In the year 1776, a young Spaniard named Antonio Contreras embarked on a voyage to the mysterious lands of America. With a heart full of curiosity and a spirit of adventure, he set sail with a crew of intrepid sailors, their ship cutting through the vast expanse of the ocean. He was of tall, muscular build with prominent dark brown that swept gracefully across his forehead, transparent olive skin, and aqua blue eyes that resemble the deep, majestic sea. When he smiled, it was the most beautiful smile anyone can acknowledge. Sailing along with other Spaniards, he felt homesick and wondered about his family.
Antonio: He thought to himself. I feel homesick...I wonder how my parents and siblings are doing back home.
Antonio: On the inside. But then again, I wonder what I will gain from this journey...
Their captain, Mister Juan Guartem boasted about the discovery of wealth and trade.
Juan: 2 more days till our destination, my boys!
Juan: Here's to our new adventure in America. Columbus has discovered unique resources, but we will explore greater things.
Juan: After all, the eye sees what the eye desires. The world is too vast to not travel.
Juan: Expansion and cultivation will always be what we're aiming for.
However, on the second to the last day, a violent storm occurred. As the sun began to set, the sky darkened ominously, and the air grew heavy with tension. The once calm and serene sea transforms into a seething expanse of roiling waves. The ship, once riding the gentle swells, now lurches and creaks as it is buffeted by gusts of wind that seem to come from all directions.
Spaniard #1: All hands on deck! Pull back! Pull back!
Spaniard #2: Someone secure the hatches!
Spaniard #3: Brace for the impact and haul on the lines!
Spaniard #4: Everyone, stay in formation and don't let go of yourselves.
Juan: He cried out. Come on, giant scary storm...Come and f**king get me hahahahaha!!!
Eventually, the ship sank leaving many sailors to drown in the deep, blue sea. Antonio dived in the water to save his life just as the ship was about to fall over on him. He swam and swam for safety. When he woke up, he found himself stranded on a shore in the middle of nowhere. His buttoned white shirt was all wrinkled and wet and his pants were dirty from the sand. He noticed he had bugs on his clothes.
Antonio: He tried to slap them. Urgh...Get off!
Antonio: On the inside. God, I feel so itchy...Where could I possibly be?
Antonio: On the inside. Don't tell me I've survived on my own...I don't see anyone else here.
He ventured deeper onto the shore and into the big green forest. Suddenly, he heard rustling noises inside. Hoping for a soul to appear before him, he shouted out loud.
Antonio: Hello! Anyone here? If someone's nearby, show yourself!
Antonio: I'm not afraid of anyone! Don't be a coward...Come out and fight like a man!
At last, a living creature finally revealed herself in the woods. It happened to be a beautiful Native Indian girl. Her wavy ebony brown hair cascaded like a river of silk, catching the sunlight and revealing hints of deep auburn undertones as it tumbled over her shoulders and down her back in gentle waves. Her morena skin glowed with a warm, sun-kissed radiance, a testament to the connection she shared with the land and the elements. Her almond-shaped eyes, the color of rich mahogany, held a quiet wisdom and a depth that seems to draw you into their depths. They shimmered with an innate curiosity, mirroring the depths of the forests that surround her ancestral home. She appeared before Antonio, glimmering with intense animosity and dissatisfaction at the sight of the handsome intruder. Her name was Aiyana, which meant "eternal blossom" in her native tongue.
Aiyana: I demand to know who you are! This land is not welcomed to outsiders like yourself!
Antonio: Fear not...I mean no harm to you or anyone else that dwells on this land.
Antonio: I simply ended up here after the storm blew me away last night...
Aiyana: Not believing a word you say...You should not be here!
She raised her bow and arrow with fury in her eyes. She was ready to shoot him until a small, blue butterfly landed on her bow. It was a message from their Goddess Nava and the universe that Antonio is not a threat to her kind. Her gaze on Antonio softened.
Aiyana: So it's true...Nava has confirmed you're a good soul.
Antonio: Who's Nava?
Aiyana: Our Mother Nature...Goddess of all creations of life.
Aiyana: She pulled his arm. Come! I need to introduce you to my people...
She led him to the wonders beyond the woods until they entered a small tribal village known as the Calusa. Her people looked up and stopped the activities they were doing. Aiyana's father, Chief of the people, Nikan approached his daughter and the other Native Indians followed him.
Nikan: Aiyana, who is this stranger that entered our territory without my permission?
Aiyana: Father, I was going to kill him until a message was sent to me by Nava.
Nikan walked around Antonio, slightly grinned at him and Antonio grinned back with a small nod. He examined Antonio carefully, not missing a single detail about his appearance.
Nikan: What must you be called, young man?
Antonio: Antonio. Antonio Contreras. From Spain.
Antonio: I ended up on this island by accident. I'm not aware of the whereabouts of my people.
Nikan: My daughter Aiyana got triggered by your existence because your people killed our kind a century ago.
Nikan: We are the last remaining tribe called the Calusa.
Antonio: I apologize on the behalf of my people. It's evident lust and greed overpowered their minds.
Antonio: You can trust me...I'm not planning to exploit any of you.
Nikan: Very well, Antonio. Our tribe will teach you our ways.
And so they did...they introduced him to the wonders of their land.
The vibrant flora, the sacred rivers, and the spiritual connection the Calusa people had with the earth.
In return, Antonio shared the tales of his homeland and the distant lands he visited before to Aiyana.
Time flew by and their bond deepened.
Antonio grew closer with Aiyana and her lifestyle as a new member of her tribe.
He was a fast learner and that trait also attracted Aiyana about him.
Despite them initially being enemies, their newfound connection transcended barriers.
One day, the tribe was throwing a wedding celebration for Aiyana and Antonio. They were dressed in special ceremonial adornments that included shells, beads, and other materials found in the island. Traditional Calusan music was played through vocals and chants. Some played flutes and whistles while others performed dance rituals. The newlyweds danced in the middle of the circle and they looked deep into each other's eyes before kissing.
Antonio: I see into you and I love you, Aiyana.
Aiyana: I see your soul and heart...I love you too, Antonio.
The romance between the couple grew and became asserted day by day. Until it was time for them to welcome a new member of the tribe.
They were expecting an unborn child whom they named Ahanu.
Two centuries later, the once small island occupied by the tribe had now turned into a full-fledged city.
However, their love story wasn't forgotten...Instead it was told orally through generations in museums, parks, and in schools.
It became a symbol of the period of discovery and forging of bonds across vast distances.
YOU ARE READING
Tale of the Island
Short StoryA Spanish man named Antonio Contreras embarked on a perilous voyage to the distant shores of America. Little did he know that his journey would lead him not only to new lands but also to the uncharted territories of his own heart. There he encounter...
