|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 8:38 pm
 |
|
|
 |
׺°” Visiting Aisha ”°º×
1041 Words
Prentice Growth Req.
Before the official celebration began in a few days, Ariya wanted to visit Aisha personally. So she made the necessary preparations to make the tip to the other island and went as soon as everything was ready. She didn't tell Niesh where she was going or what she was doing for fear her adoptive mother would want to come with her. She'd never tell her mother that she couldn't come along, but this trip was different from all previous ones. This tribute, this conversation with their mother tree was private. At least to her it was. It wasn't something she wanted to share with Niesh. Not with how things were looking with the rumors that were spreading around like wildfire.
Once she was on the island that the mother tree was on she grabbed her basket of fruit and headed off to meet with Aisha. Her mind was a mess as she thought about everything. As she came upon the place to worship she slowed her pace and gave her full attention to the great mother. Ariya was in awe of how majestic the tree was. It oozed power and comfort all at once and enveloped her like cozy blanket. She dare not get super close to the tree, not wanting her common-ness to harm Aisha, so when she was within the massive shadow of the large goddess she stopped and lowered her head to show her respect. “Mother.” She greeted the large tree happily.
As she lifted her head she began to kneel to the ground. Ariya placed the basket on the ground in front of her and smiled fondly at her ethereal mother. “I brought you nourishment, Aisha. I hope it's to your liking.” The assorted fruits in the basket added a splotch of color in the glow of the tree, color that looked luminescent and peaceful. Sitting on her legs the young Alkidike couldn't help but stare up at the reaching branches above. It was like her mother was there encircling her in love.
“Great Mother, I have done something terrible. I am keeping a secret from my adoptive mother.” Ariya paused, unsure of if she wanted to give voice to her secret or not. However, it didn't matter, Aisha already knew, just as she knew everything else that happened with her daughters. “I have come to know a hybrid. Rishima. I am sure you know him.” Her eyes lowered to the roots as she spoke, feeling some shame in the fact that she kept something so important from Niesh. “It was he who helped me realize the path I wanted to take. I'm afraid to tell Niesh this, as I think she will be angry with me. She hates anything having to do with earthlings.” Tears started to well up in her eyes, much to her distaste. She had not willed them there and it upset her that they would show in such a time. “I would never forsake you, Aisha, but you gave birth to the hybrids. Don't let harm come to them.” She couldn't believe that their great mother tree could allow life to happen then let her full blooded daughter snuff it out.
Ariya drew in a slow, shaky breath. The hybrid she had met had proven himself to the elders. He was loyal. He had to be. So surely Aisha wouldn't allow him to be hurt. And the other one that he'd told her about. He wanted to learn about his Alkidike heritage and that showed good faith. “Please.” The youth whispered, hoping Aisha hear her.
Her antennae gave a small quiver and she brought her eyes back up to the thick branches of the aged tree. A smile was still in place on her lips as she watched the wind toy with the leaves. “One day I will seek your blessing in having a child, maybe two.” She laughed at that, trying to imagine how she'd keep up with more than one. “I hope you will forgive me for keeping a secret from my earthly mother and allow me such a gift.” It was clear that Ariya found the breach in the mother daughter bond to be something unforgivable. She wanted to remedy the situation but she knew how Niesh was and didn't want to cause a rift to form between them.
Now that she was finished with her confession she brightened up and lifted her hand so that she could wipe away the tears that had a mind of their own. “Your day is coming soon. You must be overjoyed. All of your daughters are returning home.” She gave a small chuckle before she breathed in deeply. “I am sure they all have missed you. You mustn't be angry with them, Mother, some of them stay away for the sake of their younglings. The mixed ones you gifted them. Others may just have forgotten as they were so busy.” She rambled on, speaking to the ancient tree before her as though she were a Alkidike in the flesh. The conversation may be one sided but she was enjoying it thoroughly. “I do wonder, Mother, if you could call your half children home as well. Did you know there are some that want to see you?”
Ariya didn't know any of them personally but she had been told as much by another. “Well, I was told this. I am too young to have worldly experience in the matter.” The young Alkidike gave a large grin. Even if Aisha knew everything, telling her would show truth in her heart. “I pray that the festivities for your day bring you joy and I hope this year brings something remarkable for you.” As she sensed her legs going numb from sitting she cringed and gave a peeking glance to Aisha. “I hope you don't mind mother, but my legs have fallen asleep. I believe I have bothered you long enough. I'll leave you be now. Blessed Be Mother.” She brought one hand up and kissed the tips of her fingers before she lowered it back down to the ground near an uplifted root. Ariya was not bold enough to touch the great tree so she placed her fingers on the dirt next to it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2015 10:31 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2015 6:42 pm
|
|
|
|
׺°” Rippling Reflections ”°º×
Words 1002
Blade Growth!
Since her return home Ariya could only mope around. She'd not seen any of the other sisters. Of course she assumed they were out and about. However, now she stood at the water's edge and stared out across the ocean toward where the mainland could be seen on the horizon. "..." Why did the idea of going back across bother her? Why did she feel such a deep seeded anxiety when she thought about crossing the ocean? Ariya couldn't pin the feeling down long enough to really examine it. When she tried it gave her a racing heart and a feeling of drowning. Something she wasn't overly fond of. Now, however, she took a deep breath and tried to calm her body. She wasn't going to cross, she told herself, she was only looking. Surely there was no harm in that? Right?
Perhaps. Perhaps not. Her body seemed so against the idea and when she stared at the lingering horizon she could only see the battle and her sisters falling. Daughters of Aisha being cut down. It pained her. Ariya felt as though she suffered a physical blow. Tears built up in her eyes. "Oh mother, the pain you must feel at losing so many of your own." Her eyes closed slowly and she took a deep, shuddering breath. It was as if she could hear Aisha weeping. As if she could feel the pain from the great mother. It was not a pleasant feeling. "I'm sorry it ended that way." Surely there had to have been a better way. A more peaceful way to deal with things. Or at the very least one that didn't end with the loss of so many sisters. And if what the mystics had been saying was indeed true then Aisha was having troubles producing more pods without impurities.
