ste yuj

Vada. 23. Heda kom Sankru.

[vada-sankru]

make my amends

[gadagona-deactivated20160510]

Unlike their first meeting, Inia chose to greet Vada from her throne for the second. It stood to reason that she might be there, given the stream of visitors pouring out before the guard allowed her in. Reclining against the gnarled back of her seat, Inia regarded her fellow Heda with neutrality. There were telltale signs she was on the mend, most prominent of which was her lack of staff. Inia wondered if the dagger pressed into the arm of the throne from the weight of her hand on the pommel would stand out as a threatening gesture. Time would tell. Between them, it didn’t usually take long. Breathing slowly and absorbing, rather than interrupting, the Trigeda leader looked almost lazy given her slightly slouched position. If one thing was for certain, it was that neither of them were nearly as provocatively placed as the other day. 

Apology asked for, permission sought, and intentions stated, Inia allowed a lapse between Vada finishing and her own start.

“My scouts rode to meet me on the road on our way back from Polis. When I arrived in Tondisi, I discovered part of my village was burning. Some of my people were missing. Some of them were also dead. A dozen burned on pyres that night. Good warriors. Innocent people. Between the attacks from the Reapers and the incursions from the north, I have been forced to tally an ever-growing number of dead for reasons none other than greed and random violence. I misplaced some of that anger and frustration the other day. We are both at fault for what transpired.” Inia’s unoccupied hand swept through the air in a gesture resembling the clearing of it. 

“I appreciate that you have put your trust in my warriors. Despite what lingering tensions exist from the war, the Trigeda have no desire to return to that state. The vocal are but a minority. The rest put their confidence in my decisions and the strength of our truce. When you first came to me, I was stuck focusing on things from the perspective of battle. I hope you can understand why I was tense. Three large forces, even though one was an ally, close to Tondisi made me more wary than was necessary. I have made what preparations I need for Zula. If there are other things you wish to discuss, speak freely. We will not be disturbed.”

[vada-sankru]

Vada was unsurprised to see Inia on her throne as she was not the only one calling on her, but she could not help but twitch slightly at the sight of a dagger in her fellow Heda’s hand. It wasn’t until after Inia spoke that Vada was finally certain that Inia had no intention of using it on her and relaxed somewhat, releasing her clasped hands to hang at her sides. She took a few steps closer so they would definitely not be overheard before expressing solemnly, “I was not aware of the attack on your people until well after I arrived. I am grieved for your losses and have even more reason to be vengeful. I have received word that the Reapers did not reach my sands, but that may simply be because they caught us before we ever made it that far. If there is anything I, or my remaining clansmen, can do in helping with the rebuilding of your village, never hesitate to call on me. We were both fresh off the battlefield and I would be content to leave our anger behind us, if you agree.”

Vada moved towards Inia’s war planning table and gripped the edge of it to steady herself slightly before beginning her explanation, which she hoped she truly did not need to give, but thought she owed Inia regardless. “I do not wish for you to ever think that lingering tensions from the war exist between the two of us, or that you have any need to fear for Kira among my people. What happened to the older Trikru healer during the final battle was utterly and truly deplorable and it often haunts me. In the spirit of our truce, I wish for you to know the truth surrounding that death. I killed one of my own warriors that day after he dare try to raise a sword to Kira on the battlefield. It was that very action that caused my own wounds and gave Centra distraction, leading to her death as well.” Pausing for a moment to adjust the features of her face that were dangerously close to betraying too much emotion, she finished, “I know Kira’s value, having spent my entire life in a land with no healers and at war with anyone who could help us. Her protection is of the utmost priority and I will always make it so.”

Vada went almost quiet, her next words barely audible but still offered if Inia intended to hear them. “I find myself understanding certain... priorities... over others as of late. She will never come to harm as I am still Heda, as I am certain Mida will receive the same treatment.” She offered Inia two vulnerabilities in a row, her two greatest secrets, but she needed her to understand the importance she felt regarding their truce and that they understood each other perhaps better than they had previously thought.

