The Winds of Tepr

Chapter 40

Lanau's heritage was steeped in both opulence and strategic foresight, tracing back to her ancestors from the Axi-Örukai clan of the Orogol tribe. Her lineage had its roots in the Xipiki tribe, known for their semi-nomadic lifestyle that was enriched by prosperous fishing endeavors. This affluence, however, was a double-edged sword; it attracted the covetous gazes of neighboring tribes, rendering the Xipiki a target for those envious of their wealth.

Foreseeing the looming threats, the Axi-Örukai made a calculated decision to abandon their ancestral grounds before the turmoil escalated. This preemptive migration occurred just before the Alinkar-Kolopan alliance overwhelmed the Xipiki in war. The decision to leave was not made lightly and came at the cost of abandoning much that was familiar and dear. Yet, it was a move that ultimately preserved the clan's safety and continued prosperity.

Upon arriving among the Orogol, the Axi-Örukai were met with a guarded welcome. The Orogol chieftain, recognizing the potential value and the inherent risks of integrating a wealthy and potentially powerful new clan into his tribe, demanded numerous tributes as the price for their safety. Despite this heavy toll, the Axi-Örukai managed to maintain a considerable portion of their wealth and began to slowly extend their influence within their new tribal community.

The prescience of Lanau's ancestors was often lauded by her grandparents as the benediction of the wutaqi, a revered spirit believed to guide and protect their people. However, Lanau, pragmatic and grounded in her outlook, perceived the events of her family's past through a lens sharpened by realism. From her youngest years, she regarded the clan's timely migration not as a mystic fortune but as the result of astute judgment interwoven with an element of luck.

This perspective shaped Lanau's worldview, ingraining in her a belief that while fate could sway fortunes, it was foresight and wisdom that truly safeguarded and advanced one's interests.

From an early age, Lanau's temperament set her apart. Calm and measured, she possessed an intelligence that seemed beyond her years, a stark contrast to the vivacious and carefree nature of her older sister, who embraced life with an untamed spirit. In the structured hierarchy of their family, Lanau, as the second daughter among seven siblings, found herself entrusted with significant responsibilities early on. The practicality of her character made her the natural choice to oversee the care of her younger siblings, a role typically reserved for the eldest but one that her sister was wholly unsuited for.

Tasked with herding her younger siblings since she could walk, Lanau's childhood was shaped by a mantle of responsibility that honed her leadership and nurturing instincts. These experiences deeply ingrained a sense of duty and capability in her, qualities that were recognized and respected by her family and the broader community.

Despite their origins, Lanau's family adapted seamlessly to the Orogol way of life. The Xipiki's practices of exogamy, facilitated their integration, allowing them to blend their traditions with those of the Orogol. This cultural adaptability ensured that Lanau and her siblings grew up indistinguishable from their peer.

This smooth integration was reflected in how Lanau viewed herself and her place within the tribe. She was Orogol in spirit and allegiance, even as the blood of the Xipiki ran through her veins.

Lanau stood by her cousin's side, her hands steady as she assisted in the delivery of her niece. The experience was profound, reinforcing her role as the family's cornerstone, ever reliable in times of need. However, as her sister quickly transitioned from the joy of new motherhood to the anticipation of another child, Lanau observed the unfolding dynamics with a tightening chest. Her sister, ever the free spirit, seemed untouched by the gravitas of her responsibilities, blissfully preparing for her second child while her first was barely toddling.