Welcome to Gaia! ::

“Enjoying some peace before your life becomes a bit more chaotic?” As soon as she had spotted her old friend in their secret clearing, Danika had approached. A small smile crossed her lips and she could not help but to reach out a hand to touch Tyiva’s shoulder. “Congratulations on your blessing friend.” She had not seen Tyiva for months since she left to live in Oba with her earthling lover but it looked like the desert was treating the other Alkidike well. She was perhaps a bit more softer around the edges without the constant hunting but even Danika could tell that Tyiva still trained and kept up with her dance of the blades. It was especially apparent in the way that Tyiva did not jump in surprise whenever Danika settled down next to her on the old tree stump that they often used as a seat.

[Danika 1]

Danika simply shook her head before leaning against her friend’s side. “I find no fault in your words. Aisha blessed you with three blooms where most mothers are thankful to just receive one daughter. ” Honestly she had noticed that it seemed whenever hybrid children had been born in recent years that the great mother did indeed give them children generously. Such a fact did not escape her notice and she had reminded others about it whenever they spoke ill of mixed relations. Even Aisha seemed to be supportive of a new peaceful era where they could coexist with the earthling races. She just hoped that their estranged Sisters would eventually learn that lesson or at least that their daughters would.

“When they bloom how do you expect to raise all three? I hope your partner is ready.” Danika teased lightly as she rested her head against Tyiva’s shoulder. “To think that you’ll be a mother. I’m truly happy for you, Tyiva.”

[Danika 2]

“That’s the best thing about time.” Danika mused quietly. “Anything and everything can change.” The Alkidike grinned at the thought. “I mean look at us. I’ve never seen Sisters so warm towards earthlings. Certainly some are still against certain aspects but at least we’re not cutting them down for just being in the same area as us.” She paused and held back the sigh that pressed against her lips. “I’m certain that I’ll see your children one day. You’ll have to bring them to Jahaur even if just for a short visit when they’re older.” She should be like an aunt to them but distance would create a gap that she never expected between her and her childhood friend who was almost like a blood sister more than anyone else. It almost broke her heart to lose Tyiva to Oba and now it would hurt more knowing that she would miss out on seeing her friend’s family grow. At least she is happy and it warms my soul to see it. She could never ask her friend to place her own happiness aside simply to keep her company after all. That was too selfish and Danika would never force her own feelings upon others like that.

[Danika 3]

Danika’s heart twisted within her chest but she forced a smile to her lips. “One knows that you cannot always keep the wishes spoken as children. We never expected life to take us apart but here we are. Still, I am thankful that you have found your happiness even if it is outside of Chibale.” She would always miss Tyiva but just knowing she was out there brought Danika peace. It was better than remember the Sisters lost in the battle all those years ago. The thought made her lips tighten at the corners before Tyiva’s next statement had her opening them in a gasp. “Tyiva!” She protested as she pulled away from her friend sheepishly. “I surely would never have time for such a thing! Not that I wouldn’t love to receive a blessing but when would I have the time? Could I even provide the care for a child when my life is focused on my Sisters and serving Aisha?” She shook her head, her dreads bouncing with the movement. “I also do not know if I could ever find love….I do not think I would be one to ask for a bloom by myself alone after all. I would never want to do that to a child.” When would they ever get to see their mother? They would have a mystic but not the same care that others received from having families. Danika had experienced such a thing herself when Aisha gave her bloom to Eshe. She loved Eshe dearly as a mentor but she would not lie about her upbringing. It had been full of responsibilities with little room for play ever since she was a child. One day a new mystic would bloom and Danika would help to raise her as well. That surely would be as close to a daughter as she would ever be, right?

The thought made her look towards the ground with a frown. Why did Tyiva have to tease her about such things? They had been innocent children at the time and the future had been full of endless possibilities because they were young and still without a true grasp of their world.

[Danika 4]

Leaning into her friend’s embrace, Danika slowly nodded her head. “You don’t have to apologize for your words.” She murmured with a small smile. “I won’t lie that the idea has crossed my mind but I’m afraid of my capabilities of a mother...nor would I feel right in asking someone to become my partner. They would have to put up with so much.” The expectations of being an ideal sister, the pressures of the Elders to not distract their leader….the list could go on. Still, Tyiva’s words did warm her heart and she squeezed her friend’s fingers happily. “Thank you. I suppose only the future will tell where my story goes.”

[Danika 5]

“Oh?” Danika raised a brow whenever her friend suggested gifts. Obvious delight spread across her features as she took the first plant from Tyiva. “It’s lovely.” She whispered as she carefully ran a fingertip across one of its purple leaves. It was smooth and such a strange texture compared to the other plants she had in Chibale. “I can add it to my little garden.” It was almost like a greenhouse, a little area she made within a large hollowed trunk that received a lot of sunlight in the morning hours while also providing shelter from the heavier rains. She had some plants from Tale and Sauti which Tyiva had brought her previously and so far they had grown up so well that she had to continuously change the ceramic pots that they nestled in.

[Danika 6]

“Interesting.” Danika carefully placed the purple plant aside so that she could study the pricklier leaves. “I suppose that is one way for it to defend itself. Is the desert so dangerous that the plants grow like this?” Then again when she thought of some of their native plants it truly made sense. They had vines with thorns and even some plants that would eat smaller insects and the like. “I will have to do my best to keep from watering it too often since it is accustomed to the dryness of a desert.”

[Danika 7]