[mida-komsankru]

Her name fell from Vada’s lips, and that was all she needed to hear right now. Nothing else mattered; the woman could hear her and see her, the rest would heal with time. Mida released a breath she wasn’t even aware she was holding, mimicking the slight smile being projected back to her. “I don’t recall you ever being worse than this, my love. You were stabbed, deeply, I might add. For a second there I thought…” She couldn’t bring herself to say it, instead allowing the unspoken words to fill the space between them for a moment before continuing. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”

A soft chuckle soon followed as the Heda continued, shaking her head faintly at what was said. “Define what you mean by not allowing you to cloud my judgement, because i fear things would have ended very differently with those Skaikru had you not intervened.” She replied, not feeling remorse over her actions per say, but knowing she would have had a better grasp on them were it under different circumstances. Settling in beside Vada, the bed dipping slightly as she did so, she resisted the faint urge to lie rather than sit. It was difficult to tell the extent of her bruising in the dim light, but she knew it was there. Mida wanted nothing more than to simply rest in the bed with her and shut out the world for a little while, but she didn’t want to disturb any of the stitching, and anyone could walk in at any given moment requesting her presence.    

There was so many questions the Baka wanted to ask, and she would, but she just wanted one brief moment where they didn’t have to think of reapers and what it would mean for their people. Keeping their finger’s laced together, she rested her hand near Vada’s head as she leaned down to kiss her. It was fleeting kiss, a quick press of lips before she had pulled away again to rest her forehead against Vada’s as she closed her eyes. ”What even happened back there?“ 

[vada-sankru]

Vada maintained the small smile for only a moment, brushing off Mida’s concern easily. “Death has come for me before, in the battle where Centra was lost. I survived then and I will do the same now. My time here is not yet over, you need not worry over that.” She understood how close she had come to dying and that Rush and Tondisi were the only reasons for her survival, but she did not want to think about such things for the moment. There was gratitude to give at a later time, but now she just wanted Mida close.

Vada nearly rolled her eyes at Mida’s statement, remembering the Skaikru and how poorly her talk had gone with Inia. She needed to rectify many things, that was for certain. “Well it certainly seems as though we are better as a team than on our own. Inia and I had a rather... lively conversation to say the least. That will need to be smoothed over soon.” Brushing a hand over her hair to get it out of her eyes, she sighed, “I honestly do not know why I insist on attempting to converse with her without your aid. We never seem to understand one another properly. Hopefully one day I will learn how to speak that which I actually mean without giving offense. At this rate, I may not live that long.”

Mida’s weight at her side and kiss upon her lips soothed Vada more than anything had throughout the entire debacle, Rush’s medicine not able to hold a candle to the relaxation and strength she drew from her love. Despite her discomfort, Vada moved as much as she could so Mida could lie next to her, no longer caring who might come in and see. She hoped no one would enter a Heda’s tent unannounced, but this was not her territory nor her privilege, and she wished to have the comfort of her lover beside her rather than her Baka hovering over her.

Sighing deeply, she began, “The tunnels were dark, twisting and turning every which way. There were horrible screams coming from deep within one of the chambers so that was the way in which we headed, praying we would make it in time. There were no less than twelve of the beasts... it was horrid, they were preying on what looked like a warrior from Azgeda, but they had no notion of clans. Sankru, Trikru, Floukru alike were all strung up and chained and we found Nix among them. Her hand... it had been stabbed through and she looked worse than I have ever seen. It is due entirely to Kira’s talents that she even lives.” Pausing to take a deep breath despite how much it hurt, she squeezed Mida’s hand and continued, “I gave Drastus the order to launch me... there was no other option. I slew as many of them as I could while he freed Nix and I would have been alright had I not gotten distracted. We were so close... but the monster’s eyes met mine and I...”

It took her a long moment before she could bite out the words. “It was my father.”