There had to be a way to heal Aisha and hopefully repair her ability to produce perfect pods and daughters. "I will try to find a way, Mother." Ariya opened her eyes and stared out at the rippling water of the ocean. She meant what she said. The young blade was devoted to Aisha in ways that made her think she should have been a mystic. Though she would never assume to be one. It was up to the Great Mother to make her one or not and it appeared as though Aisha had chosen to make Ariya into a guardian. A protector of her daughters. A role that she would take on with pride. The only thing she truly needed now was to learn how to better control her weapon. How to move with it as though it were second nature. And surely she could do so in no time. If she could find someone to help her learn. Or at the very least someone to help her practice. Then her skills would surely improve very quickly and she could fulfill her Mother Tree's wishes to Guard the Alkidike way of life.
The more her thoughts followed the train of thought the more she became bedazzled by the light shimmering off the surface of the water. Ariya was practically mezmerized by the shiny. Within no time at all the sound of the water lapping at the shore was enough to help her body relax, forgetting her previous anxiety. It was a feeling of peace but with a deep sorrow attached. Her mind was still working along the thought trail of Aisha's pain. When the wind picked up and blew through her dreads she left her antennae shiver. It felt as though there was going to be a storm. Lifting her eyes from the sparkling waters to the sky she noticed a gathering of dark clouds in the distance. The wind was bringing them closer and closer and she knew they would feel some otherworldly cry from the Great Mother tonight.
It was her time to weep. Her time to mourn. Surely her daughters would not deny her that. Or at least, Ariya hoped it would be so. There was something deep inside her gut that made her want to go to Aisha and sit with her through the night. Endure the storm at the side of her spiritual mother. The young Alkidike was willing to share the burden if only she were called to do so. As the clouds rolled over one another in their journey ever closer she took a deep breath and looked back at the water. In it now she could see the darkness as it crept toward the islands. It was majestic in it's own twisted way. "Beautiful yet dangerous." She whispered into the wind, wary of how dark it was getting.
She stood like that for a while longer then slowly turned away from the waters and coming storm. Ariya needed to make sure her earthly mother, Niesh, had everything inside before things got a little wet. Or a lot wet. Pushing her bangs aside so that they would not bother her eyes she headed home at a leisurely pace. There was still time before the cloud cover reached land. It would also give her the time she needed to come up with something she could do for Aisha. A way to sooth her pain. Her ache for her daughters. The dead and the ones who were sent into exile. Who knew, she might even be able to ask Niesh if she had any ideas. Certainly she could seek out a Mystic or an elder to get more of an idea. That was if there wasn't already something being planned.
Ariya certainly hoped that there was a plan. They needed to show their glorious mother that she meant more to them than simply the life giver. The provider of blooms. She was their connection to the earth, to the spiritual, to each other. "A tribute of some kind couldn't hurt." Of course she had given one such thing before the battle but it would be a welcome gift after as well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2015 4:24 am
|
|
|
|
׺°” A Mission Given ”°º×
Words 1600
Blade Growth!
She was busy helping her mother put away the clean blankets that had been hung out earlier in the day to dry when another Alkidike approached her home. Ariya eyed her curiously but went about her business thinking that she was there for Niesh and not her. So she stepped inside and left her adoptive mother to speak with the visitor alone. As she folded the blanket and walked across the hut to place it on the shelf she noticed two shadows on the wall in front of her as her mother and the other Alkidike entered. Turning her head to look at them she first saw the look on her mother's face. Niesh had an expression that was a mixture of pride and fear, an odd combination to have. Then she noticed the look of approval in the other woman's face. That was something to cause her to stop what she was doing. "Mother? What is it? What's going on?" Ariya question quietly unsure on whether or not she wanted to answer, though she was worried about the unknown.
There was a small span of silence where Niesh looked at the woman beside her and then back at her daughter. She seemed to be chewing on her words and deciding which ones were best used in this situation. The visiting Alkidike warrior lifted a small brow at Niesh's reaction but waited for her to tell her own daughter the news. Then finally someone spoke and broke the silence. "You have been summoned by the elders, Ariya." It was her adoptive mother's voice and it caused her to quickly think back on her actions, making sure she was not in trouble for anything that she might have done.
"Oh.." Ariya's antennae dropped a little like a child being told her mother had seen her with her hand in the cookie jar. However, she couldn't think of anything that she had done recently that would merit her being in trouble, or at least not in so much trouble that she would be summoned by the elders. So what was it that she was being called for? Maybe it was about her last tribute that she'd left for Aisha? Could it be that they wanted another one made? Or given? Or had they found her a mentor to help her improve in her weapon training? So many questions floated through her mind but she dare not voice a single one. Instead her gaze shifted from her mother to the other woman that stood there. "When...?" Her voice came out as a squeak.
Slowly the visitor's lips pulled back into a smirk at the pitch of Ariya's voice, but otherwise she showed no hint of mocking. "Now. Tonight." There was a nod that sent the short locks of the woman swaying, drawing Ariya's eyes to the shining beads that she wore. What a time to be distracted by something shiny, she thought. "I will finish up here before the storm hits, you go with Kelo." Niesh said as she moved forward to take the blanket from her daughter and put it on the shelf firmly. With that done she turned and looked at the other woman but had a glare in her eyes. It was something for Ariya to think about at another time.
Being freed of her task she gave a nod and stepped closer to the woman she now knew as Kelo. "I'm ready when you are."
She stated, clearly expecting to be escorted to wherever it was that the Elders had assembled. And she was not wrong in assuming either, for as soon as she said something the woman turned on her heel and motioned for her to follow.
