When a seemingly lifeless boy is saved by a girl.
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Ma'vona was once a beloved member of the Kame'tire clan, known for their profound understanding of Pandora's flora and unparalleled healing skills. Their expertise was so great that they could heal...
♪ The Spirit Tree by Simon Franglen ♪ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Chapter Thirteen: The History
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As I settled back into the hut, I watched Ma'vona gaze out through the small gaps in the wooden walls. Her eyes were distant, lost in thoughts that danced beyond the confines of our temporary shelter. The faint light filtering through the slats highlighted the delicate features of her face, illuminating the mix of determination and uncertainty that resided within her. I felt a familiar warmth in my chest as I observed her, knowing she was still processing everything that had happened.
The silence stretched between us, filled only with the gentle sounds of the camp outside—warriors exchanging quiet words, the rustle of leaves in the breeze. I could sense the weight of her thoughts, the heaviness of what lay ahead. Finally, I broke the silence, my voice gentle yet probing.
“Ma'vona?” I began, hesitating for a moment before continuing. “Can I ask you something?”
She turned slightly, her expression shifting as she focused on me. “Of course. What is it?”
I took a breath, carefully choosing my words. “When Txä'vo arrived during our interrogation with Anufi, I noticed the way you looked at him. It seemed like you recognized someone familiar. What’s the story there?”
Her gaze flickered back to the outside, as if searching for the right words among the trees swaying in the wind. “Txä'vo and I have known each other since we were children,” she explained, her tone wistful. “He’s only a few years older than me, but back then, we used to play together with the other kids in the village. He would always stay by my side, always leading our little adventures.”
Ma'vona sighed out with a small smile. I nodded, imagining the carefree days they must have shared, the laughter echoing through the woods. “And then?” I prompted gently, sensing there was more to her story.
She paused, her eyes momentarily clouding over with something akin to sorrow. “Txä'vo is Anufi’s nephew. His father—Anufi’s brother—was chosen as the temporary advisor after Mokasa was killed..." She paused. Killed? My eyes widened slightly at the word. "Back then, Anufi, as the Tsahìk, held the true authority over our clan. In this case, the Olo'eyktan was only an advisory but things seemed to have changed.” She inhaled deeply, as if summoning the memories from a distant past. “After I was born, there was talk of me being arranged as Txä'vo's potential mate. It was something our families had discussed, a way to strengthen our ties and ensure the clan’s unity.”
Her words painted a vivid picture of their intertwined fates, and I could sense the complexity of her emotions. “So, you were meant to be together,” I said, trying to grasp the implications of her revelation, as my insides burned a little.
“Yes. But then everything changed,” she continued, her voice dropping to a near whisper, as if speaking the truth aloud would make it more painful. “A big blunder happened that led to Mokasa’s death and altered everything we thought we knew.”
