Pairing: none yet, but I am starting to feel a flicker of imagination towards one particular Na’vi; just friendship, a lot of friendship for now
Summary: A past filled with fire and death. An unspoken vow of revenge. And friendships forged along the way.
Warning: mentions of blood and some violence; mainly from stupidity and an oversized bird
Syulì’ang - Flutterflower
Tsahìk - Spiritual Leader/Healer
Ikran - aerial predator Na’vi have learned to form a bond with
Ma ‘eylanay - Acquaintance
Tsaheylu - Neural bond or connection
A/N: This is an oc fic. Ok yall, we are officially starting to break away from canon (not that it was super close before ig). shit writing. sorry. This was going to be like 10k so I forced myself to stop. lmk if yall would read chapters that long, otherwise I’ll keep them under 6k
It was almost hard, being back in a forest that was so much like home, yet not. The smell of rain dampened soil was both a comfort and a stab in the heart. I could almost pretend I was home. Hear the laughter of the children running through the trees. See the hunting party work its way through the great roots. See friends, waving me over from a distance.
The smell brought me out of my fantasy. This place was so much like home, but the smell was not. Parts of home were missing in the way the ground smelt after rain. In the way the leaves rustled in the wind. The absence of familiar flowers and herbs. Floating mountains that I didn’t know.
An ache throbs in my chest, as I look out over the valley. I swallow the lump forming in my throat, a reminder of what I chose to leave behind. I couldn’t afford to be wrapped in my grief. There were things to be done.
I can feel my hand tighten on the strap of my filled satchel resting on my right shoulder. The strap of the rifle digs into my left. I need to find a place to camp, sooner rather than later. The sun was already peaking towards the west, indicating I only had a few hours before eclipse. It would be better to stash the metal before trying to waltz into the Aranahe’s Hometree. I doubt the Olo’eyktan would be forgiving to a metal wielding stranger asking to tame one of their ikran.
My eyes sweep once again through dense trees, the boundless range looming overhead, as I try to focus. I need a place to rest. A place that wouldn’t be bothered much. Preferably not too close to Hometree either. My bottom lip is pulled between my teeth.
I didn’t know this forest. If I wasn’t fortunate, I would have to take refuge at one of the camps I would inevitably pass by later in the day. My ears pick up the calming sounds of a nearby stream, voices of gatherers in the distance. With a heavy heart, I resigned to the feeling that this place really did remind me of home.
Even with the help of gatherers met as I continued on, it still took much longer than I would have wished to make my way further into the valley. A few groups had offered for me to join them on their way back home. I just shook my head every time, claiming I had another matter to attend to first. I did not want to end up staying in their Hometree.
Thankfully, they did not press on the matter, just offering directions to camps further into the valley. The last group I ran into pointed me in the direction of a camp further down the river, near the base of some smaller waterfalls. I just smiled, thanking them, and continued onward with the hope to make it there by eclipse.
It was a peaceful walk to the Healing Sanctuary. The yipping of nantang in the distance, the quiet wings of syulì’ang weaving through the air brings a smile to my face. Yerik and Talioang resting at the rivers bank, just to skitter into the tree line as I came into sight.
It really was so much like the home I left behind. All the more reason to quickly convince the Olo’eyktan to let me climb their rookery so that I could be on my way. I feared the longer I stayed in this forest, the more I would wish not to leave.
The crashing of the waterfalls sat behind me now, as I made my way across the riverbank. I could hear the soft sound of flutes carried across the wind. I was close and with there being just a bit more of the day left, I figured I would have my rest at the camp. As I push through the foliage, a tree catches my eye. It was lifted by tall roots at the base with mushrooms large and sturdy enough to step on climbing up and around the trunk.
Halfway up the tree there appeared to be a gap in the wood. Curiosity got the better of me, as I worked my way up the roots and various mushroom tops. It wasn’t just a gap, it was a hole, with a part of the tree hollowed out. Big enough to take refuge in, I realize with growing delight. It was high up enough that I wouldn’t have to worry about predators following me. It would be a slightly tight fit through the opening, but I would have my own space and not have to worry about prying eyes and curious glances every time I turned over.