The walk was a silent one, only the distant roil of thunder in the background could be heard as they walked along. Everyone else was already inside their homes or was otherwise out doing things to prepare. It made a sinking feeling form in her gut. A feeling she wasn't totally sure was unfounded. When they did reach the elders Ariya noticed that they were gathered near the Great Tree. Aisha. She stared up at the mother tree in awe, as she always did, and offered her a silent prayer. A loving thought that she hoped would aid in her healing. Then she gave a questioning look to Kelo to which the older Alkidike smiled and spoke gently. "Don't worry, young one, you are not in trouble." She shifted and spread her arm out to motion that she should go toward the elders. "They await your arrival." Were her final words but she didn't walk away.
As of yet the elders hadn't spotted Ariya and that gave her a moment to simply stare at them and gather her thoughts. As well as take a few deep breaths. Breaths that she desperately needed if she was going to face this issue. Then, with a final look at Kelo that gained her another nod, she straightened her back and started to walk toward the group. Even as she drew nearer she couldn't help but let her eyes travel to Aisha. She would be a witness to whatever took place here and now and she wondered if she was also to be her judge. Yet, Kelo had assured her she was not in trouble. To her knowledge she hadn't asked for a daughter of her own either, so it couldn't be the gifting of a bloom. So then, what was it?
"Ah, you have come, very good." One soft voice reached her and dragged her eyes and thoughts away from Aisha and potential reasons for her presence here. Ariya gave a polite smile and nodded her head before she spoke. "I was summoned?" She stated, though it came as more of a question. While she didn't doubt that Kelo had gotten the right person she just wanted to make sure this group had indeed wanted her here. "Yes, Ariya, you were and we have all agreed that it is time." The same elder spoke again just as the rain started to come down.
Despite being soaked they all stood there. "It has come to our attention that you wish to become a guardian of the tribe." There was a collected murmur that rippled through the group. "Is this true?" The leader asked to make sure that their information was correct. "Yes, that is true." Ariya nodded once more wondering where this conversation was going. Were they going to deny her that path? She certainly hoped not. "Did you also march to Sauti to participate in the battle?" That question came a second before a loud boom echoed through the air.
There is was, she thought, the reason I am here! "I did, though I did not stay. I couldn't bear watching our sisters fall nor did I want to raise a hand against my earthly mother." There was no point in lying. Ariya had been there, in fact she had ridden on the back of a Janarim with Maya, but she had not yet been old enough to have her own weapon. So it had been a pointless endeavor for her. Though it did open her eyes to the fierce nature of her sisters. "I gave a tribute to Aisha before and my prayers to her after." Ariya was not sure why but she felt that needed to be said.
After she was finished speaking the group spoke quietly among themselves even as thunder rolled above them. Then finally the leader grinned at her and stepped closer to her so that she could lay her hands on Ariya's shoulders. "You a truly a devoted daughter of Aisha." Those words pleased her and she felt her antennae rise a little with elation. "We now give you a personal mission to undertake, child. You are to find a mount suitable for you so that you may guard all Alkidike's from atop it's back." Another loud crash sounded and this one shook Ariya to her core.
The ground beneath her quivered and she stared at the elder's face before looking at the ones behind her. All of them wore smiles, knowing looks, and nodded their approval. All were staring at her with such great expectations. Ariya couldn't help but smile back. "Thank you." She would need to leave the islands to do this mission, which is likely what had caused the sinking feeling she had felt earlier, but she accepted either way. Ariya had their blessing to become a guardian of her people, now she needed to get her mount. As the elder took her hands off her shoulders there was a gust of wind and another loud cracking in the sky that made her look up just as lightning flashed and more booming followed.
"Aisha mourns the loss of her daughters.." Ariya whispered. She hadn't been paying attention to her own thoughts so she didn't realize she had spoken aloud, but her words caught the attention of the elders and they stared at her. "She weeps for us all. Do not worry, Great Mother, I will soon be your guardian." Her eyes closed and she sent her love and good will toward the Mother Tree. Upon opening her eyes and lightning flashing yet again she met the eyes of the leading elder right as the thunder clashed in the sky. It was perfect timing from Aisha herself There was a large grin of approval and a small nod before she turned and walked away. The others followed and soon enough Ariya was standing alone beneath the reaching limbs of Aisha as rain poured down and nature stormed above.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2015 4:33 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 7:11 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2016 6:46 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2016 3:55 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2016 11:41 am
|
|
|
|
׺°” A grumpy familiar ”°º×
Words 1045
(( Ariya has finally made it home and reported to the elders that her mount has been found as well as that she is ready to continue with her training. ))
She was sleeping in, as she normally did since she was not a morning person, and eventually rolled to the side. When she did Ariya ended up dislodging the small trotter from her cleavage. Matal hit the ground and rolled a few times before he shook it off and got up onto his little legs. From there he gave a huff and moved back over to his owner so that he could nudge her in the face with his head in a firm manner. He wanted her to get up since he was now up. However, when that didn't work he opted for climbing up onto her face so he could lick at her eye.
This got Ariya's attention. Not only because she had a snaptrotter youth on her face but because the reptile's tongue was sticking to her lashes. So she opened one eye to look at her tiny beast. With a sigh Ariya reached up and removed the little thing from her face so that she could sit up and yawn. She also needed to stretch. When she brought her arms back in she eyed her little beastie then plopped him right into her cleavage as she got up to her feet. "Stay put, Matal." Ariya needed to get on the road again. So she grabbed her bag and spear then moved back onto the pathway. She was really close to the Jauharian coast where she could find a boat to take her back to the Isles. Back home.
Matal didn't dig down and hide from the world like he normally did, this time he seemed to keep his front feet out to hold onto her shirt while he looked around at everything. He gurgled and snapped at the air impatiently a few times before finally struggling to climb out and reach her shoulder.
