The Wish of a Broken Heart

Travel, Trials, Teamwork

Avil’a’vaní 6th

ElogíAnatí

10:00

Tavirian

I slept in later than I ever have today. I felt great until I came out. Most of the hayati couples were cuddled up on the beach or in their tents. Others were whispering in small groups. My family was missing. Ana's tent was being heavily protected. They wouldn’t even let me in!

“Inkosi, may we speak wit you, please?” A young couple approaches me with a plate of food. How can I refuse food and explanations on what in the Helííme is happening.

“Yes, please. It seems something has happened, and I slept through it all.”

“It has sire. Please.” She gestures to an area away from everyone else. It’s on the edge of the beach with a shade covered moss covered log. We sit quietly while I eat. Fifteen minutes goes by before I encourage them to proceed. This is weird.

“Please, tell me who you are and why everyone is so somber. Also, please call me Tavi.” They look hesitant.

“I am Neteru Marút’lèsah. I only earned my position with the Royal Neteru a few days before we left.” She introduces herself.

“I am ‘er ‘ayati, Neteru Imuvé’taka of de Nanú Islands. I plan on transferring to de Royal Neteru, if I can.” He has a thick island accent. Our tribe has an accent, but Miwt makes sure we enunciate.

“Consider it done. If you are performing your duties on the Ak’hajj, you are already in the Royal Neteru.” Marút’lèsah beams, squeezing his arm. Her brow knits, and she looks sullen. “Tell me.” I say softly.

“This morning, we all decided on staying or going. We,” she gestures between them, “are staying. We have never traveled the Ak’hajj, been out of our own nations, and it is our duty to protect the Royal family.”

“You both have my greatest appreciation.” They both nod and seem reserved.

“Dat bein said, Tavi, one of de akika lost ‘er ‘ayati. She be in yer sary’s tent bein tended to.” I freeze. It isn’t rare for someone to die from heartbreak. If Ana is tending to her, she will recover.

“Do you know who?”

“An akika named Niledōtu.” Surprise is clearly written on my face. She was trained by Ana before going home to Dagdha Ámathos Érizmós. She’s incredibly talented, kind, and our fifth cousin. It’s nauseating the Gudalá are considering family. My love of family is more powerful than my disgust of the Gudalá right now. She’s in pain and needs our support.

“Ye know ‘er?”

“I do. She is a cousin and was trained by Ana.”

“My sympathies.” He clasps my shoulder. A loss of a family member’s hayati is a loss to the whole family. “Ye should know, she be comin’ wit us still. She ‘as business wit de En’rux’kulu.”