Relief washes over me as I clamber into the space I would call home for a short while. It wasn’t an overly large space, just enough that I would be able to sleep without being cramped and store what I would not need during my trips out. Still, it was comforting to know that this would be mine. Another place of solitude. I can hear the parting words Aelali shared with me before I left ringing in my mind. “Please try to find a tree or something to make camp in this time, yes? I would hate for you to be an eternal cave dweller when you have the rainforest in your blood.”
A small laugh leaves my lips, as I set down my satchel and rifle. “If only you could see this, my friend.” I take a closer look at the walls, noticing small notches and natural shelving along them. I could actually hang a hammock in here if I wished. Finally be free of sleeping on hard surfaces. “Alright, let’s get to work, before the light leaves.”
It was well past sundown by the time I decided to head to bed. As I laid down on my sleeping mat, bunched work of a hammock set down beside it, a thought crossed my mind. When all of this was over, what then? I hadn’t really given it much thought. Been so focused on a path of revenge, that I hadn’t even considered a future where I wasn’t hunting down RDA scum.
My eyes flit over to look through the opening in the trunk, moonlight and bioluminescence greeting my gaze. What would I do? Go back home and join the resistance there? Allow myself to be surrounded by home and family again. Watch the RDA continue to destroy the forest and issue payback on them?
I could stay here, far away from home, yet fighting the same battle. Or simply leave. Go to another forest, another area of Pandora, and hide until it was all over. I roll onto my side, listening to the sound of flutes and wildlife disrupt the quiet of the night. I had already made connections to this land, these people in the western frontier. Would I even want to leave them, if given the choice? I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to drown out the questions with the sounds of the night.
Sleep was not easy. Neither was waking the next morning. The sun had already risen above the treetops by the time I peeled my eyes open. The thoughts from last night still plaguing the back of my mind. I rub my hands down my face, willing the sleep to leave with every pass. Today was the day. If the Olo’eyktan allowed it, that was.
What did Anufi say his name was again? Kat’nat, I think? Maybe I would keep my mouth shut when I requested a meeting with him. Better that than saying the wrong name and risk offending him before I can be granted a favor. Shifting onto my knees, I dig through my satchel, pulling out a handful of nuts and dried meat for breakfast. That would have to do until I went foraging and hunting again.
As I chew, I start to prepare myself for the day ahead:
Knife strapped to my belt.
Tying rope for the ikran’s mouth, should my request be granted.
Rifle and pistol shoved under the sleeping mat. Last thing I needed was anyone seeing those.
I pause as I reach for my bow. Realistically, I did not need it. The less weapons on me when arriving at Hometree the better. I sigh in resignation and leave it where it rested.
The last thing I reach for is the small pouch I tie onto my belt, filled with a small portion of nuts for later in the day.
That was it. I was as ready as I’d ever be. I climb out onto the branch in front of my temporary home, stretching with the morning sun. I could hear the quiet chatter coming from the nearby camp. I would have to pass them on my way to Hometree, so might as well just get it over with.
Picking my way through the foliage, the camp comes into clearer view, bustling with life. I nod in greeting to any that I pass while trying not to be pulled into any conversation. Luck was not on my side it seems this morning.
“You there, stranger, come here please. I need an extra set of hands.” A voice calls out from the platform, stopping me in my tracks. Great. I glance briefly to the cloudless sky. Great Mother, please do not test my patience today. I turn, greeted by a young healer staring at me expectedly.
“I am no healer.” I state as I work my way onto the platform, “I do not know that I would be of any help to you.”
The healer just flicks his eyes up and down quickly, nodding to himself. “I do not need your healing practices. This boy,” He gestures to a boy laid down, grasping at his bandaged and slightly bloodied torso, “Is an idiot. Did not listen to those who tried to warn him of the dangers of hunting in palulukan territory alone.”
