Post by tanniyn on Nov 3, 2008 23:26:21 GMT -5
Characters:
Nayeli - adolescent female cougaress (Amaranth)
Paoro - elder female cougaress (Amaranth shamaness)
Setting:
Wildflower Drop (Amaranth)
Scene:
It had been a miserable several hours. Quite possibly the worst few hours of Nayeli's life. The lowest point, as it were. And yet, after finally crying herself to sleep here among the flowers, Nayeli has had a very restful sleep. No nightmares. No sudden waking in the night, crying out for her parents. It's as though she had reached her emotional limit and had nothing left... except to rest. She slowly comes back to full awareness, eyes opening to see a blaze of color in front of her. Flowers. All around her. That rules out the possibility that yesterday had been part of a bad dream, and causes her to let out a long sigh. She doesn't want to get up, and have to face this miserable excuse of a life that she has now. Maybe if she stays here, the fact that her parents are dead will leave her alone.
There is a flutter of wings and a small, familiar bird next to Nayeli. She looks the adolescent over with a critical eye. "I low flight on the morrow, and yet I find a beautiful cougaress filled with sorrow. Come child, would you be happier when you've finally smiled?"
The shamaness spent her night away from the tribelands -- there are no painful memories associated with any of the deceased on foreign land, at least. Mourning, praying, and at last sleep filled the hours she was absent, but she has returned once again, not leaving for many moons as she did the last time she departed. No, the tribe needs her now more than ever, with both the former chieftain and matron dead in one fell swoop. Yuma is her son, but he is not the proper leader of the Amaranth tribe...Ayashe's role must be filled by a daughter, one who carries both the deceased matron's and her own blood through her veins. Both Ayashe and Paoro had had dreams of who the chosen daughter must be - and not the one originally thought. No, the river of time has changed its course, etching a new path in destiny, and the spilled blood of both Ayashe and Maulisho has further supported the prophecy that children of both their lines must bring their tribe out of darkness. That is why Paoro sought the departed pair,
Nayeli knows that it's not going to go away, no matter how hard she tries to wish it or run away from it. Or even hide from it, like she's trying to do now. Sooner or later she's going to have to get up and deal with what's happened. But that doesn't have to be right now, does it? There's no desire anywhere in her body to get up; any hunger or thirst she has are completed ignored. For that matter, /everything/ is ignored. Especially the sudden arrival of a familiar, poetic bird, one that Nayeli would have been quite happy to never see again for the rest of her life. She closes her eyes again, trying to shut out the grating, rhyming words. The only thing she wants now is solace.
Poe walks around Nayeli, examining her face. Noting no wounds but apparently emotional ones. She had heard the rumors of the recent tragic deaths striking the cougars who had always been generous enough to employ her as a messenger. "It is with a heavy heart that the wind with myself send, but whereupon is your friend, or any of your peers? Perhaps I can help with your tears?"
Paoro draws nearer, her ears lifting at the sound of the bird chattering, but paying little mind to its specifics. It is not important at the moment. She moves within a comfortable range of the prone adolescent, speaking her name with a gentle voice that manages to sound both urgent and consoling at once: "Nayeli."
The shamaness' one word cuts through the chatter of the avian, causing Nayeli to finally open her eyes again, rolling her head over to look in the direction of the voice. Paoro is here.. to comfort her? Explain what has happened to her? Explain why she and Kein were summoned? "Paoro," she finally says, voice cracking a little. She slowly rolls over and gets to her paws, looking at her grandmother. The raven is still ignored, though if it gets close enough or annoying enough, she might just decide to give it a quick death.
Poe hops and flies a short distance, startled by Paoro's arrval. She turns and looks over toward the two, but remains silent.
Paoro settles down slowly onto her haunches, looking over at Nayeli almost appraisingly for a moment before speaking further. She has so much to say...where does she begin? "Nayeli," she repeats again, "I have called you here for a reason. I am only regretful that it coincided with such a painful time for all of us, but seeing that you have returned to your birth home gives me some comfort in my old age. Do you know why I sent for you, granddaughter?"
Nayeli finally sits down to match her grandmother's posture after the older female finishes speaking. She had wondered what connection there was to the summons and what has happened here in Amaranth. Obviously the summons was sent before any of this happened; Nayeli wasn't sure if it was some kind of instinctual thing on Paoro's part, but apparently it wasn't. She finally shakes her head. Probably just a desire to catch up and find out what Nayeli's future plans consist of. Ironic that in coming back, Nayeli's future plans have drastically changed now.
