Day 6, Week 24, Cycle 1
Summertime, 19 C° , Incessant Rain
18:23It has been 12 weeks since the Sonjari group led by Inya departed from the location of the Ősfa to find it if more of their brethren could be found on the island. Sadly, the expedition had been a failure, as far as finding more Sonjari was concerned. The group had covered large swathes of land, ranging from the rainforests that they considered home to the vast grasslands that covered the mountainsides, but the worsening weather made it impossible to organize efficient search parties. By the end of the 6th week Inya had ordered the group to start heading back towards their home, the almost constant rain making it hard not only to travel but also to forage for food.
On the upside, they had plenty of autumns with them who taught the rest of the springs how to hunt. During their little trip, even the most meek of the springs have learnt to handle a spear or a bow, while the accustomed autumns honed their tactics and proficiencies of their weapons. They fashioned shields made of stick and hide from the creatures they have skinned, and used their fur to create warm coats for themselves. If nothing, it helped them stay dry and warm during the nights that they spent huddled together in the rain.
The experience had hardened them, though their resolve was vaning as they started heading back towards their camp. A newfound sense of loneliness began to creep into their minds, even into Inya who had been steadfast during this entire trip. She had learnt much about her people, and saw what they were capable of, but finding only animals was a massive blow. She had hoped to find more of their kin in order to come back to their camp and put Kor into his place. She did not mean to harm him or the other winters, but his hands have been messing with things he didn’t understand. Inya feared that his impulsive nature would bring war to any other natives they may find along the way. Even though that plan failed, at least she now had a group of hardy explorers on hand, and even the soft springs have grown a thick skin on their hands from wielding spears and bows.
It was now the 3rd month of their expedition when Inya raised her hands and the group came to a halt. They have been navigating a forest for the better part of the afternoon, and as it was turning into evening the rain began to pour even more than before. They were walking around like a group of blind people, but now she managed to spot something. It was a hut of some sorts. But she didn’t recognize it, and the great tree surely wasn’t anywhere nearby. Inya froze for a moment, hope filling her: maybe they finally found more of their kin? She waved with her arms to a group of autumns and whistled a low tone. “Follow me. The rest of you, stand guard.” She explained and waved back at the group before she turned around and began to walk up to the shelter with 4 other autumns, armed with their spears and shields.
The noise of movements, ones which differed from the constant patter of the rain upon the Velari’s homes that sat underneath the tops of the trees, finally roused Virt from her state of attempting to sleep.
The Northern group had been through much in the last four days, however, with much talk to be had among them to say the least. Virt’s experience, what had occured, it all seemed to be only spoken about in reverent tones and hushed voices as the days had passed. The huntress’ spear, also singed and cracked by the incident, had not been broken...rather, it was being kept safely by the matriarch in her own abode upon a smooth and flat stone they had found only a day or two ago near where Virt had been marked.
“A sign,” some said about it all.
“A vision,” others muttered.
“A choosing,” even more proclaimed among their peers.
Whatever the case was, it had caused quite the stir that they wished to discuss with their brethren still to the south once they could meet them. It would be time before the storms would subside and their brethren could travel to them, though, that much seemed apparent to them. This area held much promise and good neighboring locations to the east, from what little they’d seen anyways, and that would hopefully be good news for the others after their eventual arrival at least. Virt herself even felt like she was still processing it all, though, and not without reason...she missed her mate, had been marked by the sky, and the new way others seemed to regard her and her spear and her experience was nothing she was used to at all! It had made sleeping harder than before at that.
Grabbing up her bow, the young Velari softly awoke her two sisters and motioned to them to stay silent and grab their weapons. Something was here, walking near their particular home among those clustered up in the trees.
Was it food? Was it a predator? Was it another one of those lanky predators? She had no idea, but caution was to be expected at the very least in her mind.
Virt cautiously poked her head out of the doorway of her and her two sisters’ home, looking down and about as she held her bow carefully in her hands and gently moved into the open air-
...Eh?
