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 Posted: Sat May 16, 2015 8:21 am
This Quest is for Tahigwa who is striving to become a Warior.
 OOC
||. The quest prompt must be answered with a 2000 word reply (can be more).
||. Respond to the prompt given with an adventure of your own creation as long as it meets the requirements of the specific tasks.
||. NPCs may be used as long as they advance the quest in an interesting manner.
||. You cannot include any playable characters other than the quest taker.
||. Your responses will be graded with a Pass or Fail. Those who fail will have to continue with assistance from the staff.
||. Questions about quests can be asked here.
IC
It was early in the afternoon when there was a knock on the door. An elder had summoned Tahigwa, and she was to report as quickly as she could. It was upon her arrival that she was informed of some sad news. It would seem that there was a Sister out there who was cutting off the dreads of those that didn't agree with her views. It was her idea of shaming the Sisters who disagreed, and the elders couldn't begin to guess who she had learned it from.
The elders wanted Tahigwa to find out who this was and to bring them back to the elders for punishment. The Alkidike responsible was known to be living near Tahigwa, but it wouldn't be very easy to get her to comply...
Quest Tasks
||. The quest should begin with Tahigwa being summoned to the elders.
||. A younger Alkidike sister seems to be following in Tahigwa's footsteps and cutting off the dreads of those who oppose her.
||. The young sister is very arrogant and ignorant thinking that anyone who disagrees with her views deserves to be shamed, not just the extremists.
||. When confronted, the younger sister will admit that she's the culprit and that she's just doing what Tahigwa is doing.
||. The younger Alkidike idolizes Tahigwa, but if Tahigwa starts to correct her or tries to take her back to the elders, she will threaten to cut off Tahigwa's dreads too.
||. Tahigwa needs to convince her that what she is doing isn't right, or forcefully take her back to the elders.
||. The quest should end with Tahigwa's contemplations on what her actions have caused and how her actions are effecting those around her.
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Posted: Tue May 26, 2015 8:49 pm
The Summons
Early afternoon in Tahigwa's house was sickeningly quiet now that Yaholo and his family had moved out. The routine of the twins arguing and the Brute's deep voice were now replaced by the whistle of a kettle and sighing. The difference was depressing for Tahigwa, which in turn would make her angry. It was so unnerving to know just how much life her brother and nephews brought to the house, and to see it forced out like it had no value made her boil up inside. Still, she tried her best to get up each morning, force herself to smile, and go about her day as if nothing had changed. She was supposed to be the responsible one now that Yaholo was gone, for the sake of Nyah, her daughters, and her mother. Hell, she even had to be strong for the sake of the next generation who were being raised among all of this racism and hatred. No elder seemed inclined to teach tolerance, just ignorance and violence, what did they hope to gain from raising a generation bent on racial purification? It would only lead to more wars and suffering for everyone involved. It was impossible for Tahigwa to comprehend.
The blade descended the stairs, her hair freshly done and trailing behind her, and moved to pluck the kettle from it's place on the stove. She fiddled with a stray bead while her tea strained and steeped, and tapped her foot against the counter. She didn't know when she started drinking tea, but it had become a habit while she was raising her daughters. It wasn't a bad habit to have, really, as long as she was careful about what she put in it. After a few minutes and a stir or two, she raised the cup to her lips and took a sip, allowing the hot liquid to warm her from inside out. The cup was then lowered back to the counter and her shoulders rolled a time or two, before the rest of her turned towards the staircase again.
Tap, tap, tap!
All at once, Tahigwa's body stiffened and recoiled, her antennae swinging back toward the front door. She'd come to find that random visitors were never a good sign. Lately, it meant something urgent, and potentially dangerous, needed attention. She stood at the base of the stairs, her foot hovering over the second step, and slowly turned as another round of knocking clanged through the air.
Tap, tap, tap!