This made Ariya shake her head and sigh before she relented and let him sit on her shoulder. He wouldn't be able to use her as a perch for too much longer so she might as well let him enjoy it. When she saw the beach finally come into view she smiled. "We're going home boy." There was a firm nod of her head and then she picked up her pace. A quick walk was about as fast as she got since she was a chubby woman.
It took her a few minutes to secure a ride over the waters with one of the other women heading that way but once she had it she was pleased. She would see home and her adoptive mother. She could report to the elders and show them that she had completed her mission. Today would be a happy day with a good outcome, she was sure. However, once they were in the boat and out on the water Matal seemed to not be able to sit still. He wanted to run all over the boat which was disturbing some of the other passengers and they ended up giving her displeased looks. Ariya offered a smile but shrugged her shoulders. Attempting to catch the trotter would result in her rocking the boat since she had a bit of weight on her. So unless they wanted her to start moving around and threatening to capsize them she remained where she was and simply watched her familiar terrorize everyone.
As they reached the main island Ariya was one of the first to jump out and Matal came flying at her. Apparently he didn't like boat rides. Looking down at her beast, who was clinging with all four to her shorts, she gave a disappointed look. Still she helped the others pull the boat in then excused herself to go find Niesh. Ariya expected to find the woman at home since she couldn't think of anything else that she would be doing at the time. So that is where she headed. Only her mother wasn't there. So Ariya harumphed and decided to head to the elders and report in. At least she could get that part over with.
Another couple minutes and she found herself before the elders in question. Matal had moved to hide in her dreads but he was at least peeking his snout out at them. "Ariya, you've come back." The rough voice of one of them reached her ears. She nodded her head and grinned. "Yes. I found my mount. It took me a while since I traveled all the way to Matori, but I found him." With her free hand she reached up and coaxed the small snapper from his hiding place. Once he was out she held him up and laughed. "He's small but as an adult he'll be capable of carrying me around." Ariya had gotten to see the adult snaptrotters when she was in Matori and had liked what she'd seen.
With several approving nods she stuffed the beast into her cleavage. This granted her several laughs and chuckles from the elders but nothing was said in objection to where she stashed Matal. "I am ready to continue with my training to protect Aisha and her daughters." Ariya nodded her head firmly just as Matal poked his head out and stared at the others and trilled. Several elders continued to laugh but others managed to reign it in long enough to nod at her. "Indeed. You will need to train him as he grows and work on your spear skills. You have our blessing, Ariya."
"Thank you." She nodded at them and excused herself so that she could go in search of her mother. She had good news to share! Not to mention she would need to get Matal used to her since they would be living in the same house. Ariya wanted the two of them to get along.
Of course since Matal was upset with her for taking him on a boat he made the walk back home difficult. He wanted to climb all over and at one point he even made a leap for the ground, causing her to have to chase him down. So making it back to her house took longer than she thought but at least when she arrived her mother was there this time and she could share all the good news.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2016 3:19 pm
|
|
|
|
׺°” Talk of the future ”°º×
Words 1059 (3 Points)
When she got home she found her adoptive mother there and was greeted with a warm hug. Of course after the initial hug she had to pull Matlal into sight so that she could show him off. With a grin she introduced the two. "Niesh, this is Matlal. He'll grow into my mount." Ariya had to admit she was rather proud of the little beast. Granted he didn't look like much now but in the future he would. He would be terrifying.
Niesh blinked at the tiny thing and gave her daughter a skeptical look. "Well.. you better feed him a lot because otherwise you'll be carrying him into battle." And she meant that. The older woman could see her girl carrying a snapping lizard into battle and fully expecting it to intimidate her opponent.
"Ah, don't worry. He'll grow. I've seen the adult versions." With that Ariya set him down on the floor so he could roam around the house. He'd be able to stay inside for a few months while he grew but after that he would need to move outside. That also meant she would need to build him a small lean-to or something to sleep in. When Matlal went off to explore she chuckled at his curiosity then brought her gaze back to her mother. The expression she saw there made her stop laughing and tilt her head. "What is it? You look upset." Was it the mount she'd chosen? Or something else?
"I was worried. You were gone for so long. I thought that something might have happened to you." She fretted aloud, her hands grabbing Ariya by the shoulders and pulling her close for another hug. "If I would have lost you what would I have told your mothers? They would be disappointed in me. And now you show up with that little thing as a mount. I worry." Upon letting go she frowned and gave a tisk. "You need to settle down. Ask Aisha for a daughter and focus on being here, defending the tribe." Niesh gave a firm nod of her head. She believed that would be the best course of action for her child. Or more to the point it would be the safest course of action for her child. And it was definitely one she wanted Ariya to take.
The mention of asking Aisha for a child had her looking to the ground. She had thought about the whole child thing not that long ago. Of course then she had decided to not go that route. Ariya didn't think she was strong enough to protect a child. Then again she had proven herself quite the opposite as of late. With her antennae dropping a fraction she turned her head away from Niesh. "I have no mate to approach Aisha with." Not that it mattered, she knew she didn't need one in order to ask their Great Mother for a blessing. She need only be assessed by Aisha and deemed worthy. "I would not want to leave a bloom with no one to care for it if something were to happen to me either." She couldn't quite bring herself to meet her adoptive mother's eyes.
Niesh furrowed her brows together as her daughter spoke. "Non-sense. You need no mate to ask Aisha for a blessing." And she knew full well that her daughter knew that. She was dodging! Not that she could fathom as to why. Then she heard it. The fear she had of leaving a bloom with no mother. Niesh softened a little. "Oh, sweetling, you won't. Nothing will happen to you. There is no war for you to go off to. No enemy invading our lands." The very reasons Ariya's bloom was left without the original mothers that had asked for her. "Besides, even if that were the case I would take in you child. You know that. So you do have someone to help you."
If this was simply about her precious Ariya being afraid of taking care of a youngling then she could help out.
