The Welcome Ceremony
Su-yeon carefully lifted the bowl in her hands.
A faint fragrance still lingered, tickling her nose.
Incense, maybe? Who lit it…? Kofi?
She brought the bowl closer to her face and drew a soft breath. The scent was gently sweet.
It smells a lot like the tea from earlier…
Su-yeon picked up the jar that still held what remained of the tea she had drunk and took another sip. The warmth had already faded to lukewarm, yet the delicate, sweet aroma still spread across her tongue.
Mm… same scent exactly… Huh. I feel strangely refreshed, though. Is it because of this fragrance?
She tilted the jar and drank slowly, one more mouthful. There was something oddly addictive about the aroma.
“Grrrrooowl…”
Suddenly a loud rumble erupted from Su-yeon’s stomach. She startled and pressed a hand over her belly.
Ah… I’m hungry… What time is it?
She picked up her phone and checked the clock. The display read noon exactly.
Lunchtime already… I should eat something. I’d better ask Kofi.
Su-yeon rose carefully and stepped outside the Takienta.
“Su-yeon!”
Kofi was already standing there. The moment he saw her he offered a small smile and came forward.
“Kofi. How long have you been waiting?”
She asked, clearly surprised.
Kofi scratched the back of his head with a sheepish grin.
“Ah… just a moment ago. Grandfather told me to fetch you so we could have lunch together…”
“Oh… good. I was just about to ask you where I could get something to eat. I was getting hungry myself.”
Su-yeon answered with a light smile.
“Ah… because you arrived today, Grandfather is hosting you personally. From tomorrow on we can simply eat together at my Takienta.”
Kofi’s voice was low and quiet.
“Shall we go? He’s waiting.”
Instead of answering, Su-yeon gave a small nod and set off with him toward the Takienta of the village chief—Kofi’s grandfather.
“Welcome. Beautiful young lady who has come all the way from Korea. I have been waiting for you.”
Mansa Batara, chief of the village and Kofi’s grandfather, greeted her warmly. He took both of Su-yeon’s hands in his own and bowed his head slowly.
“You have traveled a long road. Thank you for your hard journey. I welcome you to our village with all my heart. Today we have prepared something special for you. Please, come inside.”
Feeling the warmth of the chief’s hands, Su-yeon grew a little nervous, yet she lowered her head in return.
“I’m glad to meet you too, Chief. Please look after me.”
Mansa guided the two of them into the Takienta. The lower floor was spacious and cool; a low wooden table stood in the center, already laden with dishes: roasted goat meat, a fresh vegetable salad, and glasses of mango juice glowing a bright yellow.
“Sit, sit. This is a welcome meal for you, Su-yeon. Eat freely and well.”
The chief settled first. Su-yeon took the place across from him; Kofi sat beside her.
“Please begin.”
The meal started. Su-yeon bit into a piece of the roasted goat. Crisp skin gave way to tender, juicy meat, salty and rich at once. The salad was bright and crunchy; the mango juice was cold and sweet. She chewed slowly, glancing at Mansa. The old man watched her enjoy the food and smiled with quiet satisfaction.
“Su-yeon, is the food to your liking?”
“Yes, it’s really delicious. Especially this goat meat… I’ve never tried it before. I never imagined it could be so tender.”
Mansa nodded and began to speak.
“Our Kofi did something last year… One night a lion came down into the village. It was about to attack the goat herds and the people. Kofi faced that lion with nothing but his bare hands. After a short struggle the beast finally turned and fled. Ever since then the villagers call him a hero.”
Kofi turned his face aside, looking shy.
“Grandfather, that was just… good luck.”
Mansa chuckled and looked back at Su-yeon.
“This boy has a kind heart and a diligent spirit. While you are here he will take good care of you.”
He continued without pause.
“Ah, and this evening the whole village has prepared a welcome ceremony for you. We will light a fire, dance, and sing. You will join us, won’t you?”
Su-yeon’s eyes widened.
“Really? You went to all that trouble… Thank you so much.”
“It is only natural. Now that you have come to our village, you are as good as family.”
Mansa smiled with genuine warmth. Su-yeon felt a soft heat spread through her chest.