"I'll be with you in a moment!" Tahigwa called out, her thoughts turning towards her swords, which were propped up against the kitchen table. In times like this, you could never be certain who was visiting and what their business could be, and it was never poor judgement to be prepared. She clasped her swords and hooked them to her waist, before turning to open the door, her eyebrow arching. She had expected another Sister, but not one as wrinkled and old as this one was. What was an elder doing all the way out here? Tahigwa's shoulders hunched. It couldn't be about what had happened before the end of the war, right? They'd had all the time in the world to confront her about that, doing it now would be asinine. Her mouth puckered.
"Yes? May I help you?" She asked, her gaze narrowing.
"Tahigwa, the elders have asked for your presence." The elder replied, her face rigid and calm. "I haven't many details on the matter, but it's imperative that you come with me quickly. Are you in the middle of anything? I know you have two daught-"
"Joweese and Zahra are napping, to my knowledge." Tahigwa interjected, echoing the elder's posture. "They've had to take on a lot more work now that my brother and his children have left. They're not quite used to the extra labor."
The elder paused and furrowed her brows, to which Tahigwa offered no reaction. Tahigwa wasn't going to sugar coat how she felt, not even in the presence of an elder, and had no qualms about how offending she could be. She watched the elder shake her head and take a breath, as if she couldn't believe that someone could speak to her in such a way, and let her next words come out with a sigh.
"Yes, but they are young and need to learn patience and discipline. They will manage." The elder said, turning away from the house. "Now, as I see that you aren't busy, come along. We can't keep our Sisters waiting too long."
"They will manage, Elder." Tahigwa mocked, her words quick and bitter. "They are old and have learned patience and discipline, unless they've forgotten that along with the respect they had for the tribe and all it's members."
Her response fell upon ears that were selectively deaf, which was of no surprise, and the remainder of the journey was spent in chilling silence. The elder's gaze refused to meet Tahigwa's, as did Tahigwa's to hers, and neither made a move to initiate another conversation, even as they neared their destination. A grand hut on Isle Ekene, one decorated to the brim with Alkidike regalia, stood in front of Tahigwa like a gate to the bowels of the unknown. As a child, she would've been enthralled by how intricate the weaving and crafting was, but as a war-weary adult, it looked more like a gilded throne for a gaggle of racist hags to have their meetings in. She frowned as her escort shuffled past her to open the door and motioned her forward. Tahigwa could hear the other elders inside, chattering in the darkness like a secret society, and held her head high as she made her way inside.
All at once, the chattering ceased, and all eyes were upon her. Tahigwa took this time to look about the room and watch her escort shuffle into a seat seemingly designated for her, her mouth curving into a sour pucker. They reminded her of a group of birds with they way they sat and stared, judgmental and easily offended. Her eyelids leveled and blinked, limply, before, finally, an elder cleared her throat.
"Good for you to join us, Tahigwa." She said, the adornments upon her head moving in front of her eyes. "We don't intend to keep you long, but this is a matter of importance. Please, sit."
The elder's arm moved slowly, as if revealing something of majesty, and patted an empty space next to her. Tahigwa eyed the space and gave a stretch, allowing her swords to clang freely at her sides, and moved to the space at her leisure. She didn't want them to think for a second that she were excited to see them, or at the very least honored. No, they didn't deserve her respect, and she wanted to make that a glowing point with how she settled herself into the slot she was given. Once seated, her arms folded neatly over tightly crossed legs, she took a look to her sides. The elder who'd greeted her offered her a smile, but the elder to her right kept her eyes straight ahead, as if she couldn't bear to look at Tahigwa. The others in the room held similar postures, to which Tahigwa paid little heed. Instead, her eyes returned to the elder to her left, who seemed to be the least stiff of the bunch.
"I apologize if my appearance is less than desirable, Elder." Tahigwa began, her gaze flashing to the escort. "I haven't been quite myself since my brother left, which I'm sure you've all been informed about. He looked so... Hurt while he carried his sons away. I'm sorry you missed it."
She followed her words with a sigh and another glance around the circle. No one appeared willing to speak, or contend, with what Tahigwa was saying, not that she minded very much. Still, she reveled in the awkwardness and tension she knew she was creating. The way they seemed to fidget with the hems of their skirts was validation enough for her.
