Ashes in her Wake | C36
It took Tamtey and the others a little longer over two days to reach The Spires. They had delayed one or twice during the travel due to sudden downpours that they weren’t experienced yet to fly through yet and had to wait it out. But, they got there eventually.
Tamtey and Ri’nela has most of their gear, food and general supplies while So’lek primarily had Teylan, since he had yet to claim his Ikran. Ku’malo was clearly trying to be patient but Tamtey knew the woman wanted to return as soon as possible. Anufi did also have to share a ride on Ku’malo’s Ikran but there was a… delicate energy around the two. Tamtey wasn’t sure what it was. Respect, yes but… it was unfamiliar. Not quite like Reverence either but it held the same vibe.
Her eyes ran about the structure ahead of them as they crossed deeper into the unfamiliar territory, having flown through a cave system and though a Narluk nest, which was the shortest route despite the danger but they all got through it quickly dispute freaking out the wildlife.
They were heading toward a central mountain, many floating rocks bobbed about, so much unfamiliar life. But… there were signs of RDA, as much as Tamtey disliked seeing it. She could see a few run-down sites, so the Ke’awa had become warriors in their time apart.
Anufi also seemed to notice the wreck, judging how her head followed the passing debris before her head turned forwards with a tighter jaw.
They landed as one, though Tamtey patted Katir’s jaw before she unlatched the harness and slipped it from her frame, allowing her to fly freely now. Ku’malo showed her and the others how to store their harness, Anufi already gone by the time they had collected their belongings, stowed the harnesses and followed inwards.
“<The Ke’awa have become skilled warriors.>” Tamtey noted to So’lek as they walked.
“<I noticed that too. Not uncommon given the sky people in the area.” So’lek said, “<Again, the sky people spread and force a peaceful clan to war.>”
Tamtey hummed, though couldn’t add more before they passed a beaded curtain inside and were set with a mixture of sights.
Na’vi busy with every0day life. Some clustered in certain areas of weaving, sorting and cleaning, but there was a group of warriors with flat wooden plates with wax, using a crafted stylus to mark the wax but… oddly enough it was with English letters. Ri’nela also noticed this with a frown on her face, confusion craftily hidden behind it. Why would the Ke’awa know human letters?
Her attention turned to hear Anufi near squabbling with an older man. Close in age, but he had the aura of someone who was in charge. Olo’eyktan. This must be Tsu’lo, as Anufi described him. The two leaders seemed to cool down as Tamtey approached, eyes flickering between them.
“<I see you, Tsu’lo.>” Tamtey greeted politely.
“<I see you, young Sarentu.>” Tsu’lo said, gesturing out from his head with his hand, doing this with Ri’nela, Teylan and So’lek with polite nods. “<I am grateful you have made the trip, even under these circumstances.>”
“<How is Rasi’s health?” Anufi inquired.
Tsu’lo hesitated, “<She’s not well. An infection has taken root in one of the bite wounds and her temperature has risen but we’ve got her in a cooling bath and that wound opened and fully flushed out but she needs your medicine to overcome this sickness.”
“<I will make headway then.>”
“<Ko’sini can show you to the herbs and medicine area.>” There had been a woman hovering who moved and directed Anufi with her and the two vanished.
“<Who is your tsakarem?>” Tsu’lo asked.
Ri’nela stepped forwards. “<I am. My name is Ri’nela.>”
“<You will work with Anufi with assisting Rasi’s medical aid, You are to learn and there is no better teacher than Anufi to aid Rasi’s care.>”
Tamtey nodded Ri’nela with an encouraging smile. Very fitting and she was glad for someone else to see it. Ri’nela was to be Tsahìk eventually.
“<Can we see her? Rasi, I mean?>” Teylan piped up.
“<For now, Anufi and Ri’nela. It is unwise to overcrowd a vulnerable woman. The three of you can wander and get to know the Ke’awa and see what your life here will be like while you are here.>” Tsu’lo said gesturing out.
