Fana and Kreo

The Compromise

The Compromise

Years flew by and Floura's children were different.

The humans considered Kreo their leader and looked to him for everything. He took the role in stride, welcoming their concerns and desires. He listened and did his best to help. Often, he looked forward, trying to stay two steps ahead and improve their quality of life. Kreo molded himself around his followers and became the one they trusted and relied on. Fana, however, they grew wary of.

To them, Fana was the black sheep of the herd. She rarely interacted with them, only bringing food or necessary resources. They'd thank her, and she'd give her welcome before heading back into the wooded area. As time passed, so did her expressions and visits. She became more distant than before, even from her brother. When she returned, a harshness layered over her eyes and thoughts. The humans feared her for it, believing something in the woods was draining her.

But Fana knew the woods weren't at fault for her behavior. She also knew that herself and Kreo weren't the only ones to change. Floura had as well. The land and natural world she'd provided them with was beginning to disappear. At first, the trees were able to withstand the use, to continue reproducing and replacing the lost ones. Other plants were able to do the same as well as the wildlife. But as the humans reproduced, their numbers grew and so did their wants.

They were no longer satisfied with all that had. They wanted more. They wanted more homes, more space, more food, more everything. Kreo may not have noticed, but Fana did. Floura was going to die if things continued as they were.

Where the humans resided, the grass was dead. Shelters dominated most of the land, but where there was space, the humans carved well-trodden paths. The soil then grew loose, unable to home seeds for an ample amount of time. The civilization was scarce of animals, unless they were contained in too small, fenced in areas. Those animals went without socialization and adequate roaming space, only to be used for what they provided. What were they given in return? Malnourishment, neglect, and an early death. Fana felt their desperation, their desire to leave, and find freedom.

Now, she finally understood why the wildlife avoided humans: they were destructive. They were consuming everything they touched only to leave behind damage. When the land became unusable, they left it behind for greener planes only to repeat the process. Fana watched, hoping they would learn. But what she saw was their short-sightedness and inability to focus on the needs of those surrounding them.

Fana finally returned to where the humans resided, after several weeks. This time, she brought nothing with her, except a large feline that glided beside her with watchful eyes. It still surprised her, how little wildlife there was abruptly, even the towering trees diminished to nothing. She could say nothing because she was just as responsible for the creation of this civilization. But she could change things.

The humans looked towards her, pausing in their activities, with a wariness glazing over their eyes. She knew they feared her. They did little to hide their emotions, wearing them in a multitude of ways. However, she was not interested in befriending them like her brother. Not when this was the result of their needs and wants. So, she held her head high and continued forward, towards her brother's shelter.

Kreo told her that he would always be in the center of the village, as this gave him ease of access to any direction in case of an emergency. It was also the only one with a flag, stained by fruit and hanging high in the air, so that his followers were able to locate it with quickness. He was their center both physically and mentally.

Her brother wasn't there, but instead a little girl stood by nearby, her eyes fixated on Arctic before sweeping over Fana and halting. They widened and the little girl looked down, continuing with what she was doing.