As promised, Atia and Aiyana aided Yoa when asked of it. It went from offering backing in battle, herding crabs—the correct way—to helping him build more on the ancient treehouse used by guardians of the past.
"You said I could build my own place there as well…"Aiyana, aged seventeen, murmured.
She had been pacing along a branch, a fire crackling beneath her skin since the Chief discussed her upcoming Solai Day. This one was special, named Tayun's Crossing, for those crossing into the path of the grown, a ceremonial step into full adulthood. She would earn her first ink, marking responsibility and recognition in the tribe.
That wasn't the problem. It should have been a day to celebrate but for Aiyana the path ahead was narrowing. She would need to start looking for a potential mate if a Serakai did not come forward once she was eighteen.
