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 Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2016 12:09 pm
Zandala tightened the red cloth just below her breast, tugged at it to make sure it would stay in place before grabbing the practice bow and moving out of her tent home. Her birthday was coming up soon, which meant she was going to be tested to become a blade. She was looking forward to the occasion, proving her wroth finally. Too bad her mothers wouldn’t be able to see her; she knew they’d be proud of her. Casting them from her mind, Zandala focused on the task ahead. She was trying to practice as much as she could to be ready.
It was late afternoon, most of the other Alkidikes were getting ready for dinner but Zandala usually liked to have dinner after everyone else. With the extra time she was going to use it to practice. Walking through the camp, Zandala slipped out of the village quietly and headed to her usual practice spot. The small clearing was free of any other living being, Zanadal set her quiver down and began to let loose a few arrows. She only briefly paused to listen to the sounds around her, making sure no one would jump her.
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Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2016 9:39 am
Lumikani had been gone a few days from the main camp. She once more had volunteered to scout past their borders, intent on getting away from the hustle and the excitement of the younglings being trained. Some were interesting, and others were just a disappointment to the Alkidike, and so she avoided the task of training them whenever she could. Instead, she had traveled south once more to her secret lake, further setting it up so she could eventually swim and play to escape the world.
As she moved, her ears and antennae picked up movement. She was close to the camp, so she knew that the sound of the bow was nothing to be concerned about. It most likely was a sister who was practicing, or possibly a youngling who was seeking guidance to eventually fight for the tribe.
However, it also was in her direct path, and she regretted not taking the main scouting paths to get back in. Her effort to slip in unnoticed was futile, and so she simply strolled along the outside of the clearing and glanced it. Upon sight of Zandala, alone, Lumikani visibly relaxed and simply paused to watch. She was immediately interested to see the fellow sister had taken on the bow, of all things, and was reminded of the last time they had spoken.
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Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2016 10:24 am
As Lumikani was entering the opening, Zandala turned towards her with her bow and an arrow at the ready though quickly lowered it when she saw the familiar face.
“Sorry Lumikani!” She called out to the girl. “Mind joining me?” A bit of company was always worth it. Turning back to the practice trees in front of her, Zandala pulled the strong back on the bow and let the arrow fly. After meeting one of the Elaria younglings she was curious to know if Lumikani would be up for a conversation about them. Zandala shot another arrow before resting for a bit as Lumikani got closer.
“Hope I am not bothering you, it’s always nice to have some company.” And Lumikani seemed to have a similar mindset to her own. “How have you been?” A little while had gone by since she had spoken to Lumikani and she’d also noticed the absence of the smaller Alkidike around the camp for a couple of days now.
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Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2016 1:26 pm
Lumikani waved the girl off, not really too tense about the fact she had a bow pointed in her face. Instead, she moved around the shooting field to stand next to the taller girl, watching as she let loose another arrow toward the target. The girl was able to aim, and the action was quite familiar to the small Alkidike. It reminded Lumikani of all the time she spent next to her elder sister, watching her work the bow herself as she fought to grow stronger.
"Not at all, I was just returning from a scouting trip..." She responded with good nature, smiling at the girl who she had built a companionship with, "I spent some time in the south, the borders are quite clear, and the silence is nice with the Elaria always running about..."
Her tone was light, but she too was curious how Zandala felt of the new children.
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Posted: Thu Feb 04, 2016 2:56 pm
Zandala paused momentarily as Lumikani mentioned the Elaria before launching another arrow.
“I’m glad to hear that.” Clear and quiet borders were how it should be, though one could never be too sure about what it really meant. Troops could be gathering r there could really be nothing at all… As long as the Alkidikes and the Elaria didn’t lower their defenses they would be fine.
“It’s kind of nice seeing them around,” Zandala didn’t know how Lumikani felt about the children, but she would not hide her opinion. “I ran into one the other day, Naqenni I think her name was. Thought she knew how to use a bow and arrow. Fixed that right up.” Zandala chuckled, that first arrow the Elaria had shot had been so off target she’d almost burst out laughing in front of her. Now though at least she knew Naqenni could manage a bow and arrow by herself and actually manage to hit her target.
“I kind of wish the matron had given me the responsibility of an Elaria youngling. I think I would be a good teacher. They’re our future and need to be properly taken care of as such.”
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Posted: Thu Feb 04, 2016 3:51 pm
Lumikani let out a sharp breath through her nose at the mention of the Elaria child, before shaking her head. Oh, did she know that youngling, and she knew her well. When Zandala spoke of the girl knowing the bow, Lumikani actually let out a bit of a laugh, her eyes sparkling at the thought.