“<I will scout about the spires.>” So’lek said.
“<I recommend taking Imon with you.>”
“<Very well.>”
Teylan hurried to Tamtey’s side as there was a mild dismissal and Ri’nela and So’lek moved to their business. Tamtey spared a look about, though encouraged Teylan with her as he looked about nervously.
“It feels a bit unfair to bring us here and not let us see her.” Teylan muttered, put-out.
“He’s not wrong, Teylan. We don’t know this woman. Healers first.” Tamtey said, noting a vast collection of new weapons. Familiar in shape but different materials, they looked… stronger than she was used to. Interesting. “Let’s look about. Maybe have a fly about later once Ri’nela’s done.”
-
Ri’nela shadowed Anufi, quiet as she watched the Tsahìk talk rapidly with Ko’sini and the other Ke’awa healers about their care so far but she found herself starting at the sleeping Sarentu.
Rasi looked to be mid-to-late fifties in age, her blue skin was ghastly pale and drenched in a fever sweat. Her upper body was nearly naked, aside from a modesty strip across her breasts that didn’t hamper the wounds long the woman’s shoulder that was swollen, mostly stitched up. Her lower half was just a basic and short waistcloth. It appeared her usual attire was set into the basket, judging from the purple braid piece peaking out of a basket.
Rasi was laid in a shallow, watertight basket, the length of an average Na’vi woman but she appeared to be naturally short in stature. The basket was filled with water, allowing her to float without needing to move her far and clearly for easy of water change, shallow enough to cover her water but not too deep to cover her entirely. Due to the nature of the wound being actively treated, she was on her side, and her head held up on a woven support out of the water. She had a guard set close by and watching to ensure her head or body did not slip as Anufi and the others tended to her.
“<Ri’nela, crush these two into a mortar until it is fine.>” Anufi instructed, holding out two dry roots. “<This is the base of the antibiotic.>”
Ri’nela nodded, working quickly to do as she was told, trying to soak in what Anufi was also making as well with some sort of plant oil before she finished and handed the root powder over before Anufi mixed the powder in a bit at a time before it became a paste and Ri’nela gently applied it to the stitched wounds when told to.
Teeth marks went deep, and no wonder the infection still took hold, but Anufi was confident in the woman’s wellbeing as the infected cuts were reopened, flushed fully and anti-septic wash over the wounds before the wound was stitched up again. Heated stones, more like a collection of pebbles were wrapped in a type of heat-tolerant hide and were lightly bound to the wounds once her wounds were dressed, bandages and secured, to help increase blood flow to the area.
“<This water is too warm. Keep replacing it with fresh water until her fever breaks then move her to a simple mat.>” Anufi added, testing the water with her hand.
“<Yes, Tsahìk.>”
Ri’nela assisted, gathering water from the ceramic bowls as the basket edge was pushed down and the water poured out into a make-shift half-pipe that lead the water into a crack in the wall. Soon, Rasi was once again in a fresh cool, water bath and she did look better for it by the time Anufi was satisfied.
“<Stay with her for now, keep notes of her temperature every ten minutes.>” Anufi said softly to her.
Only the guard remained as the healers took the surplus or used-up supplies, setting ready on a tray their previous healing tools, the balms, oils and other herbs that Ri’nela did not know much about but she hoped to learn. Had to, she had to learn to take care of Rasi here.
Rasi’s injured, but lower arm was more or less bound to her middle, perhaps to prevent moving that arm or shoulder too much. But it did look probably worse than it was, it was only as bad as it was due to the infection. Once that was cleared, Rasi would be better recovered and at least keeping her still optimised her healing progress.