What seemed to be down there looked far from what she’d ever seen before. They had a shape similar to her and her sisters, and yet...varied somehow in shape as well? They also looked like walking plants, literally walking plants. The young Velari had to rub her eyes with an exposed shoulder to ensure she wasn’t dreaming still right now. But indeed, they looked like walking plants, ones which right now carried spears and shields.
”Others are here!” the young Velari called out aloud, after a moment of silent thought. No idea on the intent of these, but perhaps it would be better for them all to be aware at least.
Inya’s head turned towards the sky as soon she heard the loud shout. That sound made her and those around her freeze, and they instinctively raised their shields at the sky above.
Whatever that sound was, it wasn’t one of their own. But, it didn’t sound like any noise that an animal would make. Instinctively they took a step back, raising the spears in defense as the autumns began turning their heads to spot if more people were coming their way.. At the same time, Inya was staring down a young Velari who was training an arrow at her. This was not how she imagined finding the native population of this island (in case it proved to not be them), and she was filling up with anxiety as the seconds crept by.
Finally she would extend her spear hand to the side, motioning for the other Sonjari to lower their weapons. At least, for the moment. She wished that she had her bow now instead of a spear, but she didn’t expect to meet anything in the forest that would need a bow to take down. But here she was, staring up at people high up on a tree.
Inya’s black eyes tightened as she examined this curious new species: they looked so very similar to them, yet so different. Her eyes were quick to notice the wings on their back, and suddenly the idea of houses in the trees without any ladders made sense.
“Bek, get me a few hunters with bows, and ready the springs too. We don’t know how this is going to go.” One of the autumns by her side now before they slowly backed away into the undergrowth, their form eventually blending in with the rest of the plants. Now, Inya turned back up at the natives that she had stumbled into on accident, her sharp lips grinding together for a moment as the gears began rolling. Whoever these people were, they were awfully close to their tree. She could not allow her group of people to get into a fight, especially without knowing just how many more of these natives the storm hid from their eyesight. And even if they could take them on, it would mean less people who could and would oppose Kor.
Slowly she would kneel down and place her spear on the ground besides herself, and then stood up with her free hand resting on her chest. “I am Inya of the Sonjari people!” She exclaimed slowly and loudly, though she doubted these people could understand her. No doubt they would have a hard time even deciphering the hissing tone of the Sonjari inside the loud rain. “We come in peace.” With that she would gently pat her chest before turning to the remaining hunters of hers to lower their weapons as well. “May we speak?” She asked, placing the emphasis and speaking as she pointed at her mouth. Hopefully they would understand what she’s trying to say. Or at the very least not shoot them.
Virt paused for a moment as these other beings seemed to take a defensive posture at first, raising spears up and backing up some with their shields. She kept her bow trained out of an abundance of care, yet hesitated to shoot as she watched what those who had come upon them were like. Her two sisters in the tree home also popped out about her, one with a spear in hand even, looking to her as the seeming leader of this plant-like people gestured to their fellows.
Ah. Now that was something she could understand with ease.
The young Velari began to lower her bow as the Sonjari lowered theirs, and while Inya looked at Virt...she looked right back at her with the same curious intensity. Were these peoples ones who were here, or too found themselves in a strange land? Yet when Virt noted the movement of one of these beings back into the foliage, strikingly blending back in, a slight unease crept in. If these ones became hostile, and had any with bows nearby, it could get ugly in a heartbeat. Especially without being able to fly much in all of this.
As Inya would kneel down, the plant being putting her spear down and standing once more, Virt tilted her head slightly at the being’s hissing noises coming out of where a mouth was….or at least what looked like one anyways. The individual seemingly then gestured to their chest, before patting their own chest and gesturing to others about themselves to lower weapons. Aside from the rain, the hissing noises seemed to change and flow, and was reminiscent of how the Velari spoke to each other. Was this...another tongue?
Keeping her bow down, the young Velari gestured towards the new presences with her head.