“I do not need help, brother, I am fine. Go back to your herb collecting. I will make my way to Hometree on my own.” The young hunter rasps.
“Khalo, you can barely sit up straight on your own. There is no way I am allowing my little brother to traverse the way home alone.” The healer turns back to me. “I am sorry to ask this of a stranger, but I can not move him alone and as you can see, the others are too busy to lend a hand.”
“So you want help carrying him back to Hometree?” My eyes flitting between the brothers.
“If you are not busy?” An edge of hopeful desperation laces his words. “I would reward you generously with the meat from this skxawng’s hunt.”
“Hey, I hunted that fair and square, Rewon! You can not just give it away to the first person who stops to listen to you whine about me.” Khalo wheezes from the effort of chiding his older brother.
“I can if it almost got you killed. Besides, there is plenty of meat from that hunt.” Rewon half turns to his brother. “You can spare some to a stranger that would help.”
I watch bemusedly as the brothers continue to bicker back and forth with one another. “I will help you.” My voice stops them both in their tracks as they turn to me. “But I do not need a reward. I was already heading to Hometree, it would be no extra hassle.”
A flicker of relief washes over Rewon’s face. “Thank you, stranger. I need to get him to Kayì as soon as possible.” He lifts a satchel full of his brother's hunt over his shoulders before settling on Khalo’s injured side. “I will get this side, so blood does not get on you.”
I nod as I move to the other side, lifting Khalo’s arm over my shoulder. Looking between the brothers, “Ready?” They nod, Khalo gritting his teeth in anticipation of moving. With a grunt, we lift together, Khalo hissing between his teeth.
“There you are little brother, we will get you to Kayì soon.”
Khalo turns his head to his brother with a small smile. “As long as mother does not see.”
It was a slow walk to Hometree, the sun almost reaching midday. Khalo grumbled most of the way. Complaints mainly to his older brother when his injured side bumped against him. On the way, Rewon demanded my name, insisting he could not continue calling me stranger when I have ‘helped him greatly’. I answered him, with a small huff of laughter.
Just before the sun reached its peak, the shadow of Hometree welcomed us, sheltering from the sun's heat. We continued this shuffling limp in through the back entrance, towards the healers den. Khalo had stiffened greatly once his home was in sight, eyes darting around clearly in search of their mother, only relaxing once we had made it safely into the den. It was quiet inside, the smell of herbs and balms overtaking my nose.
“And what do we have here?” A deep voice spoke to my right, an older healer making his way to us. “Rewon?” His eyes flick down to the person supported between us. “Khalo? What is the meaning of this?”
“Kayì, my idiot of a brother went and got himself hurt today during a solo hunt. I have bandaged him as well as I could but I think he will need stitches.” Rewon speaks with barely concealed anger and worry.
Kayì sighs, motioning us to set him down. “You and I will have words, Khalo, as soon as I am finished.” Khalo winces as we move him down onto one of the open mats, nodding in surrender. “Go on, Rewon, I will handle this.” His eyes flit down to the blood slightly dried on his side. “And wash that off, before your mother sees and storms in here demanding answers.”
Rewon laughs, nodding, “Yes, Kayì. We would not want that.” He turns to me, motioning to the entrance of the den. “Walk with me? Before you continue with your day.”
Glancing briefly back at Khalo and Kayì, I nod, following Rewon out. The sounds of Hometree bustling with life become louder, the further away we go. He leads us to the back entrance, stopping in the doorway.
“I want to thank you again, Zat’teya, you did not have to stop or help. But you did.” He motions blindly behind him. “My brother and I are indebted to you.”
I shake my head. “Please, no. I was serious earlier when I said it was not an issue and I meant it. If anything, guiding me to Hometree is thanks enough. I would have surely gotten lost a few times if I had gone alone.”
Rewon looks down, smiling. “I cannot leave it at that. Here, meat from Khalo’s hunt, like I promised. You can think of it as his thanks.” He reaches into the satchel still strung across his shoulders, pulling out wrapped chunks of his brother's hunt. “He is stubborn and hard headed. But even he would agree that you deserve at least this as thanks.”
