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 Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2021 7:20 am
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Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2024 8:58 am
Finding Purpose Her days were often spent foraging for herbs and mushrooms in the forest. The aroma of herbs, the rustle of leaves, and the warmth of the sun on her face were constants in her life. She didn’t enjoy practising with weapons or doing anything that was physical work. She wasn’t really made like that. She wasn’t strong and powerful as Enya or as talented as her. Pyanka often wondered what exactly she was good at, what could she do in the future that didn’t involve fighting?
Then one day, as Pyanka ventured off island with Kanika, she stumbled upon a small cluster of merchants had set up a colourful caravans. The Kahikian family, known for their exotic wares and vibrant personalities, had travelled from distant lands to share their treasures with the villagers of her village and had camped out close to the shore for the night. She’d seen them around another village from time to time making deals with the Aishians looking for specific items.
Pyanka, initially cautious, observed the merchants from a distance. Their stall was filled with spices, fabrics, and trinkets that sparkled in the sunlight. As she watched, a young Kahikian girl finally noticed her and waved with a friendly smile. Intrigued, Pyanka approached the caravan.
The Kahikian girl’s eyes shone with curiosity and greeted her. "Hello there! I'm Liara. Are you from the island?"
Pyanka nodded, a bit shy at first. "Yes, I am. My name is Pyanka. Is this your family? Are you travelling merchants?"
Liara gestured to the colourful array of goods. "We travel from village to village, sharing our wares. We love meeting new people and experiencing the unique flavours of each place."
The mention of flavours sparked an idea in Pyanka's mind. "Flavors? One of my grandmothers used ingredients from Yael to make the most amazing dish. Do you have anything from Yael? I’d like to go one day, but trading like this is all I can do for now."
Liara's eyes widened with interest. "That sounds wonderful! Would you like to join us? We heard Aishians are really good at fighting! We could always use a bit more protection while on the road."
Pyanka hesitated for a moment, thinking about the familiar comfort of home. Yet, the prospect of exploring new places intrigued her. Her mothers would not approve since she was so young, but perhaps in a few years they might be more open to the idea. How wonderful it would be to show up to see Zandala and Lumikani when they were in the area? It would be a great surprise and really, she could see so many wonderful things.
“Maybe once I’m older, do you set up here often?” she asked. Her mothers would not approve if she left home at this age.
Liara took a few moments to think about it. “Only once a year about, sometimes your village elder sends word to us to come if there’s need for things. Well, if you can’t come with us, would you like to spend the day here? I don’t have anyone else my age to talk to and we’ll be here for a few more days.”
The duo spent the next few evenings around the campfire, Liara sharing stories and Pyanka trying to sell her limited skills in fighting. She wasn’t horrible, but she wasn’t the best out there either. Liara said it didn’t matter though; it wouldn’t make them look like easy targets anymore. The Kahikian became her constant companion, and together, they explored the forest and exchanged stories. Pyanka could not believe how vast and different the world was out there, outside of her island. She hadn’t imagined it quite this big! And the more time they spent together, the more Pyanka wanted to be out in the world exploring it.
As the caravan journeyed on, Pyanka's confidence grew, and she began approaching Kanika for more lessons. She decided to actually put her mind to learning, honed her skill with a blade under the watchful eye of her mother. It wasn’t exactly her favorite thing to do, but she knew with these skills at least she would be ready to venture out into the world. She was looking forward to when Liara would return and to show her the things she’d done while she was gone and how much better she was at them too.
-----
A year had passed since Pyanka's chance encounter with the Kahikian family. Liara wrote to her daily, sometimes even sending her gifts or asking other merchants to give them to her when Pyanka was in some of the other settlements at the same time as the other merchants. She wanted to travel and trade and work her way through the world. From there began her curiosity with the trees, travelling would allow her to visit all of them. How many could say they’d truly visited all of the trees, touched them all with their bare hands? The idea fascinated her, especially the great tree on the mainland. After all, her roots had reached far and wide, touching almost every corner of the world.
Then word came that the caravan was returning and Pyanka was eagerly awaiting their return in the same spot on the beach. The caravans set up camp, and Pyanka eagerly led Liara through the forest around now perfectly at ease with all the adventuring she’d been doing. She was able to show off her new skills with the blade too. Pyanka felt useful for once, and not like a burden because of her lack of fighting skills amongst a tribe of fighters. Now she understood that her place was not here but out in the world.