”They are lowering their weapons...Nir, please follow me down. Eir, please find the Matriarch and relay what has happened. Everyone should be out any moment.”The young Velari then suddenly leapt down, her wings opened up and ultimately still allowed her to safely glide down and touch upon the ground. One of her sisters nodded and followed her, spear still in hand but not in an aggressive sort of stance. The other sister nodded, before doing her best to flutter over towards the largest tree home nearby whilst using the cover of the tree canopy to make it easier. Albeit, her movement in the rain was not as good as it could be, but at least it was manageable.
The Sonjari would then see more individuals popping out of other tree homes nearby, with some of these homes even seemingly blended into the landscape even better so. Some had bows in hand, whilst others wielded spears of course, and as they got sight of the new arrivals they began to chatter among themselves. Some had their weapons half-raised, others kept behind cover, and some merely looked between each other with a sort of worry. Yet a Velari somewhat taller and larger than the others, the Matriarch herself, would eventually step out of the largest tree home just as the other younger Velari that Virt had sent there arrived on the front porch.
”...What are these, Eir?” The younger Velari took up the usual position of taking a knee and bowing her head, before standing up once more. Her eyes seemed to be steeled as much as they could be, though her hand every so slightly wavered.
”Virt heard their approach, Matriarch, and investigated before shouting aloud to ensure we were ready. They seemed to be...lowering their weapons, or maybe trying to speak to us?”The matriarch seemed to think for a moment, before looking down where Virt was. Silently, she leapt down as well, walking over to where the young Velari was standing with Nir. No weapon was in her hand, though she seemed...stronger than the younger Velari she was now standing next to. Older and stronger really. It was also a wordless show of solidarity and frankly trust with the young hunteress’ actions that, ultimately, led to those still up in the trees that were aiming or holding up weapons to finally lower them as well. Not that all the tension went away...but it at least seemed to evaporate any hostile actions if naught else.
”I trust your judgement on this, oh one chosen of the skies, but we shall remain ready. Such is my word.” Virt looked over as the Matriarch spoke to her, before silently nodding back. Putting down her bow to the side, she stepped forward before Inya and looked up at her. Youthful pupiless eyes shone with a sort of nervousness, and yet at the same time a sort of experience and one who had met face to face with death (a couple of times, in fact, in Virt’s case). By now the lightning scars on her upper arm and shoulder and lower neck/face on the left side would be visible to the Sonjari as well. The young huntress then did the first thing that came to her mind, even as the rain poured down around them-
”VVV-IH-RRH-T,” she said, sounding out her name as clearly as she could, ultimately introducing herself but silently wondering if these beings could mimic the sounds of her name.
Needless to say, the sight of all the velari coming out one-by-one was a rather intimidating sight to Inya. She didn’t expect so many faces to come out, and even though she meant no harm, she would’ve felt more safe with a weapon in hand, a dozen of her men by her side.
Nevertheless, she knew very well that there would be no bloodshed this evening if she played her cards right. Of course, that did imply that she would play them well, but Inya fancied herself more of a diplomat. She was the one that organized the race while Kor had provided the voice for most of her ideas, selling them as his own. But now it was just her, and while anxious, she was eager to prove her superior abilities.
Seeing how the younger velari has bowed before their matriarch, Inya would look at the larger woman and make a slight bow as well, enough to show her respect but keep her own integrity. Indeed, she had never felt quite as tall as she was now, standing in front of her people. Well, three of them anyways, but she represented far more. It was first contact with the natives, or other unfortunate souls who found themselves here. Whatever the case was, she could use their help to smoothen things out amongst her own people.
Her eyes now focused on the velari in front of her, who began to… speak? No, it must’ve been a word, uttered slowly. Inya had a hard time truly understanding what she was trying to say, but she got the vague idea that it was supposed to be the name of the woman. Placing her own hand on her chest again she too decided it was time for introductions.
“I AM INN-YA.” She explained, before she turned to the autumns by her side and beckoned towards them. “SSSON-JA-RII.” With that she would turn back to the young girl and straighten her back, putting on a slight smile. She had hoped that they understood her. It was hard to tell, and she hated playing stupid with others. Clearly these people had a language of their own, and having to play this guessing game felt below both of their races. But sadly there was no escaping it, not if she wanted to break the ice and start to decipher their language.