Ikran bites were… a just a bit out of her current skillset. She knew she could clean, sew and Bandage a Na’vi bite, as those were far more common to occur in fights than straight up-punches. The Na’vi hand wasn’t like a humans where a punch would lie flat, their palms were longer and less space for energy to move. The knuckle of the central finger was much higher so a puncher had a higher chance of snapping a metacarpal in their hand than pulling off a successful punch against another Na’vi. Bites and starches were often the go-to. That didn’t mean Ri’nela couldn’t throw a punch, in TAP, they had taught them ways to punch without breaking a finger, often with an inner hand guard to put on before a ‘fight’ started to support their hands and fingers.
Ikran bites were massive. She knew the scale of their mouth and she had been at the end of a few playful nips from her own Ikran but this… a proper, unrestrained Ikran bite was a little scary to see. Na’vi were smaller and lighter, and Ikran teeth could shift in their mouth so they could optimise the best position to inflict worse damage with just a simple shift of angle. Getting picked up and thrown by an Ikran’s jaw… had to be horrendous.
It was a wonder it wasn’t worse. Teeth imprinted cross the front and the back of Rasi’s shoulder, double the wounds and not an easy place to treat her and keep her comfortable at the same time. Were there any broken bones? Clavicle were easy bones to snap. The Scapular was harder but not impossible to crack.
Ri’nela licked her dry lips, her eye lingering on Rasi’s arm, debating if she could convince the Ke’awa if they could steal and Ultrasound scanner to check. There were sky people about so… it made sense. She didn’t doubt Anufi or any of the healers here but she did also want to see, to be sure nothing inside was broken and missed.
Her eye caught sight of… a line down her arm as she went to sit back. An old scar, Ri’nela was familiar with those. But it looked… very old and clearly self-tended to. It had stitch marks in still, perhaps done too tight as they healed and the lines remained after the stitches were removed. The size was small and something anyone could easily pass off as a simple deep cut but… Ri’nela knew what bullet wounds were, even long-healed.
She had been shot.
Her stomach tightened, sensing when it happened, but she felt resolved to see to Rasi’s care. Rasi needed them, even if she didn’t think she did.
-
Tamtey stared a little in confusion at a small group of kids, late-teens and an older male as they sat with wax tablets with the older male clearly as a teacher, talking in a mixture of English and Na’vi, showing these children human letters.
Who taught these people English?
Looking about, she could see that they were very well experienced in the matter. A shelf of wax tablets were being melted over a fire to smoothen the surfaces, wooden tools, crafted with a purpose to dictate human measuring and even actual human items.
She stepped away from the classroom, moving back wards the heart when she saw another group, with a tablet, debating words, she lingered a little to see how they spoke. Crossword. A human game. Though they were discussing it in Na’vi, the answers were made in English and spelt out. It was fascinating as it was odd. So out of place here. Who taught them this?
Tamtey moved on, thankfully she found So’lek, looking wind-swept and more travel-worn than before but he seemed to be glad to see her and directed his steps with her. Teylan also appeared, having been with Zat getting food, he appeared with a wider food range on a tray and smelt like he had been very involved with the making process. A white soup with some veg floating on top looked the most interesting as they sat down in a clear part of the communal area. Tamtey was quick to take the soup with a grin and So’lek settled on seasoned bake with a quiet huff.
“Did you guys know they have things called Ikran treats?” Teylan said first. “Zat told me all about them.”
Tamtey looked at him in interest, “No, but I can definitely see to getting some of those made for Katir for all that she has done for me.”
“These people are very well skilled in their efforts against the sky people.” So’lek noted, changing the topic. “They are very close to freeing it, even.”
Tamtey’s brow shot up. “So close?”
“They are… efficient and they have learned a lot of the sky people’s way to effectively undermine their presence.” So’lek sounded impressed, “But… they also have sky people technology. One, Mìlay even has a SID, which they used to access the Sky people technology and even downloaded the content of devices to review later.”
Tamtey almost choked on her soup. “They have Resistance technology!” Her voice came out in a choked whisper.