“I can't wait to show you everything I've learned since we last met," Pyanka said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
Liara grinned. "I'm eager to see it all! I have so many more stories to tell you."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over her home, Pyanka and Liara sat by the campfire. The sounds of the forest and the crackling flames provided a comforting backdrop to their conversation.
"I never thought a year could change so much," Pyanka mused, her gaze fixed on the stars above. "I used to wonder what I was good at, what I could contribute to the village. Now, I feel like I've found my place."
Liara nodded in understanding. "Just wait and see when you can get out there, you’ll love it."
"I've been keeping a journal of everything I've been learning and doing since you left," Pyanka admitted a hint of excitement in her voice.
Liara's eyes lit up with curiosity. " I'm almost jealous! I’m just a simple merchant and you’re out there wielding a blade."
Pyanka nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and determination. "I've decided that I want to travel with your family for a bit. I want to see the world." There were of course places she would not be able to join them and vice versa, but for the most part at least she wouldn’t be alone.
Liara beamed, placing a hand on Pyanka's shoulder. "That's incredible, Pyanka! But we all knew you’d want to spread out your wings at some point. I’m just glad it’s with us. You still want to come with us, right?"
As they sat under the starlit sky, Pyanka couldn't help but express her gratitude. "Of course, don’t be silly. Liara, your family has given me more than just friendship. You've shown me a path, a purpose. I've found my place, and I have you to thank for that."
Liara smiled warmly, appreciating the sentiment.
The night continued with laughter, stories, and shared dreams. The aroma of herbs and the crackling of the fire seemed to echo the warmth of their friendship. Pyanka knew that her decision to become a travelling merchant would open new chapters in her life.
As the caravan prepared to depart the following week, Pyanka stood at the edge of the village, watching the vibrant colours disappear into the horizon. Liara approached, a small package in hand.
"I brought you something," Liara said, handing the package to Pyanka. "It's a small dagger from the last village we visited. It’s not much compared to a whole blade, but just in case."
Pyanka's eyes gleamed with appreciation as she unwrapped the package, inhaling the rich aroma. "Thank you, this is amazing. I’ll miss you."
Liara hugged Pyanka tightly. "We'll meet again in a year."
“In a year.” She agreed.
With heartfelt farewells, Pyanka watched as the caravan set out. She felt a deep sense of gratitude for the Kahikians who had inspired her, and the lifelong friend who had become a sister of the heart. As she headed back home with Kanika she began counting down the days until their return and the years before she could finally leave with them. She didn’t have to be the best warrior out there and they’d accepted her for that. Kanika would make sure to always keep them safe.
Word Count: 1503
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Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2024 2:04 pm
Wild Wanderings Pyanka stood on the edge of a vast expanse of wilderness, her gaze fixed on the horizon where the golden rays of the rising sun painted the sky in hues of pink and orange. The air was crisp and cool this early in the morning, carrying with it the salty scent of the sea and the gentle rustle of leaves as a light breeze swept through the trees. It was moments like these—moments of solitude and serenity—that Pyanka cherished most, for they offered her a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and allowed her mind to wander freely, like a bird taking flight into the boundless sky.
With a contented sigh, Pyanka settled herself on a moss-covered rock, her backpack beside her and a sense of anticipation thrumming through her veins. She had set out into the wilderness early this morning with no destination in mind, guided only by the call of adventure that whispered in her soul. And now, as she sat amidst the tranquil beauty of nature, she felt a surge of excitement wash over her—a longing to explore and discover the wonders that lay hidden within the untamed landscape. She wouldn’t wander too far from home, but far enough that the tendrils on civilisation would be unable to touch her.
Closing her eyes, Pyanka let her imagination take flight, envisioning herself embarking on a journey across vast deserts and towering mountains, through dense forests and winding rivers. She could almost feel the heat of the sun on her skin and the cool touch of the breeze in her hair as she traversed rugged terrain and crossed paths with exotic creatures. She imaged herself in the rich markets of Oba and the cold snowy mountains of Zena. Her vision of the world lived through the letters her friend sent her from her travels.
