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Chapter 1: Intrigue
v. Alkidike

|| OOC ||

||. Chapter 1 will close on Sunday, July 15
||. This Chapter will function primarily as a meet and greet between Sisters before they begin their excursion.
||. All regular Forum Rules apply.
||. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to PM Suhuba or ask in the Main Thread.

|| IC ||

It was very early morning in Tendaji. The moon still reigned in the sky far overhead, although it was impossible to tell down on the forest floor.

Amongst the smooth, violet trunks and luminous, pastel-colored mushrooms, a band of sisters was gathering. The group ranged drastically in age, from Younglings still begging their parents to let them go off on the expedition, to the Elderly, dreamily recounting their days of youth, when they would have surely been the first ones chosen to head out on an adventure. Interspersed throughout the group were the young adults of the Tribe, chatting with their family, passing along their well-wishes and goodbyes. Most of the able-bodied sisters of appropriate age had been called to this mission. The mettle of anyone unwilling to participate would surely be called into question. After all, they were a tribe of Warriors…. And Tendaji was their rightful home.

Near the center of the group, Yansa stood. She was speaking quietly with a group of Younglings who tumbled and twirled and attempted to prove themselves as great warriors. The Alkidike laughed quietly, complimenting their attempts, while firmly reaffirming what their mothers had already told them… they were far too young to be going on such a perilous journey. They had no idea what they’d encounter… and even less of an idea on when they’d be able to return home.

Yansa’s demeanor remained quiet and peaceful, but through her eyes shone a hint of distress. She had been chosen to lead this expedition. The young woman had already proven herself as a great warrior within the tribe; she was one of the best fighters the elders had ever seen, but like every Alkidike, she had to prove herself to reach the next level. This was her test to become an Amazon. The Elders had put such a great responsibility in her hands for a reason. She was quite aware of the fact that she was being considered (more like conditioned, it felt like at times) to take over the Matriarchal position of the Alkidikes ones day. Still, it made her nervous. So many lives were being placed in her hands.

The young woman turned her attention towards the rest of her sisters, the group of Younglings having danced off, distracted by something else. The rest of the group had been informed that they would be leaving at sunrise. Soon, they would be on their way.

[ooc: please bear with me im posting from a 3DS]
the morning was dimmer than usuall though Maya wasnt woken by the sounds of the forest as she usually was. Pacju stirred soundly in the corner of the room opposite from Maya's hamock. She has shifted the fungus growth to the center of the room not long after her injury in the strange unknown formation on the edge of the forest leading into Tale. What had eoken the peaceful sleeping Alkidike was Elder Kishku. The powerful sister who had traveled with her and three other girls from the great Aisha tree.
''Rise Maya, we have somewhere to be.'' Kishku calmly said, nudging tne young woman from her peace.
groaning her displeasure Maya rose from the bed just as her small companion seemed to come to. ''where are we going?'' Maya questioned, scratching the top of her head sluggishly. Normally Maya was better at waking in the morning but today seemed to be a rather odd day for her. Rising she quickly followed their elder from the tree and through the winding forest. Maya couldnt help but feel sad she had missed her morning dive.

Kezia was late. At least it wasn't dawn yet, she reflected as her lean legs tore through their home, rocks and plant life gripping angrily and stabbing into the soles of her feet. She cursed everything as she ran, from the pain to waking up late to whatever was in the sky, hating that she'd hardly had time to get herself ready before she had to run off, trying to make it to the meetingplace before everyone left her behind. She was so excited to go and here she was screwing it up - tears pricked at her black eyes as she slowed down, the meetingplace coming into vague view.

She paused there, hiding a bit, wiping her eyes and staring at the various wounds on the soles of her feet. She had to look alright. It was shameful enough that she was late, much less crying and bleeding and late. She took a few moments to compose herself, looking up towards the endless leaves and canopy of the forest. In and out - it was important to breathe, she reminded herself. Regaining her composure, Kezia walked calm and quiet as she could up, dropping her head to apologise to Yansa, not wanting to interrupt her conversation with Nadhiri.

At least they hadn't left her. The smile that appeared on her face wasn't forced or contrived, but genuine. This expedition really did mean everything to her - a chance to prove that, though not warriorlike, Kezia had her uses to the Alkidike tribe - and it was so good to see that she hadn't ruined it... At least, not yet. Her smile slowly grew til it was a grin, though it would fade quickly if the elders or Yansa fussed at her.

Yansa smiled at Nadhiri, her hand clapping her sister’s shoulder. Nadhiri was a brave girl. The elder Alkidike was very much looking forward to this journey. She was very much aware of the fact that, while this excursion was important to her for the purpose of proving herself to the Elders and the Tribe, her Sisters had arrived for similar reasons. Nadhiri was a warrior at heart. Her skills would be tested during this adventure more than her mettle.

As for Kezia…

Yansa’s smile grew only warmer and more affectionate at the newcomer’s approach. ”Good morning, Sister.” She greeted, arms extended once more, eager to gather up the younger woman in an embrace. ”I’m glad you could join us.” Her words were genuine, not the smallest inkling of passive aggression could be found in her tone. Nevertheless, the sun was on the rise and it was clear that they needed to be on their way.

”Alright, Sisters.” Yansa flipped her spear with a fluid grace, the tip dancing easily across the hard earth, digging up small clumps of dark soil. The beginnings of an image could be seen, just visible within the glow of Jauhar’s fungi. ”This is our goal.” The edges of a map began to appear. The borders of Jauhar were clearly defined, running along the ocean and up to Tale. That newer region, the Savannah, was also clearly marked. Yansa drew a number of vague diagonal lines across the ground north of Tale.

”Recently, we came into contact with the Leaf Tribe.” She continued to draw, adding fine details to the rendering of Chibale Island, an abstract, tribal version of Aisha appearing on the earth’s surface. ”We are the origin of these lands. Unlike the Shifters and the residents of Tale, we come from the earth itself, from our beloved Aisha.” The woman circled Chibale Island with the tip of her spear before righting the weapon and pulling it back to her side, allowing the other women to get a better view of the map. ”We are destined to protect this land; it is the reason Aisha chose to give us life. Thus, it is our destiny to travel north, to discover what else is out there and who else calls Tendaji their home.”

A serene expression had taken hold, once again, of the woman’s face. ”Shall we begin?”