>>5496210"Ya gather the materials?" You ask and they all seem to be in agreement that they are. It's a short, quiet walk back to the main island.
The ceremonial Tattoos for Jerah, your sons, and ya goes by as it should. It's in silence, none flinch. Though Jerah's bull tattoo is done shortly after ya both stay.
"Alright, this is the first time I have done this lads, ya got the goods?"
"Aya." You hand over the flowers.
"Alright. Ya get the Great man tattoo, which, not gonna lie, this is the first time I done it. Not many great men for my life, now there two. Ya'll great men, ya know the rules."
Hours go by. It's a big tattoo. it clashes with your skin and your other tattoos with it's white ink, even if your skin was pale, it would show. A man standing holding an anchor in the waves. Keli'i wipes the sweat from his brow.
"If ya brothers want tatts tell em I am havin a break. I'll get to them tomorrow." Keli'i says and Jero chuckles and Keli'i faster than anyone ya ever seen slaps him on the tat
"AYA!" Jerah says leapin up.
"Ya want to put ointment on that." Keli'i says and Jerah skidaddles. Before you exit Keli'i holds up a hand.
"If ya intendin to question tha old man, know he has taught every tattooist, and has kept many traditions. And know- that he keeps many a secret. I tried to ask him many things all his life, and he don't share easy. Ya a great man now, and something tells me ya may be off world more than on it soon. Everybody around that bruddah of ya's they a little shaky. Even though ya the same size an all. Yet- people around ya have always felt comfort, like they know ya or can talk to ya. Maybe if ya lucky that'll rub off on the old man." He says
"That's a bit of advice I will use." You say
"It aint free! I want ya sons, and not those biguns out there- but if ya bein havin a kid with that pretty little witch out there, to come and have tattoos."
"Easy Keli'i! I aint even kissa yet!"
"Ya don get it. My cost is I live. I wanna live to see past 40 year man. I been doin this since Ya Great Uncle Rami died and I stop bein his apprentice. I wanna live as long as him. Fightan in the stars is a good way to halt that goal. I figure the best way to achieve that goal is to one tell ya, and two make sure ya able to have a clear head with that ol geezer." Keli'i says
"HA! He best not hear ya-" And Keli'i looks at you then shouts outside
"OI GEEZER GET OVER HERE!" He shouts loudly and