"Oh, of course, I'm getting off topic." She continued, adjusting her seat. "Wasn't there something you needed of me? A matter of great importance?"
"Yes, Tahigwa." The escort yipped, her hand motioning wildly to the elder at Tahigwa's left. "If you would quiet down and allow Etzi to explai-"
"That'll be enough, Deka." Etzi said, shifting to face Tahigwa. "Tahigwa, there have been reports of a young sister, a Blade by the name of Sabine, who has been cutting the dreads off of Sisters she disagrees with. She's allegedly cut off the dreads of twenty Sisters so far, and we haven't been able to catch her. We were hoping you would be inclined to help us bring her in for punishment?"
Tahigwa's head leaned backwards. A Blade was running around and cutting the dreads of those that opposed her, and they wanted her to help them catch her? Her hands immediately clasped together and clenched.
"That depends, Etzi." She replied, her expression growing suspicious. "Why me? Why not ask a Sister from her village? I've never met this girl before, do you expect me just to swoop in and drag her across like some sort of savage?"
"No, we don't expect anything of you, actually!" Deka barked, her fists clenching. "Impertinent little wretch, you've been summoned here and you act as if we've asked you to carry the world on your should-"
"Enough, Deka!" Etzi grumbled, her hands moving to take Tahigwa's. "You see, Sabine has, more-or-less, declared you as her idol. This is why we're asking this of you."
"Her idol?" Tahigwa repeated, the words falling awkwardly. They had to be joking, she'd never met this girl! How could you idolize something you've never seen? She took her hands away carefully and placed them back on her lap with a sigh. Some random kid thought she was worth looking up to? It was too far-fetched, and reeked of a trap... But, it would be interesting to see if this kid really did exist. After all, she really didn't have anything else better to do today...
"Alright, I'll take care of this brat for you." She said, moving to stand. "Where does she live? I don't want to be running around the forest trying to find her."
"Start looking toward Ast and if not, you'll find her along the path to Neued." Etzi replied, nodding. "Thank you, Tahigwa, and good luck. She's known to be very fast."
"Oh." Tahigwa said, tapping her side. "I'll just have to make sure I'm faster, then, won't I?"
(Part 1 word count: 1774)
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Posted: Sun May 31, 2015 3:52 pm
Sabine the Mighty
After leaving the isles long behind her, Tahigwa set out in search of the one called Sabine. It still sounded far-fetched that some random Sister would idolize her, espescially one that she'd never met, which gave her heart a start. How could she be sure that the elders weren't setting her up for a test, or worse, a trap? She clenched the handles of her swords at every little sound she heard, fully prepared to strike at anyone who came her way, and continued toward Ast like an animal were at her heels.
It wasn't a surprise to her that the Shifters in Ast were hostile toward her when she arrived, but some who knew her sister, Nyah, were helpful. Sabine had been through this part of the forest just a half hour before and seemed to be travelling south to Neued. It meant more walking, but it also meant that Sabine was an actual person, and the likelihood of a trap diminished. Tahigwa thanked them for the information and scurried along the path down to Neued. Now that she knew Sabine was real, the question of why she idolized Tahigwa held more weight. No matter how long she thought about it, the idea of being idolized just didn't make any sense. Why didn't Sabine want to follow someone else? What was it about Tahigwa she liked so much?
About a half-an-hour down the path, Tahigwa finally encountered another Alkidike. The girl was marching along ahead of her, her head held high and hands tight to her swords. Tahigwa managed to get herself into the trees before she turned and slinked along to get a better look at her. She was... Interesting, to say the least. Chubby, stout, and adorned with paint, feathers, and beads. Tahigwa had to admit she was kind of cute, like an overgrown youngling with they way she stomped along without a care. Was this girl Sabine, the one the elders were so upset about?
"Hey, kid!" Tahigwa called, hopping down from her hiding spot.
Her words caught in her throat as a sword was thrust up to her chest, catching her completely off guard. However, as quickly as the sword was drawn it was withdrawn, and Tahigwa watched it's handler stare dumbfoundly at her.