But as her daydreams carried her further and further from reality, Pyanka couldn't help but feel a pang of longing deep within her heart. For as much as she loved the thrill of adventure and the freedom of the open road, she also yearned for a sense of belonging—a place to call home and people to share her experiences with. This was something from her Aishian roots, one she was proud to have too. Which was why she felt if she stayed with the merchant caravan while she travelled, she would never feel truly alone.
However, it was a dilemma that had plagued Pyanka for as long as she could remember, this constant tug-of-war between her love of exploration and her desire to stay connected to her roots. And yet, as she sat amidst the wilderness, surrounded by the beauty of nature, she couldn't help but feel a sense of peace settle over her—a reminder that, no matter where her travels took her, she would always find solace and comfort in the embrace of the natural world.
With a soft smile playing at the corners of her lips, Pyanka opened her eyes and let her gaze wander across the landscape before her. The sun had risen above the horizon now, casting long streaks of sunlight across the forest floor and painting the sky in a bright shade of blue and white from the clouds. The air was alive and noisy with the distant chirps of birds and the gentle hum of insects in the underbrush.
Rising to her feet, Pyanka hoisted her backpack onto her shoulders and set off into the forest, her senses alive with the sights and sounds of the wilderness. Each step she took brought her closer to the unknown, closer to the next adventure that awaited her just beyond the horizon.
As she walked, Pyanka found herself lost in thought, her mind drifting back to the memories of last summer and the people she had met during that time. She thought of the merchant family she had befriended who came from distant lands, of the laughter and camaraderie they had shared around campfires beneath the stars. With a determined glint in her eye, Pyanka quickened her pace, her heart filled with a newfound sense of purpose and resolve.
Pyanka couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility wash over her as she navigated through the dense foliage. The forest enveloped her in its embrace, its ancient trees whispering tales of times long past. Shafts of sunlight filtered through the canopy above, dappling the forest floor with patches of golden light. It was a sight that never failed to fill Pyanka with wonder and awe, reminding her of the beauty and majesty of the natural world. Lost in her thoughts, Pyanka wandered deeper into the forest, her senses heightened to the sights and sounds around her. She listened to the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze, the rhythmic chirping of crickets in the underbrush, and the distant call of a bird soaring high above the treetops. It was a symphony of nature, a melody that filled her heart with joy and contentment.
As she walked, Pyanka's mind drifted. She knew that she was meant for something more than a life of routine and predictability. She craved excitement and adventure, the thrill of exploring new lands and encountering new cultures. It was a hunger that burned deep within her soul, driving her ever onward in search of the next great adventure. She knew her mothers would not mind once she left home, Kanika a little more than Pyrrha that was for certain. Her mother already seemed a bit distressed now that her sister had wandered off, she wondered how she would feel when Pyanka did the same.
With each step she took, Pyanka felt herself drawing closer to the heart of the forest, the trees growing denser and the underbrush thicker with each passing moment. Yet, far from feeling daunted by the prospect of venturing into the unknown, she felt a sense of exhilaration coursing through her veins. She was a wanderer at heart, a free spirit driven by the call of the wild and the promise of the undiscovered.
And as she plunged deeper into the heart of the forest, her senses alive with the sights and sounds of the wilderness, Pyanka knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be. For in the embrace of nature, amidst the towering trees and the winding rivers, she found a sense of peace and freedom that she had never known before. She may have been a wanderer, a nomad by nature, but in that moment, she felt more at home than she ever had in the bustling cities and crowded streets of the world beyond. She was glad she had inherited this sense of belonging with the forest from Pyrrha.
With a smile on her lips and a song in her heart, Pyanka continued on her journey, her spirit soaring high above the treetops as she disappeared into the depths of the forest, ready to embrace whatever adventures awaited her on the road ahead. And as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the forest floor, Pyanka's laughter echoed through the trees, a joyful symphony that spoke of a life lived to the fullest—a life filled with wonder, excitement, and the boundless possibilities of the unknown.
As the day drew to a close, Pyanka began to feel the familiar pull of home tugging at her heartstrings. The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the forest floor and bathing the world in a warm, golden glow. It was a sight that never failed to fill her with a sense of peace and contentment, a reminder of the beauty and tranquility of the natural world. With a smile on her lips, Pyanka retraced her steps through the forest, her senses alive with the sights and sounds of the wilderness. The air was alive with the chirping of crickets, a gentle melody that accompanied her on her journey. As she walked, Pyanka couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude wash over her—a gratitude for the beauty and majesty of the world around her, and for the sense of freedom and adventure that it offered her.
