Tsaheylu

Spirit Sisters

"Alright you two, you've put this off for long enough," Tonowari says, standing above Neteyam and I. It had been a few days since my birthday, and the whole group had just made the most of everyday as best as we could. We were united as one and we each had grown to watch eachother's backs instead of fighting amongst ourselves. Tonowari had approached me the day after my birthday and had said about Neteyam and I learning how to ride the Skimwing, the pair of us now part of the Clan and of age. We wanted to bask in the fun of being kids for a little longer, but we couldn't do that anymore. Now was the time to step up.

"Off to the Skimwing!" I practically exclaim, more than ready for my trial now. I leap to my feet and step to Tonowari's side, waving for Neteyam to come and join us. "We will see you all later!" I say to the others as I break out in a run, racing out of the feast circle to the nearby docks. My feet followed the familiar path to the Skimwing area, almost jumping with pure excitement.

Tonowari and Neteyam took their time getting to me, chatting aimlessly between themselves about things I couldn't hear.

"Everything you have learned from riding an Ilu will help you in taming your Tsurak. They are faithful creatures, much like the Tulkun, who create their bond with their rider and will not let anyone else ride them. They are much more difficult to master then the Ilu, they have wicked speed and the ability to glide across the water's surface which is something you will have to adjust to." Tonowari explains, walking us out to the onlooking dock.

"Unlike your Ikran," Tonowari says, looking to Neteyam, "The Tsurak does not choose you. You choose it, and it has to see the ability in you to ride it to the best of your abilities before allowing you to make the Tsaheylu. Luckily for you, we have a few Tsurak ready to take on a rider, and you can choose from them." He draws our attention to 5 smaller Skimwing, each having its own markings and colours. "You and the Skimwing must trust in one another as the Skimwing matures into a full adult, giving you the time to tame and ride it as it unlocks its full potential with your help."

He gestures for the two of us to make our choice, watching intently as I drop into the water first. Neteyam hangs back, watching as I swam to the Skimwing, each of them crowding round me as they nudged me. I gently clicked to each of them, giggling as they pushed me from side to side playfully. You could tell they were still young from their playful nature, but each looked ready for me to choose them. Most of their wings were similar, having shades of yellow and orange. Some had blue highlights to them, and others a more pinkish tinge. However the one that caught my eye was a bright yellow and purple one. It seemed more reserved then the others, swimming by my side without pushing me around like the others were.

I reach my hand out to touch its head, letting it make the move to bring the space between us smaller. It lifts its head and looks into my eyes, making me feel vulnerable beneath its sight. I felt like it was reading my very soul, judging my character innocently. It swam a few quick circles around me and brushed its tail around my midriff, stopping directly in front of me after it had managed to push the other Skimwing away from me.

Beneath the saddle that was already equipped to it, a small queue lifted itself out of the water, opening the bud to show me the tendrils held within. I had chosen it, and in turn, it had chosen me.

I reach to the back of my head and pull my braid forward, bringing our queues together to seal the first Tsaheylu. The tendrils wrap around eachother, connecting tightly as our souls bled into one another, letting me into her being. Her eyes opened wide, her pupils dialated as she looked into my eyes, baring herself before me. She told me her story, who she was and who she wanted to be. Her name was Na'koin, a name that to their kind meant gentle. It fit her perfectly.