I sigh as I take the wrapped spoils from his hands. “Thank you, I will use them well.”
A fast laugh leaves him, “I would hope so. Otherwise he might track you down and nag your ear off about the waste of the hunt that nearly killed him.” He cocks his head before continuing in an awful imitation of his brother. ‘I nearly died hunting down that palulukan so do not waste the meat experimenting.’”
That cracks a laugh out of me, shaking my head at his show of foolishness. “Well, we would not want that, now would we?”
Rewon smiles at my jest. “No, we would not.” He shifts out of the way as someone makes their way in through the entrance. “I should go wash this off before I am seen. I hope to see you again, friend.”
“I am sure you will.” Sending a small wave with him as he makes his way outside. I look down at the wrappings in my hand. Should have brought my satchel after all.
Shifting them in my arms, I work my way back into Hometree. I try to ignore the many eyes on me as I enter the hearth, focusing on figuring out where the Olo’eyktan was.
“Relun look, another hungry passerby who heard of the wonders you can make of food.” A loud husky voice cuts through the room. I turn to see an older woman, white paint smeared across her eyes, donning a yellow cloak.
“Not another one. Nefika, why do you send these miscreants to bother me so?” A male standing near the cooking station sends a small glare to the woman, before turning to look me up and down.
“Ah, I did not send this one this time. She has found her own way. Probably lured in by the smells of your cooking.” The woman grins back at him. She turns her attention to me and the bundles I am holding.
“Oh, I- I am not here for-.” She cuts me off as she grabs onto my shoulders, guiding me over to Relun.
“Here, child, come closer. He may look prickly but he will not bite. I promise you.” She chuckles at her own joke.
“Nefika leave the poor girl alone. Neither she nor I need your foolery right now.”
I stand there, almost helplessly as they continue to banter back and forth, completely ignoring me. Nefika’s hands still strongly grasping my shoulders.
“She is obviously a lost soul here to learn from you, my friend. Look, she even has prepared meat to bring into your skilled hands.”
“I do not need to guide a lost soul into preparing food that even a child could figure out. Go on now, I am busy.”
Nefika tuts and shakes her head. “Just cause she could figure it out does not mean you leave her to her ways. You must guide her, show her that the Aranahe way of cooking is just as good, if not better than the Omatikaya.”
I stiffen, turning to look at her. “How did you-?”
She glances down at me. “Ah ah, I am a weaver not a zakru with my face buried in the ground. I recognize the style of clothes you wear.”
Relun huffs very clearly done with the conversation. “Fine, you win.” He turns to me. “What did you bring?”
I tear my eyes away from Nefika, turning to Relun who’s looking at me already. Waiting.
“Meat, from a hunt Khalo did this morning, but-.”
“She did not even prepare it herself, Nefika. How am I supposed to teach if there is not equal effort being put in.”
“She will learn the importance of preparing from beginning to stomach then,” Nefika starts pushing me towards Relun. “We must guide this lost soul. So far away from home that she has forgotten ways.”
That snaps me out of the little stupor I was trapped in. “Hold on.” Wiggling out of Nefika’s surprisingly strong hands. “I did not come here to cook. And this,” Motioning down at the meat in my arms, “Was a gift. From Khalo and his brother, Rewon.”
A pause passes between all of us before Relun turns to Nefika. “The child did not want to learn, you are just pushy.”
Nefika closes her eyes as she laughs fully. “Well something must be done about that meat. Surely you don’t intend on carrying it around here and there.”
I can feel my ears twitch down a bit in embarrassment as I quietly speak, “I planned on drying it.”
“Well, that is one way of doing things.”
“One way of ruining perfectly good meat.” Relun has a permanent frown as he looks over at me. “Come here, I will show you some ways to survive, seems you need it.”
I glance around the room a bit, looking for an escape. “I really must speak with the Olo’eyktan.”
