Chapter Text
RAYA X NAMAARI
Chapter 1: Loud Silence
Two weeks had passed since Kumandra reunited once again. Each land had been steadily rebuilding their villages and getting back to normal. Chief Benja had just sent a messenger to each village, inviting them all to a gathering hosted by Heart. Chief Benja was more than eager to begin living in total harmony with one another.
Chief Benja: Take these letters to each Chief and inform them that they are invited to a gathering of the tribes.
Messenger: Yes, Chief Benja.
Chief Benja watches as the messenger leaves the palace. Raya crosses paths with the messenger as she makes her way toward her father.
Raya: Hey, where’s he going in a hurry?
Chief Benja: Ah, my dewdrop. How are you this beautiful day?
Raya: I’m well. So, what’s going on?
Chief Benja: I’ve sent an invitation out to all of the tribes, to gather here for a celebration.
Raya’s eyes were suddenly wide. Surprised that her father would decide to host such an event, so soon. The palace itself is hardly put back together all the way. There were still quite large holes in some of the walls, and there are a couple of spots on the east side of the palace, that do not even have a roof still. Raya’s eyes begin to stiffen and slightly squint at her father upon his response.
Raya: Why? The palace is still in ruins and I’m pretty sure it’s bad manners to have giant holes in the ceiling when you’re throwing a party.
Chief Benja smiles lightly and gives off a small sigh. He extends his arm and motions to her to walk with him.
Chief Benja: Dewdrop, if there was one thing my father wanted me to never forgot, it is to make sure you give yourself a chance to have fun.
Raya: But…there’s so much work to be done still. Now is not the time for this.
Chief Benja: All of Kumandra has returned but we are all feeling the struggles of what happened six years ago. All of the tribes are rebuilding and working non stop. It is time we all took a break and what better way, than through a celebration in honor of all of Kumandra.
Chief Benja stopped and turned toward Raya, placed his hands on her shoulders and kissed her forehead.
Chief Benja: Six years is a long time to be alone, dewdrop. I’m sure it’s going to take time to readjust but just know, you are safe now. The Druun are gone, Kumandra is whole, and it’s all thanks to you and a very unusual group of friends. Take a moment for yourself, Raya.
Chief Benja smiles and continues on his walk, leaving Raya standing in the hall. Raya smiled at her father and watched him walk away. For a moment, she felt a defeating tug in her stomach. A sudden flash of the last time she saw her father, before he was turned to stone. Raya reached down into her pocket to retrieve something. The Sisu pendant she kicked on the ground that day, when they were all surrounded by the Druun. She had picked it up and tucked it away to keep it safe. She looks at it whenever she needs to remind herself that people CAN change.
RAYA POV:
I smiled and shook my head at my fathers unwavering, and unconditional, faith in the good of people. It was almost sad but it’s not fair for me to be so negative. I may hold a slight grudge towards Namaari, still. You know, for the world breaking. But it’s becoming complicated. If it wasn’t for Namaari, the world wouldn’t have been fixed and I wouldn’t have my Ba back. I still think about the first day that we met. This shy girl with her head down, peering up every so often. It was exciting to be around her because she liked all of the same things I did. And her eyes. There was something about her eyes, I just couldn’t stop looking at them. I was so sucked in by every word she was saying. I think that’s why it hurt so much that she betrayed me…I really thought we were friends.
Royal Guard: Princess Raya. Princess Namaari of Fang, is here to see you.
Namaari? Here? Why? Did my father send out invitations sooner than he told me? What possible reason could there be, for Namaari to be here, and to see me?
Raya: Thank you, I’ll be right there.
Raya paces back and forth in the hall, her mind spinning, puzzled by Namaari’s surprise visit. Is this a trap of some kind? No, it can’t be, we’re at peace. Right? Raya makes her way to the main part of the palace to meet with Namaari. As she turns the corner, she can see the back of Namaari’s head. She’s staring out the windows, taking in the view of the land. Raya’s heart is suddenly beating so hard, it could leap out of her chest. Well, I don’t see a sword in her hands, so I guess this is a friendly visit.
Raya: Namaari. What are you doing here?
Namaari turns around and greets Raya’s question with a slight smirk.
Namaari: Hello to you too, Raya.
Raya: I’m sorry, it’s just, this is unexpected. Why…
Namaari: Well, I wanted to extend an invitation.
Raya: Okay, but my father just sent out invitations to all of the tribes, to commune here for a celebration. So…
Namaari: Oh, well…this isn’t the same thing. I…it’s not exactly an invitation, it’s…
What is going on with her? I’ve never seen the Fang Princess so unfocused. Why is she acting so weird?
