[Chibale] Meeting at the Mother (Danika x Verosh) FIN

[Sabra Knight]

Verosh Post 1

Ever since the appearance of the Dretch Verosh had become even more determined to train. His mother and her Sisters were working hard while his father constantly had Alkidikies, those willing that is to have an earthling touch them, in their home for healing. The wind earthling had asked for Verosh to gather herbs from before and today it was a similar story save for the fact that the necessary plant was on Chibale. His mother was heading that way with some Sisters and he had asked to tag along. He could grab the plants needed for the poultice then and take them back to Mio before going back out to train some more.

Even with the alliance forming between the Alkidikes and their earthling neighbors there were still tensions and Verosh felt the heat of stares as he walked across the waters and climbed onto the shores of Chibale. A hybrid child, a disgrace to Aisha. His antenna flicked as the accusations were whispered in the air around him but the boy simply straightened his shoulders. He knew that many still disapproved of mating with the earthlings, even those that were okay fighting alongside of them still fought against the ‘monstrosities’ of a hybrid child. It tainted the great blood of Aisha’s children and made weaker offspring who could never fully reach the potential of a pure Alkidike. What if this continued to be a trend and the pures diminished leaving only these mixes to defend Aisha?

That would be a travesty indeed. And though Achashverosh greatly admired the Alkidike people and did look down on the earthling side of his heritage it did not stop the words from stinging. His hands tightened around his spear before he bid his mother farewell and darted off away from the gathering Sisters to instead look for herbs. There was only so many insults he could stand after all. If they were back in the village then he could have proven himself through sparring or doing some mighty deed but on Chibale? He was too afraid to anger the Elders and those who lived here with Aisha. Never would he wish to earn their scorn for fear that they would prohibit him from visiting the Great Mother.

While he had only been around the base of Aisha a few times it had been enough to touch him. He loved the feeling of warmth that the tree gave him and when he dared to be bold enough the hybrid boy would visit the tree and touch his fingers around the bark, something that would give some pures a heart attack if they saw.  

[Sabra Knight]

Danika Post 1


She was sitting quietly beneath one of the higher trees when she spotted the golden dreads that glimmered in the sunlight. Blinking Danika tilted her head and moved slightly so that she could peer closely at the approaching hybrid. While many were in meetings Danika had once again offered to stay near the tree to offer support and advice to those who visited. Due to the looming threat of the Dretch the requests for blooms had diminished but there were still some who wished to ask for her blessing. Yet it didn’t seem like the hybrid boy was after that for he was far too young. Instead he seemed skittish, almost afraid that someone would spot him as he walked up the roots and towards the great tree.

Part of Danika winced to see a Sister...err Brother in such pain. None should have to be afraid to approach the Great Mother as she loved all and offered much needed warmth and comfort in these dark times. Yet she recognized the hybrid’s delima. Years of serving Aisha and her people had not blinded her to those of mixed blood who found themselves ostracized. Had the boy even been an earthling pure then he would only be on the island with an escort of at least three warriors and the one who had taken them as a mate.

One of the first blooms I had handled was such a situation. She smiled, a faint warmth in her dark gaze at the memory, “A blonde man with one of our warriors…” It had truly been an interesting pairing and she had heard a Sister, one more open to earthlings, joking with the Sister that she hadn’t realized she went out to woo a beam of sunlight. Of course Danika had been chastised for snickering at the comment but now that she saw the golden hybrid she couldn’t help thinking the same thing.

A ray of sunlight to visit the Mother…  

[Sabra Knight]

Verosh Post 2

He was going to be bold. Verosh held his head high and straightened his shoulders as he made his decision. Times were dark and if he was going to fight for his Sisters then he wanted to get his mother’s blessing. If his mother was still nearby she would surely agree with his decision but seeing as he was alone it was up to Verosh to approach the tree so that he could bathe in her warmth. Even though the earthling people had gods - many of which he had learned about from his father, Mio - Verosh just couldn’t imagine them having the same relationship that the Alkidikes had with Aisha.

She was physically there and they could take in her glory as she guarded Chibale and granted them the blessing of children. Even now some blooms were off to the base of the tree, protected by Alkidikes who lingered around the birthing area. What other gods did such things? He could only shake his head, the beads in his dreads ringing with the movement. As it is leave them to their gods while I have my own. He smiled, a rare expression for the hybrid, and moved forward so that he could gingerly reach out with a hand towards Aisha. As he spread his fingers out across her bark the hybrid swore he felt a jolt of power, of warmth from the tree.

