Chapter Text
(Age 12)
Raya’s POV
Raya felt nervous. Today was the day her Ba had been planning for months, the day he would set into motion his plan to unite the different tribes of the land to hopefully reform Kumandra., And so the palace servants, guards, and diplomats alike were rushing around the hallways making sure everything was in order for when the Chiefs of Fang, Spine, Talon, and Tail would arrive later that day. The anxiety and tentative hope could be felt on every person, especially Chief Benja, and left a buzz of excitement in the air.
But that wasn’t why Raya was nervous. She understood the importance of this momentous day, as much as a child could that is, but what had her squirming in her seat as a maid braided her hair back, was the prospect of meeting some other kids her age.
See Raya was a lonely child. Her status as Princess and Dragon Gem Guardian was one she was proud to have, but it did get in the way of making friends. Her training left little time to hang around, and when she did find time to just be a kid she often couldn’t relate to the other children, with their lives being so different and all.
And then there was the.. incident. Though Chief Benja had tried his best to teach his excitable daughter some restraint, she was still young and didn’t fully grasp his words when he warned her to be careful.
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“They other children aren’t like you dewdrop” He had said in a patient tone, sitting his daughter down one day after training. His sweet little Raya had only shot him a confused look.
“What do you mean?” She had responded with a light but nervous chuckle, wondering why her Ba had suddenly sprung this on her.
“Listen, you have been improving spectacularly in your training” Raya had beamed at this “But you must know that the other children don’t.. play as you do. I mean only that to you a sharp sword is normal, but when other kids see one it can be scary. Really most of what you find as simple and easy fun can be seen as intimidating to others”
Benja hated to tell Raya this, but it was important she knew to control herself. Especially since she had hit a bit of a growth spurt recently and could really pack a punch now in sparring. He had debated for days on how to correctly word his warning, and now as he watched his statement sink in, he couldn’t help but regret a little that he had started Raya on her training so young. Though it had been due to Raya’s own persistent insistence, eager to work with her dad as well as learn as much as she can about dragons as soon as she can. He knew back then that it would have an effect on her social life, but how could he say no to Raya’s killer puppy dog eyes?
“So, what you're saying is I’m different?” the Heart Princess had muttered after a moment, looking even more confused and a bit crestfallen.
“No! Oh no dewdrop. You aren’t different” Yeah this is what he was afraid of “You're just unique. And that isn’t a bad thing is it?” Benja had nudged his daughter playfully here. “I’m just saying be careful. You’ve received a special kind of training and other children aren’t as prepared as you are. So when you rough house, pull your punches” He had tried to reassure her while still making his message clear.
Raya, his smart dewdrop, had considered this for a bit before perking up again.
“Alright Ba, I understand” Pride had filled his chest when she had said that “But I can punch as hard as I want with you still, right?” a playful smirk on her face, drawing a laugh from her Ba.
“You might be getting stronger, but don’t count your old man out just yet” Benja responded, a wide grin on his face once more. At this the father-daughter pair dissolved into light jesting, ending the conversation on a brighter note. All seemed well, and the Chief was relieved.
---
But not everything could be solved by a simple conversation. Though Raya had heeded her Ba's words of caution, she didn’t fully understand just how unique she was. And what's more, just how strong she had become. So on one fateful day while she was playing out in the meadow with her friends, she had hurt a young boy.
It wasn’t suppose to happen, Raya wasn’t sparring or anything and so she let her guard down a bit. The children were only playing a simple game, a mix of hide & seek and tag, when Raya had suddenly been startled. The boy had sneaked up on her from behind grabbing her shoulder, and Raya only acted instinctively, tossing the other over her back before twisting and pinning his arm. She had quickly let go, but the damage was done and his shoulder had been dislocated. His sharp cry from the pain had quickly drawn the rest of the children from their hiding spots to witness the scene. And the scared look they shot her was something Raya would never forget.
He was rushed to a healer who had set his shoulder back in place. And the boy’s family had quickly forgiven Raya after a heartfelt apology from both her and the Chief and offerings of compensation that were quickly declined. Really no harm no foul.