"You're... You're... Tah-" The girl stuttered, a grin curling to her features.
"Tahigwa, yeah, I know." Tahigwa said, tilting her head. "Sabine, I suppose?"
"Yes, yes, yes! Oh my Aisha, I can't believe it's really you!" Sabine squealed, bouncing in place. "Are you here because of all those racists who keep whining about me? I mean, you have to be here because of that, why else would you be? I just, wow! It's really you! Tahigwa!"
"We've established that, sweetheart! I'm Tahigwa, you're Sabine, HELLO." Tahigwa sighed, rolling her eyes. "And yeah, I'm here to talk about that, you see the el-"
"I KNEW IT!" Sabine continued, grabbing onto Tahigwa's hand. "I have so much to show you, you have no idea! Do you have time to come with me? Please? It would mean to world to me if you would!"
"What, I, uh, I mean, uh, I..." Tahigwa protested, her gaze moving toward Sabine's. Oh, no, she was giving her the face! The face that everyone and their mother used when they wanted to get their way! Joweese and Zahra were masters of this face, ugggh... She couldn't resist.
"Alright, but only for a minute, then I have to take you over to Isle Ek-"
"I swear it won't take long, let's go!" Sabine chirped, taking off into a full sprint. "Follow me! Hurry!"
----
Tahigwa didn't know what to expect when she was faced with the hut, but she certainly didn't expect to be handed a cup of her favorite tea. Sabine had clearly thought this meeting through, like she knew that they'd have to cross paths at some point in their lives. The blade sat on the cushion designated for her and sipped awkwardly while Sabine seemed to be wrestling with something in the next room. What, in the name of Aisha, was this kid doing? She'd been sitting here for what felt like forever and, quite frankly, didn't feel like staying here any longer. Something about this hut was just plain creepy, like there were eyes all over, watching everything she did. It made her shiver, honestly, despite the heat of the tea.
"Um, Sabine?" She called, leaning toward the door. "I really need to speak to you about something urgent! Could you come out of there, please?"
"Just a moment!" Sabine replied, peering out from behind the door. Tahigwa shook her head and sighed. What was she going to do if it was too dark out to travel? She wasn't about to spend the night with this girl, no matter how much tea she offered! She fidgeted into a cross-legged position and heaved a sigh as the door finally came swinging open. However, what she saw made her skin pale.
"I know, isn't this outfit incredible?" Sabine boasted, hopping to sit in front of Tahigwa. Tahigwa could scarcely breathe. Was... Was Sabine wearing dreads as accessories? Everywhere she looked, there were dreads hanging from her clothes. Braided, dyed, beaded, it was like something out of a horror story! Tahigwa placed her cup down so she could cover her mouth, but her entire body expressed the terror and disgust welling up inside of her.
"No, no, that outfit is... I don't believe this!" Tahigwa exclaimed, her shoulders sinking in disbelief. "Are those the dreads you cut off of those Sisters? Why are you wearing them? That's disgusting!"
Sabine's face fell the instant Tahigwa finished her sentence, and her hands went immediately to her swords. Tahigwa, sensing what was coming, unsheathed her swords and threw herself upwards. The pair of Sisters looked each other dead in the eye for a long time afterward, neither one wanting to make the first move, until Sabine attempted a dive for Tahigwa's ankles. Tahigwa kicked her square in the jaw, sending her skidding toward the wall, and scrambled to confiscate the girl's swords as they clanged to the ground. Once placed securely on her belt, Tahigwa moved to stand over Sabine, only to realize that she'd sprinted straight out the front door.
"If you think you can get away from me after that, you've got another thing coming to you!" Tahigwa snarled, giving chase after Sabine. She'd catch this crazy brat if it was the last thing she'd do!
(Part 2 word count: 1087)
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Posted: Sun May 31, 2015 6:16 pm
The Line
Sabine gave Tahigwa a run for her money, but ultimately, Tahigwa had come out on top. The smaller Sister had made the mistake of trying to fake Tahigwa out along the way so she could take a breather and instead found herself cornered between a rock and the blades of her idol. Neither made a move while they caught their breath and stared intently until Tahigwa withdrew one of her blades.