"Hm. I know I have not been the most involved grandmother in history, but my presence or lack thereof has never affected my love for my family. I wish I had spent more time with my grandchildren, however, so I would not feel as though we are estranged," Paoro murmurs, seemingly off on a random tangent for now, but one never knows with the circular way the shamaness speaks. "But I hope that even in such tragedy, our bonds can become stronger." She pauses, taking a breath before resuming her speech. "Nayeli, your mother was strong. And she was a good leader. I was proud to call her my daughter, to claim that my blood ran in her veins...the same blood that runs through your veins, too, granddaughter. But that blood comes with responsibilities. As you well know, our tribe's leadership is passed from daughter to daughter...and the next matron is chosen carefully, whether by dreams, or visions, or reason, or fate." Her pale green eyes focus intently on the younger female, holding her gaze. "Nayeli, I believe it is you who must take up your mother's role."
Nayeli can't help but smile as Paoro talks about their familial relationships. Yes, her mother /was/ strong. Not always around, but definitely strong. But it's Paoro's next choice of topic that leaves her stunned. /Her/.. the new Matron? Wait a moment. "But.. what about.. Misae?" Nayeli stares at the shamaness, not sure if she heard her correctly. She had never imagined being Matron. That was always what Misae was going to do... and when Kein first broke to her the idea of going off on their own, that seemed like the perfect future for her. Just Kein and her. Together... exploring off somewhere. But.. Matron?
"Misae has done nothing wrong, but the spirits have changed their plans for our tribe nonetheless. I didn't understand at first, either," Paoro answers Nayeli, addressing her confused concern. "But I know better than to question their wisdom and foresight. And now..." Her eyes lower to the ground. "Now that blood has been spilled so mercilessly, I understand. You, as Ayashe's daughter, and Kein, as Maulisho's son, must unite to lead our tribe and ensure that they did not die in vain, that their lineage is carried on proudly."
These overwhelming surprises are coming too fast. First it was the summons from her long-gone grandmother--the shamaness of Amaranth. And then the death of Kein's mother, completely unexpected and unnerving. And then watching her father die only minutes after his murder of her mother. And now... Paoro is suggesting that she and Kein are to be the new leaders of Amaranth? The only leadership Nayeli had been thinking about was Kein's decision on where they'd be staying. What territory to claim. Nothing even remotely close to /this/. Still looking somewhat stunned, Nayeli tries to answer as respectfully as she's able. "It can't be me.. I'm.. I'm not.." She's not even sure what she's trying to say. It just /can't/ be her! There must be some mistake.
Paoro's pale eyes are soft, understanding of Nayeli's internal conflict. "I know it's sudden. And I know it's difficult, both to comprehend and so soon after their deaths. But now, more than ever, the Amaranth needs a pair of strong leaders to guide us back into the light. I am too old to be as helpful as I once was, and Yuma, though an honorable son, is not meant to rule." She considers Nayeli briefly. "The spirits would not lie to an old, faithful shamaness. If fate did not think you fit for following your mother's pawsteps, then they would not have told me so."
But Paoro's said it herself. Amaranth needs /strong/ leaders. Nayeli isn't strong at all--wasn't she just wishing not more than a couple of minutes ago that she could just stay hidden in the flowers forever, and not have to worry about dealing with any of what had happened yesterday? Her eyes look toward the ground. "I'm not strong enough, Paoro." It's difficult to admit that, but she knows that it has to be done. Surely Paoro will understand? Yuma is much stronger leader than she'll ever be--why can't he remain in the Chieftain's position? Kein would have taken that position himself if he had thought that he was strong enough... right?
"You've stayed, despite all that's happened since you returned. You endured the worst of tragedies to keep a promise to your tribe sister and relative --that sounds strong enough to me," Paoro answers sagely, keeping her gaze locked with Nayeli's for as long as she'll let it. "Being a strong leader doesn't mean you don't suffer, or can't show emotion when you do. The spirits know my time as matron was tainted with sadness as well. Being strong means you keep your promises and do all you can to ensure the wellbeing of your family and the tribe you've been called upon to lead. And I am confident that any of my children or grandchildren, and their children and grandchildren, have that strength within their hearts and minds."
It's a big speech, and a lot that Nayeli will have to think about. Probably a lot she'll need to talk with Kein about, too. This completely changes everything, and it's not even something she's sure that Kein will agree with, either. "Do.." she lifts her gaze to meet that of her grandmother, "..I have a choice in this?" Somehow she's pretty sure that the answer is no. She's going to be Matron, regardless of whether or not she wants to. And yet, somehow, that makes it easier. She won't have to worry for the rest of her life if she made the right decision since.. well.. it wasn't even a decision in the first place.