As she emerged from the forest, Pyanka found herself bathed in the soft light of the setting sun, her heart aglow with the warmth of homecoming. She took a moment to pause and take in the sight before her—the familiar sights and sounds of her village, the comforting embrace of her family's homestead, and the sense of belonging that awaited her within its walls. It was a moment of pure bliss, a moment that she would treasure in her heart forever.
With a sense of anticipation, Pyanka made her way towards her family's home, her footsteps light and buoyant as she crossed the threshold and stepped into the warmth of the hearth. The scent of home-cooked meals filled the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of her family as they gathered around the table. Pyanka's heart swelled with love and affection as she greeted her loved ones, her soul at peace in the embrace of family and home.
As the evening wore on, Pyanka found herself surrounded by the warmth and love of her family, their stories and laughter filling the air with joy and happiness. It was a feeling that she cherished above all else—a feeling of belonging and connection that she could find nowhere else in the world. And as she sat amidst her loved ones, Pyanka couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude wash over her—a gratitude for the simple pleasures of home, and for the love and companionship of those who mattered most to her.Word Count: 1623
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Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2025 6:18 am
Journey to Chiume Isle The wind carried the scent of salt and distant rain as Pyanka stood at the bow of the small sailing vessel, her eyes fixed on the horizon. Chiume Isle was close now, the faint outline of its cliffs and lush green canopies breaking through the early morning mist. Her heart pounded with excitement—she had been dreaming of this journey for years. A chance to witness the tree of Chiume.
The Elaria tightened her grip on the railing, her long, braided hair whipping in the wind. She was made for movement, for the rush of discovery, for the exhilaration of stepping onto unknown shores. The very idea of staying in one place for too long made her uneasy, but the trees—those sacred, ancient beings—held a power she couldn't ignore. This was the first tree she was visiting, then she’d be off to the Chibale Isles to end her journey in Yael before she returned home. Hopefully, she’d be able to lay eyes on all the trees.
"Excited?" The ship's captain, a gruff yet good-humored Elaria, said while leaning against the mast beside her.
"Of course," Pyanka replied, flashing a grin. "I've spent half my life hearing about that tree. Now, I finally get to see it."
"If they let you," the captain mused, adjusting her worn hat. "Not everyone who seeks it, is allowed near it.”
Pyanka’s smile didn’t falter. "Then I suppose I'll have to be persistent."
The ship docked on the island’s shores, and Pyanka wasted no time stepping onto land. The village was small, built from wood and nestled against the cliffs, where winding paths led up into the dense forest beyond. The people here were quiet but not unfriendly, giving her nods of acknowledgment as she passed.
She secured a place to stay at a modest inn of sorts and set out immediately, her feet crunching against the damp earth as she ascended the forest path. The air was thick with the scent of moss and blooming flowers, the towering trees casting long shadows despite the afternoon sun. Pyanka moved with ease, her body accustomed to travel, her heart thrumming with anticipation.
Hours passed, the terrain growing steeper, roots twisting like serpents beneath her feet. She pressed on, determined, but the sun was beginning to lower in the sky. Just as she was considering turning back, a glimmer of something caught her eye through the trees.
She stepped forward, her breath quickening, when suddenly the ground beneath her gave way.
A sharp crack rang through the air as she tumbled downward, pain exploding through her body as she collided with rock and soil. The world spun, her vision blurring, her mind barely able to register the sharp, searing agony in her leg. When she finally came to a stop, she gasped for air, her fingers curling into damp earth.
Her leg. Something was wrong. Very wrong.
Gritting her teeth, Pyanka forced herself up just enough to look. Her right leg lay at an unnatural angle, pain radiating up through her body in unbearable waves. A broken bone. She let out a strangled curse, squeezing her eyes shut against the pain. Travel had always been her freedom, her purpose—what was she supposed to do now, stuck in the middle of the wilderness with an injury that might take months to heal?
For the first time in a long while, fear gripped her chest.
She tried to move, but the pain was too much. She needed help, but she was too far from the village to call out. As she struggled to stay conscious, she heard footsteps—light, deliberate. Someone was approaching.
Through the haze of pain, she saw a figure step through the foliage, tall and quiet, her earthy skin marked with light green markings. A Vandrea. What was she doing out in the middle of nowhere?
