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It seems an eternity since I last updated this story. I'm sorry it's not regularly updated for those who like this story, but I promise in time it will be done. Thanks if there is anyone still reading this.

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Tribal Lore

Act: V

**~ The Valiant Host~

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"Greetings young Mika of the civil humans, I hope you would have rested well?" He jested with a hearty chuckle upon his greeting as if I were merely the only one of my kind that was beyond feral tendencies.... Soon enough a quiet nature took to me, usually not the shying flower, it went beyond my understanding how such a creature provoked these bouts of speechlessness. It wasn't something I was accustomed to by far, no, he had something over me by merely being so close.

Not to be rude I did force my greeting out. "With kind regards I greet you also, duly with one greeting equal to another. Braviary of the.... Tree folk? " With a mighty guffaw his laugher bellowed out for even the ones outside to hear.

He brushed a stray feather that protruded out at the shoulder, straightening himself. He did pride himself on appearance, and why wouldn't he, he was the chieftain. "Amusing little human, again you bring a smile to me."

Pleasantly I smiled back lowering my head before meeting his eyes once more. "I still must thank you for your hospitality. A most invigorating night of sleep is what I needed." I'd slept very well indeed.

Gazing at him, he brought thoughts of my own sorely missed father to mind. This figure reminded me of him in so many regards. Lost in memories came visages of my father's own enduring exploits which were known the tribe over.

Growing up I had often heard the telling of the fables, mostly around the fires on starry nights from whence we danced and rejoiced. The most popular of which, that easily flourished to mind timelessly was this one song his followers sang of him. One of a particular feat in which he alone bare handedly wrestled two towering Beartic to submission, and such was their defeat they bowed before him humbled to have met such a person. I couldn't say how much of it was exaggeration, but he is an amazing man and in the same light I see Yakez now even though I know so little of him. My deduction came from the entirety of his demeanour, posture, and stature. The respect he commanded by just looking at another.

Takoda broke my admiration, as he spoke up.

"Yakez, would you permit me to examine this one for her vulnerabilities so we may have a firm understanding should her species choose to attack us. I propose full examination of her concealed areas first"

Blood shot to my face, not in embarrassment, but something far more bitter; anger.

"You lay one feather upon my skin and I'll pluck them all from your body!"

"See Yakez she is of violent nature, I suggest immediate beak probing of her sacred areas"

Holding my rage I refrained from raising my hand to him. His smirk shot venom through my body and would he be really so barbaric to violate me like this?

"Takoda old friend, must you always tease all my guests?" Yakez turned, redirecting his focus to me. "And young Mika you are riled easily and it was my mistake to tell him of your short temper, so I am at fault not him. He only jests for it is not within him to dishonor a guest that I myself have invited. You are that of an equal as long as you remain here, no harm shall befall you whilst under my watchful eye."

Takoda gave a laughter of delight, casting astray my understanding.

"To what do you find humorous?"

He laughed further making me ungracefully pout at his bemused face. He did reply after chuckling a moment longer.

"I love the fight in your spirit, and it is this which Yakez saw when he found you. I wished to see more of it for myself."

Yakez sighed.

"You must forgive my friend, he is untactful but seeks to befriend the stronger willed such as yourself. Do not be impressionable to his childlike humor as he is of superior steed, and his depth is not seen till he grants you an audience to it. He is far my peer, also a brother in arms, his friendship comes in rare quantities and to the few, yet he expresses it to you."

"He may wish to become my friend but he goes about affairs in a demeaning manner, he insults me greatly so to why should I accept." Folding my arms, my foot tapped with a venomful glare that could shot arrows of anger at.

"But friendship can be expressed in unusual ways, for him it is to tease those he wishes to befriend. It's also knowing that a heart offered no matter how unconventional the methods may be, if and if, the design is of noble gesture, then is it not better to not judge a person for their ways should they be different to yours?"

Yakez's words blew through me, to give me the insight which had forgone my understanding that rage had clouded. I breathed with huffs. As quickly as I eased to the wisdom, no sooner had my frown returned remembering what Tokaoda had spoken and my youth spoke rather than the front I was pushing to show in maturity.

"He started it!" Yakez broke into laughter. Realizing my own child like response and what he found amusing, I also laughed with him. "Very well, we are that of friends now Takoda, but dare not reference my intimate differences nor to my sexual orientation, agreed?"

