Page 23 of Across the Stars (Cosmic Threads of Fate #1)

“We’re going down,” he said, pointing to the side that led to the ground. “If we need to go to the hut, I can summon Iskzo to take us.”

Mae nodded almost absentmindedly as she let him lead her down the twisted, root-like stair system.

Watai smiled as she took in the intricate details of the structure. The staircase was naturally carved out of the tree itself, with each step appearing to be a natural outcropping of the wood with roots twisted around the sides as a hand railing.

She followed him, in awe of the interior beauty of the tree. The light from the glowing moss and small, luminescent flowers that covered the walls illuminated their descent and created a warm and inviting ambiance.

Mae reached out and ran her hand along the flora while holding onto the root railing as they descended.

As he watched her enthusiastic responses to something so normal, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride and excitement at being able to share his home and culture with her.

Watai pointed out different parts of the tree, explaining the significance and functions of each area with miming and gestures. He explained that the tree was sacred to them and that they had lived in it for generations.

Mae was clearly enthralled, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the sights and sounds of the tree.

Watai could tell she was trying to understand, and he found himself smiling at her eagerness to learn. He was determined to give her the best experience possible, and he was pleased to see her taking it all in with joy and excitement.

As they reached the base of the tree, Watai motioned for Mae to follow him as he led her out to the shore of a large lake. The crystal-clear water reflected the weavetree’s light, creating a stunning display of colors.

Watai observed as Mae gazed at the scenery, a wide smile on his face that he couldn’t wipe away.

They walked down the path, surrounded by lush jungle foliage. The path was well-trodden, the earth soft and spongy underfoot. The trees towered above them, their branches reaching out to form a canopy overhead. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, dappling the path with light and shadow.

Watai pointed out various plants and trees as they walked, explaining their uses and importance to the tribe. Mae listened intently, taking in all the new information.

He knew she wouldn’t understand him, but something compelled him to tell her anyway. He blamed it on the excitement of finally finding his threadmate and being able to spend time with her, even for such simple things as going for a walk.

Watai felt excitement surge within him as they neared the shore.

The lake was a stunning shade of violet, with water so clear that he could see all the way to the bottom.

The suns were rising, casting a warm golden light over the land and making the waves glisten.

As the suns beat down on them, the dense jungle provided ample shade and a cool breeze blew through the mountain range, keeping them comfortable.

He led her down the coral-white sandy beach, their feet sinking into the soft grains with each step. The rolling waves hit their feet, washing away his rage at Oekan and his concerns about his future with Mae.

He felt unstoppable as long as she was by his side, filling him with a fierce determination to protect both her and their blossoming connection.

They walked in silence, taking in the sights and sounds of the exotic landscape.

Watai saw two of his neighbors running eagerly in their direction as they retraced their steps along the beach toward the weavetree, both wearing broad grins on their faces.

“Watai! When were you going to introduce us to your lovely threadmate?” Yawix exclaimed, her amber eyes sparkling with curiosity as she looked at Mae. “I thought we were friends!”

Xarntu, who was equally ecstatic, added, “Yes, tell us, Watai, where did she come from? How did you two meet? Have you met her threadmount?”

Watai smiled at his neighbors, their joy contagious.

He motioned for Mae to come closer. “This is Mae. She comes from a faraway land,” he explained, using gestures and miming to help her keep up with their conversation.

“I met her during my first scouting flight of the season a few cycles ago, following a feeling deep inside until our cosmic thread led me to her. Unfortunately, she has not found her threadmount, but we hope to change that soon.”

Mae smiled, even though she couldn’t understand what was being said. Watai could tell from her relaxed demeanor that their walk along the lakeshore had washed away the lingering negativity from the morning meal for her as well.

“We heard whispers that someone new from the Coral Tides tribe with unique features was visiting our weavetree, but those were silenced by the Z’Aymo when she addressed the people during morning meal,” Yawix said, her gaze tracing Mae’s body, lingering on her clothing.

“Is there anything she requires? More clothes? A slip or a satchel?”

“Yawix,” Xarntu hissed, her hand on her threadmate’s shoulder, silencing her. “Before you get carried away with how you can outfit her, you should concentrate on introducing yourself.”

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself.” Yawix bowed her head toward Watai and then Mae, touching her forehead with her fingertips and then the spot between her hearts. “My name is Yawix, weaver and threadrider of Lyrx.”

“And my name is Xarntu.” The taller female let go of Yawix’s shoulder and made the same welcoming gesture as her partner. “Hunter, threadrider of Fela, and threadmate to Yawix.”

Watai stepped between the couple and his threadmate, feeling compelled to assist his neighbors in communicating with Mae, who couldn’t pick up anything more than a couple words at a time.

He motioned to each female, repeated their names, and tried to tell her that their neighbors were threadmates just like them.

