Her Chosen Path
Nadhiri woke with the dawn. She rolled out of bed as the birds began their chorus, and even before the sun even had a chance to rise properly, the young Alkidike started methodically on her morning processes. Water first, a generous cup full to replenish her body. Next her stretches. Exercise meant to prepare her body for more strenuous movement later. She dipped in and out of the poses. It was important for day to begin in the same way. It helped to clear her mind.
As stretched her arms above her head, Nadhiri recalled her younger years. Even then she had been unusually serious. Unlike the other Alkidike her age, she was not interested in playing. Sometime she would join them, watching from the sidelines, but she preferred to follow the adults. Perched in a tree she would watch the warriors in mock battles. To her they seemed the epitome of all things. It was what she wanted for her future; to be a fighter.
Defend her home and family. That was what it meant to be an Alkidike. Nadhiri was proud of her heritage. It was important to do her family proud. That was what her mother would have wanted. There are only vague memories of the woman Nadhiri called mother. A well-loved, powerful warrior always ready for battle. A broad smile as the tall women smiled down at youngling just beginning to walk. A tight, living hug. Then the memories end.
Killed in battle, the youngling was told. Nadhiri was too young to truly understand. It was only later that she realized what she had lost and by then her mind had been set and her sights had been set on the future.
Nadhiri straightened, taking a deep breath in through her nose. Her chest swelled. She held it for ten seconds and then let it out through her mouth. There, ready for the day. She dressed quickly, paying little mind to her appearance. A spear rested nearby and she reached for it, holding the weapon lovingly in a loose grip. After a quick inspection (and a quick sharpening of the spear tip) later, and Nadhiri made her way out into the new day.
There was no time for laziness in Chibale. Nadhiri had her chores to do and she got to them with her usual stern expression. She didn’t dawdle, simply did the work required; cooking, collecting firewood, sewing, repairing shelters and weaving baskets. With deft hands she completed her tasks, pausing only for food. She completed her tasks long before the other prentices. Strong legs carried her to the practice grounds, where the older warriors lingered and challenged each other in mock battles. At no point did she ask to join in, even when they offered. Today she only watched, focusing on their form and memorizing the way the body moved before a strike.
Later she traveled away from home, until she was alone among the trees. Then she lifted the spear and began to practice striking. Nadhiri focused on making the spear an extension of her own body. Only after she was in a sweat did she stop and she stood for a time, feeling the vibrations of the world around her. It was peaceful here. Beautiful. Oh how she loved her home.
Not far away and she found a spring fed pool. The prentice removed her clothes, unselfconsciously dropping them to the ground and stepping into the water. Nadhiri sunk to her knees in the water, gently scooping handfuls of liquid up and splashing it across her shoulders. Sometimes she got lonely. She was liked enough, she knew that. The older Alkidike saw potential in her and were always willing to help her train, but there was nobody she called a close friend. It was her own fault, she knew that. She kept herself apart and nobody was willing to work so hard just make her smile. It didn’t matter. Nadhiri would bond with one of her sisters one day, when she had finally reached her goal.
Later, once she had dried, Nadhiri put her clothes back and picked up her spear. Dusk was approaching already; the perfect time to hunt. On bare feet she prowled silently, body tense and ready to pounce at the slightest movement of prey. Her weapon was held in a loose but ready grip. Now and then her antennas twitched and she turned her head slowly, this way and that, feeling the jungle. Hunting required patience, and while Nadhiri did not always possess that, today the long wait did not bother her, and when a target finally appeared, she was ready.
It didn’t stand a chance. A flash of movement, the descent of the spear and a squeal of pain, then it was done. A life taken to feed another. Nadhiri uttered a quiet thanks and she knelt to retrieve her prize. She would gut and clean it on the way home.
Night was settling in and so Nadhiri set off on the trail homebound. The darkness did not worry her. This was her favourite time. As the birds that had woken her began to settle down to rest, twittering their quiet goodnights, she stalked beneath the trees and could not help but smile at the peace she found here. Her stride was strong, carrying her quickly along. Getting lost was not an option. They could blindfold her and she would still be able to find her way.
She stopped once by a stream, crouching and taking out a knife. A quick slice from neck to abdomen opened up the rodent. A practised flick of her knife removed the guts and a quick wash finished the job.
Then she was off again, growing closer to home with every step. Nadhiri was pleased when she was eventually challenged by one the guards, spoke a brief greeting with the older woman and then continued on past. Soon she was standing, watching the village from the darkness. The way the lithe forms of warriors were revealed when they moved in front of the fire and the bubbles of laughter that erupted from the groups still awake and enjoying the evening.
Nadhiri loved them all. Maybe she didn’t like them all. But that wasn’t the point. She would give her very life and soul to protect her people. They were hers, she was theirs. That was what it came down to.
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