"Yes, you do." That's not the answer Nayeli was looking for...or is it? "We always have a choice, Nayeli." Paoro offers a light smile at this, despite her deep sadness. "I cannot force you to be a leader - even if I were to try, it would fail, and our tribe would be in even worse condition than it already is. But this decision is yours to make -- I only hope you will consider it carefully before deciding your path."
And yet, Nayeli already knows the answer. Paoro would not have come to her unless the shamaness honestly believed that she was the only choice. She takes several deep, calming breaths. What if Kein refuses? Would he? The last time she heard him state his opinion, it wasn't very positive or optimistic. But now, with both of their mothers dead.. not to mention Chesmu.. would he change his mind? "I understand." Her voice is a lot more confident this time, and she even manages a shaky smile. "Do you really think I can do it?" Her grandmother's opinion means the world to her, as it always has.
Paoro's faded maw breaks into another smile at her granddaughter's question, looking over at the girl affectionately. For once, her words are simple, rather than an eloquent speech: "Yes, I do."
"Have you talked to Kein about this yet?" Somehow Nayeli doubts it. Knowing how much emphasis has Amaranth tradition has on the female line, she can't see why the shamaness would have talked to Kein first. So what's the next step? Does Paoro want a one-on-one with Kein, explaining what she's just told Nayeli? Or would she want Nayeli herself to talk to Kein, to try and convince him that this is the right thing to do?
Paoro shakes her head. "No. He is not of my blood. I imagine the potential matron should speak with her potential chieftain herself, yes?" she adds, providing an answer to the adolescent's mental question.
A short laugh escapes Nayeli before she can help herself. 'Potential chieftain'? Oh, stars. There's so much that goes with that thought that Nayeli isn't sure if she wants to laugh some more or just cry outright. Can she even tell Kein this right now? He's grieving so much over the loss of her mother, as is she... but maybe they'll find mutual comfort in this. It's a way to respect everything that their mothers have done for them, by looking forward to the future. /Their/ future.
Paoro just continues to softly smile. "You'll find your answer, Nayeli. When you do, come find me." With that, she rises to all fours with a little effort, turning and walking off back towards the east again.
Nayeli - adolescent female cougaress (Amaranth)
Paoro - elder female cougaress (Amaranth shamaness)
Setting:
Wildflower Drop (Amaranth)
Scene:
It had been a miserable several hours. Quite possibly the worst few hours of Nayeli's life. The lowest point, as it were. And yet, after finally crying herself to sleep here among the flowers, Nayeli has had a very restful sleep. No nightmares. No sudden waking in the night, crying out for her parents. It's as though she had reached her emotional limit and had nothing left... except to rest. She slowly comes back to full awareness, eyes opening to see a blaze of color in front of her. Flowers. All around her. That rules out the possibility that yesterday had been part of a bad dream, and causes her to let out a long sigh. She doesn't want to get up, and have to face this miserable excuse of a life that she has now. Maybe if she stays here, the fact that her parents are dead will leave her alone.
There is a flutter of wings and a small, familiar bird next to Nayeli. She looks the adolescent over with a critical eye. "I low flight on the morrow, and yet I find a beautiful cougaress filled with sorrow. Come child, would you be happier when you've finally smiled?"
The shamaness spent her night away from the tribelands -- there are no painful memories associated with any of the deceased on foreign land, at least. Mourning, praying, and at last sleep filled the hours she was absent, but she has returned once again, not leaving for many moons as she did the last time she departed. No, the tribe needs her now more than ever, with both the former chieftain and matron dead in one fell swoop. Yuma is her son, but he is not the proper leader of the Amaranth tribe...Ayashe's role must be filled by a daughter, one who carries both the deceased matron's and her own blood through her veins. Both Ayashe and Paoro had had dreams of who the chosen daughter must be - and not the one originally thought. No, the river of time has changed its course, etching a new path in destiny, and the spilled blood of both Ayashe and Maulisho has further supported the prophecy that children of both their lines must bring their tribe out of darkness. That is why Paoro sought the departed pair,
Nayeli knows that it's not going to go away, no matter how hard she tries to wish it or run away from it. Or even hide from it, like she's trying to do now. Sooner or later she's going to have to get up and deal with what's happened. But that doesn't have to be right now, does it? There's no desire anywhere in her body to get up; any hunger or thirst she has are completed ignored. For that matter, /everything/ is ignored. Especially the sudden arrival of a familiar, poetic bird, one that Nayeli would have been quite happy to never see again for the rest of her life. She closes her eyes again, trying to shut out the grating, rhyming words. The only thing she wants now is solace.