Nefika perks up at that. “Child, why did you not say so earlier?” She snatches the wrapped meat from my arms, pushing them to Relun. “Fix the child some food while I take her to Ka’nat would you? Poor thing is probably starving and you know how he likes to talk with newcomers.”
So I did have his name wrong. Good thing I kept quiet.
Relun just grunts as he takes the meat. “Like I said, pushy.” He looks at me as Nefika, once again, grabs my shoulders to maneuver me away. “Just this once, understand? I am too busy to constantly cook food for others on command.”
I nod my head helplessly as I am guided out of the hearth and through their Hometree. As we walk I glance around, unconsciously comparing to my old home. There were many similarities and just as many differences. It all made my head and heart hurt a bit.
Nefika continues leading me, finally letting me walk on my own, up into the upper levels. She’s quite the chatterbox, talking nonstop as she guides me up past the ikran landing, into a chamber filled with kinglor.
There are two Na’vi standing inside, having a quiet conversation. My eyes flick from the man, very obviously shroud in traditional Olo’eyktan attire, to the woman, who shares a striking resemblance.
Nefika calls out to them, “Ka’nat, Etuwa, you have a visitor seeking an audience.” This makes the both of them pause, turning to the both of us. “Come child, meet the Olo’eyktan and Tsahìk of the Aranahe.”
Pushing down any reservations I had, I step forward lifting my hand to my forehead extending a greeting to them both. They return it in kind.
“Oel ngati kameie, Olo’eyktan, Tsahìk of the Aranahe.”
Their Tsahìk steps forward first. “I am Etuwa, Tsahìk of the Aranahe. Welcome to Hometree, traveler. This is my father, Ka’nat, Olo’eyktan of the Aranahe.” Etuwa does a quick once over of me, clearly thinking. “You are not from a neighboring clan, are you?” She sends a quick glance to Nefika and then back at her father before continuing. “You must have had a long journey, come, we will let you settle first before hearing your-.”
“Etuwa,” The Olo’eyktan steps forward, “They have come seeking an audience. We will hear their part first, before settling down into comfort.”
A quick glance between them tells me all I need to know. There is respect shared, yes, but a difference in the idea of how things should be handled. I straighten slightly, making sure I do not seem small. “Olo’eyktan, Tsahìk, I have come to ask permission to climb your rookery and claim an ikran.”
A look of shock shows in the three faces around me, not expecting that request.
Ka’nat steps forward. “You are Omatikaya, yes? They have ikran in their forests, why do you come here seeking one of ours?”
“I have not been home in many years. Eywa showed me a path long ago, one that did not show a way to stay close to home. As I have come to these lands, traveling has become harder. To tame an ikran would lighten that burden, making it so that I can move on faster.”
He raises one hand to his chin, contemplating. “What path have you been set on?”
I hesitate, “A path of understanding.” A breath, “And revenge, on the sky people that took my family and friends from me.”
His eyes darken with a look of understanding. “We know all too well, the cost the sky people’s greed can cause.” He looks over to his daughter, sharing a quiet thought. “I will allow you to climb the rookery and claim an ikran. You will be provided a guide, to ensure passage.”
I nod, grateful for his blessing. “Thank you, Olo’eyktan, I will not forget your generosity.”
Etuwa steps forward, grasping my hands. “I will have Itu meet you at the rookery tomorrow morning. He is currently guiding one of our young hunters and will not be back before dark. He knows those mountains like the back of his hand, you will be guided well under his watchful eye.”
I smile, thanking her and the Olo’eyktan once again, before turning to make my way out of Hometree. Back to the sanctuary of my nook.
“Do not forget the meal Relun is making for you child! He will be even more grumpy if you forget about him and his hard work, haha.”
“Yes, Nefika, I would not forget.”
Etuwa’s eyes widened a bit, remembering a question she had wanted to ask. “Wait, what is your name? So that I may tell Itu who he will be waiting for.”
She smiles, “Then he will meet you at the base of the rookery tomorrow morning, Zat’teya. Just past River’s Run at River’s Embrace.”