Pyanka had met a few before, though they were rarer to find in her village. The Vandrea knelt beside her, her yellow-green eyes assessing her injury with calm precision. "You fell."
Pyanka forced a strained smile. "Sharp eye."
"And a sharp tongue," she murmured, her expression unreadable. "You need to be moved and taken to the healer. Your leg is broken."
"I figured that out already," Pyanka hissed, wincing as the Vandrea ever so carefully shifted her. She moved with an ease that suggested strength, lifting her as if she weighed nothing. Pyanka gritted her teeth against the pain, too stubborn to let herself cry out.
The journey to the healer’s hut was a blur. The pain, the exhaustion, the frustration of being so utterly helpless—it all swam together until she barely registered her surroundings. When they finally reached the village, the Vandrea carried her into the healer's home, laying her down gently before stepping back.
"Rest," she said simply. "The healer will take care of you."
Pyanka wanted to argue, to say she didn’t need help, that she could handle this herself. But the pain was too much. The exhaustion was too heavy. Before she could respond, darkness took her.
________________________________________
When she woke, it was to the scent of herbs and the soft glow of lamplight. Her leg was bound tightly, the pain still present but dulled slightly by what she assumed were medicinal salves. She groaned, shifting just enough to take in her surroundings. And there she was. The Vandrea, sitting near the doorway, silent as the shadows.
"You stayed?" she asked, voice hoarse. She felt like she’d been out for days, her mouth felt so dry.
"For now."
Pyanka narrowed her eyes at her. "Why?"
She tilted her head, considering her. "Because you will need help."
Frustration bubbled up in her chest. "I can’t stay here. I have places to go. Things to see. This wasn't supposed to happen." This was going to put her back months from her journey!
The Vandrea studied her for a moment before finally saying, "Perhaps this is exactly what was supposed to happen."
Pyanka had no answer to that. Instead, she stared at the ceiling, swallowing back the bitterness rising in her throat. She didn’t even know if she’d be able to walk properly ever again. She should have been more careful; her mothers had taught her better than this. She should have known not to get too excited on terrain she didn’t know very well. And now…
She was stranded. Grounded. Stuck. And Pyanka hated nothing more.
Days passed in slow monotony. She hated the stillness, the way she had to rely on others for even the simplest things. The Vandrea—who finally introduced herself as Naithri—was there often, helping in ways that Pyanka found both frustrating and oddly comforting. She hated not being able to do anything by herself. The healer had recommended putting no weight on her leg for a very long time, which meant she was bedridden most of the time unless Naithri took her out. Even then, Naithri had other things to do as well than babysit her, they weren’t together the whole day. Still, Pyanka hated the loneliness.
The healer was a nice enough Vandrea though, and Pyanka found herself listening and learning as other patience came in to see her. Sometimes she even got to hear the rumors of the village, the blooms that the tree had bestowed on parents and the merchants that came and stayed in their boats while those who needed things went out to get supplies. Aishians were allowed on the island, but no one else from what Pyanka had understood. Which was normal, after all, they had the sacred tree to protect. The healer checked on her legg every day and seemed to say that the progress was going well. She’d be able to walk again of course, no major limp either since she’d done a good job. Though the healer had warned her that perhaps mobility might be an issue, Pyanka would have to excersize the leg and make sure the muscles were trained well.
Despite her initial resistance, Pyanka found herself talking to Naithri more and more. The Vandrea was observant, with a quiet humor that caught Pyanka off guard. She asked about Pyanka’s travels, about the trees, about the world beyond Chiume Isle. And Pyanka, despite herself, answered. Not that she had all the answers of course, Pyanka hadn’t been very far out of her own home island either. She talked of home and what she wanted to accomplish, her friends and family and about all the rumors and stories she’d heard about Yael, Belrea and Tendaji too. They spoke late into the nights, their voices low so as not to wake the healer.
It was strange, this companionship. Unexpected. Unwanted, even. And yet, Pyanka could not deny that Naithri’s presence made the days more bearable.
Weeks passed, and Pyanka’s leg began to heal, though she knew it would be some time before she could travel again. The frustration of it burned in her, but so too did something else—a quiet warmth whenever Naithri entered the room.
She refused to acknowledge it.