Before she could say anything, a few more of the hunters came through the bushes with a faint rustle, bows ready in their hands as they took up a formation behind Inya and eyed up their potential targets. One of them even readied their bow before Inya turned around, striking their hand with a frown. “Calm! We are here to talk. Worry about shooting if they shoot.” An angry hiss of sorts escaped her mouth before she would gently massage her forehead and turn back to the young velari. “Where were we…”
The spring had a hard time deciding on the next action. She wanted to get to know these people out of curiosity and hopes of receiving help, but she had a group of mouths to feed and take care of while on an expedition. While the rain would hardly trouble the hardy Sonjari, food was a concern that she thought would be an issue if they had to hunt the same game as the Velari.
For the moment, she decided to wait and see how these creatures would react. Perhaps they were just as curious as she was. And if not, well… she would always remember where they were.
Once again, those strange hissing noises came out, but the young huntress closed her eyes as she tried to listen more carefully and purposefully this time. She could make out the changes in the sound somewhat more at least, though sounding out the noises of the words seemed to at least be helpful in this case. Perhaps these plant people had understood her! Perhaps. She had no way of knowing for sure.
Once Inya was done, Virt opened her eyes again and looked back towards the Matriarch, who still seemed to be looking towards her and the odd newcomers with a calm, cool, and collected gaze. By this time, however, Eir had joined them long enough to hear some of the speaking at least. It was as if she was seeking to analyze the situation still, though as Virt looked back for a moment she began to speak up to her sisters and Matriarch.
”Hmm...they seem as wary as we are, but what they seem to be trying to say about themselves is curious. Hinyah? Sosjahrih? Imhinya? Somshari?””Maybe the other thing is something like ‘Sonharih’?” ”...No,” the Matriarch said, suddenly speaking up as her right hand came up to lightly touch her chin in furtive thought, before stepping over next to Virt and before Inya, gesturing to the appropriate being and begs as she spoke further,
”From the sound of things, this individual is called ‘Imyah’ and her people as ‘Samyahi’.” Was that right? Virt’s brows furrowed for a moment, albeit giving a respectful nod to the Matriarch as she now came and stood next to her, before thinking for a moment and looking back to Inya once more. She then gave a nod to the strange plant...woman...person...thing? Samyahi. That would have to make do for now at least.
Though as more of this Samyahi emerged with bows, seeming to be cautious like their brethren had been, though when one readied a bow at the Matriarch some of the other Velari seemed to immediately ready their own bows. Yet as they did so, the Matriarch looked the poor bowman dead in the eyes, watching as the seeming ‘leader’ of this group slapped their hands down. The Matriarch herself then held up a hand and called aloud to the other Velari behind her without looking back.
”Hold! Everyone is nervous here, so do not start anything.”The Velari in the background seemed to suddenly stop, lowering back down once more at the Matriarch’s order and returning to a mode of observing what was going on. Virt, on the other hand, looked back suddenly after the Matriarch’s sudden proclamation for a moment...and yet felt somewhat relieved as she watched the others lower weapons once more.
”SSS-AHH-RRRHHH-EEEEEE”The young huntress looked back to Imyah, speaking whilst she made a simple apologetic gesture with her hands. The weight of her position right now was putting pressure somewhat on her nerves, especially while standing next to the other current Matriarch of her people of all things. Yet the Matriarch seemed to have the most idea of these beings’ language so far at least...not that this was saying too much.
”Hmm...Virt, see if they are willing to come eat.”The young huntress looked over at the Matriarch, a curious eyebrow raised. Yet after a moment, and opening her mouth almost as if to speak, the younger Velari seemed to quiet back down and give another respectful nod to her superior out of habit. Looking back to Inya, the young huntress motioned to the largest of their tree homes, the Matriarch’s own home, before making visible and distinct motions that would convey ‘eating’ as simply as clearly as she could manage. Then she motioned to all the Samyahi with a more friendly and inviting motion.
