nursing a hungry mouth." The young civet mother rubbed her daughter's back.

"I know... I like going into the jungle by myself, but my mom won't let me until I'm older."

"Your mother is concerned about you. A son or daughter getting lost or running into danger is any mother's worst nightmare."

"But I can't wait to explore the jungle by myself!" She stood tall and puffed out her chest. Topaz imagined herself bug and tall with a rifle sling over her shoulder. Exploring the jungle around Luo was a dream that she wanted to fulfill.

"I hope there's enough jungle to contain your adventurous spirit." Yani chuckled. Topaz couldn't imagine a shortage of jungle to explore.

"It's so much fun! Mazia and I always play in the field that-" A pair of hands suddenly covered her eyes.

"Guess who?" A familiar voice asked. Topaz grabbed the hands and spun around.

"Mazia!" Her friend was standing before her wearing a typical skirt. "I thought you were busy or something."

"I was busy looking for you, but your mom told me that you went canoeing with your dad."

"Yeah. I was." She grinned and lifted a damp leg.

"What was it like? My dad won't let me go canoeing until I'm older."

"The whole world was around me!" Topaz exclaimed. "I floated by and watched the jungle pass, but my dad made me paddle a little upriver."

"You can take me out on the canoe then!"

"My arms are still sore." She made a tired face, and glanced back at Yani listening to them. The little genet leaned closer to her friend. "Maybe we can sneak out one day when I can paddle better." She whispered. Mazia eagerly nodded.

"Oh, to be a kid again." Yani pet over her daughter's ear, remembering all the trouble she got into at their age.

"We'll see you later Yani!"

"Bye!" Topaz hugged the mother and daughter pair before leaving.

"You two take care!" Yani waved them goodbye. The two girls walked down the row of homes, chatting a out whatever came to mind.

"Remember when you, me, Zeno, and a few others were listening to Lady Amasi telling stories?"

"When she told us about that funny talking tree story?"

"Yeah! The one about Bunpu yelling at a tree because he swore a ghost lived there." Topaz giggled. "I stood up to go outside but she yelled at me to bring my tail back and sit down!" The two youngsters laughed loudly until they were hunched over.

"That was really funny." Mazia contained her lingering giggles. Her eyes widened as she looked up. "Uh oh. There's that chicken again!" Mazia halted and pointed at the feathered fowl.

"Chicken?" She looked at it. The hen clucked and looked at the two girls. Mazia glared back menacingly.

"Let's go around this way." She tugged Topaz between two houses.

"It's just a bird!" Topaz reasoned, but found herself in the next street far from the bird.

"So... What do you wanna do?" She kicked her foot along the ground.

"I don't know..." Topaz paused. "My dad said that it would rain later-" Their ears suddenly stood at attention hearing a familiar noise around them. "It's raining." Mazia held out a hand and a drop landed directly on her palm. The two looked up at the grey sky as more began to fall. Topaz rubbed her eye feeling one land squarely in the center. They hurried to Topaz's house and stood on the top step to stay dry. Normally a little drizzle could be tolerated, but anything more it was better to find a dry spot than worry about a wet coat of fur.

"Aww. Now we have to play inside." Topaz frowned at the ensuing downpour.

"Let's play in the rain!" Mazia giddily suggested. Topaz liked the idea, but restrained herself for a moment to think.

"You're not going to get your skirt dirty or wet are you?"

"No." She shook her head and untied her garment. The simple answer satisfied her. Topaz grinned and followed suit. The skirt and loincloth were discarded and the two jumped around in the warm rain shower. While other villagers took cover inside, Mazia and Topaz were happily playing in the rain. Their feet quickly splashed where little puddles tried forming. The door to the genet's house opened. Tiranu looked down and found a skirt and loincloth at her feet on the top step.

"What on earth-?" She looked up and spotted her daughter and Mazia dancing in the rain naked. Topaz didn't notice and laughed without stopping. "You two get inside!" Her mother called from the door. The two froze for a moment before dashing up the four steps inside. All Tiranu had to do was point to the floor for them to stand still while she retrieved two towels. The girls draped the towels around themselves and sat down after a quick scolding from Topaz's mother.

"You're really wet." Mazia poked her friend's shoulder feeling the damp fur.

"You're wet too." The tuft of fur on the civet's chest that was normally puffed out was now a hunk of wet fluff. "Wanna sneak back out onto the rain?" She mischievously grinned.

"Topaz Musavaka." Her mother's firm voice put an end to the girls' playtime. "You better be dry as me when I come in there to check on you."

"Yes mom!" Topaz and Mazia hastily dried themselves while the sound of rain through the wooden shutters filled the home.