[vada-sankru]

spill my secrets

[kirakomtrigeda-blog1]

Kira would have loved nothing more than to stay in bed and rest; the opportunity to take some of her own advice seemed like a distant dream. For her part, she was constantly on the move, between the pyre that Trigeda had just held in Tondisi and fixing up those that Sangeda had brought over. She considered herself very lucky to have Rush in tow; his help had been paramount among all the chaos. As she moved from one end of the village to the other, where her home was, with supplies in hand, she caught the voice of Vada from one of the tents she passed by. Kira cursed at the sky. If it was anyone else, she probably would have ignored them; everyone was tended to and she couldn’t babysit pain. But this other Heda was important to Inia’s plans, and so, she would appease her. Slinging the small pack to her back, the blonde made a stop to get some fresh water nearby and brought it in to Vada in a tin can. “It’s been awhile since I’ve been yoo-hooed,” Kira chuckled. “Last time I saw you, you had a gash to your head and a smile on your face. A bit different now you’ve come-to,” she said, but softly. She didn’t sit: she hadn’t been asked to. “How are you?”

[vada-sankru]

Vada was honestly shocked when the white-haired healer of Trigeda appeared in her tent instead of what she had assumed was a passing guard or perhaps one of her own. Taking the can from Kira’s hands gratefully, she sipped it quietly for a moment before responding, “I certainly would not have called had I known it had been you passing by. You have much more important things to attend to than a thirsty Heda, I am certain.” She gave a small smile in response to Kira’s chuckle, trying to be friendly after her disastrous meeting with Inia. “Ah, well you will often find that a smile on my face is a rare sight. Consider yourself lucky in that respect, if you wish to.” Gesturing for Kira to sit on the stool next to the bed, if she should wish to, Vada responded, “I am alive and that is certainly a feat. Your little healer boy is good, I owe him my gratitude. I owe it to you as well, for Nix and any others. Healers are never something I would take for granted.”

[tribeca-kom-sankru]

Tribeca could never seem to help mimicking Vada’s actions whenever she smiled at her. Their Heda had to be so serious so often that it was almost like a small victory. “Okay.” She replied, nodding with a faint smile on her features and hoping that would be enough for it to be dropped as the older brunette put it into perspective. Tribeca looked down at the knife between them when she was basically told to keep it, and although a small part of her did want to protest initially, she settled for biting the inside of her lip instead. Vada was like family to her, but she was still her leader first and foremost. The scavenger could hardly refuse a gift from her without it being seen as a grave insult. “I thought gift giving wasn’t our way, Heda.” She teased lightly, her lips tugging up at the corners. “But it’s much appreciated.” 

The whole offer of being taught how to actually use the knife in her hand was certainly something she hadn’t been expecting, but her smile grew at the thought. It wasn’t as though it would make her a warrior but it would be nice to not have to rely on others quite as much for the most part. “That would be great, Vada, thank you.” She replied, looking at the woman and almost asking where their Baka was before recollection hit, her smile turning into a playful smirk. “So.. do you call everyone your love now, or is there something you’re not telling me?”

[vada-sankru]

Vada nearly smiled again at Tribeca’s response, but was far more concerned with her taking the dagger and learning to use it, which kept her face open but certainly not smiling. The concern and guilt she often felt regarding Tribeca and her safety overrode any moment of brief happiness she might have had and she continued to thoroughly polish the sickle in her hands before bringing it up to examine it for spots. Clicking her tongue softly and nearly rolling her eyes at Tribeca’s teasing jab, she moved on to her other sickle responding dryly, “It is not a gift if it has been earned. Besides, I am your Heda and you would be very unwise to refuse me. I may choose to give a gift, but I will certainly never receive one. Things should be given and taken equally, Little Fox.”

Once she was finished gently chiding her youngest clansman, she explained in a softer voice, “I will have Drastus teach you, or perhaps Nolita. She is a great warrior in her own right, even if she does need your saving from time to time.” She could not help but playfully jab at Nolita, it was their way, but she did genuinely respect the woman’s fighting ability. At Tribeca’s next words, Vada balked and nearly cut her hand on her sickle, quickly dropping it to her lap. Looking up at her, she raised an eyebrow before questioning, “Did I say that? That is certainly not something I would find myself addressing anyone as, typically... except under certain circumstance... perhaps...”