These people are so kind… I’m glad I came.
Kofi picked up another piece of goat meat and placed it on her plate.
“Have some more. You must still be hungry.”
Su-yeon lowered her head a little and answered quietly.
“Yes… thank you.”
They continued their meal. About thirty minutes later, when they had finished, Mansa rose and drew them both to their feet.
“All right, off you go now. The evening ceremony will begin around seven. Kofi will come to fetch you at the proper time.”
He took Su-yeon’s hands once more, warm and gentle, and smiled.
“Yes, I understand.”
Su-yeon answered with a smile of her own.
She and Kofi left Mansa’s Takienta and walked slowly back toward hers. As they went, Su-yeon spoke softly.
“Kofi… there was incense burning in my room. Was that you?”
Kofi stopped and looked at her.
“Yes, I lit it. You must have been tired after traveling so far… There is a tree that grows throughout Koutammakou, including our village, that is excellent for recovering from fatigue. We brew tea from its leaves and burn the bark for incense. The tea I gave you earlier was made from it.”
“Ah… I see. No wonder my body felt lighter when I stepped outside. Even my mind seemed calmer.”
Su-yeon smiled faintly. Kofi’s answering smile was gentle.
“I’m glad. I’ll prepare it for you every day from now on. People who have stayed in our village before said they used to suffer from depression or something like it, but after receiving it daily the feeling simply vanished.”
“Really? Thank you… then I’ll leave it to you.”
A soft flush rose in Su-yeon’s cheeks. Kofi’s smile grew even warmer as he nodded.
“Yes. Every day. While you are here, I will take good care of you.”
They walked on again at an easy pace. When they reached the entrance of Su-yeon’s Takienta, Kofi looked at her.
“Then I’ll see you this evening, Su-yeon. I’ll come for you around six-fifty.”
“Yes… thank you.”
She inclined her head slightly. Kofi turned and headed for his own Takienta. As he walked he felt a faint, quick beat in his chest.
Grandmother told me to do it… What if Su-yeon notices…?
He quickened his steps, thoughts racing.
Was Grandmother right…? Is Su-yeon really the white cow that appeared in my dream?
Even after he arrived at his own door he stood there a long while, heart still drumming.
Around six-fifty that evening, Su-yeon stood inside her Takienta wearing the black dress she had bought in Lomé. Soft golden patterns shimmered across the fabric, setting off the pale glow of her skin.
“Su-yeon~”
Kofi called at the appointed time. She stepped outside.
“Shall we go? Everyone will be waiting.”
They walked side by side. The sun had nearly set; the sky was washed in deep red. A warm evening breeze stirred the hem of Su-yeon’s dress.
“How was your first day?”
Kofi spoke first. Su-yeon looked at his profile and answered honestly.
“It felt a little strange at first… but my heart is growing calmer. Everyone is so kind… and especially you, Kofi—you’ve taken such good care of me. Thank you.”
He smiled.
“I’m glad. I hope you can rest easy while you’re here.”
Before long they reached the central square of the village. It was already packed with people—hundreds of them, men and women, old and young. In the middle a great bonfire blazed, painting the night sky crimson. Villagers held hands and danced in a wide circle while drums thundered and lively songs rose into the air.
“Waaaaah—!!”
The moment Su-yeon and Kofi appeared, the entire crowd erupted in cheers.
“Welcome!”
People parted to either side, opening a path. Su-yeon started in surprise and glanced at Kofi. He smiled and gently took her hand.
“Come. Everyone has been waiting for you.”
Holding his hand, she walked into the throng. The villagers beamed and waved at her.
“She’s beautiful!”
“Welcome!”
Su-yeon smiled brightly and bowed her head.
“Thank you…”
As the flames leapt higher, people rose to dance. Grandmothers and grandfathers, young men and women, even the children—everyone joined in, swaying and laughing with pure joy. Not a single face was left out.
They look so happy… to welcome me like this…
Just then a young woman seized Su-yeon’s hand.
“Su-yeon! Come dance with us!”
Su-yeon hesitated only a moment, then laughed and let herself be pulled into the circle. At first her steps were awkward, but soon she began to move with the drums. Firelight flushed her face red, and laughter rang out from every side.