Poe walks around Nayeli, examining her face. Noting no wounds but apparently emotional ones. She had heard the rumors of the recent tragic deaths striking the cougars who had always been generous enough to employ her as a messenger. "It is with a heavy heart that the wind with myself send, but whereupon is your friend, or any of your peers? Perhaps I can help with your tears?"
Paoro draws nearer, her ears lifting at the sound of the bird chattering, but paying little mind to its specifics. It is not important at the moment. She moves within a comfortable range of the prone adolescent, speaking her name with a gentle voice that manages to sound both urgent and consoling at once: "Nayeli."
The shamaness' one word cuts through the chatter of the avian, causing Nayeli to finally open her eyes again, rolling her head over to look in the direction of the voice. Paoro is here.. to comfort her? Explain what has happened to her? Explain why she and Kein were summoned? "Paoro," she finally says, voice cracking a little. She slowly rolls over and gets to her paws, looking at her grandmother. The raven is still ignored, though if it gets close enough or annoying enough, she might just decide to give it a quick death.
Poe hops and flies a short distance, startled by Paoro's arrval. She turns and looks over toward the two, but remains silent.
Paoro settles down slowly onto her haunches, looking over at Nayeli almost appraisingly for a moment before speaking further. She has so much to say...where does she begin? "Nayeli," she repeats again, "I have called you here for a reason. I am only regretful that it coincided with such a painful time for all of us, but seeing that you have returned to your birth home gives me some comfort in my old age. Do you know why I sent for you, granddaughter?"
Nayeli finally sits down to match her grandmother's posture after the older female finishes speaking. She had wondered what connection there was to the summons and what has happened here in Amaranth. Obviously the summons was sent before any of this happened; Nayeli wasn't sure if it was some kind of instinctual thing on Paoro's part, but apparently it wasn't. She finally shakes her head. Probably just a desire to catch up and find out what Nayeli's future plans consist of. Ironic that in coming back, Nayeli's future plans have drastically changed now.
"Hm. I know I have not been the most involved grandmother in history, but my presence or lack thereof has never affected my love for my family. I wish I had spent more time with my grandchildren, however, so I would not feel as though we are estranged," Paoro murmurs, seemingly off on a random tangent for now, but one never knows with the circular way the shamaness speaks. "But I hope that even in such tragedy, our bonds can become stronger." She pauses, taking a breath before resuming her speech. "Nayeli, your mother was strong. And she was a good leader. I was proud to call her my daughter, to claim that my blood ran in her veins...the same blood that runs through your veins, too, granddaughter. But that blood comes with responsibilities. As you well know, our tribe's leadership is passed from daughter to daughter...and the next matron is chosen carefully, whether by dreams, or visions, or reason, or fate." Her pale green eyes focus intently on the younger female, holding her gaze. "Nayeli, I believe it is you who must take up your mother's role."
Nayeli can't help but smile as Paoro talks about their familial relationships. Yes, her mother /was/ strong. Not always around, but definitely strong. But it's Paoro's next choice of topic that leaves her stunned. /Her/.. the new Matron? Wait a moment. "But.. what about.. Misae?" Nayeli stares at the shamaness, not sure if she heard her correctly. She had never imagined being Matron. That was always what Misae was going to do... and when Kein first broke to her the idea of going off on their own, that seemed like the perfect future for her. Just Kein and her. Together... exploring off somewhere. But.. Matron?
"Misae has done nothing wrong, but the spirits have changed their plans for our tribe nonetheless. I didn't understand at first, either," Paoro answers Nayeli, addressing her confused concern. "But I know better than to question their wisdom and foresight. And now..." Her eyes lower to the ground. "Now that blood has been spilled so mercilessly, I understand. You, as Ayashe's daughter, and Kein, as Maulisho's son, must unite to lead our tribe and ensure that they did not die in vain, that their lineage is carried on proudly."
These overwhelming surprises are coming too fast. First it was the summons from her long-gone grandmother--the shamaness of Amaranth. And then the death of Kein's mother, completely unexpected and unnerving. And then watching her father die only minutes after his murder of her mother. And now... Paoro is suggesting that she and Kein are to be the new leaders of Amaranth? The only leadership Nayeli had been thinking about was Kein's decision on where they'd be staying. What territory to claim. Nothing even remotely close to /this/. Still looking somewhat stunned, Nayeli tries to answer as respectfully as she's able. "It can't be me.. I'm.. I'm not.." She's not even sure what she's trying to say. It just /can't/ be her! There must be some mistake.
