www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HMfmF…
Morpho asked a nervous and slightly dazed Hope. Today was the day. Hope had been preparing for this day almost all her life.
"Nope nope nope nope nope. I can't do it. I can't DO IT."
He grabbed her shoulders and shook her.
"Yes you can! This is your only chance to finally get the answers you want. We've rehearsed this many times. You. Can. Do. It"
"I-I'm not so sure. What if-"
"Do you want this? Yes or no?"
"Good. Now go give the chief a peace of your mind!"
With a slight tremble in her step, Hope walked into the centre and stood looking up at Image. The rest of the tribe members sat in a circle, awaiting her announcement. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to block out the stares. She could hear Darcy's laughter from behind followed by a swift kick to the leg by Morpho. She took in deep breaths in and out. 'Come on Hope. You're ready. YOU. ARE. READY', she thought to herself.
"Image; chief of the Reperyton Tribe. I am eternally grateful for the kindness you have given to us. You allowed my mother and I into your tribe in our most desperate hour of need. Because of you, I am alive today. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."
Image nodded in acknowledgement. Seeing him nod eased her anxiety a little.
"Today, I have come with a request. I-I I'm proposing an expedition back to the Ancestral Land"
The members were in shock upon hearing this and began whispering to each other. Lorcan was the first one to speak.
"This is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard! That place is long dead and should be left alone.
"Shut up ya jackass and let her finish!"
"Sugar, I forbid you from going. That's absolutely insane! It is too dangerous. We almost died!"
Image sat motionless while the members around him bickered. Hope quivered at the sound of conflict, regretting every single second. She looked over at Morpho in defeat. He mouthed the words 'keep going'. She turned back to look at Image.
"I want to know what happened because no one else seems to know. I-I need to know..."
Her tone shook with vulnerability as she stood there. The crowd fell silent. Pavo stood up and walked over to Hope's side, giving her a quick look of sympathy.
His social anxiety seemed to leave him that moment.
"Me too. T-that is if you would like me to?"
Hope nodded with relief while foot steps came from behind her. It was Morpho dragging Darcy along.
"Oh thank goodness, I do need a vacation! After all, I need to work on my tan"
Darcy said nothing and stood with a grumpy expression on her face.
Hope's heart soared knowing that her friends volunteered to go with her on the perilous journey. She held her breath when she noticed Image standing up from his ledge.
"I would like to say something.."
