Mysteries Live in the Mountains

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I looked at myself in the reflection of the water. Once again I had found myself by the waterfall and the cave behind it. It became of secret spot that I'd go off to whenever I could. I held a bow and a couple of arrows that had been lended to me by the Sully family.

I wasn't sure I recognized the girl in the reflection. My hair hung down past my chest, all of it in small braids. It tended to somewhat get in the way, but what I used to use to put my hair up was not large enough for the many thick braids that hung around my face.

I had made my very own target, using leaves and brush finding a way to pin it onto the tree trunk. It was a decent distance away from me, just about the same as the practice target the children had used.

I took a deep breath drawing the arrow back.

"Santanhí. Your body is too tense."

The corrections I had been given rang in my head. I took another breath, letting my body believe that the bow was just an extension of myself.

"Santanhí. Fix your stance. It is too narrow."

Slowly I fixed my position until it began to feel natural.

"Santanhí. Bring your shoulders back."

I closed my eyes taking another deep breath.

"Santanhí. Strengthen your core."

I flexed my muscles opening my eyes to the target. Finally I let go. Damn it. Everything felt so right, but I still wasn't even hitting the damn thing. I groaned in frustration pulling back another arrow. I was determined to learn. I was determined to make my people proud.

I could feel a pair of eyes on me as I shifted rather uncomfortably. Who the hell was here? This was my spot. My secret practice. I did not any others to know that I was struggling to get the hang of it.

"Draw your arrow again."

My eyes narrowed at the Omatikayan boy revealing himself from behind the brush. I sighed in frustration not understanding how Neteyam always found me so easily. I knew I wasn't followed this time, so how'd he know I was here.

"Just do it."

I listened without saying a word. I pulled the arrow back taking a deep breath as I focused on the target, suddenly there was a warmth behind me. My heart sped and my breath hitched as a hand ghosted over my waist and another found itself on my upper arm slowly raising my elbow.

"Now shoot it."

I tried to ignore the effect his hot breath had on my neck. The way shivers ran down my spine as I would feel every part of his body against my own.

Without another word I took a deep breath in and released the arrow, hitting the center of the target. I felt a wave of satisfaction run through my body as I let out the breath. I was so focused on the point that I had finally hit my target, that I almost forgot about the proximity of me and the boy.

"Neteyam... Thank you."

I spoke at almost a whisper.

"You're a quick learner Santanhí."

He matched my tone. Each of our words breathy and quiet. As if we were telling secrets we'd fear someone around us would hear. Soon enough Neteyam stepped back from me. I almost whimpered at the loss of warmth on my back.

"Do it again."

I listened. This time I made sure my elbow was high enough without being corrected, and once again the target was hit. I looked back at Neteyam he had a small smile on his face projecting the amount of pride he felt seeing me hit the target on my own.

"How did you find me?"

I blurted the question as it immediately came back to my mind.

"I had found you out here one day.. I thought this might be where you come to clear your mind."

Neteyam was always so observant. Something I began to notice more as time went on. I had a feeling that it was due to his given responsibilities of watching his younger siblings.

"Come. Let me show you my favorite part."

I placed the bow over my shoulder, wearing it as I had seen the other Omatikaya do so. I led him around the waterfall, going through the flowing water knowing the boy was following close behind me. As he entered the cave behind me, I could feel the awe coming off of him. The cave was a rather breathtaking sight to see.

"I see why you come here so often..."

I smiled as I looked back at him. While he admired the sight around him, I felt myself admiring him. His eyes reminded me of the warmth of the fires we would create in the middle of our caves in the mountains. Our way to stay warm through the winter. His freckles sparkled brightly like the stars in the night sky. Neteyam was a breathtaking sight.

"It reminds me of home."

I sighed once again looking up at the illuminating rocks around us. I heard some movement come from behind me. It had sounded like the boy had taken out his knife from its pocket that he had for it. I turned around as the boy grabbed my arm and placed his knife into my hands.

"What are you?..."

I was confused to say the least.

"You lost yours in the forest right? I've seen you try to reach for it, but you don't have one."

I looked up at Neteyam in surprise. He was gifting me his knife.

"But this is yours."

He chuckled a little. His smile was something that I could not seem to get enough of.

"It is yours now. I will make myself another."

I felt a warmth brewing in my chest. My insides danced as I took the object from his hand. I admired it, tracing my fingers across the sharp blade.

"Thank you."

I returned the soft smile.

"You should join me and my father on our next hunt. You are ready."

I was surprised at the words. I had not hunted in a long time, and it was much different here than it was back in the mountains.

"Really?.."

He nodded as his confidence radiated off of him.

"I am sure of it."

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Tell me why I started writing a whole other story today when I should be trying to finish this one... Anyways hope everyone likes the story so far anddddd if anyone has any suggestions for things they want to see in the future I would love to hear them!!