The news had spread across the lands, with the fastest runners bringing updated between the two trees. Wangui had arrived in Jauhar when she first heard of the sickness of Azehra, her heart stuttering to a stop at such nonsense that their great mother could be sick. She felt lost, and desired to rush back home and leave her sister to finish her trip if she desired. Yet the sister, who was familiar, reassured her that this was nothing abnormal.

This was a beautiful thing, a new potential that they had seen at Elzira not so long ago. Not only had it brought sisters together, it had brought hybrids to the closed off tree, which could only mean one thing.

Hybrids would soon bloom at the youngest trees.

Wangui was surprised, yet warmed at the thought. She had met many strong warriors on her trip and knew that if she desired, she could bloom a hybrid that would be the best of both worlds. Her lovers were of course on board with the noncommitment, but Wangui knew she would eventually want to raise the next generation of strong daughters and sometimes she tempted such thoughts. What about a daughter with soft blue skin, or golden hair, or even moonlit markings? It was all a temptation of beauty, and one she used to keep herself content at night.

So when the pollen and dust began to dance in, she felt herself dance under the dusty moonlight, thanking her great mother for reassuring her with the blooms. And when the same sister, the same runner, raced back and encountered their camp, she was excited to announce that all the signs were there, and soon enough if a Vandrea so chooses, she could bring forth strong hybrids.

It was something a few sisters turned their noses at, but nonetheless knew that it was inevitable. Where they might disagree, the great mothers spoke the truth. This was the future, a future of prosperity and of potential.

As the sun set and the stars shone, Wangui enjoyed her solo evening to reflect back on her travels so far. The campfire flickered out slowly, a snap and crackle that was soothing after so many nights of travel. The Blade was happy to be so close to seeing Aisha, as more sisters were sighted on their trip including a few hybrids. They had not yet had a chance to interact with any, but she caught sight of a group training, possibly sisters who were accepted into the tribe well enough. It was an interesting comparison yet again, and Wangui wanted to train with them. To test their strength, their commitment, and learn about their experiences.

Had any become elders? Guides to the youthful sisters who had only just bloomed into their own training?

That was an interesting thought, and Wangui found herself more interested in meeting a hybrid or two. Maybe she could find one who would be a good match, both physically and physically. A slow smirk crossed her features as her golden eyes twinkled in the dying firelight.

"Sisters." The runner had greeted her the next morning, and Wangui found herself a bit tired from being up so late, "I suspect this will be the last time we encounter one another."

Wangui tilted her head at the comment.

"You see, I've got a few blooms waiting for me back at Aisha, me and my partner have been waiting eagerly for this bloom. I suspect we'll have our hands full and I wont be able to run for awhile yet."

"Oh, is that so?" Wangui asked with a smile, "I wish you good fortune and a healthy bloom then."

The runner was not mated to a hybrid, but all the same had been welcoming to the thought. Wangui was happy to hear that the greater sisterhood grew yet again, and bid the runner swift travels. It was possible she'd be running home to good news, or possibly a few new daughters to hold. Maybe if Wangui was lucky, she could meet them once they arrived, as she was welcomed all the same at the sister's home if needed. Though maybe not overnight, she recalled younglings didn't quite follow normal sleep schedules for a bit.

Either way, she found herself homesick as they continued their trip to Aisha, and wondered if her sister wanted to linger yet or maybe would be keen to head back home and see how much their own sisterhood thrived after such good news.

[751]