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...
♪ Converging Paths by Simon Franglen ♪ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Chapter Nineteen Reminiscing The Past
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I sat beside Sayura, my hands gliding over the soft scales along her neck, tracing each scar and healed wound with a careful touch. Her chest rose and fell in a slow rhythm, deep in sleep, her breath barely audible. Though her wounds had mostly closed, she didn't stir often, preferring rest over movement, which only confirmed what I already felt—that she wasn't ready to fly again yet. The thought made my heart ache, and I felt a pull of longing for the skies we once claimed as our own.
The hut was scattered with everything one could need for their recovery—piles of herbs, small vials of ointment, and strips of cloth for wrapping wounds. I'd been here at night often these past days, watching over Sayura's rest and trying to ease her pain. I gently rubbed a soothing balm made of special natural wax along her neck, and she let out a soft, satisfied rumble in response. I couldn't help but smile, thinking of all the times we'd soared through the clouds together. Ayura, her mate, would often be right by our side, a shadow in the skies, echoing our every move. But now, so much had changed, good and bad: Ayura had found a new rider, however, Sayura was here, injured, and I was back in the clan I had long left behind.
Lost in thought, I almost missed the faint rustle of footsteps at the entrance. My head shot up instinctively, a sliver of caution tightening in my chest until I saw him—Txä'vo, standing there in the open doorway, his silhouette bathed in the soft morning light. His wooden armor was absent, leaving his broad shoulders and muscular build unadorned, a side of him I hadn't seen since... well, since we were young. His eyes found mine, a gentle familiarity in them, and I relaxed, sensing that this wasn't a formal visit.
He stepped inside with a quiet sort of confidence, his gaze shifting briefly to Sayura before returning to me. His lips were pressed in a thin line, as though he was wrestling with what to say. I looked down at Sayura, still gently brushing my fingers over her head, keeping my focus on her even as he moved closer.
"How is she?" he asked softly, his voice breaking the stillness.
I gave a small nod, glancing up at him. "She's healing... slowly," I murmured. "But she'll need more time."
He nodded, his eyes settling on Sayura with a mix of understanding and sympathy. He then lowered himself to the ground beside me, his tall frame folding down so we were at eye level. Silence settled over us, not uncomfortable, but thick with something unspoken. I could feel the weight of years between us, memories and moments both shared and lost. It was strange. Sitting here in the hut with him, after so much time and change.
After a few beats, he finally broke the silence. "Where's Neteyam?"
I couldn't help a slight smile, imagining Neteyam somewhere, blissfully lost in his dreams after this tiring day. He was a pretty peaceful sleeper. "Sleeping," I replied with a soft smile.