It felt nice and reassuring. For a moment Verosh could close his eyes and simply soak in those feelings of bliss, a reminder of why he was fighting for the Sisters and that despite the bias of some that at least Aisha accepted him as her own.  

[Sabra Knight]

Danika Post 2

She felt attracted to the hybrid. Perhaps it was because none of the Elders or even Eshe were around but Danika found herself slipping from the upper branches of the tree. Quietly, like a gentle wisp of a spring breeze, the mystic moved forward towards the hybrid boy. It was only when she was simply a breath away from him that she dared to open her mouth to speak.

And when those green lips did open they curled upwards in a gentle smile that matched the soft voice that whispered behind the hybrid boy, “It’s reassuring, correct?” She asked as she tilted her head towards the boy with interest, “Many find that coming to see the Great Mother can give peace even in these troubled times.” Danika laced her fingers together as she took a step to the side to observe the boy for a moment longer. It would also shield him from the view of those who may not consider a hybrid an appropriate presence at the base of Aisha.  

[Sabra Knight]

Verosh 3

His shoulders stiffening at the sudden voice Verosh had to will himself not to lash back out at the intruder. Or rather the one who belonged here while he intruded. A flush decorated the top of his cheeks and spread along to the back of his neck as he opened his eyes and recognized the figure of the youngest mystic, Danika. Even as a hybrid he had been raised in Jahaur long enough to spot her from afar, his mother had pointed her out the few times he had crossed into Chibale before. Never though had he gotten the chance to catch more than a glimpse and yet here they were standing less than a foot from one another.

Quickly he bowed his head in respect, “She does. I meant no harm to any other than to take a moment to visit Aisha.” Could he even call her the Great Mother or would that be insulting for a mystic to hear such words from a hybrid? Even mystics were not without bias against those who had been tainted with earthling blood.  

[Sabra Knight]

Danika 3

“I do not see why touching Aisha would harm her.” Replied Danika quietly as she took a step forward so that she could wrap her fingers lightly around the boy’s chin, “No need to look so ashamed.” She smiled, a glint showing in her dark gaze as her antenna twitched thoughtfully, “As I see it you are visiting the Great Mother to refresh your spirit. Why would I wish to turn you away or make you feel disheartened?” She tugged at him so that he could glance at her instead of at her feet, “I live to help my people, not sadden them so please do not look so.”

Her index finger brushed lightly against his cheek before she lowered her hand, “I did not mean to disturb you but you seemed so touched by Aisha that I couldn’t resist commenting. I can leave you alone if you would like.” As she spoke Danika twisted so that she could stare up towards Aisha. It did not seem that the mother was upset at all to have such a visitor, so why would she get upset over it?  

[Sabra Knight]

Verosh 4

The sudden touch sent a shiver up his spine and Verosh found himself simply gaping at the mystic in surprise, “You’re very open.” He managed finally before pulling back so that he could rub his chin in his hand. Her fingers had been so warm and gentle that for a second he swore he felt the same emotions that Aisha gave him from the mystic. Truly they were here to speak for the tree, if not to be living versions of her. Or at least Danika was. Verosh knew other mystics had ventured away from Aisha and that one had even joined the Extremists in destroying earthlings and in creating that poisoned copy of the Great Mother. But Danika seemed so pure, so gentle and true. It had only been for a few seconds that she had spoken but the way she moved, the way she spoke...it was amazing for him to witness.

So amazing that he simply stood there in silence as he watched her.  

[Sabra Knight]

Danika 4

“Am I?” Danika laughed, a noise that resembled the rustling of the leaves as the wind brushed past, “I suppose so. It often gets me in trouble with the others since they prefer to be so much more reserved than me.” As the boy simply stared at her she found herself glancing over his own appearance, the strange markings mixing with the earthling crystals somehow enticing rather than vulgar. At least she would assume that others would call it vulgar since he was mixed but Danika found it rather attractive. He was like a beam of sunlight, almost as if the Mother had crafted a bloom from the skies rather than the ground.

“I promise you I am real.” She found herself saying as she realized that he had been studying her for a rather long moment. A faint blush even travelled across her cheeks as she realized that meant she had been staring at his unique features for a long moment as well.  

[Sabra Knight]

Verosh 5

“Ah, yes.” Had she been staring at him or was that simply his imagination? He had been so caught up in the moment, in how the sunlight shined down from Aisha to highlight the mystic and in how the wind seemingly caressed her dreads and lifted them ever so slightly as she stood there. Even the way that her skin glittered, the pale markings shimmering in the moving light had caught his attention. Usually the hybrid boy was more reserved but he was in such awe that he hadn’t been able to stop himself from studying her.