Raya: Are you okay, Namaari? Is there something you need?
Namaari: Would you mind if we went for a walk? I’d like to speak with you. In private.
I’m genuinely curious now. Namaari, ice in her veins, hands as steady as air, able to wield any blade with ease and is ready to take on an entire army alone…and she’s nervous right now?
Raya leads them both through the palace and down to the bridge leading into Heart. They stop mid-way on the bridge and lean against the edge. Namaari puts her head down, takes a deep breath and looks at Raya.
Namaari: Listen, ever since the gem broke and everyone turned to stone, I’ve felt horrible for what followed. I never meant for any of that to happen. I never wanted any of that to happen.
Wow…I’m actually speechless. I seriously have no idea how to react. I spend six years being angry at her, for breaking the world. In the end, I took a huge leap trusting her and I’m glad that I did. It’s just hard to let go of so much, overnight.
Raya: Oh, wow, Namaari, I…have you been holding on to that this whole time?
Namaari: Yes. When your father invited us, all those years ago, my mother saw it as an opportunity to seize the dragon gem. She told me that I needed to find out where the gem was hidden. That, I needed to befriend you. But then…as the evening carried on, I…I got to know you. I didn’t expect to bond so well with you. Which, made it that much harder to betray you like that. But…I was convinced I was doing it for the good of Fang. I didn’t understand the full potential of my mothers deceit until she ordered me to capture Sisu and the gems. And, well, we know what happened from there. I’m sorry I hurt you.
So, Chief Virana told her to lie to me when we were kids, and then made her try to capture Sisu and steal the gem pieces from me. I had no idea. But why is she telling me this? Such a bold move for Namaari to be so open like this. Maybe there isn’t ice in her veins.
Raya: Listen, Namaari, what’s in the past, is in the past. Thank you, for saying that, it really does mean a lot. Losing my Ba for six years, it was agonizing.
Namaari’s face quickly flashes a sign of pain from hearing how much Raya hurt, during all that time.
Namaari: I know. I can’t imagine what that must’ve been like for you. Until the day everyone was brought back, it hadn’t dawned on me at all, how lucky I was to have had my mother, but your Ba was…It changed my perspective on things and I just…I’m so sorry. I understand if you can’t forgive me but, what I’m hoping for, is to start over.
Raya is taken back by the comment: start over. Her eyes un-squint and her face soften. It sounded genuine, it felt genuine, but is it?
Raya: Namaari, I…
Raya has no words. Her brain seems to have just, stopped. The shock of Namaari wanting to start over. To be friends, I guess?
Namaari: I know we didn’t start off great in the beginning and I can’t change that. If it wasn’t for me, you never would’ve lost your Ba for so long and…
Raya cuts her off. Raya can see the regret filling her eyes, she can hear the pain in her voice, she can feel the anguish in her energy. Raya’s animosity toward Namaari was slowly beginning to subside.
Raya steps towards Namaari and takes her by her hands. She holds them in hers and stares Namaari in the eyes. She really does feel guilty, I guess.
Raya: Namaari, stop. I forgive you.
Raya gave Namaari a grin as her eyes start to swell. That was so hard to do but, it felt good.
Namaari’s face becomes loose and a single tear falls from Namaari's right eye.
Namaari: Wha…Why?
Raya: Because I trust you.
Namaari knows there’s some hidden meaning she should understand but at this moment, all she can seem to focus on, are Raya’s eyes. She had never noticed before, how beautiful they were. Her eyes are like two emeralds the way they shine in the sun.
Just then, Raya noticed how intently Namaari had been staring at her, and for an awkwardly long amount of time.
Raya: Are you okay?
Namaari, not realizing how long she had been standing there staring at her, snaps back wipes her tears and clears her throat.
Namaari: Yes, yes I’m fine. It was just…I was just stuck in thought for a moment.
Raya: Would you…like to keep walking?
Namaari grins and nods her head, yes. Raya smiles and they begin to walk to the other side of the bridge and down to the waters edge.
Raya: So, heard any good jokes lately?
Raya nudges Namaari’s shoulder with her own, hoping to jog Namaari’s memory of them talking about how they’re terrible at telling jokes. Namaari, clearly recalling the joke, gives off a light chuckle. Raya and Namaari continue walking the waters edge for quite some time. Namaari stealing a peak at Raya every so often. Raya, seemingly oblivious. All the while, Raya could see Namaari looking at her. There were, however, shadows around them. Raya and Namaari walk along in silence for some time. Both seem to enjoy the silence, despite how loud it was. The loud tension in the air that was, at the same time, a calm wave. The sun is nearly down now.