Takoda dropped to kneel, humbled, and confirmed with a nod. His action came as a surprise, but more than acceptable. He spoke respectfully. "I thank you but you must stay with us a night further, it harms no one, and Yakez adores his brief encounters thus far with you, and even I now. I see why he finds you interesting, albeit my time to depart has come, farewell and may Arceus grant you the sweetest of dreams"

I bowed to him, as was their custom I quickly concluded from the few instances which I had mimicked. While doubled over, a peek I did submit up to Yakez, such a strong being, so full of adoration. Something strange washed over me, a tingle that crawled over my arms, and radiated through to my face. What is this feeling that I know nothing of, all I knew of it was I desired to be in his company.

Yakez bowed to me as I remained in the proper posture, or as far as I knew. Naturally sleep beckoned them although I had awakened with vigor and regained strength they were still in much requirement of their own. The day passed whilst I stayed in thoughts of trading proverbs with him, the task of Algoma was placed far back in my mind for the time being, there would be time for that.

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Another day had passed and once more I'd awoken late by having lost the sleeping pattern I'd become accustomed to, however today it did fare better having woken up mid day rather than the evening of the previous. Given the time of day, Yakez and that of his flock were tending to their daily errands. This meant I had been left to my solitude, and in this I gained time to reflect. Here confined under the growth of his enormous tree I pondered on the many things within. I'd been gladdened for this personal space I'd been gifted with but still, even as am honoured guest I wouldn't wish to stay longer than my welcome. I felt the pressure, the vow I had given myself would be duly broken should I not act soon.

More immediate things quickly took precedence. Food was a necessity of life, and the noise of my gut needed tempering from its roaring, father did always jest I had a beast within my belly. Hearing the flapping of large wings I eagerly wished to ask whomever it was for some. Capturing a glimpse at first, followed by the strong sight of the creature that advanced towards me now, his impeccable posture in my eyes made me shy away over my shoulder, and once more it was something I did not know the 'why' to, certainly a curious dilemma.

It was him.

Yakez, why do you make me react in such a way, why?

All those apprehensions to whom I'd formerly cringed fearfully from initially had been surpassed now to be solely replaced in stern admiration, and all within the handful of days that had grazed me tenderly. Once more the deep tone of grumbling emanated from the pits of my belly, embarrassingly.

A shot from my past to recaptured me from my shyness. Still being dishonoured I knew I must part ways for my destiny rested elsewhere and to which his directional guidance would be an asset. Respectfully, I moved to sit upon the soft cushion of leaves that lined my small quarters, kneeling before him, my head lowered to greet for I was in the audience to an elder.

"Good morning youngling." I was an adult, but he was right I had yet to reach a state of mental maturity in many regards. "I have something fitting, apparantly a dish from your people to feast upon."

Rustling filled the room, with an odd aroma to fill it slowly. The scent itself was of something freshly cooked and yet it made me feel uncomfortable. What was it?

"I am grateful." I devotedly was inclined to except the generosity he duly bestowed, for I was not ungrateful for this need, until I raised my head and knew of exactly what it was. My mouth watered not in hunger but the effects of an empty stomach trying to throw up content it didn't have. I had lost what appetite I had.

"This is an acquisition gained from a great foe which I'd bested earlier today, it is not something I would condone under many circumstances, but if the purpose of killing it is in order to survive, it is acceptable." Two wooden bowls of equal size lay close to me, one of which contained a dark cooked meat, the other of which was filled to the top with vegetarian delicacies, some exotic and unknown to my knowledge. "Knowing you're kind eat meat, I hope this offering meets your need." Yakez pushed the meat closer with his wing, now directly below me, it left a cringe along my flesh, what was I to do?

Wavering on my actions, word formed harder, mindful of what to say less it insult him. Quietly but not so shyly I pushed the bowl ever so slowly away from myself, but never raising my head to look upon him. Fearing his reactions I cowered just a little. The thought of it being so close disgusted a little, but not to show disrespect and contain my ill feelings I merely pulled the other bowl closer.

"Does this particular meat not bode well, an undisred taste for buds perchance?" Hesitantly, I didn't know where to begin to explain.

"I.... Those which have once lived, the essence, a heart once beat in it. I...." Pausing there, I let my fingers coyly roll the berries and nuts within the bowl, twiddling them idly.

"It is my understanding your kind are omnivores? Am I not right in assuming this?" He was confused by my reaction, but not having the heart to be unthankful, it did pain me to say what I needed.

"Forgive me, please.... I can not. This is.... I am.... My tribe does not eat the once living. Please I cannot have this near me. Churning within my stomach has begun, and my appetite has been vanquished with its mere scent."

