Post by Therdde on May 7, 2009 17:00:36 GMT -5
Characters:
Kein - Male Cougar
Nayeli - Female Cougar
Kaya - Female Juvenile Cougar
- Snowy Highlands -
Searching for Ama has become a lesser priority ever since Nayeli became upset. His top priority will /always/ be her. Keeping her safe. Keeping her happy. He stayed with her for a long time, and when she seemed to want some time alone, he went hunting. He slept beside her, and in the morning, she seemed a bit calmer. Still, he has spent all morning just talking with her. Being with her. Now that she has reached her decision, he is walking southward with her, down the slope of the mountain. The sun has already passed it's high point, and he is not in a big hurry. He is just enjoying this time of relative calm with his mate, all the while keeping some of his attention devoted to their surroundings, even if they are in the 'safety' of Amaranth.
Relative calm indeed, as Nayeli can only imagine how difficult and emotional this upcoming conversation could become. As they walk, she is silent, thinking, pondering. They've already discussed everything that needs to be discussed. The only thing left to do is find her eldest daughter and have the conversation. It won't be pleasant, and it most likely won't be easy. But it needs to be done, and the more Nayeli has thought about it, the more she's realized the validity of her mate's stance on this matter.
Kaya has no idea what is to come. As far as she is concerned she wants to work her best at trying to improve herself for the better, think less about herself, make herself ready to be matron some day so that, somehow, she can try to prevent this sort of pain going on with the tribe and her family. She is sitting near that same rock as always, just keeping to herself. Except whenever Jinx or her cubs are around.
Kein had not expected Kaya to be this far north. He smells her after a while of walking, though, and a little while long, he spots his eldest child. Well... Taking a deep breath, Kein chuffs out to her at the same time that he reminds himself to be calm, no matter how much she may yell. Is he judging her from a single encounter? Well, yes, but then, that encounter was the longest he'd had with her in quite some time, and he really doesn't know his cubs anymore. Not as well as he would like, and no matter how much he hopes that will change, he knows he cannot abandon his other duties just because he wishes he could spend more time with his children.
Nayeli knows that Kaya has had a lot on her mind--they /all/ have, to some extent--but she also knows that Kaya is quick to voice her opinion. Best to keep this talk as non-confrontational for as long as possible, though it no doubt is inevitable. How will their daughter respond? Grief? Rage? Understanding? Hatred? Shock? Relief? There are so many ways this can turn out, and as her mother, Nayeli is feeling more than a bit anxious as to the possible fallout and aftermath of these next minutes. As Kein greets and summons their daughter, she takes a deep breath to ready herself. This is not going to be easy.
Kaya glances over and sees her parents, and a short flash of anger hits her. Oh, *now* they want to talk. Where were they when she needed them? The cub decides she better go to them anyway. She works her way through her snow to them, trying to think about what they would want. She returns the chuff briefly, but her face betrays a bit of unhappiness and, yes, maybe a slight amount of mistrust right now. She doesn't believe this will be anything good.
Does Kaya's expression hurt her father? If so, he doesn't show it. Kein waits until she is close enough that he can speak without raising his voice. Then, he says, "Kaya, your mother and I have reached a decision, and we need to have a talk with you." Is Kein reluctant about doing most, or all, of the talking? Not at all. After speaking, he sits. At least they can be physically comfortable (and nonconfrontational) in this. He's desperate to /not/ say anything as though it's a punishment. It isn't even meant as such. Whether Kaya will be able to make that distinction, though...
Before her mate can break the news to their daughter, Nayeli steps forward to offer her a warm nuzzle. The entire basis for this conversation is based on their disappointment in Kaya, but that does not mean for an instant that they do not love her, and Nayeli is adamant that such is made abundantly clear. She and Kein both have disappointed their own respective parents at times, yet there was never any doubt that such parental love had ceased. From what Kein has told her, it sounds like he was the beneficiary of more of that than she was, but even still. It's important to her that Kaya knows that both of her parents still love her, and still want to do everything they can to help her grow into a cougaress that they'll be proud of.
Kaya's ears fall back. Despite their best efforts, she picks out the key phrases "made a decision" and "talk to you" already tell her she's not going to like what she is going to hear one bit. There's also something a little alarming about her parents acting... *this* relaxed when they want to talk to her. But she doesn't say anything. She returns the nuzzle to her mother, but she definitely seems full of doubt.