But from that day on, the other children of the village grew wary of her and shied away when she tried to join in on any other games. Raya herself felt horrible about the incident and soon stopped seeking them out due to her own fear of hurting someone again. Benja had tried his best to talk to his daughter, but even he knew her reputation had been set and there wasn’t much he could do now.
So here Raya found herself, nervous for a whole different reason than the rest of the palace staff and diplomats. She had long stopped playing with other children, but that didn’t stop her longing for a friend. So as she got dressed in her, horribly restraining, formal wear, she couldn’t stop herself from the excitement of a fresh start. Promising to herself to not repeat her past mistakes.
After much more, unnecessary Raya had whined, primping she had found herself with her Ba waiting patiently on the entrance bridge to Heart. She would be chastised for her incessant squirming had her Ba not been so distracted himself. Bouncing up on her tiptoes every so often to see if she could spot any figures coming over the ridge.
“I see them!” she had announced eagerly when she did finally see the other tribe delegations finally approaching. Falling into a calm, or at least calmer, stance as the other four land’s filed into the clearing in front of the bridge.
As her Ba spoke about his hopes and plans for a better future for everyone. Raya couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed at the sight of no one else her age. She shouldn’t have been so surprised, after all this was a diplomatic conference not a party. Her dad had planned a little celebration to welcome the other Chiefs, but again it was mostly a political meeting. Who would bring their kid to that?
As the young Guardian felt her hope deflate, she spotted her. Half hidden behind her mother, Chief Virana’s, dress and looking just as apprehensive to be surrounded by so many adults. She blended into the other Fang emissaries, all of them including her dressed in mainly white. The only reason Raya had been able to find the other girl was due to her earring that had flashed when catching the noonday sun.
Raya was immediately drawn to the other. She had the same hair cut of her mother, which made the Heart Princess giggle a little inside. And she looked thin, making her even less conspicuous as she continued to hide behind her Ma. But her eyes, they were sharp like a Serlot’s and held a spark to them that told Raya she was paying just as much attention to her Ba as her intimidating mother was.
‘Oh toi, Ba!’ Lost in thought, Raya had tuned out what he just said. Turning her attention back on the crowd before her, she could tell whatever it was it didn’t go over as well as Chief Benja had hopped. She could feel the tension in the air and ever the impulsive Princess, Raya opened her mouth suddenly and spoke before thinking
“I’ve got something to say!” Oh dragons why did she say that! She didn’t have anything to say! Well might as well continue “Who’s hungry?” She followed up. Raya was not particularly proud of her choice of words but she wouldn’t let that show. Fake it till you make it right?
An awkward moment passed as no one really knew how to respond to that. Well no one but that one Spine warrior but he was quickly shushed. Raya was beginning to regret even opening her mouth when she caught the eye of the young Fang girl. Raya could see a hint of admiration in the others' gaze for speaking up and that empowered her not to shrink away. With a gentle push and encouraging word from Chief Virana, the other Princess approached Raya who held her breath.
“Hi, I’m Namaari” Namaari’s voice was soft when she spoke, but had a musical ring to it that Raya immediately loved. Though the other Fang girl’s eyes were flitting around a bit, Raya could see that Namaari was just as eager to meet someone her own age.
“Hi Namaari, I’m Raya” She introduced herself, sending Namaari a reassuring grin. Raya took the moment to study the other a bit more. Namaari was a bit shorter than her, and from this distance Raya could see her sharp eyeliner that only accentuated her cat-like eyes. It was entrancing, strangely beautiful she decided in her mind. And when she glanced down she saw a beautiful gold necklace in the shape of a dragon, a bright blue gem in the center.
“Is that Sisu?” Raya spoke once again without thinking, but she couldn’t help herself. She loved everything to do with Dragons, and had yet to find a fan like herself.
Namaari immediately lit up when she had asked, nodding her head. The bright smile the Fang Princess had on, had Raya’s stomach flipping over a bit though she couldn’t tell why.