[nolita-kom-sankru-blog]

“Well, that is the truest thing you’ve ever said. Talk to me about her hair and how unfair it is. I want to know her secret,” Nolita said as her eyes twinkled with delight at finally catching Vada at a moment like this. It was not within Nolita to say ‘thank you’, so her hand danced around on the bed until she found Vada’s own and gave it a firm squeeze. To have Vada resting against her was strange, to say the least, and she found herself unsure of what to do with her body. Staying still was an impossible feat, because she always wanted to be moving in order to feel as if she was doing something and never be bored. “You’re not –…” Nolita let out a loud chortle, finding herself somewhat alarmed and amused by her Heda’s words. “You’re not angry with me? Okay, honey, I want whatever it is they gave you because damn… it’s the good stuff if you’re saying crap like that.”

[vada-sankru]

“Likely that she can bathe so often here... or possibly a gift from the sun goddess herself. I have never asked her, it did not seem appropriate in our meetings together. Perhaps I should.” Vada answered thoughtfully, her brows furrowing together as she nodded decidedly about the state of Inia’s hair. As Nolita squeezed her hand, Vada gently squeezed it back before letting their hands lay loosely side by side, just barely touching. She grumbled slightly as Nolita shifted and laughed, the movement jarring to her body and causing the tiniest frown to come across her face. “I do not see what is funny about that, I am perfectly serious. I had thought to be angry, when I realized it is truly only your nature and certainly something I would have done myself. Have done, I suppose. It would only be fair to continue being angry with you if you had done such a thing having known how I felt... or if you continued to do so.” She nodded firmly, her head resting against Nolita’s shoulder as a tiny yawn made its way out of her mouth.

[vada-sankru]

make my amends

It was an understatement to say that her last conversation with Inia had not gone well. Somewhere between the blood loss and their mutual rage and her warriors apparent need to follow her in droves, things had gone wildly awry and she had been too close to death’s door to even properly respond to all of Inia’s anger. She understood it, but she needed Inia to understand that while some of her anger was justified, the majority of it was misplaced. They clearly needed to figure out a way to speak to one another without everything being so deeply misconstrued. She had been victim to that just in Polis and she should not have been surprised that Inia was victim to it now. Explaining, perhaps even the slightest apology, may be what they would need to move forward.

It took her longer than she would like to get to Inia’s tent, but she had come without using her staff as a crutch and therefore had a slight limp from the stiffness her side still held as it healed. She had cleaned herself up to look presentable, but purposefully more demure than she had with her warpaint on and smeared in blood. She wanted Inia to understand that she appreciated what she had received and also that she was here simply to talk, to smooth out some of the bitterness between them that seemed to stem from neither of them at all, but rather their own separate fears.

Asking the guard outside the tent to announce her, she could see a steely look on his face that was clearly indicative of her last encounter with Inia and hoped that perception would change, as would all perceptions if this meeting went as she hoped it would. His voice was a rough bark and he regarded her with all of the forced respect a fellow Heda required but absolutely nothing more than that. She supposed she could understand that, or perhaps was entirely too tired of the entire series of events to attempt to be irate about it.

As she pushed her way beneath the flap of the tent, she moved in far enough that they would not be overheard but still a respectable distance away from whatever space Inia occupied in an attempt to show her respect. She clasped her hands loosely in front of her body to show that she bore no ill will and spoke in a softer, more imploring tone than she had used since they had last spoken in Polis together. “I fear that my words do not do either of us any justice when I have just seen the edge of a dagger. The last time we spoke... I would hardly be out of line to say that it did not go how I had hoped or how I intended. I came here to rectify that, to show you my gratitude for what you have done for Nix and for myself, for your overall generosity even, and to clarify some things that may have been misconstrued in the heat of the moment. I meant it when I said I hold nothing above the truce between our people and it made me feel ill to believe that you thought otherwise. For that, among other things, I ask your forgiveness. I do not expect to receive it when I have already asked so much of you and your people but I know I should ask for it regardless.”