Ariya listened. Yes, she knew that Aisha would grant her a daughter if she asked. She also knew she didn't need a mate in order to approach the mother tree. And she knew, deep down, that there was nothing that would take her away from her daughter if she were to be given one. No battle, no fight, nothing. Ariya would be devoted to the little flower.
So maybe it wouldn't be so bad? She could ask. But would she? A long moment of silence went past as she thought about it all. The entire time she was being stared at by her mother and it made her squirm a little. Ariya had to think about training Matlal and getting him ready to be a battle mount. Could she really take on having a daughter? "When Matlal is a bit bigger then perhaps I will ask Aisha if she would be willing to bless me." She finally said. What else could she really say? Yes? No? It wasn't like a definitive answer for her. At least not yet. It was a solid maybe. The idea of having a family of her own was a nice one, and it was something she had thought of before.
Niesh offered nothing more than the disappointed frown she wore. "It would be best if you raised them both together this way your dutiful mount doesn't try to eat your daughter when she arrives." She wanted to be a grandmother and she could tell that her daughter needed something to help guide her. The only thing that she could think of that would help with that was a lotus bloom.
Doesn't try to..? Ariya hadn't thought about that! With a worried feeling sinking in she tried to seek out where her small snaptrotter went. Since they would be very close she could understand where jealousy might come into play in the future. Did that mean any child she asked for later would be in danger? The alk warrior couldn't have that. Raising them together would take that threat away. It would also give her daughter an extra guardian. Matlal would show loyalty to her as well as to Ariya. So maybe.. maybe it was a good idea. Slowly she nodded her head at her mother.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2016 5:47 pm
|
|
|
|
׺°” Approaching the matter ”°º×
Words 1022 (3 Points)
It had taken her several days after the talk with Niesh before she even thought about going to Aisha. While she had agreed that seeking a blessing now was alright she still needed to get used to the idea. Not to mention there was so much to do just to get ready. If she was indeed blessed with a gift then she needed to have a place for the child to sleep. Clothes. Blankets. Everything. Add on top of that that she was also getting similar things for Matlal and she felt her nerves were on edge.
However now she was there. Ariya had approached the Great Mother slowly, her heart pounding in her chest. Heck, she was even sure her hands were all sweaty. So she rubbed her palms on her shorts and rolled her shoulders so that she could straighten them. She wanted to present a strong image for Aisha to judge so that she could be seen as worthy. That was her biggest fear right now. Not being seen as worthy in the eyes of their mother tree. She chewed nervously on the inside of her cheek as she looked up at the branches. There were lotus blooms already waiting to open and they were all beautiful. The idea that she would be turned down for one of her very own made her fidget. It'll be alright, she thought quietly. You're a strong warrior now. Ariya was trying to give herself that boost of confidence.
Finally she cleared her throat and took the extra few steps that she needed to be closer to Aisha. "Hello again, Mother." Her voice came out crackled and she had to clear her throat a second time. Why she felt so nervous she couldn't understand. She had spoken to Aisha many times before. This is different. Her inner voice chimed in. This time, you are asking for something precious. Ariya closed her eyes as she took a deep breath. Was this how every sister felt when they came to ask for such a blessing? Her stomach was doing flips, her heart was pounding, and her palms kept getting clammy. The warrior spread her fingers to help dry them and centered herself as best as she could.
Since she was going to ask for something so great she knelt down making herself as humble as possible. Ariya was about to look up at the magnificent tree when she noticed a green snapper wiggle past her to crawl over one of the raised roots. Almost instantly her eyes went wide and she squeaked! "Matlal! No!" Moving forward quickly she snatched her familiar up and off Aisha, a flood of embarrassment hitting her cheeks and tips of her ears all at once. She offered up a groan as she hugged her snaptrotter close and lowered her head. This was the worst way to begin asking for a bloom of her own. "You do not just crawl all over Aisha." There was a firmness to her tone as she bopped the little beast on the nose. With that done she settled him into her lap and took another breath as she lifted her gaze to the Mother tree.
"I'm sorry Aisha, Matlal is still young. He's learning." Her fingers trailed over the animal's scaled back to keep him calm and still. "I took him far away from him home and where he's from they have never seen such a sacred tree." Ariya hoped that by explaining the mistake her familiar made it would ease any anger Aisha now had for him or her. Lowering her eyes she looked at the green reptile in her lap as he closed his eyes and seemed content where he was. "I promise to raise him right so that he can be my mount while I serve you as a guardian." Yes, he would become a strong defender of Aisha and the Alkidike.
A soft smile spread over her lips and she lifted her gaze once more to the Great Mother. "That's why I'm here, Mother." Ariya was going to do it! She was going to ask! "As Matlal grows and becomes strong he'll be a good protector but there is enough love in my heart for more than him. And he too has room for another. I was hoping you would bless me with a daughter to raise beside him." There it was! She had done it! Ariya had asked, officially, for a child to be gifted to her. For Aisha to give her a bloom. It was a big step for her and one that, after saying it aloud, she finally knew she was ready for. "Niesh will help me, guide me, so that the daughter you give me will be well taken care of." Ariya thought that was important to add on. After all she didn't want her mother tree to think that she would be careless with such a precious blessing.
"I know I have many traits that aren't the most desirable, so you can leave those out." Her head nodded almost emphatically. Not that Aisha needed permission to leave out her laziness or anything else she felt shouldn't be passed on, but she was hoping that maybe by mentioning it then her daughter would be spared the fate of being easily distracted by shiny things. "I pray that you judge me and find me worthy of such a gift from you." Ariya was left to stare at the purple colored leaves as they blew in the wind. Did she wait here or go home? Would Aisha show her her bloom personally, pop it into view before her eyes, or would she need to be summoned back by an elder? Whatever the case she wasn't sure what her next step was. All she knew for sure was that she had taken the leap to expand her family and she was pleased that she had. Though she would need to ask Niesh many questions in the future. First, however, she needed to be officially blessed by Aisha and she didn't want to get too far ahead of herself just yet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2016 3:21 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2016 5:51 pm
|
|
|
|
׺°” All for this ”°º×
Words 1036 (3 Points)
Through all the anxiety of asking and fretting over whether or not her great mother would find her worthy, Ariya had managed to make it home and tell her mother that she had indeed asked Aisha for a blessing. A flower. A bloom. A daughter. Niesh, of course, had been elated at the idea and had started to tidy up the house in preparation for a child. Ariya, still worried that she would be denied the chance to experience motherhood. The fact that that could happen made her pick at her fingernails. How long would she have to wait? If she wasn't chosen would they even tell her?
