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Show 60 the middle of the room with a hole in the roof to let the smoke out. Blankets that were used ^ 1 ^ for bedrolls at night lined the edge of the room. Toho sat on one. Pavati motioned for Chua to sit on a blanket next to Toho. It was made of thin strips of rabbit fur woven with yucca fibers. Chua knew it would be warm to sleep under. "Welcome," Pavati said. "Hello," Chua said. "I'm glad you chose to come." Chua smelled the hahalviki. "Sit and eat, boys." Pavati sat with her snjrt to the side so it covered her legs to the foot. Each boy sat with his left leg doubled under him, and his right knee up with his right foot squarely on the floor. It was the Hopi custom for the men and boys to sit that way so they would always be ready to spring up to protect the family in case of trouble. Chua carefully unwrapped the cornhusk from the bread. Steam poured out of the inside. The smell filled his nose and then his stomach. He bit into the bread and smiled at Pavati. He silently thanked Sotuknang for creating com for the nourishment of mankind. The bread was so good. "This bread is as good as Com Mother could make," Chua said. "I'll save half my bread for my mother. I know she would like some." Pavati laughed. "As good as Com Mother could make." She shook her head and smiled. "Eat, eat. I'll give you some to take home for your mother." Pavati handed him a drink. "This is delicious, also," Chua said, as he swallowed half the mug in one gulp. |