"Sit down." Tahigwa commanded, only withdrawing the remaining blade when Sabine sunk down to the ground. She hovered over Sabine momentarily before sitting straight in front of her, her hands reaching out to clutch Sabine's.
"Alright, listen. I'm going to give you a chance to explain yourself, but if you try to attack me and run again, I swear to Aisha, I will hurt you." She seethed, clenching Sabine's hand.
Sabine remained silent and tugged her hands away to cover her face. Tahigwa could see that she was crying, but kept her face stoic. She didn't want Sabine thinking she was soft, not after all of that running, no matter how sad it made her feel to see someone of Sabine's age upset. She was not much older than her own daughters, after all. Her hands piled neatly onto her lap as the minutes went by, and soon, she sighed.
"Come on, Sabine. I'm giving you as much leniency as I can muster right now." She grumbled, leaning forward. "Tell me why you're cutting dreads and... Wearing them. I want to understand why."
"I'm just doing what you're doing!" Sabine screamed, flailing her hands about. "I heard about how you cut those Sister's dreads before the war and wanted to be just like you! I thought you would be proud of what I was doing, Tahigwa! I thought we could be friends!"
"Cool it, Sister! Let me explain something to you." Tahigwa said, placing her hands on Sabine's shoulders. "The Sisters I cut attacked me when I hadn't done a single thing to them, honey! They threatened my family and bashed up my shoulder, you can even see the scar to prove it! However, I find it hard to believe that you've been attacked by twenty different Sisters, which would warrant what you've done. Am I wrong?"
"Wha-I... No, they didn't attack me!" Sabine replied, shaking her head. "But I don't understand how tha-"
"Then why did you cut their dreads off, Sabine?" Tahigwa growled, taking a breath. "If they didn't attack you or threaten you, what did they do to you that made you cut their dreads?"
"They... They..." Sabine stammered, grimacing. "They disagreed with me! They said hybrids didn't belong in Jauhar and acted like they knew exactly what Aisha would want, so I cut off their dreads! They don't get to speak for Aisha, Tahigwa! She made them, too, so she must be right! They can't say things like this!"
Tahigwa released her grip on Sabine and fell silent while the other dissolved into a fit of sobs. So, she was cutting the dreads off of Alkidikes who disagreed with her? Admittedly, Tahigwa couldn't blame her at first glance, she was upset about what some people were saying, too. Hybrids were tainting Aisha, hybrids were the reason for everyone's problems, and so on and so forth. She'd heard just about everything and more from the mouths of hateful Sisters, and there was no doubt in her mind that Sabine had heard them, too, but... She couldn't see how these words would warrant Sabine's behavior. Sure, words made someone angry and could incite riots, but unless an actual attack happened, cutting someone's dreads off seemed extreme. However, Sabine didn't understand that, and it was now up to Tahigwa to get that point across. She sighed, looked up to the canopy, and wrapped her arms around Sabine.
"Sister, I understand your anger, I really do." She began, gently smoothing her hands along Sabine's hair. "But a difference in opinion is not enough just cause for what you've done. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, no matter how horrible it is. It's those who use their opinions as weapons to harm others who deserve to have their dreads cut."
"No, you're wrong!" Sabine cried, shoving Tahigwa off of her. "They deserved it, they all deserved it! And if I still had my swords, you'd be just like them! Bald and whining!"
Tahigwa grimaced and shook her head as Sabine turned away from her and continued to cry. Honestly, part of Tahigwa wanted to give up right then and there. Just take the girl's swords away, hide them in her house, and tell the elders to capture the unarmed Sabine themselves. However, another part of her had grown sensible over time, and knew that Sabine could be brought to reason if she kept trying. She scooted to face Sabine and took her hands again.
"And I still would have chased you down, tugged you to the ground, and made you listen to what I'm saying now." She soothed, offering Sabine a weak smile. "Now, I've been around the block a few times and I've got two daughters only a few years shy of you, Sabine. I know when something else is bothering someone aside from what they've told me. Is there another reason you're doing this? You can tell me, I promise I won't tell anyone else."