So’lek nodded tightly. “They has a cave of Sky people technology. They take what was left in the attacks, weapons, tools and general supplies from the RDA sites and hides them so the sky people cannot reclaim them. They… even have ways to help destroy the guns. I have been able to convince Imon to let me keep a few of the really good weapons for myself and for you, but none of those weapons are allowed here, at Sheltering falls. They want to minimise sky people technology here.”
They stole from the RDA. The RDA while did find it easy to replace, they preferred reclaiming old goods since it was cheaper. The RDA did have a limit on what they could put out so it wasn’t in vain but at least the clan knew to destroy than to simply hoard.
“They have RDA rations, not as many as I expected but they taking them anyway. I was considering that we take some of these goods back with us, or ask Tsu’lo to allow Anqa to fly up and take some of the supplies back to Base.” So’lek continued. “But that is a later conversation.”
“Where did they even get a SID?” Tamtey asked, her mind still stalling on that. “Alex only made a few.”
“I lose mine to the Upper plains,” Teylan said, chewing on his lip. “I… back when I was talking with Mercer. I didn’t want him to see it or know what it did, even though I liked it. I left it behind before the party.” He head bowed a little.
“We can ask about it later.” So’lek said, “But what have you learned here? Nay news on Rasi?”
“Ri’nela is overseeing her still, but we’ve not got an update just yet.” Teylan said.
“They seem to know English and are playing human games.” Tamtey said quietly. “Crossword. A word game, they have wax tablets to write on and they know enough English to debate it and… they seemed to be versed in enough of sky people culture to correctly guess the context of the word.”
So’lek frowned. “Who taught them English?”
“Our guest.” The answer was in English, spoken by Tsu’lo. His voice made them jump.
Tamtey swivelled around, almost spilling her soup in the process, ears pinning for a second before she huffed quietly.
Tsu’lo seemed amused at them, eyes twinkling a little. “<You forget, we had guests before you who came to us. One, a Dreamwalker, taught our people well in Sky people culture and languages. How to read and write, but also their other forms of communication that they have been using. We hear the sky people’s plans and make counter-measures. We take their information from their devices to see how they try to adapt and change our offence. It is how we are sure on what to attack and how to adapt.”
Tamtey’s ears perked up. A Dreamwalker. Alma? That was the only Dreamwalker on this side of Pandora that… was remotely close to get this far after so long.
“<A Dreamwalker?>” So’lek actually said outload.
“<Yes. Ul’ma, she was injured in a lightning strike so we tended to her injuries. She and her companions stayed and assisted us in our fight against the sky people. Her knowledge has been helpful and fruitful and have tipped the scale in our favour into better understanding of our enemies.>”
“<She told you the truth of your clan?>” So’lek said slowly.
Tsu’lo inclined his head to agreement. “<It was not easy to hear, but I am grateful for that knowledge. That our clan as a whole was not the cause of the Sarentu’s demise. Only Mokasa bares that burden.>”
Tamtey swallowed thickly. Alma. Ul’ma. Alma. That was too close to be a conscience. Alma must have changed her name. So stupid that she didn’t think of that. Of course she could. A new life, a new name. It made so much more sense. Oddly enough, Tamtey wasn’t mad about it as she thought about it. Alma wasn’t planning on seeing anyone of her past again so… why not? But she was making a positive impact here and one the clan valued. It would be an ill move to insult her aid here this early. Her mind flickered back to the Zeswa, Ulma. A passing Kame’tire wanderer. Perhaps the precursor name to the one Alma truly settled on. Disguised well enough that the Zeswa group did not notice her true nature. Given the attitude of one in that group, it wasn’t surprising she had to. Okul did give her Kame’tire clothes, so it made sense she wore them over her avatar clothing. Hiding in plain sight.
Still, Tamtey felt stupid for not investigating the group hard enough. But she had plenty of time more to unpack Alma’s situation later. For now, Rasi was here and alive and needed them. She was certain she could ask about Alma’s whereabouts or their end location was later. She had to priories who was here.
