h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Day 3

Pato wakes up just before first daylight. He has been dreaming about the expedition his late father is sending him on with his sister, like all new Chiefs have done before him since the Break of Clans. Timing is critical. The harvest moon of this seasonal cycle will be near. Missing that would mean waiting another cycle and possible unrest in the Clan. He is thankful for the fact that his father has taken him on previous trips several times, and he is confident that he will find the way by himself.

Leaving the comfort of his pile of hides and fleeces that poses as a bed, he dons his brick-red woollen tunic, taking care not to tangle his beard in the golden and silver ornamental beads along the edge of the fabric. Several wide leather belts, hung with vertical leather bands and more bits of intricately worked precious metal keep the fabric in the nether regions in check. For today, he will wear his regular sandals, but the special boots his father made for him for the upcoming ordeal will have to be packed for sure, along with rope and axes. To finish things off, he puts his aquamarine cap on.

Clinking metal elsewhere in the house wakes Bora. She checks the whereabouts of the history stone, her most valuable possession, holding the knowledge needed for the upcoming transfer rituals. It is still in its leather pouch, where she left it. Quickly, she puts on her dark green dress with the formal embroidery signifying her status, together with the cylindrical headdress that goes with it. Once underway, away from the rest of the Clan, she will store these clothes and put on something more practical. Not yet though…

The departure rituals are short but emotional. The survival of the Clan depends on this year’s expedition.

Leaving the village in South westerly direction, the first stage is relatively easy going, Broadly following the river upstream over green and yellowing rolling plains. The horses can make good speed, despite the weight of their packs.

Just before the river gets swallowed by the first mountains, some 40 kilometres from home, Pato and Bora make camp for the night, on some higher ground close to the river.

Okay, I like this kind of story: a slow reveal. Now we're all wondering what's out there.

I love the little throw away references, like the Break of Clans line, makes you want to know more!

I like the descriptions of the clothes.

You've given us plenty of detail and a promise of action to come!