Kein doesn't speak immediately after Nayeli nuzzles Kaya. Rather, he gives it a moment, during which time he decides his daughter would be none too receptive of such a gesture from him. It is another deep breath before Kein speaks, but then, finally, he begins talking. "Kaya... I want to stress that you are not in trouble. Mom and I have never expected anything but for you to do your best, and we /are/ proud of you." Most of the time. "But we don't think it is healthy, for you or for the tribe, for you to remain in your current position." Kein spent a long time trying to decide how to phrase it. How to not make Kaya feel absolutely horrible, /without/ giving away that half of this is just some attempt at shocking Kaya into behaving in a manner more appropriate to an Amaranth Matron.
Nayeli sits down as well, trying to remain as close to Kaya as she can. Security, comfort, closeness... anything that she might want or need during this. The older female is quite well aware that given Kaya's current age, it might be difficult to control her emotional reaction to the news. Nayeli certainly has enough difficulty herself at times; case in point would be her rather recent talk with Kein about certain... delicate topics. And then the news is broken, and Nayeli waits, tensing a little, for their daughter's reaction.
Kaya looks at her father, a little stricken, and somewhat speechless. Was it something she said or did? Maybe daddy is still angry at her for yelling at him, and this is her punishment? Should she have let Ashen alone, even though he was hurt? And yes, Kaya's voice trembles when she finally speaks. "Wh-what did I do wrong?" Kaya says. A season ago she would have been overjoyed at the news that her father would have confirmed she wasn't Chosen, and she would be free. But that was before all the pain... now all Kaya can think about is how her last chance to try to make things right is taken from her. She wanted to be Matron! Not for her. For the tribe! For cubs like Ashen in the future. No longer Chosen? "Was it because I stood up for Ashen?" Kaya looks brokenhearted in a way. "I... I wanted to be Chosen, daddy, because I wanted to *help* the tribe! I was hoping to change, to be a better cougar! Now... you don't want me to be Chosen? What... what... why take my only hope to make things better away? Why?"
Kein knew this wasn't going to be easy, and as a father, of course his daughter's distress bothers him. He does not allow it to sway him, though. Rather, he forces himself to stay calm. "There are many wonderful things you can do to help the tribe, Kaya. Your mother is not the only cougaress who does helpful things. Not by any means." Nium, for instance, is extremely helpful, always, even before Kein asked her to start trying to learn the skills it would take to be Shamaness. "We just want to see you grow into your right naturally, instead of trying to be something that you're not. It doesn't mean stop trying to be better, or stop trying to be happy. It means stop worrying, and learn to be you." The part of him that isn't angry with Kaya for her behaviour, which /is/ a large part of him, doesn't want to see her worry about things that, at her age, she /can't/ fix.
If it's hard for the father to hear such distress from the young girl, it's even harder on the mother. Nayeli keeps silent as her mate speaks, but finally sees a chance to interject her own words. "Kaya, sweetie.. being matron doesn't make you any more able to help Amaranth. Your father is right: every other Sister helps out as well. The matron is.. well.. the sister who gets stuck with the hardest decisions to make. And though we know that you want to help out, we just think that your desire to help will be better in a different role."
"What role? Being the Matron would have been perfect for me!" That's a little hubris, but also an actual strong belief that given time she'd be a great Matron. "Being Matron is the only place where I wouldn't have to *choose* to help but that I *would* help. Make the hard decisions... give my l-life up for the t-tribe." Kaya says, tears coming to her eyes. "I know I'm selfish! I know I am! Is that what this is?! I want to change! I do!" Kaya can't believe this. "Being a sister means I can leave... I don't want it. I want to be in a place where all I must do is help." Kaya looks unhappy. "What do I do? I want to be matron because I want to make sure things like... like..." Kaya says. "A sister can't stop what happened to you two! I love you and I don't want to lose you! I want to be where I can actually stop bad things from happening... stop things like... what happened to Ashen or you, mommy... or that.. what was her name? Sketch? If I'm matron I can make it right! I-I... I-I c-can!" She is still unaware of her friend's blindness.