“<Is she well?>” Tamtey opted to ask.
“<As well as she could be. Rasi’s blade did significant damage to her throat but nothing that cannot be fixed. Since we brought Rasi back, Ul’ma and her companions have since left for their own safety and to return home to their clan.>”
It seemed to click into place. Rasi went after Alma. Perhaps even recognising her. She sought out revenge for the death of her people. Thwarted attack by an Ikran and the fact Alma had an Ikran was something she was going to mull on later. But both were still alive despite the attack, which was good. Alma had wanted Rasi to live instead of leaving her to die. Guilt perhaps was why, not to have another Sarentu’s life on her hands. Even if it was technically a self-defence action. No matter. Rasi was alive and healing. That was what mattered.
“<Eat up, Sarentu, before the soup turns cold.>” So’lek pressed, “<We can talk later.>” he added much quieter.
Yes, they needed to talk later. Just the group of them to discuss this whole thing. Of all things she expected, Alma being part of this wasn’t calculated. They should find a private area for that. English was no longer private. No matter
-
Beep, Beep, beep.
“Ugh.” Tabitha’s hand silences the alarm on her mask first before she moved and began to dig out her second mask for the change-over. It had started off mid-flight but Alma had seen her silence it a few times before they were able to land before her breathing was too limited, reaching their break-stop. “<Sorry, I should have changed it earlier.>”
Alma released her leg brace from position and slipped off her Ikran’s harness, slipping Pizza a fish and patted her snout and unharnessed her mount to allow Pizza to flex and relax, waddling to the waters’ edge and began to drink.
They had reached a large stream, and were nearing the coast that would open to the ocean, where stops would be limited. They would have to follow the coast for a few hours today but would cross it tomorrow, if the Meitayo were correct. There were small chain islands they’d have to stop at for the Ikran resting stops.
Stopping this early wasn’t too much of a pain in the ass so none of them cared too much about it, aside from Tabitha.
“It’s okay.” Alma assured.
“It’s not okay!” Tabitha huffed. “I can keep making this mistake. What happens if I forget and we’re at a point where we can’t stop for hours? I can’t route though shit without spilling it out.”
“<Then simple keep your second set on you.>” Nasyì said, “<you will not reliance on it for the rest of your life.>” She unclipped her Ikran’s harness and let her fly off to fish freely without the weight on her back.
Both Alma and Tabitha blinked at the warrior.
“<Are you saying they’re gonna kill me?!>” Tabitha’s eyes turned wide.
Nasyì paused, her eyes widening in response before she seemed to realise how it sounds. “No, not that is not what I meant!”
“What could you possibly mean by that?!” Tabitha hissed.
Mäzan who had been a little preoccupied with starting a fire for some tea, looked up and gave Nasyì an unimpressed look but gave her a meaningful nod.
“I will tell you, once we’re settled but be assured, your life will not be in danger.” Nasyì said
Tabitha shot Alma an uncertain look.
“You wouldn’t be coming with us if they planned to kill you.” Alma said, “but you’ve come to know Nasyì, do you think she’ll hurt you without due cause?”
“…no.”
“Trust in that.” She said, “There’s a lot we still need to learn as we go.”
“Fine.”
Once the Ikrans were unharnessed, and were eating, drinking or lying down, Mäzan successfully got a fire going and water was set to boil. Tea soon shared out as well as some snacks. Alma and Mäzan got their medicine, which helped lessen the throbbing around her neck and it certainly relaxed Mäzan. Tseke seemed to really enjoy their blend of tea, happily talking with Fayfa about other blends that they could try.
Tab did sip at her tea, though kept shooting Nasyì a few looks every so often.
After five minutes, Nasyì straightened up and set her cup down and turned to face not just Tabitha, but Alma too.