Raya: it’s beautiful, isn’t it?
Raya and Namaari had made their way up the path to where Sisu's dragon gem was once protected. Gazing out through a large hole in the wall that overlooks the river, the two sit on the ledge to watch the sun set. Raya, with knees up and arms folded over them, takes a deep breathe, rests her chin on top of her arms, closes her eyes and exhales slowly. Namaari looks at Raya.
Namaari: Yes…it is.
The beautiful bioluminescent night slowly begins with its brilliant and bright colors, its soothing sounds from the nocturnal wildlife awaking. Raya and Namaari had not realized how long they had been gone and decided to make their way back to the palace. As they approached, the sight of palace guards became clear. As Raya and Namaari passed through, Raya overheard one of them snicker to the other but she could not make out what was said. She stopped and turned around.
Raya: Is there something funny?
Both guards compose themselves.
Palace Guard #1: No, Princess Raya.
Raya: Guys, we’re at peace now. We need to learn to let go of the past and move forward.
Palace Guard #2: That is not why, Princess Raya.
The first palace guard swiftly turns to the second and greets him with such a scorned looked.
Raya: Guys, relax. No one is going to die over a bitter comment. Speak your truth or be done with it.
Palace Guard #2: Princess Raya, we did not speak ill of Princess Namaari.
Raya and Namaari both looking confused at both guards. Both Palace Guards have cheeks as red as an apple. Their eyes frantically rotating from Raya, to Namaari, to each other, and back again.
Palace Guard #1: We spoke of the two of you and how you were gone for so long.
Namaari now turns her gaze to the first palace guard and approaches him. Her eyes narrowed, shoulders squared, chin clenched, she stands before him, eyes locked.
Namaari: What is it that you spoke, guard?
Palace Guard #1 is clearly nervous and Raya quickly slides herself between the palace guard and Namaari, with her hands up and facing Namaari. Namaari’s eyes, still locked on the guard.
Raya: Okay, hold on, let’s not go overboard here.
Namaari: Speak! What did you say?
Palace Guard #1: Uh…I said…’it is about time.’
Raya and Namaari both scrunched their eyebrows, Raya turned around, and they both simultaneously spoke:
Raya & Namaari: What?!
Namaari, convinced it’s something bad, continues to move back toward the guard. Raya turns back around to return to her position, propped between them with her hands up and facing Namaari. Ready to block her in case she Namaari goes after the guard. There was no need for violence, after all.
Namaari: Liar! Why were you laughing?
Palace Guard #2: We were laughing, Princess Namaari. But I swear, we were not speaking ill.
Namaari quickly changed her direction of rage toward the second guard. Raya, now positioning herself between Namaari and the second guard now. Namaari has clearly had enough of the games.
Raya: You guys are killing me here!
Namaari: Speak!
Palace Guard #2: I said, ‘Raya looks happy.’
In that moment, absolute silence filled the air. That silence could not have been any louder, than when Raya and Namaari’s eyes met right then. Namaari’s face loosens and her shoulders drop. She turns her gaze away from Raya, her eyes wandering any which way but at Raya. They took a step back from each other. Raya with arms folded and flushed cheeks. Namaari turned away, brushing her hair behind her ear. Clearly, she no longer wanted to annihilate the guards.
Raya: Uh...Dismissed.
Palace Guard #1: Princess Raya?
Raya swiftly turns around, eyes wide, teeth clenched and responded to the guard with haste.
Raya: Yes?
Palace Guard #2: Apologies but, we are at our post right now. We cannot leave.
If it were possible for Raya's cheeks to be any more red, they would be an entirely brand new shade of red.
Raya: Right. You are correct. That was a test and you passed. Both of you.
Raya quickly turns around, looks at Namaari with a quick side glance and motions with her hand, to follow her. As they depart, both palace guards can faintly be heard lightly chuckling. Raya, walking with her head down and arms crossed. She has no idea how to respond to what those guards said. Well, that’s going to be hard to ignore.
—INTERMISSION IF NEEDED—
Raya and Namaari continue walking through the palace. Raya leads them to the other side, to a balcony that overlooks the valley. They walk over to the rail to gaze out at the forest and its beautiful bioluminescence incests. How they shimmer in and out of the trees.
Namaari peaks over at Raya a couple of times, as if she has something to say. Raya isn’t so oblivious. She’s more than capable of seeing Namaari’s head turn towards her, but she doesn’t let on that she knows. I’m not sure what’s happening right now. Why does Namaari keep looking at me like that?