It didn’t take long for the Matriarch to look back right after, giving a nod to those still in the trees and sending them into a careful scramble as some began to go grab some Jordo and extra food supply and wood. They would prepare to make a fire in a mud-and-stone-made fire pit in the Matriarch’s home, and begin to cook some kind of food. A number of others, however, seemed to stay in place and continue watching with cautious eyes. The older and taller Velari then looked back at the Samyahi and Imyah, giving another friendly gesture to her own tree home once more and beckoning them to follow. After all, her home could fit all the Velari here and then some when it came to size. Such were her accommodations as a Matriarch.
Plus...they already had to build ways to climb up to their tree homes here in this weather. On top of that, still standing out in the rain right now for an extended time was not exactly a good idea either.
”Come. Eat.” the Matriarch spoke, speaking simply as she looked Imyah right in the eyes. She then turned and began to walk towards the primary tree her tree home was built upon. A thick, mighty jungle tree it was, standing tall in the deep of the rainforest. A truly fitting place for a leader to be and hold gatherings as well.
Inya turned her head over towards Virt for a moment once she saw the Matriarch turn around and head towards one of the large tree houses in the distance. Her black eyes followed her silhouette for a while before she would turn back towards her guards and give out a few orders for them to fetch the others in an orderly fashion. It seemed like they have been invited for… something. The details were quite hazy, but Inya assumed that the matter of this get-together was going to be a meal.
Given that they’ve been marching all day, she wasn’t against the idea of giving her people something to eat, even if it wasn’t exactly a feast. She was aware of just how they looked with their soaked fur pelts, crawling out from the thick undergrowth, but she didn’t mind it at all despite the quality that the leader of these butterfly people carried herself. She wasn’t one for show, and neither were the Sonjari, but it wouldn’t hurt to put on a decorum for this event.
Walking closer to Virt, she picked up her spear and shield, placing it onto the sash going across her back before she made a little nod towards the woman. “Virth.” She pronounced, her mouth seemingly trying to get a taste for the word. Placing a hand on her chest for a moment, Inya brushed her hands against the foliage on her head to reveal a pink flower growing on one of them. She would always cover it up when it rained or if she worked, but for what it was worth she adored the look of it. At least this way she could be more presentable in front of the leaders.
“Sonjari, come. More Sonjari.” She explained slowly towards the woman besides her while she pointed towards the forest. Almost as if on cue, the rest of the autumns and the more timid springs began to come out of the foliage, their eyes looking around with a curious glint on their black surface. Waiting for a moment, Inya would eventually turn back to Virt to give the woman a nod, and then waved for her entourage to follow her as she headed over to the treehouse of the matriarch.
It truly was a large home, though she doubted it had enough place for all of her people. Standing on the third step of the ladder, Inya turned around to the other Sonjari and pointed at the ground. “Stay here. I will talk with the leader of these people, and see about finding shelter and food for the night. Don’t cause any trouble.” She explained quietly before beckoning to the autumns that accompanied her earlier to follow her as she made her way up to the ladder. Once up, she would walk inside the house of the Matriarch and slowly looked around before her eyes rested on the woman herself. Inya had already found herself liking the stern yet graceful image that she put up, and walked over to sit down a respectable distance from the woman while she removed her wet fur cloak. “Thank you.” She explained quietly and made a small nod towards the Matriarch. “The Sonjari are grateful for your hospitality.” She was certain that most of her message was lost to translation, but hoped that the gist of it got across as her guards sat down just besides her. Now it was time to wait and see what this meeting was about.
Day 6, Week 24, Cycle 1
Summertime, 21 C° , Incessant Rain
21:35To share a good meal was something that might help break the ice, or so the Matriarch had thought. Jordo, slain and plucked and cooked over a fire, alongside some roasted as well as unroasted fruits. They had even experimented with roasting a few seeds, before tossing excess seed-laced rhinds out of the tree homes and onto the ground, to which the Matriarch found they now had a more nutty and warm spicy flavor. Intriguing. Yet more interesting than this was the conversation to be had between them and the newcomers. An exchange of words over the course of the meal had gone on, as two peoples had gone about exchanging words and ideas enough to be able to finally have an actual conversation.