Kein shakes his head slowly. Finally, some sadness seeps into his expression. It isn't intentional. He simply can't contain it. "Kaya... Part of the reason we decided this is simply because you think you can do things as the Matron that you can't do as a Sister of this tribe, or the other way around. If you could abandon this tribe because you're 'just' a Sister, then nothing would stop you from doing so as Matron, but it would hurt the tribe much more." Theoretically, Nayeli could leave, for as long as she wanted, anytime she wanted. Kein would stand against her, of course, but only as her mate. Not as Chieftain. And, if he raised too big a fuss, she could just tell him to take a hike and then leave anyway. He doubts it would ever come to that, but... There is nothing that the rest of the tribe members can do, and most of the things that Nayeli can do, so can the other members of the tribe... At least, with permission, and given that what they want to do is not unreasonable. For as long as Kaya thinks otherwise, Kein suspects it will cause problems.
The tribe is a close-knit sisterhood, yes, but there is nothing bonding them together save for their wish to be that way. Some sisters are much more solitary and free-roaming than others; Nayeli's own mother was this way, even in the position of matron. The older female is quiet as her mate responds to their daughter's questions. Nayeli has more that she would like to say as well, but decides not to interrupt just yet. If Kaya ends up breaking down, she'll be there to comfort and console, and will no doubt have time later to talk to her, mother-to-daughter.
"I want responsibility!" Kaya blurts out now. "Mommy leaves, what happens?" Kaya says. "It's just you, daddy. But what if whoever comes after mommy comes after the tribe?" Kaya sighs. "I know you protect us, daddy, but..." Kaya suddenly nuzzles Kein. "You're *nothing without mommy, daddy." She doesn't mean he's a bad cougar or incapable. Just the way she sees it is that... "I always felt that a Chieftain needs his Matron and the Matron needs her Chieftain. If I'm Matron... I'm needed. Sisters aren't. they can leave, they don't *have* to help. The matron is needed even if she can leave."
See? Failure to listen. Kein returns his daughter's nuzzling, but his expression hardens a bit as Kaya raises her voice. "I'm not going to let anything happen to your mother, Kaya... And once again, you are completely overlooking all the sacrifices the Sisters of this tribe make. Without them, there /is/ no tribe." It is /not/ just him and Nayeli. No doubt, he would be nothing without Nayeli. He would be... Well, he doesn't like to think about it. It causes him despair. But this conversation is not about him and Nayeli. Nayeli may be his priority, will always be his priority, But Kein understood, from the very beginning, how important the other Sisters of the tribe are, too.
Nayeli can't help but smile at the implication that she makes Kein who he is. Perhaps it's true, but it would be a reciprocal truth for sure. Each other's priorities as mates, yes, but as the leaders of Amaranth, the /sisters/ are their priority. Leadership through service, as she understands her role to be. Finally, she sees a chance to jump back in the conversation. "I don't know if anything could have stopped that attack. Some things are just not preventable, no matter how hard you try." Like her father still managing to inflict grievous wounds on her mate, despite her best efforts to prevent the conflict from happening.
Kaya sighs. "I don't care. This hurts, daddy. I wanted this as soon as I realized it'd be the best way to do my part." Kaya looks away. "If I just did what everyone expected me to do everything would just be okay and no one would be angry and mommy wouldn't be sad and Ashen'd be happy... and... and..." Kaya runs out of reasons. "Because I want it! I need it!"
Of course she doesn't care. Is that not at the heart of the conversation? Finally, Kein stands, towering over his daughter. "Our decision is final, Kaya... And based on this, I can only be convinced that we made the right one." Kein is preparing to leave Kaya alone with Nayeli, to take some comfort from her mother. Is he prepared to be seen, exclusively, as the 'bad guy' in this? Yes. It's not as though much will have changed, after all. "I love you, Kaya." He always will. Regardless of what happens.
Kaya got *very* angry at that. She leaps up to her feet. "Fine, daddy! I'll just go on being daddy's little *disappointment* then!" Kaya says. She turns and is about to steps past her mother. "Nothing I do is right! Everything I do is because I'm a selfish little cub who cares only about herself and what she wants!" Kaya starts to walk away. "Just leave me alone, I don't want to talk anymore!"
It cuts, and it cuts deep. Nayeli had anticipated this, prepared for this, braced for this.. and still feels as though she's slammed into a tree. Hearing those words from her own daughter drives home any thoughts she had of failing as a mother. But it's because of the long and emotional conversation she had with Kein previously that allows her to accept this. She can't make Kaya be who /she/ wants her to be. Only Kaya can do that. And if it's a rebellious daughter... Nayeli will just have to accept that, and yet love her regardless. Just as Kaya's father has said. They /do/ still love her, and yet have to make this difficult decision. It's their job, both as parents and as the chieftain and matron.