Pausing for a moment, she exhaled, “If you have a free moment, I wish to explain myself. If you do not, which I would understand given that you are busy preparing for the appearance of Zula, I only wish to tell you that all of my warriors were immediately sent from your village and removed from their posts as they should not have come here in the first place. Those who remain are of no more than eight in total, including myself, and I hoped we could discuss their reasoning for still remaining -- other than Nix who is clearly still healing. I believe you are owed a right to a certain justice and I intend to give it to you, should you choose to accept it.”

Finishing, she remained standing quietly and watched to see how Inia would take her words. She hoped perhaps she would give her the opportunity to explain because there was much she had to tell her, but she could easily see Inia dismissing her after their previous skirmish and could understand that as well. She simply hoped for the former because there were certain things Inia had a right to know, even after all these years of her keeping them a secret buried deep within herself.

[kaydelko-deactivated20160527]

(x)

[vada-sankru]

Redwood

I respect those who deserve my respect, regardless of age.

[vada-sankru]

Heather

I believe anything must be earned. It does not do well to call someone a friend unless you have earned the trust of that person and have given them your own.

[vada-sankru]

birch

Move on. Become stronger for it. The dead are gone and the living are hungry.

[vada-sankru]

holly

Only that which is justifiable. Plenty of things, some... not so justifiable. My temper often gets the best of me.

[vada-sankru]

ash

For my people, of course. For anyone else? Certainly not. I cannot protect anyone if I am dead.

[vada-sankru]

Reblog to Play: Tree Asks

ash: would you sacrifice yourself for a stranger?

bonsai: are you easily impacted by the feelings of others?

birch: how do you cope with loss?

cedar: do you feel like anyone's protecting you?

elder: if you had a fairy godmother, what would you ask her for?

fir: how long do you want to live for?

heather: do you believe friendship must be earned?

holly: what makes you angry?

juniper: are you easily pressured into doing things you feel uncomfortable with?

maple: if you could have one magic ability, what would it be?

oak: what element do you feel the most power over?

pine: list your favorite holidays

redwood: do you respect your elders?

wisteria: are you romantic?

willow: what was the last dream you had?

[vada-sankru]

spill my secrets

Vada had been gaining strength back slowly, trying not to overdo it but struggling with her orders to stay in bed and rest, despite how much she knew she needed it. Her sickles had been cleaned, sharpened, and polished, her staff had been reassembled from new parts where the old ones were tarnished or broken, new tunics had been brought to her for changing into, and she had even successfully bathed (with Mida’s help, of course). Now she was going stir crazy, trying not to rip at the itchy bandage wrapped around her waist. Looking out to the shadow of a body at the flap of her tent, she called out, “You there! Water, if you please.”

[tribeca-kom-sankru]

Tribeca nodded at the invitation, grinning as she took a seat facing the woman on the plush bed. “I doubt jumping out of a tree suddenly makes me a warrior, Vada.” She replied with a faint chuckle. “But I did want to thank you for the dagger, it would have been far more difficult without it.” There was something about the way that everyone seemed to be talking about it that she didn’t understand. If it had been a full-frontal assault and she had somehow managed to get the reaper down, then fair enough, but all she had actually done was jump from a hiding place and sink a blade into an unsuspecting neck. It wasn’t what people were making it out to be, and if it wasn’t for Nolita and Mida she would have likely died soon after it. Taking the small weapon from her hip, she held it out to the Heda hilt first. “I cleaned it, and Nolita showed me how to sharpen it so it should be fit for use." 

[vada-sankru]

Vada smiled softly at Tribeca, a rare sight, before musing, “Perhaps not a warrior, but certainly brave and indispensable. You saved your sister’s life without a second thought, that is no small feat. Do not diminish your actions simply because you do not see the valor in them.” Looking at the dagger for a moment before letting her eyes flick back to the sickles she was cleaning, she nodded, “Good, it will be useful to you then. Keeping weapons clean and sharp is of the utmost importance, Little Fox. Learning this will help keep you safe. I was unwise in leaving you defenseless for so long.” She felt genuine guilt at that, worrying that perhaps Tribeca’s life had been in danger this entire time and she had no way to defend herself. Nolita could not be everywhere, nor could she or Mida or Drastus. Perhaps it was time to make sure Tribeca could keep herself just as safe as they all tried to. Looking back up at the young scavenger, she asserted, “I would have you learn basic skills of defense with that dagger. You have earned it.”