I say one last thank you, before starting my way downstairs into Relun’s wrath.
Frustration bubbled as I shifted the meals Relun shoved in my arms before leaving Hometree. He was kind enough to leave a portion for me to dry, even if he grumbled about it under his breath. The walk back to Healing Sanctuary was filled with a mixture of frustration and gratitude.
On one hand, I had been granted the permission I sought to aid in my path. On the other, I was forced to wait another day, placing me in this forest longer. And having to wait on a guide to lead me up. I can understand why they would insist on someone showing the way, but it’s a mountain, I would have found my way regardless.
A sigh leaves my nose, as I try to refocus my thoughts in a positive light. If things go well tomorrow, I will have a new bonded. A new life tethered to my own. The thought sends a small pang through my heart before I push it down. There was nothing to be done if my first bonded was gone. No matter what I wished.
Sleep came easier this time, allowing me to rise before the sun. My joints quietly popping as I stretch and climb out of the hammock I had finished the night before. I missed that, no achy joints from sleeping on them the night before, just general stiffness from sleep.
Reaching over, I grab my knife, the tying rope, and pouch from the day before, tying them onto my belt before squeezing myself onto the branch outside. The sun had not yet risen over the horizon, though a small accent of color was starting to paint the sky. I reach back inside, grabbing one of the parcels Relun had sent with me the day before. It was better to have a proper breakfast before trying to wrestle an ikran.
As I chew, through the admittedly better food than I’ve made in a long time, I start to think about today. A new day, full of possibilities waiting for me to meet them. A brief thought flits across my mind. I hope I am chosen. It’s not uncommon to not be chosen the first time you climb a rookery. It brings a small sinking feeling to my stomach, I can’t afford to not be chosen.
Swallowing, I jump down and make my way to the river to wash up and get a drink. The sun had continued to rise, painting the sky in soft warm colors. I should start making my way to River’s Run. I had asked one of the healers yesterday while passing the camp. The easiest way was to follow the river, across the roots going past the waterfall, and continuing up the roots to the camp. A quick check, making sure I had everything, before I started out. No turning back now.
The sun had risen past the tree line long before I made it to the base of the rookery. The people at River’s Run had been kind in pointing me in the correct direction. Now, as I pass through the log marking the entrance, my pulse jumps in anticipation. Glancing around, I found no one else here. Etuwa was very clear yesterday. Had plans changed? Where was-?
“There you are! For a forest girl, you are slow to move through the trees.” A voice booms further in. “Hurry up, ikran are not known for their patience.”
A young man stood by a curtain of vines, posture full of confidence and a nonchalant smile.
My chin raises slightly, “You must be Itu.”
His smile deepens. “I am, you must be the Omatikaya girl Etuwa and Nefika talked about. What, did they run out of ikran in your forest?”
I ignore that comment, moving up to the curtain. “This is the way in?”
“It is.” He pulls back the curtain motioning me in. “I assume you know how to climb. Go on, I will catch up with you.”
I fight an eye roll, some guide. “You sure you can keep up?”
“I know these mountains, I grew up climbing them.” His eyes fill with a small teasing glint. “I assure you, forest girl, it is not me who will be keeping up.” With that, he lets go of the curtain, closing me in the darkened tunnel.
It did not take long to see he was not bluffing. Many times throughout the climb, I would spot him ahead, looking as if he was bored.
“I thought you would give me more of a challenge.” His voice carries over the wind. “Tell me, what need does someone so far away from home have to climb another clan's rookery? You did not tell me.”
A short grunt leaves me, already tired of his antics. “No, I did not.”
“It is a long climb, there is time.” He pauses, looking down towards me. “At least tell me this, is this your first time making the bond.”
I slow my steps over the natural bridge connecting further up into the rookery. “It is not.”
I am thankful that he does not continue.
Higher and higher we climb and Itu is always five steps ahead.
“Is your first bond gone?” His voice startles me as I make it to the top of yet another cliff.