It was all too much to think about so she took a deep breath and settled on training Matlal the simple command of “stay.” She needed to start somewhere and that was as good a place as any. Plus, this would distract her from her worries.
Sadly the task took longer than a day. Longer than two even. Ariya had been at it for the better part of three days when there was a knock on the door to her home. It was Kelo, the tall woman that had summoned her for the elders once before. Of course then she had been brought before the matronly women for a mission that they had for her. So the presence of Kelo both excited and terrified her. Was she going to go on another mission? If so how long would it take? Would she be away from Chibale if and when she got a flower and would it bloom without her? So many possibilities and she wasn't sure what to expect from any of them. Or even if she wanted to know what the reason was for the visit.
Niesh was the one to greet the woman and invite her in and it seemed like she too was nervous about the reason that had brought Kelo back to their home. And right when she entered her eyes went to Ariya, so both she and her mother knew that the warrior was no doubt here for her.
Taking in a deep breath she nodded her head and moved to stand, leaving Matlal on the floor. With one hand she gently held her palm face down. “Stay, Matlal.” A command she didn't think he would follow but hoped he would. With her heart beating in her chest crazily she moved toward Kelo with a bit of hesitation. “Hello again, what brings you here today?” Ariya's voice cracked a little and she had to clear her throat and apologize. “Ah, sorry. I'm nervous.” While she thought about going into detail she was almost afraid to. If Kelo was there to tell her that her request to Aisha had been denied then she didn't want the woman to see how excited she was at the idea of having a daughter.
“You're fine, Ariya.” Kelo nodded her head at her fellow warrior and smiled. “I came to get you actually.”
So it would be another mission then? Ariya let her gaze go to her adopted mother and she gave a small frown. There was a look that was shared between them then. If she was meant to leave then she wanted Niesh to be the one to be there when her daughter bloomed. Saying she would get one. Each gave a small nod to the other and then Ariya motioned with one hand for Kelo to lead the way. “After you.” It was only polite. Plus, she had no idea where they were going.
Kelo smiled broadly at the both of them but nodded her head and turned to lead the way out of the house. She kenw she could relieve the pair of their worries but she liked messing with Ariya. So letting her fret just a bit longer couldn't hurt anything. Instead she remained quiet the entire time they walked. This time it seemed like the trip to Aisha was shorter than the last. Then again, Kelo was keeping a fast pace and not too concerned about speaking.
Once they reached the point where Kelo wanted to stop she turned to look at Ariya. “Alright, here we are. Congratulations Ariya. You will have to bring her to see me when she blooms.” And with that she gave the woman a wink and headed off.
Ariya stood there for a solid moment before she blinked slowly. Had she heard Kelo right!? Quickly she turned her head to look after where the other alkidike had gone but by now she was out of sight. So she turned her head forward and stared at all the blooms that Aisha had at the moment. One of them was hers! The chubby alk was expecting!! Her hands flew up to cover her mouth and keep her from screaming in joy. Though they did little to keep her from bouncing up and down on her feet. A flower just for her! Aisha had found her worthy enough to receive a daughter! Had deemed her motherly! In that instant she felt all the butterflies in her stomach just lift up and take flight. The amount of joy she had, the level of happiness she had reached.. all of it.. exploded. Tears started to form in her eyes and she wanted to run over and hug her flower! Sadly, she hadn't been told which one was hers and she didn't think that would be good idea. She might crush it.
So instead she turned on her heels and ran. Ariya wanted to tell Niesh the good news! They would have a little one in the house! Niesh would be a grandmother! Ariya would be a mother! And the child would be named Subira! Yes, she had decided the name long before she had ever thought of requesting a daughter. So she would need to make her home perfect for little Subira to arrive. The child would be spoiled. By friends and family. She didn't know it yet but Subira would arrive into the arms of a family that wanted her more than anything. And it only took Ariya that moment, that point of knowing she was expecting, to realize it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2017 5:32 pm
|
|
|
|
׺°” Leaving things rough ”°º×
Words 1205 (4 points)
She folded the woven blanket she had in her hands with some force as she felt her antennae give an irritated twitch. So far things with her mother were not going the way she had hoped they would. It was just a good thing that Subira was out playing with Matlal rather than in the house with them at the moment. Ariya didn't want her daughter to hear the argument that was going on inside between the two adults. “Mother, we've been over this far too many times. Rishima is not an abomination. He is considered one of the tribe and you need to stop putting him down.” In fact the male hybrid had been considered such even when the extremists had lived in the village with them which was saying something to his credit. So why her mother couldn't accept it was beyond her and made her angry sometimes.
“Alright, fine, but you do not have to expose little Subira to that. It could ruin her upbringing.” Niesh was against the idea of taking her granddaughter to see a hybrid and call him Uncle of all things. It didn't seem right to her. If she had it her way then there would be no trip planned to the mainland. Niesh had understood when Ariya had gone to look for her mount, though she didn't understand why the woman had to go all the way to Matori of all places to get one, but this trip was unnecessary. “Calling that mixed breed her uncle is just not right. It will confuse her little mind.” She tried to drive that point home to her daughter. Niesh prayed to Aisha that her daughter would see reason before she actually set out.
