Chapter Text
To my esteemed friend, whose resolve is that of an immovable stone,
It is thought abroad you have conspired against thine own kin. The winds
of misfortune carried such poisonous thoughts to me, though I
shan't believe it till I hear it from your own mouth. I pray you, ease my
aching soul and visit me.
May the Stars shine upon you,
Tevatti
Tevatti prepared breakfast, hardly able to focus on task. Tyrumi was away at the infirmary being treated for her injuries. The one who walked amongst the Shadows, that is what she was called. She was a miracle child, yet also subject to ridicule. The other children said her mother feasts on lost children, and that Tyrumi would bring death to the village. He would not orphan a child twice. Still, he felt disgusted knowing that Mariluna ate his kin, and shame for thinking this way of her. He told her he would never begrudge a creature for following it's nature, for merely surviving, but he did.
The smell of burnt eggs redirected his worries. He quickly scraped the stinkbug eggs onto a plate and sat down at his dining room table. He choked down a few forkfuls, but his appetite had been spoiled. He looked around his wooden hut. Scarcely decorated, but it felt like home. A spring breeze blew in from outside, the red cloth hung over the entrance fluttered. He heard the laughter of children below the tree. It was rare these days, the world had become so silent. As much as he despised the thunderous roar from Beetle airships, he longed to hear them again just one more time. Now only the Shadow's flying machines passed overhead.
In these cruel times, he learned silence was a product of war, not of peace. He never imagined the world would be plunged into chaos like this. Life is chaotic and unpredictable, an idea deeply ingrained in his mind since his youth. His tribe preached order to overcome these dangers, just as nature survived within it's delicate balance. There are things beyond mortals control, however. How could he move forward not knowing what lies ahead?
Fear gripped him, though he did not think himself a coward. It was not the time to face this, not when others are more afraid than he is. As leader, he must be their rock. Poor Tyrumi was alone in the infirmary, and a visit would do them both well. He flew down to the town square.
It was a simple place. It was designed to live alongside nature, not encroach on it. The ground was grassy and bumpy, with a few well-trodden paths sprawling out. Huts were built upon tree branches and overgrown vines dangled down. The town blended into the woods quite well by design. An old shrine was just outside the village. It was erected long ago, dedicated to the twin deities. A sapling was planted there in their honor, and has now grown into a towering tree. Caterpillars were blessed there, as were the dead laid to rest. Most tribes now served the Stars above, but the Forest Tribe would never abandon their true creators. He remembered learning about how strongly his tribe resisted the changes to their faith. They protested the construction of the Lunar Temple by laying on top of the hill and staying there for days without food or drink. Some had to be dragged away before they succumbed to starvation. In a desperate attempt to prevent these changes, a leader of old threatened to withdraw from the alliance between tribes if they went through with teaching such blasphemous things.
They reached an agreement after many arguments and discussions. The Forest Tribe will hear the prophecies of the Stars, and choose to do with them what they will. Some still refuse to pledge themselves to the Stars, some have started to branch out. Dissenters often left the tribe to study abroad due to the topic still being widely debated. They have survived this long following the old ways, they can survive a little longer. That was a common sentiment here. He started to doubt this in recent years. When the first attack happened, his tribe assumed it was the wrath of the gods for breaking away from their faith. Other tribes thought it was the High Priestess's fault for disobeying the Stars. He never blamed her once for what happened. She carried herself with such wisdom and grace, and her heart was dedicated to the people. She was the best among them; but the brightest stars burn out the quickest.
They hadn't had the time to appoint a new high priest. It was a miracle the tribes stayed united for so long, but relations were quickly becoming frayed; this Mountain Tribe debacle being the driving force. He wondered how much longer his tribe would last. The Shadows had advanced weapons, unlike anything they had ever seen. His tribe was hit the hardest, being the largest and most spread out. They had a homefield advantage, but knowing the land like the back of your hand doesn't prevent bullets from piercing your shell. Something needed to change. He arrived at the infirmary. For now, a change of pace will do.
"Tyrumi, dear. Are you well?" Tevatti brushed Tyrumi's fur back.
"I'm okay. Nurse said to get lots of rest. I wanna go out and play though."
"In due time."
"When?" Tyrumi whined and flopped back into bed.
"I know not." Tevatti thought for a moment. "If the nurse permits in one weeks time, I shall take you to the riverside. Summer is almost upon us."
"Really?" She squealed, before breaking into a coughing fit.
"Now, do not excite yourself! You must rest."
"I will, I promise! I'm going to bed right now!"
"Hah, so you shall. May you dream of starlight."
Tevatti tucked her in and stroked her head one more time. He wished to speak to her longer, but her health did not allow it. A nurse approached him.
"Sir, a moment if you will."
He followed her into a backroom that smelled of herbs and mud.
"What did you wish to speak to me about?"