"You surprise me once more Mika, never have I come across a civil human." turning to the incoming draft, he called as the veil fluttered. "Wapi?" no sooner had he said that another Braviary entered with his head lowered. "Please remove this flesh from out sight, it makes our guest unwell."

"Yes Yakez," he replied, and quiet of tone.

"Would you, could I."

"Yes Mika, a bashful nature undoes you, speak what is on your tongue. Or should I let Tokoda tend to you?" he teased.

"No, not him, anyone but him."

"Oh I thought as much."

"Very well I desire more fruit and berries if you will."

"See such a simple request," he snickered gesturing with his wing to his subordinate. "Wapi, bring us fruit and berries. The ripest!" He tended to his task leaving me and Yakez to our peace momentarily before returning with leaves that had been balled, and pleaced them to the ground before Yakez before parting with us.

"We shall continue to learn of one another, until your appetite resumes." Yakez undid the binds on those clumped leaves as they opened up to reveal their content. Preserved and to the eye, flush with colour.

Placing forth a fine selection of reds, blues and greens before me, he reached for me, stopping short of placing them by my knees. I was delighted, and could feel my appetite growing once more as he gifted me. From his height of pride, he descended to that in which he could kneel and gain mind over me to converse. Remaining with my head faced to the ground, humbled, but more so feeling the redening and head beneath my skin. The creatures wing extended to be felt under my chin, a contact so wondrous as he steered my face to look to his.

"It is not my place to state, but your behaviour is peculiar young one, I may understand your need to respect elders in which you must not make direct eye contact, but in this case you worry needlessly."

An assumption of misconceiving me gave way to a giggle, for it was not the only reason I behaved in this way, but a more a profound notion to which I held no explanation to. My slow tempered hands retrieved a berry to offer him the first bite, as I would've my own father to begin our starting meal this way from respect, but was there more to my intent?

"It is without saying, the host so generous must be first, as is also my way." I managed to earn his smile,

"So it shall be" His beak gapped open, as I blessed him in thought for being there for me when I needed a saviour. Pulling back I watched the knot travel down his throat. "So its time you also feed so you may replenish, but before we do, it is also our way to have our guests have their fill" I smiled.

Without further restraint I spoke out to speak of my mind of what is it I aspired to do,

"Yakez"

"Yes Mika" He mused using my name in reply for no one else was here, was using his name so needed? I loved to hear it roll of my lips if anything else.

"I . . . . I mean to traverse the lands and strive to reach Algoma so I may retrieve Aiyanna there. I seek to reclaim my forgone stature at my father's side. But I know not of these lands or of their hazards, direct me for I have burdened you one too many a day"

His brows narrowed, as if seeking further clarification. ""Much to your misconception, Aiyanna grows not in Algoma, and only death shall await you there. You know nothing of where your blinding ambitions delve to venture, to whom told you of such false claims?"

Could this be really true, for had I really been led astray?

My sisters who I tenderly held to my heart could not have sent me to make peace with death. The more I thought, the more my sense brought me to this realization. Feeling the bile rising to the back of my throat, I felt drawn to the void of sadness, and it pained me to know that my own blood would be so fallen to do this to me. Was this the extent of their cruel jealousy? Remember the words my eldest sister spoke, I wished for them to be a reality, would it not have been better if I were still born?

"I was ill of mind, and distraught when I gained council from my kindred, those siblings I treasure to my heart."

"It burdens me knowing that of your own flesh and blood would do this, and to civil you claim your tribe to be, do you not find this questionable in itself?"

Still in pain I almost spoke recklessly. Words such as 'kill me if I am so beneath you' but the rash reactions I displayed before Takoda were not the ones I wished to show Yakez. "The acts of three count not for the acts of the many"

He continued extending cleverly on my own words "And only of the few. Your point carries validity, I implore you for correcting my wisdom. Arceus watches all, and the less of heart shall be punished with time." I knew his last word bared reference to my sisters but no better did it ease me.

Defeated I knew not of where I stood with the whole affair, and to climb Aiyanna seemed my only saving grace. I may cast a lie to others, but how does one lie to themselves when making such promises of repentance. Was it even within me to commit to an act of bravery I had not the stomach for. My cowardice before soaring heights could only be remedied through grasping courage, it would be that courage which would allow me to ascend the great mount.

Would receiving Aiyanna remain just a fool's paradise unto me, and one never to make its envisioning true to me? My distress resonated through the entirety of my body, and overspilled to be portrayed visibly to him. I felt this dispair so strongly now, it was as if it were a lit beacon burning me down.

"You are brave to venture thus far and even desiring Algoma in the moments gone, so it is my belief you shall find the same bravery to conquer the highest heights, you lose heart too easily."