"That child has a long way to go before she will be a leader, and she needs to get back her belief of being born into power. Trust me, sister, I made sure she was aware of her weaknesses as well..." Humor filled her voice at the comment, before she settled on a low tree to watch the girl continue to shoot, "Showed up late to a training session with me, and tried to speak of weaklings and how she would grow strong...such a pity...she still has a long way to go. Hopefully I've motivated her enough to start fighting for our tribe, otherwise I fear she may grow up blind to her own weakness..."
Lumikani took a break to look up a moment, "Even if we are the strongest of tribes, it isn't because we are simply bloomed. I fear some of those Elaria will grow soft with how some sisters coddle them..."
Rubbing her hands together, Lumikani listened and nodded to Zandala's words, "I do not mind...I would rather be blessed from Elzira myself, so I may raise a daughter of flesh and blood. Those three have too much pressure and expectations...and too many sisters keen to direct them every which way."
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 6:25 am
Zandala shook her head disapprovingly.
“That is a bad habit to pick up.” Being late to anything was never good, late to the battle and your sisters might all be dead by the time you got there. Being late could cost lives.
“Yes I have noticed some tend to be at their beck and call,” Another thing Zandala disapproved of. “There is a time and place for coddling, but the first three do not have such a luxury I’m afraid.” They were the future, they were meant to be the ones who would lead the banished. They couldn’t afford to be soft or weak. The other Elaria that bloomed would probably be less coddled than the first three since they wouldn’t be new.
“I agree with you on that.” Naqenni was chief among them. Why some sisters refused to teach her all weapons was beyond her, if she ended up less proficient with the blades than she needed to fall back on another weapon. “Perhaps the Elaria that will come after will be much better off.” Zandala shrugged and shot another arrow. “I would love my daughter very much, but I would make sure she grew up to those expectations and was ready for the pressure.” It would be a very touch and go kind of thing, Zandala hadn’t loved anyone since her mothers and even they had betrayed her.
“I suspect I would learn too from having a child.” Zandala smiled. “Not as easy as it seems.”
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 3:11 pm
Little sounds of agreement came from Lumikani as Zandala spoke, her head nodding slowly at each comment on the little cousins in the camp. Lumikani had refrained from voicing her opinions, not because they were an insult to the cousins, but because they were insults to her sisters. She disagreed with the sisters, but because she was not a selected foster, she had little say in how things were run. That was most likely why she had not seen another youngling to train. Word had gotten out, and odds were she would be saved until they were older.
It wasn't a shame to Lumikani, considering she felt her training was how it should be done.
"Ideally, I will make sure my daughter knows both mothers...Elzira and Aisha. She will be raised like me to treasure her blessing, and to fight and honor the gift she has been given. I hope to provide her the knowledge, the love, and the support to grow as a true leader among our sisters."
When she put it that way, Lumikani really knew she was ready, "And after seeing some of these blooms, I feel my time to raise my own may come sooner than I expect.."
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 3:23 pm
Zandala had turned her back on Aisha even if she was the tree that had bloomed her. She did not voice her opinion however, to each their own.
“That is a good way to raise a child,” Zandala nodded smiling just a tiny bit. That was how she would raise her child as well.
“You have found a suitable partner then?” Zandala felt that once she became a blade she would be able to have a child or at least ask Elzira for one. The Alkidike may think she was ready but it was not up to her whether or not she received a bloom. “Do you think Elzira will bless you with a bloom?” A few other Alkidikes had asked and received blooms, but Zandala always had the tiniest doubt. Maybe Elzira would think she was too young or not experienced enough.
“I think I will be ready once I am a bit older, I am still quite young and I have not found a suitable partner. Which is kind of strange because Naqenni asked me if I had found someone.”
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 3:29 pm
The smaller Alkidike shifted at the question of a partner, and shook her head, "I have not."
A slow pause, as she became aware her need to explore and get away from the camp had hindered any lasting relationships with her new group of sisters. She trusted them all, but none seemed right to have such a conversation. And now, with a tree that could bloom, many sisters seemed to forsake the ideals of a relationship to instead create a population boom. It was logical, but not ideal.
"...I hope even without a partner, Elzira will see my faith and bless me. I know many have forsaken the old ways, and judge me for my faith in the Great Mother still, but I do believe Elzira listens and understands, just as Aisha did. However, I will only do so when the time feels right, as I'm sure I will receive some sign..."
She paused, before laughing again, "...interesting question for that child to ask..."
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Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2016 10:18 am
Zandala nodded in acknowledgment, had Lumikani had trouble finding a partner because of her size? It would be foolish of any sister to do so. If our partner was strong, you would raise strong younglings.
“I have thought about asking on my own as well, however I feel two guardians is better than one.” She’d been raised by two mothers after all. Zandala didn’t dwell too long on that fact however, something else had caught her attention in what Lumikani had said.
“You still have much faith in Aisha?” Zandala had not forgotten Aisha, she had bloomed her after all. However, she no longer thought of the great tree as ‘great’. Elizra was the future now and she did not want to look back on the past. Aisha would not grant her strong and beautiful children, Elzira would.