[vada-sankru]

implore my comrade

[gadagona-deactivated20160510]

Before Vada, Heda of the Sankru, stepped into Tondisi proper, one of the scouts on guard raced the information of her approach to Inia. Thus, when Vada was announced in an official capacity, there was no delay before the flap was pulled aside to allow her entrance. Inia’s command hut was not a grand affair. It wasn’t the largest building in Tondisi, even. But the raised dais on which her throne, with its gnarled limbs and stretching backrest, sat demanded attention be drawn there. Or would have, if Inia were not already standing in front of the first step, hands folded one over the other in front of her. The face with which she greeted Vada was not one bright with the happiness of seeing an old friend. It was not, in any capacity, joyful. The truce that existed between them operated on the principle of courtesy, and so far, Inia had seen absolutely none extended to her. Only an increasing number of Sankru refugees, the growing total of which baffled her due to their own home being perfectly intact as far as she knew.

The Trigeda woman’s jaw flexed as she clenched it, and her nostrils flared as she drew a slow, long inhale. Were it not for the Reapers having attacked Tondisi just before our return, I would label this the most cunning sneak attack ever thought of. Inia let the thought pass and let Vada finish before opening her mouth.

“Nix has already been treated and is on her way to healing. You will immediately withdraw your warriors from whatever perimeter they have made outside of Tondisi. I might recommend that you send them as soon as possible to learn what might have become of your lands, for mine were not unsoiled on our return. Your injured may remain so that our healer can see to them.” Her current bearing made it clear: Inia spoke to Vada as a leader, not as a friend. What friendship they did share was responsible for the softening of demanding the warriors remove themselves from her lands in the guise of suggesting they would be better suited elsewhere. But Inia was not trying to hide anything. There were warriors outside Tondisi and they were not her own. Her displeasure was apparent.

“Skaikru?” The confusion redolent in both voice and expression spoke to a clear lack of understanding and familiarity with such a kru. Face hardening, Inia took a step towards Vada as her hands unfolded and moved back to her sides. “You mean to suggest that you brought those you believed were Maunon into my village? First, you are attacked and driven into my land. Then you are aided by these Skaikru, as you call them, who I assume appeared out of nowhere. Now they are here. What makes you think anything they told you was the truth? Did you even consider that this might be a ruse meant to get them close?” Disgust flashed across Inia’s face. For Vada to bring Sankru here for aid was one thing. To bring complete outsiders? Revulsion surged through her gut and a gripping panic seized her heart. Where was Kira? Was she among the Sankru now, gauging the severity of their wounds? Was she around these unknowns? “You have truly tested my patience.” Inia spat the words, unable to stop the flare of rage, born from fear, that made her knuckles turn white from clenching her hands into fists.

 “GUARD.” The flap pulled back and a head stuck itself in. “Seize the outsiders that are neither Trigeda nor Sangeda immediately. Imprison them in the pit.” It retreated a moment later, and shouts started up outside the hut. Honing her gaze in on Vada, Inia tried to remain still as anger seethed beneath her skin. Though she did not yell, the volume of her voice skirted the edge just beneath it. “You not only bring death to my doorstep, but you endanger my people by bringing potential assassins within these walls. I hope you intend to be far more helpful by explaining what happened to bring you here.”

[vada-sankru]

Whatever tiny shred of hope Vada had been holding onto that Inia might be the slightest bit receptive to her and her explanations was shattered the instant the other woman opened her mouth. She was clearly displeased, not that Vada herself wouldn’t be if the situation was reversed, but what started off as an understandable annoyance quickly morphed into something else entirely that had Vada gripping her staff painfully hard in an attempt to quell her own mounting anger despite the slight sway in her body. Her words were stiff as she responded shortly, “We are grateful for Nix’s aid, she is of great importance to more than just my clan. If you worry not for a resurgence of the beasts tonight, then I will send my warriors elsewhere, but I would not leave my wounded unguarded. Those able to journey back to Sangeda will do so, but my personal guard and those unable to journey or protect themselves in their current state will remain until such a time when I can see them home myself. I would not be here if the situation did not demand it.”