Kein - Male Cougar
Nayeli - Female Cougar
Kaya - Female Juvenile Cougar
- Snowy Highlands -
Searching for Ama has become a lesser priority ever since Nayeli became upset. His top priority will /always/ be her. Keeping her safe. Keeping her happy. He stayed with her for a long time, and when she seemed to want some time alone, he went hunting. He slept beside her, and in the morning, she seemed a bit calmer. Still, he has spent all morning just talking with her. Being with her. Now that she has reached her decision, he is walking southward with her, down the slope of the mountain. The sun has already passed it's high point, and he is not in a big hurry. He is just enjoying this time of relative calm with his mate, all the while keeping some of his attention devoted to their surroundings, even if they are in the 'safety' of Amaranth.
Relative calm indeed, as Nayeli can only imagine how difficult and emotional this upcoming conversation could become. As they walk, she is silent, thinking, pondering. They've already discussed everything that needs to be discussed. The only thing left to do is find her eldest daughter and have the conversation. It won't be pleasant, and it most likely won't be easy. But it needs to be done, and the more Nayeli has thought about it, the more she's realized the validity of her mate's stance on this matter.
Kaya has no idea what is to come. As far as she is concerned she wants to work her best at trying to improve herself for the better, think less about herself, make herself ready to be matron some day so that, somehow, she can try to prevent this sort of pain going on with the tribe and her family. She is sitting near that same rock as always, just keeping to herself. Except whenever Jinx or her cubs are around.
Kein had not expected Kaya to be this far north. He smells her after a while of walking, though, and a little while long, he spots his eldest child. Well... Taking a deep breath, Kein chuffs out to her at the same time that he reminds himself to be calm, no matter how much she may yell. Is he judging her from a single encounter? Well, yes, but then, that encounter was the longest he'd had with her in quite some time, and he really doesn't know his cubs anymore. Not as well as he would like, and no matter how much he hopes that will change, he knows he cannot abandon his other duties just because he wishes he could spend more time with his children.
Nayeli knows that Kaya has had a lot on her mind--they /all/ have, to some extent--but she also knows that Kaya is quick to voice her opinion. Best to keep this talk as non-confrontational for as long as possible, though it no doubt is inevitable. How will their daughter respond? Grief? Rage? Understanding? Hatred? Shock? Relief? There are so many ways this can turn out, and as her mother, Nayeli is feeling more than a bit anxious as to the possible fallout and aftermath of these next minutes. As Kein greets and summons their daughter, she takes a deep breath to ready herself. This is not going to be easy.
Kaya glances over and sees her parents, and a short flash of anger hits her. Oh, *now* they want to talk. Where were they when she needed them? The cub decides she better go to them anyway. She works her way through her snow to them, trying to think about what they would want. She returns the chuff briefly, but her face betrays a bit of unhappiness and, yes, maybe a slight amount of mistrust right now. She doesn't believe this will be anything good.
Does Kaya's expression hurt her father? If so, he doesn't show it. Kein waits until she is close enough that he can speak without raising his voice. Then, he says, "Kaya, your mother and I have reached a decision, and we need to have a talk with you." Is Kein reluctant about doing most, or all, of the talking? Not at all. After speaking, he sits. At least they can be physically comfortable (and nonconfrontational) in this. He's desperate to /not/ say anything as though it's a punishment. It isn't even meant as such. Whether Kaya will be able to make that distinction, though...
Before her mate can break the news to their daughter, Nayeli steps forward to offer her a warm nuzzle. The entire basis for this conversation is based on their disappointment in Kaya, but that does not mean for an instant that they do not love her, and Nayeli is adamant that such is made abundantly clear. She and Kein both have disappointed their own respective parents at times, yet there was never any doubt that such parental love had ceased. From what Kein has told her, it sounds like he was the beneficiary of more of that than she was, but even still. It's important to her that Kaya knows that both of her parents still love her, and still want to do everything they can to help her grow into a cougaress that they'll be proud of.
Kaya's ears fall back. Despite their best efforts, she picks out the key phrases "made a decision" and "talk to you" already tell her she's not going to like what she is going to hear one bit. There's also something a little alarming about her parents acting... *this* relaxed when they want to talk to her. But she doesn't say anything. She returns the nuzzle to her mother, but she definitely seems full of doubt.