“Oh sorry, I might be a little bit of a Dragon nerd” Raya confessed, and to her delight Namaari responded just as enthusiastically.
“Hey, I’m the one wearing the Sisu fan necklace” Both girls got lost in a moment of connection, forgetting about the many people watching their earnest interaction.
“Come on” Raya gestured for Namaari to follow her, not caring much anymore about the adults and their adult worries. She was so excited as she grabbed the other’s wrist lightly welcoming Namaari into her home.
Unbeknownst to her, the other Chiefs had watched them with quirked eyebrows. Not even the toughest battle-hardened Spine was immune to the innocence of their brief conversation. Like a dam breaking open, all the people gathered together began to think that there was perhaps a chance to Kumandra after all. And so with Chief Virana leading the way, the other lands lowered their guard and followed the bright path the two Princesses had unwittingly paved.
Namaari’s POV
To say Namaari didn’t want to go to Heart with her mother was an understatement. In fact she had put up quite a protest, well as best as she could protest against her Ma’s iron will. In the end though she had given in after an hour of lecturing from her Ma and a vague threat of no more visits to the serlot kittens. She didn’t even know why Her Ma was so intent on having her go.
Chief Virana had always felt it important to include Namaari in all Fang matters as soon as possible. She could remember sitting in on political meetings before she could even really understand what the big words being thrown around really meant. But to leave Fang? Not only was it rare for her Ma to leave, but Namaari up to that point had never set foot outside of her homeland. The turmoil from the famine, taking up too much energy from the Fang royal family to bother too much with the other tribes.
She guessed it wasn’t that odd, maybe her Ma wanted her to gain experience outside Fang? It would certainly be good exposure for her future role as Chief. Still, to her knowledge, no other land’s heirs were going on this potentially dangerous trip so why did she? It wasn’t until she was half way to Hear that Namaari got her answer.
---
She was eating a sparse dinner with her Ma in their tent, the Fang delegation having set up camp for the night. It was a normal meal so far, both royals enjoying each other's company in silence. Virana wasn’t much of a talker, speaking only when it was important, and Namaari had picked up the habit. So she was a bit startled when suddenly her Ma broke the silence.
“Morning mist, I do appreciate you coming with me to this meeting” Virana had said, not giving any indication that this sudden thanks was rare to hear from her.
“Uh, It's not a problem Ma. I know I should do everything I can to learn how to properly lead Fang one day” Namaari had answered, careful with her word choice. It was no secret she didn’t want to be here, the Fang princess already feeling anxiety coming on from going to a forgien land as well as leaving her people when they were facing so much trouble. Virana nodded solemnly.
“Yes you have grown up a lot, and I understand why it might seem strange to insist you accompany me.” The Chief went on “Though it might seem frivolous to be making this trip to entertain the Heart Chief’s fantasies of Kumandra, I do have my reasons”
“Of Course '' Namaari had interjected here, wanting to assure her Ma that she never questioned her motives even if she was never told what they were. Virana watched her daughter carefully across the small dining table, love in her chest for the trust her daughter always had in her. Namaari was still so young, but she was much older in spirit having faced turmoil in Fang since she was toddler. It hurt Virana to have to see her only child grow up so fast, but she couldn’t help but feel pride at how Namaari had taken on her and her people's hardship. Always putting on a brave face despite her own hunger and sickness.
“Namaari you are a shining beacon to our people” bringing a red flush to younger Fang’s ears at the compliment “And I have no doubt you will be a great Chief. You have been through much, given much, and so it pains me to have to ask you to give again”
“I’ll do it” Naamari immediately agreed. Knowing she would do anything her Ma asked. Virana gave a small sad smile at that.
“Let me finish Namaari. What I ask is no easy task” Virana was never the one to beat around the bush and so she launched into her plan to steal the Dragon Gem. And the critical role she needed Namaari to play. As she spoke the Fang Princess sat in stoic silence, and when her mother had finally concluded her speech she continued to think quietly to herself. Virana sat back to let Namaar form her response.
