The urge first came unspoken. It hung there around them, almost tangible; the air was heavy with it.
Mwinda had smiled on them this morning, the hunt had gone well. Before them lay the oryx, fat and healthy, now slain, brought down by their swiftness and their spears. A fine prize, and the tribe would feast well that night! But now… now, the thrill was in their blood. The surge of the hunt, the euphoria of the kill; their prey had died, and they would live on. Life was a symphony of joys and sorrows, successes and failures, but today they would celebrate. And Zaa would hear their song!
Zaa was a multifaceted god, and in her female form she represented fertility – the continuation of life, the bringer of pups, the continued survival and growth of the tribe. But in his male form, he was god of the more primal passions, of lust, of ecstasy, of release, of the unbearable and unutterable intensity of life – and this was the Zaa that was calling them, driving them, his bidding tasted on the air, scents of promise earthy on the breeze. The hunters headed back towards the village, senses thrumming, all knowing what was to come.
Eyes glittering with barely contained excitement, Mvua had nudged Utunu. His expression spoke with eloquence of all that was unsaid between them, and Utunu had nodded, smiling.
It was not far from the village to the ruins. The ancient stone walls had long ago surrendered to the forest; whatever original intent this place held was unknown. The Mapaku had since made it their own. Hewn from the stone that remained, the altar of Zaa sat at the apex of a shallow stair, the likeness of the god seated with arms outstretched, awaiting his children.
Many had already gathered, and the air was taut with anticipation. The altar sat vacant still. Utunu glanced over at Mvua, who responded with an affectionate and encouraging grin. His decision made, Utunu stepped forward, letting his loincloth fall to the ground. He blushed, sensing the approval and excitement of the others, and approached the altar.
Utunu chose his place as offering, lying supported by the statue’s moss-spattered legs. For tonight he would be the stone of Zaa made flesh, and all would give Zaa their thanks. Life was a wondrous thing, and Zaa gave it such force! They would spill their seed for him, and Utunu hoped he would prove a worthy vessel.