Kein doesn't speak immediately after Nayeli nuzzles Kaya. Rather, he gives it a moment, during which time he decides his daughter would be none too receptive of such a gesture from him. It is another deep breath before Kein speaks, but then, finally, he begins talking. "Kaya... I want to stress that you are not in trouble. Mom and I have never expected anything but for you to do your best, and we /are/ proud of you." Most of the time. "But we don't think it is healthy, for you or for the tribe, for you to remain in your current position." Kein spent a long time trying to decide how to phrase it. How to not make Kaya feel absolutely horrible, /without/ giving away that half of this is just some attempt at shocking Kaya into behaving in a manner more appropriate to an Amaranth Matron.
Nayeli sits down as well, trying to remain as close to Kaya as she can. Security, comfort, closeness... anything that she might want or need during this. The older female is quite well aware that given Kaya's current age, it might be difficult to control her emotional reaction to the news. Nayeli certainly has enough difficulty herself at times; case in point would be her rather recent talk with Kein about certain... delicate topics. And then the news is broken, and Nayeli waits, tensing a little, for their daughter's reaction.
Kaya looks at her father, a little stricken, and somewhat speechless. Was it something she said or did? Maybe daddy is still angry at her for yelling at him, and this is her punishment? Should she have let Ashen alone, even though he was hurt? And yes, Kaya's voice trembles when she finally speaks. "Wh-what did I do wrong?" Kaya says. A season ago she would have been overjoyed at the news that her father would have confirmed she wasn't Chosen, and she would be free. But that was before all the pain... now all Kaya can think about is how her last chance to try to make things right is taken from her. She wanted to be Matron! Not for her. For the tribe! For cubs like Ashen in the future. No longer Chosen? "Was it because I stood up for Ashen?" Kaya looks brokenhearted in a way. "I... I wanted to be Chosen, daddy, because I wanted to *help* the tribe! I was hoping to change, to be a better cougar! Now... you don't want me to be Chosen? What... what... why take my only hope to make things better away? Why?"
Kein knew this wasn't going to be easy, and as a father, of course his daughter's distress bothers him. He does not allow it to sway him, though. Rather, he forces himself to stay calm. "There are many wonderful things you can do to help the tribe, Kaya. Your mother is not the only cougaress who does helpful things. Not by any means." Nium, for instance, is extremely helpful, always, even before Kein asked her to start trying to learn the skills it would take to be Shamaness. "We just want to see you grow into your right naturally, instead of trying to be something that you're not. It doesn't mean stop trying to be better, or stop trying to be happy. It means stop worrying, and learn to be you." The part of him that isn't angry with Kaya for her behaviour, which /is/ a large part of him, doesn't want to see her worry about things that, at her age, she /can't/ fix.
If it's hard for the father to hear such distress from the young girl, it's even harder on the mother. Nayeli keeps silent as her mate speaks, but finally sees a chance to interject her own words. "Kaya, sweetie.. being matron doesn't make you any more able to help Amaranth. Your father is right: every other Sister helps out as well. The matron is.. well.. the sister who gets stuck with the hardest decisions to make. And though we know that you want to help out, we just think that your desire to help will be better in a different role."
"What role? Being the Matron would have been perfect for me!" That's a little hubris, but also an actual strong belief that given time she'd be a great Matron. "Being Matron is the only place where I wouldn't have to *choose* to help but that I *would* help. Make the hard decisions... give my l-life up for the t-tribe." Kaya says, tears coming to her eyes. "I know I'm selfish! I know I am! Is that what this is?! I want to change! I do!" Kaya can't believe this. "Being a sister means I can leave... I don't want it. I want to be in a place where all I must do is help." Kaya looks unhappy. "What do I do? I want to be matron because I want to make sure things like... like..." Kaya says. "A sister can't stop what happened to you two! I love you and I don't want to lose you! I want to be where I can actually stop bad things from happening... stop things like... what happened to Ashen or you, mommy... or that.. what was her name? Sketch? If I'm matron I can make it right! I-I... I-I c-can!" She is still unaware of her friend's blindness.
