The Primitive King ~ ON HOLD ~

TWENTY-TWO

ALVARA

I was in a near meditative state, gazing out onto the expanse of beauty that I was lucky enough to witness firsthand.

A soft glow lit the morning sky, and I sipped my tea slowly while looking out the window and appreciating the tranquil utopia before me.

The sun's rays permeated each diaphanous leaf while simultaneously illuminating them,  and they danced with the wind's caress. Each creature was unique, and the biodiversity was unlike anything I'd ever seen. How Cuby became a master of his craft, I'd never know.

From the talk amongst the clan, I was aware that the dry season was approaching. It was a season of suffering and apparently, the worst of nature awoke at this time. For now, I'd savor the sight of the lush forest surrounding us.

A strange animal glided from one gargantuan tree to the next, and I watched amazed at the way the wind caught in its four limbs' skin almost like a sail, or a flying tree squirrel. It resembled a manta ray with the head of a naked sloth.

I noticed movement in my peripheral vision suddenly and turned to see a repentant Iden watching me with a mix of regret and longing. I wasn't so quick to forgive him this time, his actions were not the result of a simple cultural difference. I felt used, tossed aside, and abandoned. 

After I'd shown him my idea yesterday, he tried to talk to me about my decision to tear apart my ship and I simply walked away. I can't take back the fact that I tore it to shreds, but at least I can save all of those women now.

My sharp look seemed to portray my message well enough because he sighed and turned to roll up the sleeping cot he'd been using on the floor. I'll admit, I couldn't sleep as well without him curled around me... but I wasn't going to be walked all over and treated less than equal.

"We have about a week to get preparations in order, with the dry season approaching we'll want to recruit as many clans as we can. I already know of some who are against the king and his conduct, but we'll want to tread softly with unknown clans." His rough voice filled the space and I wanted to shrink away from it.

Why was it so hard to remain strong in front of him? I'd iced out others plenty of times, and I didn't really intend to let him back into my good graces. Ever.

"That shouldn't be a problem, I'll be sure to rip apart my only way off this planet some more for the sake of your feelings. On it." My response was business-like and polite. About at cordial as one could be. His face turned to stone and I knew I'd struck a nerve, his anger was almost sizzling the air with its intensity.

"Did you learn that passive-aggressive shit in the league Alvara? Because here if we have something to say, we say it." His tone caused my own anger to swell and I felt the evidence in my hot cheeks.

"Don't patronize me Mr. victim, who the hell gave you the psychology degree? Last I remember you were crying over your mommy instead of manning up and figuring out a solution. In the league, we fight to solve issues. We may not talk about our feelings so openly but at least we have some damn balls!" I shouted at him, and before I noticed what I was doing my tea spilled a bit onto the floor.