And yet, it remained.Word Count:: 1517
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Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2025 6:45 am
Love and Freedom The days passed slowly, each one blending into the next as Pyanka remained confined to the healer’s home. Her leg, once a source of boundless motion, was now wrapped in layers of bandages and thick splints, its pain a constant reminder of her forced stillness. She despised it. Every sunrise was another wasted day, another step away from her journey, another failure. And yet, despite the bitterness she carried, she couldn’t deny the presence of Naithri was a curious comfort.
Naithri visited daily. She never overstayed, never pushed conversation, but she was always there, whether it was to help the healer adjust her bandages, bring her food, or simply sit nearby in silence. Pyanka wasn’t used to such quiet companionship. She had spent her life surrounded by movement, by chatter, by the constant pull of new people and places. Yet Naithri never demanded anything from her, never filled the silence with unnecessary words. It was oddly grounding.
One morning, as the first light of dawn filtered through the wooden slats of the healer’s home, Pyanka found Naithri already seated near the door, watching the village stir to life. The Vandrea’s features were unreadable, her yellow-green eyes reflecting the light like polished amber.
“How long have you lived here?” Pyanka asked, breaking the morning’s stillness.
Naithri glanced at her, considering the question. “My whole life.”
“That’s vague.”
“I prefer it that way.” A ghost of a smile touched Naithri’s lips before she turned her gaze back outside.
Pyanka sighed, shifting slightly. “You don’t talk much.”
“I talk when I have something to say.”
That earned a small chuckle from Pyanka. “You must think I’m insufferable, then.”
Naithri tilted her head. “Not insufferable. Just… restless.”
Pyanka frowned at that, irritation flickering through her. “Of course, I’m restless. I’m stuck here when I should be out there. When I should be traveling.”
Naithri didn’t argue. She simply watched her, as if weighing her words. “You think movement defines you?”
Pyanka huffed. “It’s all I’ve ever known. If I’m not moving, I feel like I’m drowning.”
Naithri’s eyes softened. “Perhaps you’re afraid of what happens when you stop.”
The words struck something deep in Pyanka’s chest, but she pushed it down, unwilling to linger on it. “I just want to heal so I can leave.”
Naithri nodded as if she already knew that answer. “Then I will help you heal.”
And she did. Naithri helped her out of the healer’s home when she was strong enough to sit outside, helped her take her first steps when the pain had dulled to something manageable. She was patient, steady. And somewhere along the way, Pyanka found herself looking forward to Naithri’s presence. She watched for her in the mornings, listened for her quiet footsteps in the evenings.
And when Naithri wasn’t there, she felt the absence like an ache she couldn’t quite explain.
One evening, as Pyanka leaned against the wooden railing outside the healer’s home, Naithri stood beside her, their shoulders nearly brushing. The sky was painted in streaks of orange and violet, the sea beyond the cliffs reflecting the fading light like molten gold.
“Do you ever think about leaving?” Pyanka asked.
Naithri was quiet for a long moment. “I have nowhere else to go.”
Pyanka turned to her. “That’s not true. The world is endless. You could go anywhere.”
Naithri exhaled slowly. “Not everyone is meant to wander.”
Pyanka looked away. “I don’t think I’m meant to stay.”
Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken thoughts. And then, softly, Naithri said, “I care for you, Pyanka.”
Pyanka’s breath hitched. She turned, searching Naithri’s face, finding only quiet sincerity there. The words sent warmth through her chest, a dangerous warmth, one she knew could become something deeper if she let it.
“You—” Pyanka hesitated, something uncertain creeping into her voice. “Then why do you always keep yourself at a distance?”
Naithri’s expression darkened slightly, her gaze dropping to the ground. “Because I have someone who already takes space in my heart.”
The words were a slap. “Oh.”
Naithri lifted her eyes to meet hers. “She’s gone.”
Pyanka blinked. “Gone?”
Naithri nodded slowly. “She died a little while ago.”
Pyanka didn’t know what to say to that. The revelation twisted something inside her.
Naithri looked back toward the horizon. “I cannot love someone else. Not in the way you might want.”
Pyanka swallowed against the lump in her throat. “But you care for me.”
“I do,” Naithri admitted. “More than I should.”
The honesty in her voice left Pyanka breathless. She should have been angry. Should have turned away, should have walked away. But she couldn’t. Because despite everything, despite the ache in her chest, she still wanted Naithri close.