“<There is a lot of things that outsiders of our clan do not know.>” Nasyì started with. “<Clan secrets. After the war, our clan and culture was almost lost if it was not for our elders and the kindness of the Tlalim clan who aided our people when they came after the fight. Our people were dependant on the care of the Wind traders and for Eywa’s mercy. Eywa granted us much… and some knowledge that we do not share so freely. We can share this with you now, but you cannot say to others outside of the Meitayo.>” her eyes lingered more to Tseke than to Alma.
“<We do not say this lightly.>” Fayfa said lightly.
“<Our people recovered, grow with the aid of the Tlalim and other wanderers. Eywa granted us healing knowledge. In Na’vi, we are able to restore and regrow the kuru of someone who has had it severed.>”
Alma gasped sharply, the notion of someone cutting it still icked her, enough for her to pull it around and hold but… to regrow? That felt impossible. The shock alone of the amputation should kill a Na’vi.
“<It is a survivable trauma.>” Nasyi said, though it felt like a bitter shake. “<Lower the cut is on the kuru, the higher the chances of survival is. Often the pain will case someone to spasm and pass out. If untreated, they can bleed out from such a wound. The few Windtraders that survive Mangkwan attacks, while they lost their kuru, they were able to come to our people to aid their recovery and restore their kuru. Often, they choose to remain and join the Meitayo clan in full as they recover. A traumatic removal of their kuru can make them weary of staying on their gondolas. Our clan become their beacon of safety and health. The Windtraders keep our secret in turn. It is why our two clans are so close. They aided us in a time of great need and we can aid them in turn.>”
Tseke looked pained at the mention of Mangkwan, also holding their kuru. The amputation probably sounded so brutal and unfamiliar.
Nasyì inhaled deeply, “<In humans, we found that the same techniques can… allow humans to breath Pandoran air, to eat out food and… to grow a kuru like us.>”
Tabitha’s jaw actually dropped, even Alma felt her tail still in surprise. There was silence for a few seconds before Tabitha let out a h=winded breath. “<You mentioned a human in the clan…. That’s how you know, isn’t it”
“<Yes. He was… willing to endure it. The mask he wore was breaking. Our Tsahìk knew she had to try something. He underwent the ritual and came out breathing. His kuru took time to grow in, which was the expected part of the procedure. She was glad that Eywa was able to accept his biology. She studied him well in the time after to ensure his health and that she understood what had occurred. If you are to survive with us, Tabitha. You are to undergo this procedure.>”
Alma reached down, touching Tab’s shoulder as the woman let out a steady breath. “That’s a lot to take in.”
“Yes, but you’ll get to live outside of a mask, sniff your own farts and feel the air against your face.”
Tabitha snorted softly at her phrasing. “<Will she talk me through what to expect. I can’t go in blind.>”
“<You can speak to the human when we get there. He can talk you through it and he can be your guide in our clan>.” Nasyì said. “<it will not happen straight away either. You must show the clan you’re willing to work among them. That you could join them as one of the people. They will not share it to a human just passing by, where the origin of this gift will be in question and they certainly do not want this knowledge running into sky people hands.>”
Alma nodded softly. That was honestly very reasonable. It was a significant gift to give someone. They were offering Tabitha a chance to live among the people. A gift to live among the people. They couldn’t just take it and bolt. That was no doubt offensive, to use a clan for that gift… it had to be tightly guarded to not only protect the gifted people, but also the clan. The Windtraders were reliant on the Meitayo for restoring their mutilated people. If this got our or spread to the wrong people, then the Meitayo were in danger of being raided, attacked or worse, wiped out. There was a cost but it was worth the silence.
If the RDA found out, they’d no doubt do that they could to find that knowledge. The gift of breath meant the RDA had means to expand with less risks. No. this had to be a secret and remain such. Alma could see that her cousin found a place to be happy without needing to leave.
“<Thank you for telling us.>” Alma said gratefully, pulling Tab into her side for a hug, gently sipping her tea.
Masterlist