There was a sigh that came from Ariya as she moved over to the shelf and set the blanket down, her hand lingering as she closed her eyes and took a breath. Mentally she counted to ten before she even decided to say something in response. “You are not her mother, I am, and I think it is a good idea. Things are different now and she needs to see that.” And honestly she didn't think they needed to raise the new generation of extremists. It would break her heart if her daughter grew up so hateful and was then sent away by the rest of her tribe. To be sent from Aisha must be a horrible fate. It was likely why her own mother had not expressed her dislike of hybrids. “Rishi helped me to figure out what I wanted to do with my life and he was happy when he heard I was blessed by Aisha.” The chubby Alk opened her eyes and turned her head to look at Niesh. “That alone gives him the right to be in her life. Not to mention I consider him to be like a brother to me.”
If she went back on her word to visit the male hybrid with her daughter then she would feel like less than the strong warrior that she knew she was. Ariya couldn't live with it. “Besides, I have already told Subira that we will be going to see her uncle and she seemed really excited about it” In her mind that meant that the trip had to happen. Once her little girl had it in her mind that they were going to do something then they were going to do it. She was stubborn that way but it was too cute to get mad over now. It also made her honest. A good trait to have in life. If Ariya could raise her daughter to have good traits then that was a win in her book and surely Aisha saw it that way as well.
“Why would you do such a thing? She is likely confused! Alkidikes do not have males. We do not have uncles!” Niesh spit at the term. It was such an earthling thing to say. Such an earthling way to think.
“Enough! Mother.” She took her hand away from the blanket and went over to her bag that lay on the table. “Rishi is my brother and has been since that day. You can accept that or not but it won't matter. I am taking my daughter to meet him.” Ariya hated to be so cruel to her mother. Niesh had taken her in when she didn't have to. “Maybe you should come too. I'm sure once you meet him you will get along with him.” She extended the offer, though she had severe doubts that her mother would take it.
“No.” Niesh crossed her arms over her chest and huffed indignantly. “I will not set foot in that half breed's home.”
There was another sigh that came from her as she brought her hand up to rub at the furrowed skin between her brows. “I can't change your mind but you will not call him that in front of Subira, is that clear?” Ariya was firm in that. There would be no hate spread from her mother's lips and into her daughters ears. To be sure that her point was made she then shot her mother a glare that said she was not joking. “Let me hear that you have spread your hate to my daughter and you will never see her again.” That was likely one of the only reasons in the world that she would abandon her mother. And it truly surprised her to know that she would even consider such a thing.
“You wouldn't..” Niesh narrowed her eyes at her daughter. “After everything I have done for you? You wouldn't have Subira if I hadn't talked you into asking Aisha!” Now the woman was yelling at her.
“Niesh, that is enough. You may have taken me in when both of my mothers died, you may have raised me, and yes you did talk me into asking our mother tree for a blessing, but that has nothing to do with things now.” Her own temper was rising as she faced the woman who had raised her. Ariya shook her head and shoved some of her daughter's things into her bag to make sure that she had everything for her. “I've had enough of this. If you wish to act like that and try to hold that over my head then I am leaving. I'll come back when you've gained your senses back.” With her bag packed she made her way to the door, brushing past Niesh and grabbing her spear before exiting the house.
There was some kind of screaming behind her but Ariya ignored it. She couldn't hear another word. She had made up her mind and she was going to stick with it. The chubby alk made her way over to where her daughter was playing with the snaptrotter, doing her best to leave the stress behind. She would take Subira and they would go to the mainland. From there she would take the little girl to meet her uncle. It would be a good experience for her and there were surely many things that the both of them could learn along the way.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 5:04 pm
|
|
|
|
׺°” Getting Things Right ”°º×
Words 1139
The tip of her spear hit the mark dead on and the thunk it made vibrated her hands. Ariya couldn't recall the last time she had trained so much. Actually, she wasn't so sure that she'd really trained at all. Mostly she just made sure she knew how to use her weapon but she'd never put more effort than that into it. Which could explain a few things. Her extra pounds included. However, she was trying to turn things around. Especially lately.
Not only did she have a big family but she had two new little ones to worry herself about. So Ariya fretted about Subira, the oldest, and Eurig; not wanting them to go out alone anymore. Then she got to fret over Ika and Ujiri in general. Not just because of the normal everyday dangers but now the Dretch were back. A worry that had her concerned for her children and her lover. With how lax she had been at keeping fit she was starting to wonder if she would be any help to them at all if things got tough.
So the chubby Alk had taken to cutting back on her snacks. Something she was sure Ujana had noticed, though her lover hadn't said anything. Ariya could tell by the looks she got sometimes that her partner was concerned with the drop in her appetite. It wasn't so much that she wasn't hungry but more that she was trying to thin out some. Hard to believe since she couldn't recall the last time she was without her little jiggle. It might even be weird for her not to have it.
Then there was the recent spars that she had lost. One or two would have been fine but all of them? Ariya was very much out of shape and rusty when it came to her fighting style. A fact that she was embarrassed about. After all, it wasn't like she came from a tribe of warriors or anything. The woman could just imagine what the others would say about her. Likely they would comment on how weak she was and how out of shape she'd let herself become.
Ariya moved into a lunge and used her muscles to embed her spear head into the target. She was hoping to get in deeper than simply the tip but she had no umphf behind her push. It was enough to be frustrating to the alkidike. Still she wasn't going to give up. Ariya had a clear goal in mind and her training was going strong for little over a week now. She left early to train her body and hopefully lose some weight and was back in time for late breakfast. Though she was usually super tired by then and almost useless. Then at night she would go out, leaving the kids in Subira's care, to work on her weapon skills. Which is where she was now.
Matlal had taken to following her out which didn't bother her so much since it gave her someone to complain to. She just wished he could talk back.
"It'll be worth it in the end Matty, just wait." She told her mount.
The response she got was less than enthusiastic as the snaptrotter snorted and basically flopped over to lay on his side in the dirt. Ariya had to admit she could do with a little more optimism.