Sabine shook her head in a vain attempt to avoid Tahigwa's gaze, only to heave a heavy sigh. She looked so tired, like she'd been bottling something up, and Tahigwa's mother senses were going off the charts.
"... My ex-girlfriend was a shifter hybrid, and she had to flee last month because her Shifter mother was found murdered in a ditch." Sabine whispered, her lips quivering as she spoke. "Her mother wouldn't let her stay with me and we had to break up! Now I have no idea where she is and probably won't ever see her again!" She paused, placing her head on Tahigwa's shoulder. "What those Sisters were saying just made me so mad, I couldn't control myself! How could they tell me that my girlfriend was the reason for their problems? She'd never even met them!"
Tahigwa pulled Sabine close and allowed her to cry while she tried to keep her own eyes from misting. Sabine's rage was so much more than that, she was nursing a broken heart! Tahigwa knew just how hard that was, she'd worried about Ilyra for years, and to have her back in her arms was the best feeling ever. But, for Sabine and her lover, it wouldn't be so easily surmounted. Torn apart by the ideals of others they couldn't control. It was a cruel and bitter reality, but it was nothing she couldn't learn to cope with in the end.
"Sabine, I'm so sorry. Believe me." She said, pursing her lips. "But I'm sure your ex-girlfriend wouldn't want you to ruin your reputation over this. The elders are absolutely beside themselves over what you're doing. I mean, they called upon me to get you, and they know how much I'd like to pop them over the head for all of this. They really took a risk."
She stifled an urge to chuckle at the end of her sentence and gave Sabine a squeeze.
"But, in all seriousness, you can't keep doing this. It's going to end up destroying your reputation and that'll get you nowhere." She continued, leaning her head on Sabine's. "You've got to own up for it, Sabine, as stupid as it sounds. I understand why you've done this now, but it's not enough to consider letting you go."
Sabine glanced up to Tahigwa, her lips pulling themselves into another pucker.
"... Do you really think she'd be upset with me if I ruined my reputation?" She asked.
"Your girlfriend? I'd be livid if I were her." Tahigwa replied, nodding. "Throwing all your hard work away just for petty revenge? Nothing's ever worth that, not even your girlfriend."
Sabine's face relaxed as Tahigwa spoke and a sigh billowed out of her nose. Tahigwa studied her carefully as she closed her eyes, nodded, and nudged herself into a sitting position.
"Alright... I guess you're right." She resigned, rubbing at her eyes. "She would be pretty mad at me for this..." She paused, putting on a pout. "But do I really need to go to the elders? Can't you just tell them that I promised not to do it again and let me go home?"
"Nope, sorry precious!" Tahigwa laughed, moving to stand. "Like I said, you've got to own up for it. I can't change that, even if I tried. The sooner you get there, though, the sooner it'll be over."
"Aww, come on!" Sabine groaned, pushing herself to her feet. "You have any idea what they're planning for me? Twenty lashes? Public beating? What am I looking at?"
"Pffft, I have no idea, but it's probably some sort of labor." Tahigwa replied, taking Sabine by the hand. "I doubt they'd stoop so low as to try and hurt you. After all, they're elders, not blind savages. Though, I know how hard it can be to discern which is which sometimes."
The pair shared a laugh and hugged one last time before starting the long journey back to Isle Ekene, where Tahigwa had no doubt there would be a swarm of elders awaiting their arrival.
(Part 3 word count: 1573)
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Posted: Sun May 31, 2015 7:29 pm
Chances and Consideration
Evening in Chibale was nice, even if the circumstances were a little bittersweet. Tahigwa had done exactly what the elders had asked for by bringing Sabine to them for punishment, something that they'd praised her for but had given her quite a lot to think about. The edge of the beach seemed like good enough of a spot to sit and think, espescially since the beginning of Sabine's punishment was somewhere close by. She wanted to be present just for moral support, or in case Sabine thought it was wise to run across the water at the last second. The journey had somehow brought them closer, Tahigwa supposed. Sabine terrified her at first, but now she seemed so normal, like any other Sister she had met. Maybe that was the key to this entire argument, all Sisters were the same no matter who they were and everyone needed to realize that? Her lips puckered. It would be hell trying to convince the extremists that they were the same as the Sisters they disagreed with, much less a hybrid. But, on the same token, would it hurt that much to try? Mmm, maybe yes, maybe no.