Namaari knew she had just been asked to betray her morals. The same morals that her own Ma had instilled into her from a young age. She knew how the other tribes felt about Fang, how they whispered about her and her people being cold, isolated, and backstabbers. But that wasn’t true, Fang seemed cold because they had to be with the other lands always a step away from declaring war. They seemed isolated because they had to bear a famine that left them too overstretched to even think about extending themselves outside their home. Fang had never been backstabbers, those rumors were spread by vengeful foes who seeked to destroy their reputation. Fang was better than what the world thought of them, and Namaari always felt proud of that fact. To go through with her mother’s plan, it would only prove everyone else right.
But then Namaari thought about the hungry faces of her people. The years of rationing that barely managed to feed every mouth in Fang. The wailing children as they cried for milk that their mothers couldn’t provide. The people she was responsible for growing gaunt and sick. Her heart broke every day for them. If the Dragon Gem really could solve their problems how could she say no?
“I’ll do it” She finally said, repeating her previous answer. Anything for Fang.
---
Namaari had steeled herself for the task at hand, but her nerves always seemed to get to her in some way. She always suffered from a bit of introvertism so when the Fang delegation had first arrived at Heart she couldn’t help but shy away from the many people. A bit of doubt, she was loath to admit, crept into her mind as she listened to Chief Benja’s speech.
But then Raya, Heart’s Princess, had spoken up and she found some strength in the other girl's confidence in the face of so many adults, all much older and more experienced than herself. Ironic really, that the one she was fated to betray was also the one to give her the confidence to go through with her Ma’s plan.
Namaari was pondering this sick joke, as she was led into Heart’s palace by Raya. Her mind was stopped dead in its tracks though at the overwhelming sight of food. She couldn’t help the grumble of her stomach and a small bit of her felt embarrassed at this. But a larger part of her couldn’t care less.
“Wow you sound hungry, let me guess, long trip?” Raya joked, having heard the other’s belly rumble.
“Ha, yeah something like that” Namaari said back, eyes not leaving the steaming plate of dumplings sitting on a large banquet table.
“Well help yourself! Ba made it for you. Well not you specifically but like everyone. And I guess he didn’t make it all, he helped but the chefs made it. He did make a bit-” The young Heart had found herself rambling but was cut off by a shy smile from Namaari. How cute.
“You don’t have to tell me twice,” Namaari giggled, grabbing a plate as the other lands filed in and started to do the same.
After consuming as much food as she could hold for the time being. The two girls found themselves sitting in a secluded part of Heart’s grand hall where the feast was being held. Conversation could be heard all around them, and to Chief Benja’s relief it all seemed to be going well as the different delegations intermingled. Obviously helped along by full bellies.
Namaari and Raya were also having their own serious talk, but their conversations weren't about potential treaties. No, They were speaking about Dragons. Namaari was thrilled to find that Raya was indeed a Dragon nerd like she had said. Her knowledge of them and their lore impressing the Fang princess. They had spent the last few hours getting to know each other, and Namaari could almost forget the heavy task that weighed on her shoulders. That was until she was asked:
“Rice or Stew?” A simple question, in a little game they had started playing of comparing favorites. Namaari’s heart plummeted at this question though, oh yeah that was why she was here. Not to make friends, but to betray a friend. And Namaari found that she was beginning to consider Raya a friend now. Though it wasn’t even a whole day, she felt close to the other Princess then anyone outside her family in ages.
Unbeknownst to Raya, Namaari was lonely herself. She had no time to be a kid, most of her childhood had been spent learning all she could and helping her Ma battle the famine that gripped Fang. In fact, Namaari couldn’t even remember the last time she relaxed. Really the only peace she's had recently was when she stayed up late into the night to read her Dragon scrolls or found a moment to steal away and see the serlots.
“I didn’t think that’d stump you” Raya said, breaking Namaari out of her thoughts. The young Guardian’s expression falling a little at the sight of Namaari’s small frown.
“Uh, this is actually one of the first times I’ve had rice in a while,” Namaari admitted before she could help herself. She knew she shouldn’t be telling anyone from the other lands about Fang’s struggles. But she felt an unnatural amount of trust, more irony, with Raya already. The other girl just exuded a kind of comfort that put Namaari at ease.
