Scars to Your Beautiful (New)

Wocha's Grove

After an early lunch, Indra called for a small guard and several scouts to accompany us. The gonas rode with us this time as the scouts spread out around us in the trees.

"I know what you're doing," I told Indra as I realized something.

Indra glanced at me; her eyebrow quirked, "Oh? What am I doing?"

"You used the inspection and watch rotation to start spreading the word about me," I told her. "Don't think I didn't notice that every gona that came with us was someone I've trained with. Or I don't know about the multitude of letters regarding my adoption. Today was about proving a point."

"And what point is that, Rook?"

"That you were right to adopt me into Trikru," I said, shifting to settle comfortably in the saddle. "That my knowledge of Skaikru isn't the only thing of value I have to offer. Even though there are still things I need to learn, I've already proven myself a boon, not only to Tondc but to Trikru. And with my tinka skills, the village has a unique commodity no other town has. Not even Polis."

"Say that you are right, and I am using this opportunity to spread the word of your accomplishments," Indra slowly stated. "Besides proving that I was right, what other reasons would I have to do so?"

I sighed, "Skaikru survived winter and having survived, Heda will soon need to decide what to do with them. If for the sake of argument, the rest of Skaikru remains in the Sky, my successful assimilation means there is a chance, though a rather slim one, that those at the dropship could do the same. Or at least integrate if they don't want to assimilate fully. This would give Trikru an advantage over the other clans simply because Skaikru holds pre-Praimfaya knowledge and skills that could benefit the clan."

"Are there any other advantages?"

"One is Maun-de, and Skaikru's similarity to the Maunon could be what is needed to end their threat to the Kongeda. And two, if, by Fate or chance, the rest of Skaikru make it down, we could use those at the dropship to bridge the gap between our people," I surmised.

Amusedly, Indra said, "And you got all this simply from accompanying me to the gongeda? What if the point of this trip was to introduce you to your eventual responsibilities?"

I smirked at her, "Who can say that it isn't both? Regardless, the rumors about my adoption will be squashed, and the truth will spread. Between the gonas I trained with, speaking with the gongeda's fisa, and dealing with Wormana Lia, I've proven that I'm not useless. And I've also demonstrated that the Bounstoka wasn't a fluke.

"Do you know me so well?"

"I've learned that you have a keen mind for strategy, Indra," I stated. "You also care deeply for your people; the last thing you want is to put them at risk. I know you thought long and hard before you offered me a place, weighing the unknown potential against the inevitable backlash. I did the same, and the risk we took paid off."

Indra thoughtfully regarded me for a moment before asking, "Do you have any regrets?"

I sighed, "My only regret is that those at the dropship are still clueless about the potential life they could have. But no, I have never regretted my decision, and I never will. I chose to accept your offer because it was what was best for me. I have a life I never dared dream of, and I've never been happier."

"Os. Neither do I," Indra replied.

I smiled at Blaze's ears, heartened to know Indra didn't regret allowing me to stay. And maybe a bit proud of myself for figuring out why the chief had brought me along. Though, I had yet to figure out where we were heading or why she wanted to show me, of all people.