Vada’s face was stony, her lips set in a hard line and eyes flashing as Inia rained down accusations of incompetency and mindlessness that seemed to root in something entirely apart from herself. Her own rage was boiling hot in her belly and she could not prevent herself from biting out her next words, her voice just inches below a bark. “Have you learned nothing of me from our time in Polis? Do you really believe that I would be foolish enough to do something so reprehensible and immeasurably stupid as to bring Maunon into your village after all that we have been through and are fighting for? If you truly believe two defenseless, famished, injured sky beings could in any way overtake my Baka and myself, even injured, you dare insult me in the greatest possible way. I test not your patience as you have never had any in the first place!”

Breathing raggedly and stepping closer into Inia’s space to make her point, she raised her voice to equal measure and snapped, “I protect your people by bringing intruders to your fair and swift judgment, never once leaving them unattended and having searched them for what little they have. They possess one gun which they do not have the means to fire, a bow without arrows or a sheath with no sword. They are pathetically weak and starved, injured from a Reaper attack and roaming your lands undetected. Perhaps you should think to talk to your scouts about that.”

She was utterly furious at Inia’s words, rage completely overtaking her, before she felt what was surely a broken rib snag painfully in a way that made her speech harder and caused her to buckle slightly before propping herself up further with her staff. Some of the fight went out of her then as she attempted to appeal to Inia’s logical side, explaining the attack itself and how this threatened both of them. “We never made it back to Sangeda. Just outside of what appeared to be tunnels, we were attacked by a group of Reapers. They slew several of my warriors and would have claimed more lives had I not had the best of my kru with me. Nix was targeted and captured, taken deep into the tunnels. I intended to retrieve her and we were set on by twelve more of the beasts as we caught them feasting on the flesh of fallen warriors of all kinds -- Trikru and Sankru alike. I killed as many of them as I could reach and we attempted to free whomever we could before escaping. Even more of them had attacked our waiting warriors outside and even my smallest scavenger was forced to pick up a dagger.”

Breathing heavily through her nose, Vada finished, “We are at war, Inia. There is nothing I would do to compromise our truce, now more than ever. If they intend to pin us here, I at least intend to aid in protecting our clans. If I can get my warriors back to Sangeda to come at them from behind, I will do so. We are here because we had no other choice.” She meant every word, the honesty clear in her face despite her receding anger, and clear as well in the fact that she refused to leave Inia for aid until this was well and truly discussed and over with. Inia’s consistent anger at her whenever she attempted to do something to her benefit confused her and she wondered what other factors may be at play to cause it.

[nolita-kom-sankru-blog]

“Oh come on, she’d look fabulous with a flower crown and you know it. Not that she doesn’t already, but whatever,” Nolita said non-chalantly, crossing her legs and then uncrossing them again. The mention of Tribeca’s bravery bought a barely constrained smile to her face. “I wish to be the one to give it to her,” she said softly, mentally cursing Vada for even bringing her sister up. Because it meant feelings, feelings she did not want to show in front of her Heda, but she couldn’t stop the wash of emotions even if she tried. “Yes,” she answered simply, staring forward at the tent fabric.

[vada-sankru]

“She is rather attractive, yes. That is true.” Vada was not entirely sure what had come over her to cause her to say such a thing, to Nolita no less, but she was so deeply tired and the herbs Rush had given her occasionally caused her head to spin and her vision to warp. Perhaps this was all a dream anyways? “Of course you should have that honor. I would not allow anything else. Simply clear it with Lina, that the sun goddess should be watching over you.” She was so small and Nolita was larger and warm and before she knew it she was nearly snuggling into the warrior’s side, resting heavily against her. “I have decided I am no longer angry with you.”