------------------------------
After a few days she was ready to give up. Truly. Ariya felt muscles ache that she never felt before and she had to admit she wasn't liking it all that much. Especially when she tried to lunge. Things pulled and flexed and just made her legs feel like they were ripping apart from the inside.
"Ugh.. I should have taken youngling steps." Surely if she had she wouldn't be in this much discomfort.
She did a few more lunges and when she could take the stretching no more she stood up and did what she could to relax her body. Sadly it felt like everything was in tight knots. Ariya moved over to her satchel and pulled out a thing of sweet bread. She knew she had to cut back but if she was working this hard then it wouldn't really matter would it? She could work it off and no one would know.
She gave a nod and went to take a bite when she heard a huff. Ariya paused, mouth wide open, and looked at Matlal. The snaptrotter was staring at her pointedly and drooling. The thing had created a puddle!
"No, you go hunt for something. This is mine." There was no way she was sharing.
Ariya went to take a bite again when Matlal made another sound and this time moved closer. She paused and narrowed her eyes as she looked at him.
"What are you doing boy?" Did he think she would give it to him if he got closer?
Before she could even open her mouth to attempt another bite he moved again, only this time he kept coming and Ariya went wide eyed. He meant to steal it right from her hand! She moved away as fast as her sore legs could carry her but she was no match for the snaptrotter. Within seconds he had her and her sweet bread was in his mouth, along with her hand, and soaked with slobber. Ariya gave the beast a fully disgusted look before she let go of the bread and removed her hand from the depths of drool.
"Oh.. ew. Matty! That was my snack!" Ariya pouted and glared but the way Matlal wagged his tail told her he had thoroughly enjoyed the bread. After another minute or two she sighed and shook her head before smiling. "Yeah yeah, you're welcome."
Luckily she had another stashed away. Ariya liked her snacks. So she went back to the satchel and pulled her back up snack out. With a content sigh she brought it up o that she could finally get that bite she'd wanted all along. But then something caught her eye and she turned her head in time to see a bold Nondwa coming at her face. It was startling because they usually didn't act so rashly. In her stunned stupor she didn't realize what the creature was targeting and after getting a glittery wing to the face (and being half covered in the stuff) she lost her other sweet bread.
At that point she stared at her empty hand. It was like the world knew she was cutting back and was trying to help out. "Aisha, I love you but that is cruel." She said aloud. Though the more she thought about it the more she was glad to not have the food. She'd get to eat breakfast soon enough and that would hold her over until lunch. "So even now I still need my mother to guide me huh?" Ariya laughed at herself. Having the two beasts take her food so boldly made her realize that she didn't need it. Honestly her stomach wasn't even rumbling. There was no hunger pain that drove her need of a snack.
Perhaps she could go without as she'd planned and not feel as though she were missing out. Perhaps she could do it all. With nothing else to do she figured she might as well get back to work on trying to get her muscles in tune. If she had any luck at all she'd sweat the glitter off too so that Ujana wouldn't laugh at her later.
------------------------------
Weeks after her failed spars Ariya found herself out in the early morning with her spear in one hand and a sack full of large rocks strapped to her back. On top of all that she had managed to get some weights made for her feet and wrists (more like a bracelet of heavy rocks). At first she had thought she was trying to kill herself with the training but now she hardly felt them or their weight. And she seemed to be able to move a lot faster.
As a test of her skills she was hunting for a Menzuri. Or more if she happened to find more than one. Ariya figured that if she could take them down without much hassle while wearing her weights then she should be set with everything else without them. Of course it sounded simple but the act was more complicated than that. First, she had to find one. Normally she would hear about an attack from one or more everyday in the village. Now? No where. It was like they were mocking her because they knew she needed to prove to herself that she could do it.
"Yeah, now you wanna hide. Worthless ." She growled out.
No sooner that she said that and she heard the familiar sound of the dangerous creature. It was enough to make her smirk to herself before she turned around with her spear ready to strike. A good thing too since the beast had decided to leap at her. Giving a swift movement to one side she knocked it from the air and crouched down to stare at it. The Menzuri stared back before going at her again but this time it stayed on the ground to attack.
Ariya moved back a step or two to keep that bit of distance since she had a long weapon to maneuver. However, when it was close enough she aimed her spear tip down at an angle and struck forward. The alk put all her might behind the push and was satisfied when she heard the piercing sound twice. It had gone in and come out the other side. With a small grin she began to nod in approval but the sound of another to the side made her antennae feel especially sensitive and her ears gave a twitch to confirm. So she yanked as hard as she could to remove her weapon from the first.
With so little time to react to the attack she simply turned on her heel, pivoting in place, and thrust her spear upward. Ariya was rewarded with a Menzuri on a stick. At first she found the sight to be cool but as the innards started to slide down her spear she cringed and swung her weapon to the side to rid it of the topper and it's entrails and goo.
Standing in place she slowed her breathing so that it was quiet and she could listen to her surroundings. For a solid five minutes she stood there and waited but nothing else seemed to come out and play. So she finally moved and looked down at her kills. There was nothing really on the Menzuri that she could take and use unless she wanted to spend hours cleaning it. So she left them where they lay. If nothing else then she was feeding the other beasts in the woods. For the time being she would return home and hopefully she could find time to spend with her kids and partner. If she got the chance then she wanted to brag to Ujana and see how well she fared against her.
[ This growth focuses on Ariya working to improve her skills as well as stop eating so much. She starts out in the beginning still with her chub and lack of strength but in the end she finds that her hard work has paid off. It is important to her because she has always been lax in her fighting skills, feeling that just knowing how to use her weapon was enough. She now has four kids to protect and the threat of the Dretch is what motivated her. She gets a little extra help from "Aisha" in that her mount and another beast teal the snack she'd brought with her. In Ariya's eyes it is her mother tree's way of lending a helping branch. It helps her to realize that she has the inner will power to go without the snacks and to complete her workouts. ]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