At the very least, though, it seemed they weren’t the only ones to really awake in a world foreign to them.
”So, do your people live near this place?” the Matriarch, who seemed to pick up on these Samyahi words about as well as Virt had, said to Imyah after swallowing a large bite of roasted fruit.
Inya stared at the Matriarch for a moment, chewing on a piece of Jordo while she was hard at translating both the question and her own answer. Communicating wasn’t exactly smooth, not by a longshot, but over the course of a few hours they have managed to get to a point where they could get an idea of what the other party was talking about, even if sometimes they had to explain words.
“Yes. We live close, up, ummm… North.” She explained with a hum, looking to the side at one of her guards. Patting their shoulder she turned back to the Matriarch with a smile. “We have split, just like your people. We hoped to find the others, more of my kin. But instead we found you.” Taking her fur cloak into her hands, Inya silently brushed the fur with her fingers before she looked back at Virt and the Matriarch. “It is better this way. Kor would think you are trying to burn down tree, and send sons here.” She explained with a sigh, shaking her head while her fingers clutched her cloak.
The Matriarch’s brows furrowed at the idea of the alternative that Imyah had suggested. Not that they would have been as troubled, most of their warriors being here, but even so...left a bad taste in her mouth. But such was the nature of any world, she supposed, that fortune seemed to find them or evade them as it pleased. Though the occurrence of events with the young Virt and now this...hmm…
”So what should be done from here? It sounds as if your people have some dangerous leadership. On top of that, my people expect to come and briefly settle here in the north when they get the chance to move,” she said, moving to bluntly get to the point of things as looked at the plant woman in the eyes,
”I wish to avoid conflict, but I cannot send word to the remainder of my people amidst these storms. We do not seek your tree-mother, but likewise if we are attacked we will defend ourselves however we must.”“We have no quarrel with your people.” Inya hummed in response as she looked into the crackling fire for a minute. It showered her in a warm orange light, but the only thing that she could see in it now was the destructive nature of it. Just like war would be if they ever crossed ways. With how many of them were here, it would certainly prove to be fatal for at least one of the parties.
“Our people are split. Kor is a strong leader, but he isn’t considerate. The winters will follow him into battle, but the others would be more hesitant.” She now turned back to look at the Matriarch and leaned closer as she spoke up in a hushed tone. “Come back with me to my people. Bring your best warriors. Kor can’t do anything against those who fly, he favors the spear over the bow. It has been coming for a long time… he needs to be shown the error of his ways. Our people need a strong leader, but not one who would drive them into war.” With a sigh she turned over to the autumns by her side and sent them away except for one of the hunters. This autumn had been her right hand ever since they departed, and he seemed to have picked up on the words of the Velari much faster than Inya had. For this, he proved to be an invaluable asset. “I shall leave my best man here so he can learn your language, and if things go sour, be a valuable asset in negotiations. But I beg you, help me rid my people of Kor. If you help me, I can guarantee to you that my kin will forever see yours as friends. But if he is let to do as he wishes, I fear that my people will go down a dark path based on fear.” With that, Inya fell silent, and her black eyes gazed directly at the Matriarch.
The taller Velari thought for a moment, before taking a bite of some Jordo and looking Imyah back dead in the eyes once more. A serious air seemed to hang about her, the Matriarch's silent gaze holding a certain weight behind it. Even her expression seemed to be twisted into a furtive and deep-thinking sort, before she would open her mouth and speak again.
”You ask for my help, to achieve leadership of your people?
I will admit, the removal of one who might threaten my own, from among your own, is something I can understand. Further, allies in this new land would be something good for my people when the remainder come to this place. However...”The Matriarch then slapped her hands down upon her own knees, as if taking a more distinctive posture of solidarity.