Namaari turns toward Raya, breaking the silence in the air.
Namaari: Listen, I…thank you for talking with me. I’m sorry I have kept you so long. I did not realize how late it had gotten. I will see myself out.
Namaari paused, her and Raya staring at each other, their eyes simultaneously fluctuating left to right. Namaari was hoping for a response. Something. Anything. Raya stood there, unable to form words it seems. Namaari stands up straight, presence the dragon symbol to Raya and walks away. Namaari had only taken a few steps before Raya spoke up.
Raya: Namaari, wait…
Namaari stops and turns around to look at Raya. Raya isn’t sure, yet, why she stopped Namaari. All she knew is that something in her felt different. Raya walks over to Namaari.
Namaari: What is it?
Raya: I…it’s late. Why don’t you just…stay here and make your journey back, at first light?
I’m not sure why but, I want to give her a chance. Maybe…maybe we CAN be friends after all.
Namaari: I appreciate the gesture, Princess. I do not dare impose my presence. Not all have forgiven us, as you’re aware.
Raya: I am aware. I…was one of them.
Namaari’s face winced ever so slightly. If Raya weren’t already looking right at Namaari, she would’ve missed the moment.
Raya: I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. I WAS one of those people but I'm not, now.
Namaari: Thank you, Raya. You don’t know what that means to me.
Raya: You opened up to me and showed me a part of you that I didn’t know existed. Up until then, I thought you and all of Fang were assassins. Turns out, it was just you.
Raya’s joke caught Namaari off guard enough to make her laugh a little and scoff.
Raya: Let’s face it, you’re one total badass, with a kick as solid as a rock.
Namaari: Who are you kidding, dep la, my ears rang for two days after your kick to the head when we were kids.
Raya: I guess we’re both badass’ then.
Raya and Namaari share a light smile and for a moment, they both were locked on each other. Their cheeks beginning to turn light shades of red, their smiles slowly softening to what resembles shock; not knowing what to do in that awkward silence. Raya and Namaari turn away from each other. Namaari tucking her hair behind her ear. Raya turned away, looking down at the ground, arms folded.
Namaari: Sleep well, Raya.
Raya: Safe travels, Princess Undercut.
Namaari peaks up at Raya with the corner of her eye and lets out a light chuckle. They glance at each other one last time. Namaari makes her way out, while Raya starts walking down the hall to her room. Namaari stops half way down the spiral stairs leading away from the balcony. Paused, she looks back up to the top of the stairs. Her eyes racing back and forth, her grip on the rail tighten with frustration. She turn and took two steps back up the stairs and paused again. If hesitation and indecisive was a person, it would be Namaari in that moment.
POV NAMAARI
What am I doing? I can't go back up there. It'll be weird, right? I should go then. But...I really want to go back up there and talk to Raya more. It's strange; this feeling of being drawn. Like, this invisible force that pulls me toward her. Do I...like Raya?
Namaari turns back around and continues on back down the stairs to leave the palace. Raya, on the other hand, was doing the same dance in the hallway. Raya had stopped half way down the hall and just stood there, pacing, looking back at the staircase Namaari walked down, pacing more.
POV RAYA
'It's about time'? What's that supposed to mean? I'm happy, I've always been happy. I mean...it's not like I had much of a childhood and the only real contact I had with a person for six years, was hunting me. Okay, so maybe I do need to work on some things. But...Namaari, confuses me. I spent so long hating her and in the end, she turned out to be a good person after all. And her apologizing and realizing she had been carrying around that guilt all this time...I don't see her the same way anymore. It's like she's...sweet and kind and brave and funny and...oh my god...do I like Namaari?
Namaari walks out of the palace and mounts Serlot. Before she leaves, she takes one last look up at the balcony they were just standing on together. The slight look of disappointment on Namaari's face, that Raya was not standing there. To get one last look at the Princess. Raya, with her new found revelation, decided to go back to the balcony for some air. Raya makes it to the edge of the balcony just in time to see Namaari ride off.
I…I’m not sure what just happened but… Raya smiles with the corner of her mouth, her eyes soft, almost passionate like. She tilts her head down slightly, looking down from the corner of her eye. Her mind wandering, processing everything Namaari said, processing whatever that look was… and how it made her feel like her heart was going to pound through her chest and right into Namaari’s face. How that look, made her palms sweat and her breathing become so fast. Am I…am I crazy or is this…something?
End Chapter 1