Sobbing, I hung my head, escaping the well, tears of resignation lined the contour of my cheeks.

"How would I when fear of those very heights lashes out, for I lack the backbone."

"You're confused, but clearly you misunderstand bravery also. It is not the absence of fear, but to sternly act in spite of it. You will find it when its time to call upon it." My hearts burdens became lighter, what he said held power to me. Bracing my face with feathers so true of devotion he had me now. My tears were swept with gentle brushing and face raised to meet eye to eye. "Believe me I know this of experience. Trust in me, I can see its coming."

Searching those brown eyes he reflected conviction of my cause back at me, and in him I was rejuvenating once more. How had he done it? Why does he make me so strong, and so weak in shyness at the same time? Turning my head aside I broke eye contact to softly chew upon my lip letting silence assert itself to me. I could not comprehend why I acted in such a way, and of the growing feelings I'd as of yet not made sense of.

From my hushed retreat, I broke forward. "Would you promise me this?"

"In entirety sweet Mika. Still understanding of your reaction is at a loss to me, but for what I can say is just words of compliments should it serve to cheer. Your reddening complexion makes you the more fascinating in species, and also to the nature of my eyes." The fur or feathers of other species aided to hide blushing, but for us humans it seemed inescapable.

I felt waves of heat climb to emanate like a molten rock from within, and all of which came by simply listening to him.

"I'm in appreciation, but I still have no place in which I call home, I wish to not take further liberty"

"Liberty you take not, and an honourable guest you are to me. I plead with you an offer should you oblige me and take a place amongst us?"

Was he offering me a place amidst his own people? If I could not achieve the tasks of my own people, how would I fare to his? They would likely be of a far more demanding nature than the ones I'd failed.

"Of what trials must I submit to?"

"Naught, your wisdom in quantity alone already has sufficed them, so what of your decision?" My eyes widened. He portrayed himself in a light where his presence awed me. I felt drawn and compelled to accept.

"It would be a pleasure." I said, have choked. Tears once more, but those of happiness shed.

"You are strange Mika, you smile and water those eyes in happiness and in sadness haha understanding you will take time. I wish to have you integrated more. Tomorrow sees the coming of our annual celebration and that will bring joyous festivities. Feel not pressured or shy away from it and be that of my guest to accompany me?"

Pacing remained in my heart that came with the aftermath of what he deigned. Having deemed me worthy of being by his side and near him made it thud that much harder.

"I shall await with a gleeful heart till then," I replied overjoyed.

"Farewell sweet Mika,"

The stoic bird stood to take his leave, I observed till his solemn presence left my graces to the yonder beyond my quarters. Hearing rustling of another I moved forthwith to secretly drop a listening ear in veiled concealment. At the point of vantage I spied, pressing to the meshing, and from here I may see him in all his splendour a second longer; a moment of magnetism to appease my heart is what I asked.

"Ah Yakez, I saw your flirtatious intent, and to think I didn't believe you had a males cloaca" Takoda teased coyly.

Tittering away at Takoda's teasing, I also began to understand of his nature better. He really did love to tease those he cares about. Seeing a hole not so high, I turned to it, pushing myself to the tips of my toes, spying further.

"Nonsense, I have integrity over such trifle things, I just fulfilled a custom to hers," he defensively commented.

"Perhaps it may be true of hers, however the guest part was well improvised, do you see her with keener eyes than you would admit, hmm?"

"Quieten yourself! You mistake relations, speak no more if this! You will embarrass her with ill-conceived thoughts that hold no value but to cause confusion should she hear." Flapping a wing, it swished across demandingly, putting an end to any misunderstanding, and clear himself of any insincere intent towards me.

"Haha I mean not to bare insult, call it intuition."

I yielded to my inner self to find that childlike innocence which bloomed to enlightenment, knowing an eventuality had come to pass which blessed me with understanding, and to what draws me to him. I knew now I was plummeting uncontrollably and falling for him and I had yet to know much of him. Would his welcoming wings seek to catch tenderly, or in unbeknown hurt will it leave me fragmented. I feared in shudders, for the differences in our species is as grand as Aiyanna.

I had not the right to feel things the likes of these. A childish heart I did home, and of such want which I should snuff out, as insult I would not want bared before him.

But nonetheless, something had been set in motion, and yearn for him I did.

To the butterflies that were dwelling within the pits of my stomach, to the ascendancy of my soul to the furthest skies, I felt aloft and wonderful, but far sweeter still were the fluttering beats that came from within my chest; breathless I was.