Once the men were gone, the young Korek woman rose and began to move over to a small chest on the side of the tent.

“I am Raka, I am voice of Ga'Na today. The words are important, and her Terminian is weak. She needs you understand.” The young woman seemed comfortable speaking Terminian, if still not completely fluent.

“We are honoured to meet you Raka. I am Celeste and this is Valleresa and Arabella. They are my handmaidens, sisters in our worship of Eten'a.” Celeste explained. She had read about how important introductions were to Korek in her books. Names were sacred to these people, gifted by Ethinia alongside their souls. She didn't want to mess that up.

“Eten'a keep you fed.” Raka said with a smile, moving back over with five small clay cups in hand. They were smaller than Celeste's fist, but delicate carvings on the side proved them beautiful works. “The Ga'Na looked for you. Your spirit strong she say.” Raka explained, and the elderly woman next to her nodded. It seemed the Ga'Na understood more Terminian than she could speak. Good, Celeste thought, she hoped the woman could understand her words herself.

“I am thankful for the compliment, Raka, and I want you both to know that I come on behalf of the faith, and the people of Terminia.” Celeste announced. Her sisters gave her curious expressions, she had not told either of them her plan. “I have come to apologize. For our failures, you see. ‘We were to bring you into our arms, to welcome you as equals.’ That was the first covenant, wasn't it? Your first gift, not ours. The gift of Souls for the Korek given by Eten'a herself.” Celeste continued in a near ramble. “But we failed her here. We treat you like daemons of the Chaos, when you are truly our sisters and brothers.” Celeste paused for breath, and felt a dull silence fill the room, only crackles of flame to accompany it.

Celeste watched as the old woman leaned towards Raka and spoke to her. The harsh language taking a softness in the wise woman's voice. Raka nodded in understanding then responded.

“We do not anger to Terminia. You worship strange, yes, but you do worship. We accept apology, even if we do not understand.”

“I believe we can be stronger together.” Celeste continued, not wanting to lose her thoughts. “The Korek are a proud, godly people. I can see that now, and I want to share it with the Bishop of Life. I believe our cultures could compliment each other, and together we could make Southshore a better place for all. I seek to learn more of your people. So that we might understand one another better.”

The two women nodded, and shared words, before the younger translated again. “We understand you well. But perhaps you do not understand us. That can be fixed, Ga'Na can teach.” Raka then had a glint in her eye as she began to pour the liquid in the pot into the small cups. “But we must ask something in return. A... gift.” Raka said.

Celeste nodded, she expected a negotiation. She had done as much with Tabitha, and she had succeeded then. Celeste knew she could do it here. She had to.

“I will do what is needed, but I will not hurt anyone.” Celeste made her stance. “Violence is against Eten'a, and if that is ever what you ask, then I will refuse.” Celeste didn't think that the woman would ask that of her, but one could never be too careful.

Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

Once Celeste finished speaking though, both of the women began to laugh. Celeste looked to her two sisters for explanation, but both of them only returned shrugs.

“I do not jest.” Celeste said emphatically. “I will not commit violence, no matter how much I wish to strengthen our bonds.”

That seemed only to make the women laugh harder. Once the pair had calmed themselves though, Raka spoke once more.

“We do not ask that. That is... silly I think.” She wiped a tear from her eyes, then began to pass cups of the warm liquid to everyone around. As Celeste took hers, she found the fragrant floral scent of the drink comforting. “This thing, violence? It is of man, not woman. We do hard jobs, like children and medicine. We leave easy jobs to ones who can not keep anger. Ones of weak mind you see.” She explained, and Celeste chuckled now as well. A small reaction in comparison to Arabella and Valleresa who outright laughed.

“Perhaps you were right Radiance.” Valleresa said between laughs. “These Korek might have things figured out far better than us.” Arabella actually snorted with laughter. Celeste shook her head. She could see the humour but didn't particularly like the idea of putting anyone down like that. Man or woman.

“Well, as long as that is understood, then I should be able to agree with any other requests.” Celeste finally said, trying to get the conversation back on track.

The other women calmed themselves, then Raka took on a more serious look.

“The problem, you see, is... sensitive.” Raka said, struggling to find the final word.

“My great-grandson.” The Ga'Na spoke now, Raka looking at her in surprise, but quieting down. “He lost. Gone, I not know.” The woman shook her head and fingered one of the clasps on her hair. It was a brilliantly polished bone clasp, carved with a face on it.

“Why do you not search for him then?” Celeste asked. “You lead these people, I'm sure you could send more to find him than us.”

Raka shook her head, as the Ga'Na looked to her to continue translating. “It not work. Ga'Na only in charge of Ga'Na problems. You see? Lost Korek, Ga'Se problem.”

“Why does the Ga'Se not do so then?” The Law of the Korek, if Celeste was right he would be the male half of the Korek leadership.

“Ga'Se is boy's father. Ga'Se proud, too proud. Will not admit boy has left.” Raka explained, and Celeste began to understand. A family issue, it seemed, was causing trouble among their people.

“Ga'Se…mankala….mmm… sensitive about grandmother Ga'Na stepping into his problems. Does not want to anger King. Will not send Korek men to search Southshore.” Raka continued her explanation. “So Ga'Na can not act. But you not of band, you can act.”

“Please. Child Healer. Bring back great grandson. I can not lose more.” The Ga'Na stepped in once more, still fingering that particular clasp. It must have been the one she had gotten for her great grandson. But lose more? Celeste wondered. Then she remembered the woman from the other day. She had lost her grand daughter only days ago. This was a matter of children and mothers, a matter of the First Mother's domain. Celeste represented Ethinia and she would not let a mother suffer.

“We will do this.” Celeste answered. “Then you will teach me your ways.”

The two women whispered among each other for a short moment before the younger poked up. “This we agree too.” Raka responded. Celeste began to rise but was pulled down by Arabella.

“Now, I love the enthusiasm Your Radiance.” Arabella said. “But I’ve looked for a lot of people in this city. We need more than just 'some Korek guy.'” Arabella explained, then turned to Raka. “What's his name? Where was he last seen?” She asked.

“Rekiak is name of boy. He seen with... angry men. Scary men. In Southshore. They run with weapons of danger.” Raka explained, and Celeste caught the eyes of both Arabella and Valleresa. Street gangs, they all seemed to realize at the same time.

“I think I know exactly where to start.” Celeste responded with a grin. It seems like Tabitha's time to come in handy was already here.