“Really?” Namaari noticed the worry and confusion in her companions' eyes. Raya’s own gaze searching hers out and holding hers in an unbreakable way.
“Fang might look nice on the outside, but we have some pretty big holes on the inside” She found herself explaining. Eyes closing as imagery of her people back home surfaced.
“Oh” When she glanced back up she saw Raya’s face contorted with sadness. Namaari felt worse at the sight. Something about seeing Raya upset, even a little bit, rubbed Namaari extremely wrong.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to bring it down” She quickly backtracked. Brushing off her admission and continuing on as if she hadn’t just revealed a bit too much. Though Namaari regretted making Raya upset, she didn’t regret opening up, foolish as it was.
“You know Fang legend, says that Sisu is still out there” Namaari said again, steering the conversation to a lighter topic.
“Sisu!? You're kidding right?” She couldn’t help but feel a bit of joy from how Raya was looking at her, enraptured by her statement. A small part of her wanted Raya to look at her like that for more than just the fact she was talking about Dragons.
“Wanna see something?” The young Fang royal pulled out her prized possession, spurred on by Raya’s enthusiasm. A bit dramatically she revealed a scroll, her Dragon scroll. Why she brought it with her in the first place, she couldn’t answer. Maybe it was for this moment right now, showing it to another Dragon fan.
“Are you supposed to have that?” The Heart princess whispered to her.
“Pfft, no” Namaari rarely broke any rules. But as she spread the scroll out and felt Raya scooch closer to her to get a better look, she was glad she did this time
As she recounted the tale of Sisu being alive, washed down one of the many rivers of the former Kumandra, she studied Raya’s face through all it’s expressions. Namaari found that Raya was very expressive, raising her eyebrows here and mouth falling open a little there. She was not used to that, the people of Fang tended to be more calm in their mannerisms. To her surprise Namaari did not dislike it, in fact she greatly enjoyed Raya’s almost comical reactions.
The other’s excitement was infectious, and Namaari could feel an old spark of childish hope light up in her again “Could you imagine, a Dragon back in the world! Things could be so much better..” She ended, nervous at being so vulnerable. She knew admitting that she still believed Dragons could save the world was silly, but she wanted to share her dream with her new friend. Yeah it’s settled, Raya was her friend.
“Attention respected Chiefs” Benja’s loud voice boomed in the hall, cutting the two girls' convo short. “I hope you’ve all enjoyed the meal, rest assured there will be more” he chuckled at that, not noticing the slight grimace that briefly appeared on Chief Virana’s face. “I further hope that you take this as a gracious welcome to Heart, and an extended hand of goodwill for all of our futures. Please, if you will, join me in the council room so we might begin discussion to further steps for the hope of Kumandra” At that the other delegations followed the Heart Chief as he began to exit the hall. Some more reluctantly, but all willing to see if this was really the start to something better.
Namaari got up, making to follow as her Ma disappeared out the wide doors but was stopped by a soft tug on her arm. Glancing back to see Raya wearing a mischievous smirk.
“You don’t actually want to sit in that stuffy room do you?” she whispered into Namaari’s ear. And if said ear grew red at the sudden closeness neither girl acknowledged it. “Come on, they'll be in there for hours at least. I know a much better way to spend the afternoon”
Namaari was conflicted, she knew her Ma most likely expected her to join in but the hopeful look on Raya’s face fueled a rebelliousness in her. The same rebelliousness that led to her stealing the Dragon scroll and bringing it with her to Heart.
“Well you’ve got a point..” she glanced at the emptying hall, before looking to Raya’s pleading eyes once more. “Okay.. let’s go” Namaari relented, following a triumphant-looking Raya out another side door.
‘I’m doing this for the plan’ Namaari reasoned, but she knew that the excitement that had her heart pounding and palms sweaty was more for the Heart princess as she laughed open and free. A freedom that Namaari wanted to indulge in, if only for a while longer.