Mae understood him without hesitation and mimicked what the pair had done, touching her forehead and then the middle of her chest. “Mae.”

The pair glanced at each other and then grinned wildly, revealing their fangs as their tails danced with excitement.

“It’s nice to cross paths with you, Mae,” Xarntu said, grabbing Mae’s hand. “I can’t wait to get to know you better. If you ever need anything, we’re only a few branches away.”

“She doesn’t have any jewelry!” Yawix objected, pointing to Mae’s exposed neck. “When are you planning to provide her with basics even younglings have?”

“I was hoping to be able to trade for the materials to make her the basics myself,” Watai explained, suppressing a growl in the back of his throat.

He knew the older couple meant well, but he was already dealing with enough.

She had everything she needed to survive for the time being.

“The rainy season has just ended. Once my responsibilities let up, I will make sure she has everything she desires.”

“So she’ll have to make do until then?” Yawix put her hands on her hips and locked her gaze on him. “You know the people will question your ability to care for her if you can’t provide her with things most people own.”

“Then let them talk,” he hissed, ears pinned, tail whipping, hands curled into fists. “It’s not like they haven’t already.”

“Don’t pay attention to that dimstone Oekan,” Xarntu replied sharply, stepping in front of her threadmate as she sliced the air with her hand. “He’s always been jealous of you and is willing to do anything to prove that he’s better than you.”

“Perhaps he should concentrate on his skill with the ring blade or connection with his threadmount,” he grumbled. “Because determining Z’myu’s will should be left to my sister.”

“May she help us all,” Yawix muttered, frowning. “A leader should not be envious. It will only trickle down to the people, like poison.”

Mae wrapped her hand around his and placed it between hers, instantly capturing his attention. He shifted his gaze to her and found her brow scrunched in confusion, worry lacing her dark brown eyes.

“Watai?” She spoke softly, her voice dampening his rage like rain on a fire.

“I apologize, Mae.” He sighed, tucking her loose hair behind her round ear. “I promise to keep my composure, especially around you.”

“There’s no doubt about it,” Yawix muttered, sliding an arm around Xarntu’s waist and looping her tail around her threadmate’s. “You two are threadmates.”

“We are disappointed that we cannot learn more about Mae because she is unable to communicate with us,” Xarntu said, wrapping her arm around her threadmate’s shoulders, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

“Watai, we were wondering if we could look after Mae while you went off to do your wingleader duties.”

“You don’t have to worry; we can look after her and help her find her place among the people,” Yawix explained. “You know, we haven’t taken in a youngling to train in a long time, and Mae would be an ideal student. We could assist her while you are busy.”

“We know you have important responsibilities as a wingleader, and we understand that you may need to leave for a while,” Xarntu added with a warm smile. “We’d love to get to know her better and show her around.”

Yawix nodded in agreement and added, “Yes, we would like to spend more time with her, and we would make sure she is safe and comfortable while you are away. Plus, our hut is only a few branches away from yours.”

Watai was moved by their generosity and kindness.

He knew Mae would be in good hands with Yawix and Xarntu, as they were kind and trustworthy individuals known for taking in others’ younglings to teach them their craft and help the students determine what they excelled in and wanted to do within the tribe.

It was critical for people to understand the fundamentals of every job within the tribe in order to create a balanced environment, especially if someone needed assistance with their responsibilities.

He turned to Mae and, using gestures and miming, explained to her what Yawix and Xarntu had asked. Mae nodded, understanding the request and appearing eager to spend time with Yawix and Xarntu learning more about their culture and customs.

Watai was relieved and grateful. He would be able to do his wingleader job, and Mae could spend time with his neighbors, making new friends. He was pleased to see that Mae was not only open-minded, but also adaptable and eager to learn.

Watai stood before Mae, his emotions mixed as he prepared to say goodbye.

He had grown to care for her over the course of their time together, and he didn’t want to leave her behind, feeling the tug of their cosmic thread strain as they got further apart.

But he knew that his duties as a wingleader required him to leave.

“Mae,” he said, using gestures to convey his meaning, “I must go and attend to my duties as a wingleader, but Yawix and Xarntu will take care of you while I’m away. They will be your guides and protectors.”

Mae nodded, a smile spreading across her lips, brightening her face.

Satisfied, Watai turned to Yawix and Xarntu. “I trust you both to look after Mae while I am away. Please let me know if either of you requires anything. I’ll get back to you right away.”

Yawix and Xarntu nodded, understanding the importance of their task. Xarntu replied, “We will take care of her as if she were our own. Do not worry, Watai. We will make sure she is safe and comfortable.”

“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” Watai promised, hugging Mae and smiling reassuringly. “Take care of her. She means a lot to me,” he said, his voice tinged with emotion.

Watai summoned Iskzo and soared into the sky, leaving Mae alone with his two neighbors. He felt their cosmic thread tighten with each beat of his hearts.