She sat on the shore a while as the sun went down and only turned when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Etzi, the elder who'd sent her to fetch Sabine, had come to join her on the beach it seemed. She offered the elder a smile.
"Is it always this nice on the Isles, Etzi?" She asked, laughing. "The sunset from here somehow feels closer, if that makes any sense."
"Not always, no." Etzi said, echoing Tahigwa's laugh. "But I can understand what you're saying about the sunset. How was your journey with Sabine today? Did she give you any trouble?"
"She had me chase her around a few miles, but I was able to catch her and convince her to come with me after a while." Tahigwa replied, shaking her head. "I was relieved when she agreed, it was like baiting a wild animal, really. I didn't know if she was going to try to claw my eyes out or not."
She laughed, her gaze moving out toward the sunset again, before she let out a sigh.
"You know, Etzi. I didn't think I had any influence before this." She admitted, moving a dread behind her ear. "It's kind of... Humbling, I guess? I mean, I'd never met Sabine before today, which was why I thought it was impossible for her to idolize me. But, now that I think about it..."
"Yes?" Etzi asked, moving closer to Tahigwa.
"... I idolized Yaholo before I met him, too." Tahigwa continued, a blush crossing her cheeks. "He had influence over me before he even came into my life, just like how I influenced Sabine before I knew she existed. It's really funny, isn't it?"
Tahigwa shrunk into her shoulders as Etzi let out a laugh and moved to wrap an arm around her. Of course she found this amusing. Elders had the weirdest ability to make lessons appear out of nowhere, and find them where you'd least expect them, so Tahigwa had little doubt that Etzi found this hilarious. However, as the elder's laughter ceased and the sound of the waves crashing upon the shore filled the air, Tahigwa found herself feeling calm. She turned her head to Etzi, who was staring out just as she had been, and moved to take her hand.
"Do you think I should change how I behave around my Sisters, Etzi?" She asked, thoughtfully. "Or, do you think I should make improvements instead? It's clear now that I need to be careful about what I do, or else another Sabine might make an appearance."
"Tahigwa, there will always be girls like Sabine." Etzi said, giving Tahigwa's hand a squeeze. "Children will always find ways to be reckless and stay true to what they believe is right. What's important is that you treat them with the same respect as you would like to receive and guide them through this period of rebellion like a lantern in the mist. They want to be seen as well as heard, and I have always felt that giving them that chance to speak their mind is just as important as them considering the advice that I'm giving them. By doing so, I open up a door to a relationship with them and gain more than just their respect. I gain their faith, trust, and appreciation as well. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Tahigwa sat, stilled by what Etzi had said, and smiled.
"Yes, Etzi, I understand." She said, giving a gentle nod. "May I say something, though?"
"Of course, Tahigwa, I'm listening." Etzi said.
"Thank you for giving me a chance, Etzi." Tahigwa continued. "I'm not sure if this was your intention all along, but even if it wasn't, it's given me hope for the future again. I promise to do my best to keep it that way from now on."
"I believe in you, Tahigwa." Etzi replied, smiling. "And I think your brother would be proud of what you accomplished today, wouldn't he?"
"Yes, I..." Tahigwa agreed, her eyes looking out to the sunset again. "I think he would be proud, Etzi. He would be very proud."
(Part 4 word count: 886
Final word count: 5320)
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Posted: Sun May 31, 2015 8:10 pm
So this is finally done. 8| I hope I covered everything because this thing is 5320 words long and I don't know what else could be needed. -shot-
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Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 10:41 am
Class Quest Result
Pass!
Tahigwa has passed and received a rank of Warrior!
Congratulations Tahigwa!
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