”Even If I and my warriors come and support you and those who stand with you, who is to say that a ‘new threat’ will not scare your people to the side of this ‘Kor’ instead?
Shall I bring my best, and risk the remainder being left vulnerable and the other majority unaware of a new danger they would be coming directly into should the worst come to pass?
Even if there would be success, shall we somehow be seen as allies...or be seen as those who can be used to usurp power or act servile to others?
I simply ask you these things, Imyah of the Samyahi, for I wish to hear your thoughts on these matters as one who seeks to lead. Further, what would you do if such a plan was offered to you?”Of course, Inya expected these questions. While she was telling her plan, she already knew the flaws of it. No good leader would leave her people without defense while they march against other people. In the back of her mind she had a feeling that this has happened in the past, but with no memories to speak of she simply dismissed this as a bad feeling.
“I understand your concern Matriarch. I do not take your help for granted, for I know the burden of a leader.” She spoke before falling silent and beckoning out the door of the shelter. “I have led these people for two months, far from family, home and the tree that gives us life. Every day I fear for them, because they look to me for answers that I cannot give to them. Such is the burden of those who step forward when others are too meek or confused to do so.”
A meaningful silence followed, Inya looking down at the spear by her side, one of her hands scratching the chipped stone surface of it’s tip. Eventually she turned back towards the Matriarch and closed her eyes as she continued. “Kor believes the same. He believes that he used to be a leader of our people before… before all of this. Yet he is hardly fit to be one. I do not wish for you to come with me as hired soldiers, but rather as our neighbours. I wish to win over the people, and show Kor he is mistaken. But I fear he is not so easily swayed…” Taking a moment to finish her thoughts, Inya opened her eyes again and grabbed her spear, slowly pulling it into her lap as her fingertips ran along it’s features.
“I am no warrior. I lead my people because I don’t want them to suffer. I lead them because we are but lost children, and I merely have the least amount of questions. And just as my people ask for guidance every day, I can only answer to you with my thoughts, not the facts.” Taking a deep breath, Inya looked up towards the Matriarch and looked into her eyes, her face as determined as ever. “My people are lost. We must find our way, but it is not one of the warpath. I ask your help not so I may be the king of the lost, but so I can be the beacon of light that guides them to safer waters. I cannot speak for them, but if I don’t do this now, I fear there will be no chances in the future. If I return and I cannot get Kor to stop his foolish ways, then there will never be peace between our people. If I don’t do this now, I cannot guarantee that Kor won’t bend the malleable mind of my children against yours, and attack you while your people are split. If I don’t do this now, I will fail as a leader and as a diplomat. For the only result of inaction will be the puppeteering of my people into a culture of xenophobes under a ruler who believes he was given some divine mandate because he was at the right place at the right time. If I don’t do this now, it means the beginning of an era that neither you or I would want to witness.”
By the end of her speech, her voice was fired up, almost furious, but drops of tear began to roll down the corners of her eye. Slowly, Inya rose to her knees and held her spear in both hands for a few long moments before she extended her hand out towards the Matriarch, holding out her weapon for her. “Please, I beg you, help my children. I don’t want to see them hurt for the actions of a misguided son. I cannot give you the answers you seek, and I cannot guarantee your kin’s safety, just as I cannot guarantee mine’s. I am no warrior, but a humble mother looking to save her sons. And if in your heart of hearts you can feel this pain that’s tearing me apart, then I hope you will make the right decision, for both our people’s sake.” With that Inya fell silent, her head bowed down and tears falling from her eyes like drops of rain outside the house. Her heart was aching, but she knew what had to be done if she wished to see her people make a home for themselves in these foreign lands.
The Matriarch would seemingly ponder on Inya’s words and pleas and actions, not even flinching in the middle of any of it as she retained her steady gaze upon the plant woman. After Imyah finished, the older Velari silently stood up in place and looked about the room. A sort of silence would soon fall into place, as formerly jovial talk and eating quickly began to soften at the sight of the Matriarch standing up tall.