“Are you expecting a sign from Aisha or Elzira?” She asked curiously, but more so she wondered what kind of sign Lumikani was looking for.
“I only want someone who is strong to help me raise my daughters. Strong, self sufficient. I do not think it is much to ask for. Maybe caring as well, there needs to be some caring I believe to raise children properly.” Someone lazy would not do.
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Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2016 10:36 am
Lumikani was fiddling with her fingers, before she moved to grip her blade. It was an action of movement, not so much a threat. She constantly felt the need to move around and be active, so sitting still was difficult for the smaller Alkidike. So, as Zandala spoke of her own thoughts, Lumikani was more content with fiddling than commenting on how she was surprised such a young female was interested in blooming. Most likely, it was a result of the craze for re population after the fear they would full die out.
Then, Zandala questioned her faith, and Lumikani tried to not scowl once more. It was an innocent question, but one that many were curious about considering all were enthralled with Elzira.
"Why would I not? Zandala, she is our great mother. She is the reason we are here, for many reasons. She bloomed us, she provided for us, and even now she looks out for us. Many wish to abandon her, but without her seed, Elzira never would have been born. Elzira is...is Aisha's last gift. She has not abandoned us, but has shown us a way where we can continue to be protected."
Her voice was soft, and she took a breath, "Aisha's last sign was Elzira, so I have no illusion I will hear from the great mother again." She wasn't bitter, but it was bittersweet.
As Zandala spoke once more of her thoughts on a future mate, Lumikani was glad for the detraction, "Trust, faith, and companionship. Even if I do not stay with the sister, I want to find one who will help me further the strength of our tribe...and one who understands the blessings of the world and doesn't judge with their eyes."
Lumikani would never accept another who would view her as weak. She was strong, and no matter what happened or what bloomed, her daughter would be as well.
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Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2016 10:52 am
The taller Alkidike noted the fidgeting Lumikani was doing from the corner of her eye. It was distracting as she tried to concentrate on the target but she did not mention anything. In battle there would be many things just out of sight that could distract her, if she was distracted here she would do no good on a battlefield.
“I did not say I forgot Aisha, she will always be at the back of my mind for the same reasons you still keep her in your heart. However, I do not look to the past, I look to the future. Elzira is my future now; Aisha can no longer help me.” She did not say it in any mean why, her tone was gentler considering Lumikani’s own thoughts on their great mother. “I do not think she has necessarily abandoned us,” many sisters thought so. “But I do believe she has shown us a better future, a way to improve where she could not. That is why she gave us Elzira, for she will be able to make us better.”
“That is a strong partner,” Zandala concluded. “Strength comes in many sizes. Some sisters need to look past their hate or they will hold themselves back.” The Alkidike shrugged. “I see sister who do mean things to those who join us from Chibale. Why be mean to those sisters? We are supposed to be one, together, and we are separating ourselves.” Zandala shook her head. “It is a shame.”
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Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2016 11:08 am
Another gentle hum as Lumikani let the girl speak. She was learning that even with her strong faith, others did not see the same way. It started with her sister, and now it was those around her. She may be one of the few who follow the old ways, but she wasn't one of the ones who refused to see Elzira for what she was.
Cousin. Savior. Future.
Elzira was quite a powerful force in her life.
As Zandala spoke, Lumikani debated her words, before shrugging and moving on.
"If one proves to be strong in faith, to be willing to abandon all for Aisha...no...Elzira's ways...that shows a true sister. Earthlings may be weak and small, but if they ever were wise enough, disciplined enough, willing enough to sacrifice even their life for Elzira...."
Her voice trailed off softly, "I believe in looking past all appearances. Our tribe is not strong simply because of blood...but because of our faith. Earthlings will never be on our level, but I can tolerate one who sees the light and embraces it."
It was a taboo subject, and she laughed, "Don't take my words for more than they are, Sister. I simply open myself up to opportunity, as Aisha opened up the opportunity to me by blooming my lotus."
With that, she stood and stretched, a subconscious effort to appear taller as well as one to keep her moving.
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Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2016 11:33 am
“You would trust an Earthling?” Zandala put down her bow and turned towards Lumikani incredulous. “We aren’t even made the same why as they are and I am sure if tempted an Earthling will go back to his or her old ways.” Zandala would never trust an earthling, ever. She couldn’t believe that Lumikani was willing to do so.
“A faith we share because we were birth by our great mother, Earthlings are born from each other.” It was something Zandala found quite odd. “I can understand if you spoke about one of our sisters who traveled here to join us, this I accept but an Earthling is something else altogether.” Thy even enslaved their own kind, how could you trust someone like that?
“We are all bound to have differences Lumikani. I do not judge you for yours.” And she meant it for both Lumikani’s height and beliefs. “As long as something does not hinder the tribe, I do not see why others are so reluctant to see another sisters worth.”
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