Pyanka let out a humourless laugh, shaking her head. “You are a frustrating woman.”
Naithri’s lips quirked. “So are you.”
For a moment, they simply stood there, the tension between them lingering, unspoken. And then Pyanka sighed, running a hand through her hair. “This isn’t fair.”
“No, it isn’t.”
Pyanka pressed her lips together, forcing a breath through her nose. “I’ll leave when I’m healed.”
Naithri nodded, but there was something in her eyes—something almost like regret. “I know.”
And Pyanka wished, more than anything, that she didn’t have to go. That she didn’t have to choose between the call of the world and the pull of the woman beside her. But she had always known she was not meant to stay.
Even if, for the first time, she wanted to.
One evening, as the sun dipped beneath the horizon, casting warm hues across the sky, Pyanka finally broke the silence between them. "You never speak of yourself, Naithri. What is it that keeps you here? Do you not long for something more?"
Naithri hesitated, her golden-green eyes unreadable in the fading light. "I once did," she admitted softly. Naithri shook her head. "But grief has a way of settling into the bones.”
A strange ache settled in Pyanka's chest. She had always thought herself untethered, free to roam wherever the wind took her. But Naithri’s words made her feel an unfamiliar weight—an inexplicable yearning.
Days turned into weeks, and Pyanka found herself torn between the pull of the world beyond the village and the steady, grounding presence of Naithri. Her leg was healing, and soon, she would have no reason to stay. Yet the thought of leaving brought her no joy. One evening, under a sky heavy with stars, Naithri stood at Pyanka's doorway.
"You will be able to travel again soon. Your strength is returning."
Pyanka searched her face, wishing she could find some hesitation, some sign that Naithri wanted her to stay. But there was only quiet acceptance.
"Yes," she said, forcing a smile. "Soon."
But for the first time in her life, she wasn't sure if that was what she truly wanted.
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The night air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and wildflowers. Pyanka lay awake in her borrowed bed, staring at the thatched roof above her. Her heart was restless, her thoughts tangled in a way she couldn't quite unravel.
She had spent her life chasing freedom. And yet, in this quiet village, she had found something that unsettled her more than any storm: a longing not for the open road, but for the warmth of a single presence.
She sat up abruptly. The walls of her small dwelling felt suffocating, and she needed air. Slipping on her cloak, she stepped outside, letting the cool night wash over her. Though not fully healed, she could take small walks.
She found Naithri by the river, her silhouette bathed in moonlight. The sight of her, so serene yet untouchable, made Pyanka's breath hitch.
“You should be resting,” Naithri said without turning.
“I couldn’t sleep,” Pyanka admitted, moving to stand beside her. The river murmured at their feet, a steady, endless song. “I’ve been thinking…”
Naithri glanced at her, waiting.
Pyanka hesitated. The words felt heavy on her tongue. “If I asked you to come with me, would you?”
A shadow passed over Naithri’s face. “Pyanka…”
“Just listen,” Pyanka pressed. “You say your heart is full, of someone who is gone. I understand that. I don’t ask you to love me. I only ask if you would walk beside me.”
Naithri’s fingers curled against the fabric of her cloak. For a long moment, she said nothing, and Pyanka's chest ached with the weight of the silence.
“I cannot leave this place,” Naithri finally said. Her voice was gentle but firm, like a door being quietly shut. “My heart may not be free to love, but it is bound here. This is my home.”
Pyanka exhaled slowly, nodding even as her throat tightened. She had known the answer before she asked, but hearing it aloud made it real. She should have expected this. She should have accepted it. And yet, a part of her had dared to hope. Naithri turned to face her fully, reaching out hesitantly before letting her fingers brush Pyanka’s arm in the lightest of touches.
“You have always been meant for the horizon, Pyanka. You are the wind, and I…” She smiled faintly, though it did not reach her eyes. “I am the tree that stays rooted, even when the wind calls.”
Pyanka closed her eyes briefly, savouring the warmth of that fleeting touch before it disappeared. When she opened them again, she forced a smile.
“Then I suppose I should be on my way soon.”
Naithri nodded, but her gaze lingered. And in that lingering, Pyanka found solace—however small. She would leave. She would chase the road once more. And perhaps, in another life, under different stars, she and Naithri would not have to choose between love and freedom.
Word Count:: 1626
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