Crimson Cove

Staring out into the mist early in the morning was usually something Neytiri enjoyed, but this morning was different. She knew things were getting bad but had no clue exactly how bad. Her mother was sick and had been for some time. She was tending to her every need for the past year and a half without knowing what she would have to do on the next leg of this journey. All she had ever known was this cove, and the women who had come to them to be far from the tyranny of the men they were bound to. As females, none of them could be anything more than seers for the wolves who ruled all. There had never been a female alpha, nor would there be any soon, as they all knew. Neytiri sat on the deck of the house her mother built looking disheartened. Hey Tiri, what are you doing out here this early? Renae, a younger member who had run the moment she turned eighteen had asked. She had no desire to be bound to a male Hey Nae. I am just trying to think of what we should do next. Things are far worse than I had first thought. My mother created this place for females to escape and have a safe space to go, cloaked from the men who only exist for war and slaking their lust and thirst, but now... She trailed off. Your mom is a hero, and so are you. If it weren't for the two of you how many of these women would have already been dead, or worse mate bound to one of those men who would kill them just to have them out of the way? I understand the gravity of the situation Nae, but I just do not know if I have what it takes to make things right around here. I mean for f**k sake she all but has left us penniless already. Don't speak of your mother that way Tiri. She made mistakes, everyone does, it is up to us to find a way to make it right now. She is on her way out, it's your turn to lead the women here into the future. Thanks like I didn't already know that. Besides I didn't ask for any of this you know. Yes, I know. You are her only biological child Tiri, this is your place. Yeah, I am aware. So what are you going to do now? Well, for what it is worth some of the older women are with her now. They are cleaning and readying her for her last night with everyone. She wants to eat dinner with everyone under the full moon tonight. She says the crimson leaves are the most beautiful in the evening reflecting off the cliffs and water. I feel like she knows it isn't going to be much longer. Goddess has told her it is soon. So dinner with mom tonight and then she will retire to her room until the moment should come? Yes, after she passes on the responsibilities and stress that come with the cove to me. That way I can be almost as miserable as she has been for so long. Stop it, your mom loves you and believes you would make the best leader of the Cove, or she would not be stepping down at all. She knows you can handle this, and honestly, I believe she's right, you're perfect for this job. Thank you Nae, I just am not feeling it right now. She has always been my rock, and now she's dying. I have no clue if I can measure up, or even be half the witch she is. You can and you will. Tiri you know everything she knows and once you step into your power you will be even greater for the Cove than she was. I am glad you are here Nae, you are my closest friend. I don't know what I would do without you. I will never leave your side, you are not only my mentor and friend, but the person I have to thank for my life many times over. Goddess gave me you too you know. Nae smiled softly at her. Alright, you came here to get me to prepare for tonight I am sure. Well yeah, I have been entrusted with the honor of bringing the future gatekeeper to the ceremony tonight of course. Nae giggled. Yeah yeah yeah, let's get this show on the road, you know I hate all the bullshit that goes into this. We have time, finish your coffee and we will go see what they can do about your outlook on this ceremony and your image. I wish I looked like I was ready before I go so I didn't have to do all the s**t. Can't I just come like I am? Tiri faked whining. Stop it, you know you are perfect as you are, but Saffron has made it clear that you must show up tonight fully prepared and poised to take her place. Fuck, so I will, but I don't have to like it. Tiri said swallowing the last hot sip of her coffee. Do you think I have time for one more cup? Of course, it's far too early to go see the twins anyway, let me get it for you. They sat drinking coffee in the early morning light until the sun crept out from behind the horizon. The day had come and Neytiri was beginning her new journey this very evening, she was not ready, but she would have no choice.