Kein shakes his head slowly. Finally, some sadness seeps into his expression. It isn't intentional. He simply can't contain it. "Kaya... Part of the reason we decided this is simply because you think you can do things as the Matron that you can't do as a Sister of this tribe, or the other way around. If you could abandon this tribe because you're 'just' a Sister, then nothing would stop you from doing so as Matron, but it would hurt the tribe much more." Theoretically, Nayeli could leave, for as long as she wanted, anytime she wanted. Kein would stand against her, of course, but only as her mate. Not as Chieftain. And, if he raised too big a fuss, she could just tell him to take a hike and then leave anyway. He doubts it would ever come to that, but... There is nothing that the rest of the tribe members can do, and most of the things that Nayeli can do, so can the other members of the tribe... At least, with permission, and given that what they want to do is not unreasonable. For as long as Kaya thinks otherwise, Kein suspects it will cause problems.
The tribe is a close-knit sisterhood, yes, but there is nothing bonding them together save for their wish to be that way. Some sisters are much more solitary and free-roaming than others; Nayeli's own mother was this way, even in the position of matron. The older female is quiet as her mate responds to their daughter's questions. Nayeli has more that she would like to say as well, but decides not to interrupt just yet. If Kaya ends up breaking down, she'll be there to comfort and console, and will no doubt have time later to talk to her, mother-to-daughter.
"I want responsibility!" Kaya blurts out now. "Mommy leaves, what happens?" Kaya says. "It's just you, daddy. But what if whoever comes after mommy comes after the tribe?" Kaya sighs. "I know you protect us, daddy, but..." Kaya suddenly nuzzles Kein. "You're *nothing without mommy, daddy." She doesn't mean he's a bad cougar or incapable. Just the way she sees it is that... "I always felt that a Chieftain needs his Matron and the Matron needs her Chieftain. If I'm Matron... I'm needed. Sisters aren't. they can leave, they don't *have* to help. The matron is needed even if she can leave."
See? Failure to listen. Kein returns his daughter's nuzzling, but his expression hardens a bit as Kaya raises her voice. "I'm not going to let anything happen to your mother, Kaya... And once again, you are completely overlooking all the sacrifices the Sisters of this tribe make. Without them, there /is/ no tribe." It is /not/ just him and Nayeli. No doubt, he would be nothing without Nayeli. He would be... Well, he doesn't like to think about it. It causes him despair. But this conversation is not about him and Nayeli. Nayeli may be his priority, will always be his priority, But Kein understood, from the very beginning, how important the other Sisters of the tribe are, too.
Nayeli can't help but smile at the implication that she makes Kein who he is. Perhaps it's true, but it would be a reciprocal truth for sure. Each other's priorities as mates, yes, but as the leaders of Amaranth, the /sisters/ are their priority. Leadership through service, as she understands her role to be. Finally, she sees a chance to jump back in the conversation. "I don't know if anything could have stopped that attack. Some things are just not preventable, no matter how hard you try." Like her father still managing to inflict grievous wounds on her mate, despite her best efforts to prevent the conflict from happening.
Kaya sighs. "I don't care. This hurts, daddy. I wanted this as soon as I realized it'd be the best way to do my part." Kaya looks away. "If I just did what everyone expected me to do everything would just be okay and no one would be angry and mommy wouldn't be sad and Ashen'd be happy... and... and..." Kaya runs out of reasons. "Because I want it! I need it!"
Of course she doesn't care. Is that not at the heart of the conversation? Finally, Kein stands, towering over his daughter. "Our decision is final, Kaya... And based on this, I can only be convinced that we made the right one." Kein is preparing to leave Kaya alone with Nayeli, to take some comfort from her mother. Is he prepared to be seen, exclusively, as the 'bad guy' in this? Yes. It's not as though much will have changed, after all. "I love you, Kaya." He always will. Regardless of what happens.
Kaya got *very* angry at that. She leaps up to her feet. "Fine, daddy! I'll just go on being daddy's little *disappointment* then!" Kaya says. She turns and is about to steps past her mother. "Nothing I do is right! Everything I do is because I'm a selfish little cub who cares only about herself and what she wants!" Kaya starts to walk away. "Just leave me alone, I don't want to talk anymore!"
It cuts, and it cuts deep. Nayeli had anticipated this, prepared for this, braced for this.. and still feels as though she's slammed into a tree. Hearing those words from her own daughter drives home any thoughts she had of failing as a mother. But it's because of the long and emotional conversation she had with Kein previously that allows her to accept this. She can't make Kaya be who /she/ wants her to be. Only Kaya can do that. And if it's a rebellious daughter... Nayeli will just have to accept that, and yet love her regardless. Just as Kaya's father has said. They /do/ still love her, and yet have to make this difficult decision. It's their job, both as parents and as the chieftain and matron.