”...Listen well, young ones and those assembled here. Listen, oh all who have ears to hear and hearts to listen. Heed my words, and through them gain wisdom.
To be a ruler is not to hold one’s self above all others, but it is to hold one’s self below all things.
To lead is to bear the true weight that comes with deciding, and for not just one’s own self but also for many.
To guide is to seek a path greater than one’s self and lifetime, but to place others upon the route to something better for those who come after.
To be a leader is not to know all things or claim such, but to seek to understand them and made judgement.
Leadership is not a gift, make no mistake. To lead is a burden that only those who can bear should take upon themselves. Yet it is a necessity so that others may thrive.
Since we have set foot in a world unknown to us, I have led you. Yet here we find ourselves to be at a place of great importance, one in which no decision for tomorrow is best. Through speaking with these Samyahi, we learned some of a new people who suffered the same fate as ours. We also learn of a potential threat to our people...and theirs.
There is one among them who seeks to lead, claims right by mere circumstance and strength but not by action and deed. To call such a leader of any sort is folly, just as is a rash and inexperienced youngling rushing out with spear in hand and inviting their own death.”Reaching down and grabbing the spear from Imyah, the Matriarch hoisted it over her head and spoke once more, her voice carrying out as clear as daylight and with the boom of a storm.
”Tomorrow we go with these Samyahi, and seek the future of two peoples! Do not take this lightly, Velari and Samyahi, for we stand upon the edge of a new day! Your lives, the lives of your young, all will depend on what is done!”With her other hand, the Matriarch then motioned for Virt to stand beside her. Though while hesitant at first, Virt in the end did stand as tall as she could next to her in the end. The young Velari’s heart was beating fast, and the nervousness crept down her spine, but at the same time something in her didn’t allow her to shirk from this invitation. She couldn’t.
At this, the Matriarch gave a rare, and soft, smile before turning her head back and speaking once more.
”The Chosen One, though she is in her youth, has pushed through dark times and has been marked by the power of the skies! She has without doubt felt much fear, as we know has nearly lost her life in uncertain days, and yet has held firm and did not surrender regardless! Such is the reason for her choosing!
Look, all you who feast here this night, take in the mark upon her which is that of one who has been chosen! She is chosen not for possessing wisdom, but to gain it! She is chosen not for strength of might, but rather for working for the strength to hold on through all things!
Remember these lessons, and pass them on to all those who come after us! Forget not what it means to lead, and to truly be strong!” Inya’s heart filled with relief as the words of the Matriarch echoed around the room they were in. It was a roaring declaration of her honesty and diplomatic skills, but it was also something else for Inya. It was an eye opener, seeing this mighty woman in front of her who commanded with such respect that she had only seen in Kor before, but carried words so honeyed and true as she herself. As she listened, Inya slowly stood up and recollected herself, wiping away the tears from her eyes as she realized just how much she still had to learn. She would have to become strong like this woman, and then she could lead her people into a glorious new era. Thankfully, it seemed like she would have help doing that.
Once the Matriarch finished, Inya walked over besides the woman and raised her shield up above herself while she let out a deep hiss as her eyes gazed at those gathered. “Tomorrow, we march for the Ősfa! Fill your bellies and rest your eyes, for tomorrow we change history!”
Her eyes then stopped on the young Autumn who she asked to remain with her. “Ata, brother, carry the words! Let the sons know that we have found new brothers and sisters in the winged people. Make sure they know what is going to happen tomorrow. If any wishes not to march with us, then so be it. Gather everyone we can muster for battle, but let’s hope words can win this battle.”
With a swish of her shield Inya beckoned for Ata to leave, and her eyes rested on the autumn until he disappeared from sight. Lowering her shield, she finally turned over to the Matriach and made a small nod. “I am grateful for your help Matriarch. You and your people will always be welcome at the mother tree.” Finally the girl would sigh and place the shield back onto her sash before sitting down and closing her eyes. “Tomorrow will be a grand day for our people. I suggest we grab some rest, so we may lead our people with able body and mind.”
