Ma Tsawke

Chapter five

Tanhì and Neytiri whirl through the enchanted forest, their laughter dancing on the breeze. As the chase intensifies, they draw nearer, breathless excitement fueling their pursuit. Finally, they pause and Tanhì leans against a majestic tree, chest heaving with exhilaration.

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 towering 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, the anticipation hanging in the air like a secret.

The forest holds its breath as Tanhì listens intently for the approaching steps of her sister. Each heartbeat echoes in the silence, building the tension until Neytiri's presence is revealed. The game continues, a ballet of siblings in the heart of nature's grand stage.

In the hushed stillness, Tanhì releases a breath she didn't realize she was holding, only to be interrupted by a subtle thud echoing through the serene surroundings. 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 a mischievous gleam in her eyes, Tanhì extends her hands stealthily from the earthy embrace, seizing Neytiri's ankles with a sudden, unexpected grip. The forest is shattered by Neytiri's startled cry as she tumbles away from the unforeseen ambush.

As the dust settles, Tanhì emerges into view, doubled over with laughter, clutching her stomach. The air is charged with the electricity of the moment, a perfect blend of surprise, amusement and the unbreakable bond between the two sisters.

With a playful hiss, Neytiri lunges at Tanhì, their laughter intertwining with the rustle of leaves as they tumble to the ground. The impact resonates in a resounding thud, a symphony of shared joy and unspoken connection. As the whirlwind of their play subsides, they find themselves nestled together, limbs entwined, the flora cradling them in a gentle embrace.

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. The sisters linger in the warmth of each other's presence, the bond between them strengthening with every moment.

"Sa'nok made the decision, not me. It is not my fault. He acts like a child, learns like one to!" Tanhì vehemently insists, her words laced with frustration. The memory of the well-built yet exasperating man ignites a simmering anger within her, evident in the fire that flickers in her eyes.

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

"I only went because I saw Sa'nok. He was with her and another dream walker. I left but on my way back home, I ran into him again." Tanhì defends herself, the urgency in her voice betraying the turmoil within. 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." Neytiri points out with a 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.