𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐄𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐄𝐒 • 𝗞𝗜𝗥𝗜 𝗦𝗨𝗟𝗟𝗬

FIVE

𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐄𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐒

〶

Worry clung to Toku like a shadow as the day wore on and Kiri, along with her siblings, left his side. He found himself alone, sitting outside his Marui, lost in a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The weight of uncertainty pressed upon him, making each passing moment feel heavier than the last.

In the midst of his contemplation, a gentle voice cut through the silence, jolting Toku from his reverie. It was his mother, her hand tenderly cradling her pregnant stomach, a symbol of the hopes and dreams she carried for her son.

"Toku... it's time to meet Ayani," his mother spoke softly, her voice tinged with both excitement and sadness. Toku sighed, a mixture of resignation and a sense of duty settling within him. With a nod of understanding, he rose to his feet, brushing away the dust that clung to his clothes.

Together with his mother, Toku made his way to the heart of the village. There, he beheld a gathering of revered tribal elders and his own father engaged in a conversation with unfamiliar figures. Toku's heart fluttered with anticipation as he realized these must be Ayani's parents.

As he approached the assembly, Toku felt the weight of tradition and ancestral expectations resting upon his shoulders. The elders, their faces etched with wisdom and experience, acknowledged his presence, their eyes shimmering with a mix of scrutiny and encouragement. Standing tall beside them was his father, a source of guidance and support in this pivotal moment.

Toku's gaze shifted to the figures he presumed to be Ayani's parents. Ryki and Me're, with their dignified presence and gentle smiles, exuded an aura of authority and grace. Toku took a deep breath, his heart pounding within his chest, as he prepared himself to face the future laid out before him.

Tonowari, his voice carrying the weight of generations past, beckoned Toku to step forward. Toku complied, standing before Ayani's parents with a mixture of respect and trepidation. The air hung with a charged energy, as if the entire village held its breath, waiting for what was to come.

"We gather here today to weave the threads of our tribes together," Tonowari declared, his voice steady and resolute. "Toku, son of myself and Ronal, and Ayani, daughter of Ryik and Me're, our fates intertwine in this moment."

Toku's pulse quickened as he met Ayani's gaze, her eyes reflecting a blend of curiosity and anticipation. There was a warmth and genuineness in her smile that stirred something deep within him, Toku couldn't help but cast a fleeting glance towards the place where Kiri once stood, a pang of longing tugging at his heart.

As the elders and parents engaged in discussions, their voices mingling in hushed tones, Toku found himself momentarily alone with his thoughts.

He retreated to a quiet spot, seeking solace outside his Marui, knowing that the path before him would be paved with choices and sacrifices.

Toku turned his head as he heard Ayani's voice, and his eyes met hers. She stood tall, radiating a warm smile that reached her eyes. There was a certain grace about her, but Toku couldn't help comparing her to Kiri in his heart.

As Ayani took a seat next to him, gazing out at the view he had been lost in moments

"Your Toku, right? My parents have told me so much about you," Ayani began, her voice laced with sincerity. Toku nodded, his curiosity piqued.

Ayani let out a sigh, her eyes searching his face. "I can tell you're not very sure about this."

Toku's heart skipped a beat as he realized Ayani might've shared his doubts. He glanced at her. "No, no, I'm... I guess you're right. I have my reservations."

Ayani placed a comforting hand on Toku's shoulder, her touch grounding him in the moment.

"If I'm being honest, neither am I," she confessed, her voice tinged with vulnerability. "I mean, how can our parents expect us to marry a complete stranger?"

Toku's eyes widened in surprise, a wave of relief washing over him

"I know," Toku admitted, his voice filled with a mix of understanding and frustration. "It's overwhelming to think about building a life with someone we hardly know."

Ayani nodded, her eyes glistening with empathy. "Exactly. It's like our futures have been decided for us without considering what we truly want."

As they sat side by side, a gentle breeze rustling through the air, Toku found solace in Ayani's presence. In her, he discovered a confidante, someone who understood the complexities of their situation.

"But perhaps," Ayani continued, her voice softer now, "we can find a way to navigate this together."

Toku's mind kept drifting back to Kiri, and he couldn't deny his strong feelings for her.

But with his parents' expectations and the weight of tradition, he feared their relationship might remain just a possibility. It was a tough choice, and he felt torn between love and duty.

A/N

Sorry that it's a really short chapter I just felt like I needed to get a chapter out.

〶