"Tyrumi... is not well. Her wound is infected. We fear it's shellwaste. The air has been so humid. We are keeping her laceration dry to the best of our ability, but she runs the risk of developing an even worse infection."
"You must prevent this. The air is ripe with pollen and spore. Should she contract shellwaste, worse yet, fungal rot! It may spell doom for her!"
"I swear to you, she will be cured."
"See to it then."
Tevatti stormed out and leaned up against the wall. He sighed. It seemed he would never get a moments respite again. He cast a prayer and hoped for an answer. For all that is given, something must be taken away. Nature poisons and nature cures; though a rare ailment has an equally rare remedy. He remembered the device Mariluna gave to him. Though he did not know if she was a doctor, she possessed basic medicinal knowledge, and likely knew techniques foreign to his own medics that could be of use. She could help Tyrumi. However, such great power must come from somewhere, and he did not know the cost. He cannot upset the balance for one child. He would find the medicine himself if he had to.
"Tevatti!" His train of thought was interrupted. A young mother approached him with a young caterpillar cradled in her arms.
"Ah, Harti, how fare you?"
"Wonderfully. The Tree of Life is so kind to grant me this child. Life still persists even as the world decays. This child is a symbol of hope."
"Decay is part of the great cycle, though its side of the scale tips heavier than it should in recent years."
"Nature will heal. It always does."
"Yes..." Tevatti was not sure he believed that anymore.
"Ah! We've already decided on a name for the blessing. 'Huu', it means hope."
"A loving name. Nurture that hope within, do not let it die out."
"They shall learn it well, so that they may always have a reason to keep on living."
"Farewell, until the ceremony."
Tevatti bowed his head, and the mother left. He stood there for a while. His head had began to hurt from this incessant arguing with himself. He could find no distraction nor escape from the torment. Conflicts of the head and the heart were never easy to solve.
There was still too much time left in the day, and he both wished for night to fall, and for more time before the meeting. Still, he had one more task to attend to before retiring to his home. His scouts have been patrolling the area more than usual due to the recent Wasp attack, and due to the visit from the mysterious stranger.
There was something uncanny about that fellow. His gaze was almost that of a ravenous beast, yet his eyes held too much knowledge. Something ancient and primal lurked beneath that glare.
He arrived at one of the scout outposts.
"Sir." A scout greeted him.
"Tell me your report."
"Nothing out of the ordinary today. A member of one of western forest village reported seeing Resheka and her caravan at midday."
"Very well indeed, raise me when she appears in the horizon."
"May I speak frankly?"
"You may."
"What if... there are Shadows with her?"
"Resheka has been our ally hitherto, and she is also my friend. She would not bring evil to our doorstep."
"I apologize for my doubt, sir."
"It is forgiven. It is a reasonable suspicion to have, and important to discuss. A scout must never be afraid to speak up."
"Thank you."
The scout returned to his post and Tevatti left.
He approached his cabin, eager to sleep if he could before the arrival of Resheka. It would be best to be of sound mind before speaking about such important matters. As he walked, he noticed a figure standing by the base of the tree on which his house was built. It was a scout who was present during the wasp attack, one of his most trusted allies.
"Kui, what brings you here?"
"I wish to speak to you in private, sir." Her tone was pensive, and she did not look his way.
"Come." The two flew into his chambers. Tevatti set down his staff and sat at his table.
"Sit if you wish."
"Thank you."
"Has something transpired? Is conflict approaching?"
"The conflict is within me, sir. My husband..."
Tevatti glanced away. Her husband had also joined him on their last mission. Struck down by Wasps.
"My condolences."
"I cannot stay here any longer." Kui blurted out, her voice cracked.
Tevatti was stunned.
"The Shadows, I can't bear to be around them! You are leading us into the maw of the beast! Their hunger is never satisfied! So much has been taken from us, yet you permit them to take even more?"
"Stay your tongue! I shall hear your woes but I will not tolerate these insults."
"..."
"I have erred, I do not deny it. It was foolish to yield to a child's whim. Alas, our doctrine speaks of family, and I cannot deny the girl that."
"You have denied me my family. Written therewith are our other tenets, namely wisdom. Twice now you have admitted fault. How many more chances should I give you? How high is the price I must pay?"
"You forget, our tribe is family. We protect one another. Your husband perished honorably in battle, a protector, a role he dedicated his life to."
"He died without reason! We never should have been out in those woods!"
Kui stomped over to the doorway, before turning to look back at Tevatti once more.
"Your platitudes insult me. You are blind in your faith, and lead us into the darkness, but not I, not any longer."
With that, she flew off into the woods.
Tevatti sighed and rested his head on the table. He wished now more than ever that he could hear the wisdom of the Stars and receive their guidance. He prayed for an answer.
"Tevatti! Resheka has arrived!"