Ma Tsawke

Chapter five

Tanhì and Neytiri whirl through the enchanted forest, their laughter dancing in the breeze. The chase intensifies, their steps quick and light, until Tanhì finally stops, leaning against a towering tree as she catches her breath.

In the quiet of the forest, Neytiri's groans escape her lips, a mixture of exhaustion and delight. Tanhì, ever watchful, tunes into the symphony of nature, her ears attuned to the slightest rustle. Suddenly, a movement to her left sends her heart racing and with lightning reflexes, she evades Neytiri's playful assault.

As Tanhì takes flight, a burst of energy courses through her, propelling her up a tree. The forest floor echoes with the soft patter of her nimble footsteps, a delicate dance to conceal her whereabouts.

Nestled between two ancient trunks, Tanhì finds her refuge, hidden from view. Below, Neytiri prowls, searching for any sign of her sister.

In the hushed stillness, Tanhì releases a breath she didn't realize she was holding, only to be interrupted by a subtle thud. Alert and instinctive, Neytiri's eyes dart across the landscape, tracing the aftermath of the disturbance in the flora.

Unbeknownst to her, Tanhì lies in wait, concealed beneath the roots.

Tanhì's ears prick up, tuned to the rhythm of her sister's steps directly above her hidden haven. With perfect timing, she reaches out, grabbing Neytiri's ankles. A startled yelp escapes Neytiri as she stumbles backward.

As the dust settles, Tanhì emerges, doubled over with laughter and clutching her stomach.

Neytiri, quick to recover, launches herself at Tanhì with a hiss. They tumble to the ground in a whirl of limbs and laughter, the forest alive with their joy. When the game winds down, they lie side by side, the soft moon cradling them as they catch their breaths.

In the quiet aftermath, Neytiri, her eyes filled with affection, confesses.

"I missed you, Tsmuke. You spend too much time with that demon." Her words carry a hint of playful complaint, punctuated by a teasing tug at Tanhì's braids.

"Sa'nok made the decision, not me. It is not my fault. He acts like a child—he learns like one too!" Tanhì groans. The memory of the well-built yet exasperating man ignites a simmering anger within her, evident in the fire that flickers across her face.

"You deceive no one but yourself, Tanhì. I am aware you returned to the school." Neytiri admonishes, stern as she fixes a piercing gaze on her sister.

"I only went because I saw Sa'nok." Tanhì defends herself. "He was with her and another dream walker. I left but on my way back home, I ran into him again."

Neytiri, however, responds with a dismissive roll of her eyes, unconvinced by the explanation. "You gaze at this demon the way sister looked at Tsu'tey." She points out with keen observation, causing the older girl to gasp in offense.

The comparison hits like a sudden storm, stirring up emotions and memories that Tanhì may not be ready to confront.

"He is maddening! He neither understands nor belongs here! Sylwanin would be absolutely furious at that insinuation!" Tanhì insists, cheeks burning.

In a sudden movement, she sits up, turning towards her sister. Neytiri gently takes Tanhì's palms into her own, her touch a comforting anchor.

Tears glisten in Tanhì's eyes. Neytiri, recognizing the vulnerability, begins to rebraid her sister's hair with a tender familiarity, a gesture reminiscent of the comforting rituals from their childhood.

"Sister too despised Tsu'tey at first, even hated him, remember? She would want you to find happiness, Nìah." Neytiri consoles, a gentle reminder of the transformative power of love.