Paoro's pale eyes are soft, understanding of Nayeli's internal conflict. "I know it's sudden. And I know it's difficult, both to comprehend and so soon after their deaths. But now, more than ever, the Amaranth needs a pair of strong leaders to guide us back into the light. I am too old to be as helpful as I once was, and Yuma, though an honorable son, is not meant to rule." She considers Nayeli briefly. "The spirits would not lie to an old, faithful shamaness. If fate did not think you fit for following your mother's pawsteps, then they would not have told me so."
But Paoro's said it herself. Amaranth needs /strong/ leaders. Nayeli isn't strong at all--wasn't she just wishing not more than a couple of minutes ago that she could just stay hidden in the flowers forever, and not have to worry about dealing with any of what had happened yesterday? Her eyes look toward the ground. "I'm not strong enough, Paoro." It's difficult to admit that, but she knows that it has to be done. Surely Paoro will understand? Yuma is much stronger leader than she'll ever be--why can't he remain in the Chieftain's position? Kein would have taken that position himself if he had thought that he was strong enough... right?
"You've stayed, despite all that's happened since you returned. You endured the worst of tragedies to keep a promise to your tribe sister and relative --that sounds strong enough to me," Paoro answers sagely, keeping her gaze locked with Nayeli's for as long as she'll let it. "Being a strong leader doesn't mean you don't suffer, or can't show emotion when you do. The spirits know my time as matron was tainted with sadness as well. Being strong means you keep your promises and do all you can to ensure the wellbeing of your family and the tribe you've been called upon to lead. And I am confident that any of my children or grandchildren, and their children and grandchildren, have that strength within their hearts and minds."
It's a big speech, and a lot that Nayeli will have to think about. Probably a lot she'll need to talk with Kein about, too. This completely changes everything, and it's not even something she's sure that Kein will agree with, either. "Do.." she lifts her gaze to meet that of her grandmother, "..I have a choice in this?" Somehow she's pretty sure that the answer is no. She's going to be Matron, regardless of whether or not she wants to. And yet, somehow, that makes it easier. She won't have to worry for the rest of her life if she made the right decision since.. well.. it wasn't even a decision in the first place.
"Yes, you do." That's not the answer Nayeli was looking for...or is it? "We always have a choice, Nayeli." Paoro offers a light smile at this, despite her deep sadness. "I cannot force you to be a leader - even if I were to try, it would fail, and our tribe would be in even worse condition than it already is. But this decision is yours to make -- I only hope you will consider it carefully before deciding your path."
And yet, Nayeli already knows the answer. Paoro would not have come to her unless the shamaness honestly believed that she was the only choice. She takes several deep, calming breaths. What if Kein refuses? Would he? The last time she heard him state his opinion, it wasn't very positive or optimistic. But now, with both of their mothers dead.. not to mention Chesmu.. would he change his mind? "I understand." Her voice is a lot more confident this time, and she even manages a shaky smile. "Do you really think I can do it?" Her grandmother's opinion means the world to her, as it always has.
Paoro's faded maw breaks into another smile at her granddaughter's question, looking over at the girl affectionately. For once, her words are simple, rather than an eloquent speech: "Yes, I do."
"Have you talked to Kein about this yet?" Somehow Nayeli doubts it. Knowing how much emphasis has Amaranth tradition has on the female line, she can't see why the shamaness would have talked to Kein first. So what's the next step? Does Paoro want a one-on-one with Kein, explaining what she's just told Nayeli? Or would she want Nayeli herself to talk to Kein, to try and convince him that this is the right thing to do?
Paoro shakes her head. "No. He is not of my blood. I imagine the potential matron should speak with her potential chieftain herself, yes?" she adds, providing an answer to the adolescent's mental question.
A short laugh escapes Nayeli before she can help herself. 'Potential chieftain'? Oh, stars. There's so much that goes with that thought that Nayeli isn't sure if she wants to laugh some more or just cry outright. Can she even tell Kein this right now? He's grieving so much over the loss of her mother, as is she... but maybe they'll find mutual comfort in this. It's a way to respect everything that their mothers have done for them, by looking forward to the future. /Their/ future.
Paoro just continues to softly smile. "You'll find your answer, Nayeli. When you do, come find me." With that, she rises to all fours with a little effort, turning and walking off back towards the east again.