“I do not know.” His brow furrows in confusion. “I was,” I pause slightly, “‘sick’ for a number of years. By the time I was better, enough to ride and see him again, he was gone.” We keep climbing, side by side, “I looked for a long time. I was not able to find him again.”
He nods. “My own bonded, Zomey, passed some months ago now. I know this pain very well still. I am sorry for your loss, ma ‘eylanay.” He motions further up, “Come, we are almost there.”
He stays near as we continue on. The sounds of wings beating against the wind current and screeches of wild ikran fill the air around us. Light blinds me, as we come to the top of the rookery. Ikran soaring by, wild, free.
Itu turns to me, “You have made the bond before, it is not a shameful thing to seek another one.” His hand reaches out, resting on my shoulder. “Choose well. May a kindred spirit find you today.”
With that, I step out into the open. Reaching back and unhooking the tie rope from my belt, I continue in. Passing ikran after ikran, not feeling that tug of connection. A few turn to hiss at me, but fly away as soon as I hiss back.
An ikran resting on top of a large collection of roots catches my eye, just as I catch hers. Pale as morning water with her lower face, neck, and belly taken in by soft golden rays of sun. Ridges of bright lightning, white sand, and deep blue rivers cover her wings. She stares down at me, evaluating.
I continue forward, staring back. She suddenly lurches up and slams her front talons down, hissing and snapping. My ears pin back, tail thrashes back and forth, as my lips curl and I hiss right back.
She does not back down, standing her ground atop the large roots. Great, one more advantage for the murderous bird. I continue forward, our eyes locked. Suddenly, she shoots down from her perch, teeth and talons first.
I barely manage to roll to the side, one of her talons catching the back of my right leg. A hiss falls through my teeth as I shift to my feet, rope readied in hand. She’s fast, giving no room for second guesses. Snapping her teeth and swinging her tail to throw me off balance.
On the next lunge of her teeth, I manage to duck under, rolling to the opposite side. The rope in my hands swings in the air, wrapping around her jaws. She shakes her head, furious. While she’s distracted with her mouth I swing a leg over her neck, locking myself in place. She continues to thrash about, trying to throw me off before I can grab her queue.
A sharp pain hits my shoulder and ribs as she throws herself into the roots she was previously perched on. Trying desperately to peel me off of her. I tighten my grip around her, grasping for her queue. She throws her head back slamming into mine. I nearly lose my grip around her neck. I can feel a blooming heat spread across my upper body, my head slightly throbbing, and legs burning with the effort of staying clamped onto her.
If I let go now, there was no doubt in my mind she would throw me down the mountain. With a grunt, I pull myself further onto her neck, feeling her fury without the bond. She makes another move to shove me back into the roots, just as I grab ahold of her queue, forming tsaheylu.
I can feel her thrash against the bond for another moment before settling into it. We were one. She sees me as deeply as I see her, our breaths and hearts syncing. We settle into one another as I slide off of her back, reaching for the rope.
“Sorry girl, couldn’t have you taking chunks out of me just yet.” I mutter quietly to her, as she stretches her jaw.
I could feel her ferocity, her wildness still flowing strongly through her. I smiled.
I didn’t even hear Itu come up behind us. “A new bond. It is a cherished thing, touching the mind of another, flying on thought alone. Your hearts beating together, as one.” He comes up beside me, close. “You must secure the bond, with a final act of trust.”
I look at him confused. “I know. We must fl-AAHHHHH.”
A quick shove from Itu sends me tumbling down over the side of the rookery cliffs, breaking the bond I had just made.
“Call for her! Call for your ikran! Fly high as one.” He calls out above me, getting smaller and smaller.
Before I get consumed with rage, and the ever rushing closer ground, a sharp call flies from my throat. Begging her to come.
A ringing cry answers back, as I see her dive fast, wings tight, toward me. With a resounding sound, I feel her swoop under, catching me.
❁ I do not give consent to feed my work into ai. I do not give consent to copy, repost (stealing my work), translate, or publish any of my works in any way. ❁