Shaking his head he was going to offer more words before finding a pair of other Alkidikes approaching the tree, “Mystic!” They called out and he found himself taking a few more steps back as they darted forward with their weapons ready, “Are you alright, Mystic?”  

[Sabra Knight]

Danika 5

Surprise had her stepping back as well when the two warriors came forward. As she had been distracted by the strange hybrid Danika hadn’t even realized that others were in the area. As the warriors pressed the boy away from her the mystic finally broke through the haze so that she could press forward and insert herself between the threatening warriors and the boy, “It’s alright!” She called out with a small smile, “I was simply making small talk with him as he came to visit the Great Mother.”

One would assume it was a simple thing to declare, yes? Well apparently not as both warriors seemingly grimaced at her words before barely lowering their spears. It was the slightest of movements but enough for Danika to hope for a peaceful resolution.  

[Sabra Knight]

Verosh 6

She was moving forward to protect him? Verosh found himself frowning in confusion before moving to the side so that he could stand next to the mystic rather than hiding behind her. He was to be a blade soon and the last thing he wanted was to be babied by the mystic. Even if she was amazing to behold he would not let his pride be trampled so! Crossing his arms the hybrid found his voice, “I meant no harm to anyone. I visited with my warrior mother and came to see the Great Mother. Now that I am finished with that I will leave shortly enough to rejoin the other Sisters and return to Jahaur.”

Ever so slowly the two Alkidikie warriors lowered their spears, “Then perhaps it is best if you leave. Our mystic is busy as should be any warriors wishing to prepare for the upcoming battles.” It was a firm ‘good riddance’ motion, one that Verosh recognized well. Rather than being distasteful by insulting him before Aisha they were simply shoving him along his way so that he could be out of their sight quickly.  

[Sabra Knight]

Danika 6

She found herself glancing over at him in surprise as he moved forward. He suddenly was a brave one now? If not for the tension of the situation Danika would dare to be amused by such a shift in behavior. It seemed that no matter what blood one had that pride was still a strong motivator. She twisted her fingers in her skirts as he spoke with the guards and as things quieted down and he seemingly prepared to move away from them she then took a step forward.

“Mystic Danika?” One of the warriors rose a brow in confusion at her actions and Danika could only shake her head at them.

“It is perfectly acceptable for those who follow our ways to visit.” She replied quietly, “As their mystic I will see them away from the Great Mother. Do not worry about me I will not wander far and I’m certain this young warrior will escort me to where the Elders are meeting. You may resume your duties by protecting Aisha and the blooms nestling in her roots.”  

[Sabra Knight]

Verosh 7

Verosh could only watch in silence as the mystic once again surprised him. I suppose not all pures on Chibale are as stiff as I assumed. He watched as the guards stiffly turned away and it was only when Danika brushed past him that he dared to move forward from the spot, “If you’re worried about whether or not I feel shoved away then don’t worry. I was able to receive my moment of peace with the Great Mother so I am content.”  

[Sabra Knight]

Danika 7

Pursing her lips Danika could only shake her head as she brushed past the hybrid and grabbed his hand, “Follow me.” She commanded, a hint of a leader’s authority in her firm tone. As they walked she made certain to keep her own shoulders straightened and kept a calm pace. She would not let them feel as if they had chased the hybrid away. And for Aisha’s sake! Why would he harm her? It’s not as if the Sisters at the borders had been blind when the boy crossed over. He wore dreads in their style, had their markings, carried a spear as any Sister would...it was surprisingly frustrating.

Was that the word? Frustration? Or was it more shame and anger? Shaking her head once more Danika released the boy’s hands as they ventured out of sight and towards the more familiar clearing which lead to dividing paths - one to the more open areas of Chibale’s borders and the other into the depths of the forest where the Elders met. The very area she would soon go towards after sending the hybrid boy on his way.

“The path to the shores is in that direction.” She offered while gesturing towards the right.  

[Sabra Knight]

Verosh 8

As they walked Verosh could not help watching how elegantly the mystic moved. She was very angry, that much he could tell, but she dared not to ruin her grace with jagged or rushed movements. A part of him swelled with pride that this was the one who would grow up to be the main mystic one day, the one who would lead their people. I’m glad. He thought quietly before she let go of his hand and broke the spell which kept him in silent awe.

“I appreciate your assistance, Mystic.” He began before turning away from the path she had gestured towards, “However, I have a task to gather some herbs which will take me towards the other path instead. If you were truthful in wishing for an escort I can offer my presence through Chibale.”