I have decided to edit the beginning of this story to make the gap between movie one and this story a big larger, to allow the characters time to mature in their own ways. I think it will make for a more interesting story, forgive my fickle ways! A story is as ever changing and powerful as the tide…
Chapter 1: Wayfinders of Motunui
It had been two years since Moana and her father had first pulled the ancient ships of their ancestors from the massive cave on Motunui. After Much planning and preparation the village had begun their first voyage, leaving a few behind to watch after their home. They had been traveling now for months, stopping and chartering the islands they came across.
Far up the main mast of their largest wayfaring vessel, a beauty with fierce brown eyes and wild curls whipped by the salt breeze let out a whooping cry as land appeared, a speck of green on a crystal blue horizon. She slid down the mast, deft and agile as the tide, landing in a crouch on the main deck of the massive canoe. Her mother and father ran to her, their eyes alight with excitement. There was something new there in their gazes, something born of her return to Motunui those short years ago after restoring the heart of Te Fiti with Maui. Pride, respect and undying trust. The expression warmed the girl's heart as she beamed at Tui and Sina.
"An island has appeared on the horizon! Not more than a days journey due east!" She exclaimed, laughing as the villagers surrounding her whooped and cried with joy. Her smile widened as she took in her own love for adventure and discovery on the faces of the people she loved most. Her father hugged her tightly, and she smiled as he spoke softly.
"I knew you would lead us to greatness little one." She pulled back and rested her forehead against his broad brow, closing her eyes to hide the joyful tears that threatened to spill to her cheeks. Turning, she walked to the edge of the wooden deck, holding the great rope that held the massive sail unfurled above her. She hung off the edge of the boat as the wave tickled her feet and stared not at the land that loomed in the distance, nor the waves that greeted her like a dear friend. She had eyes only for the vast blue sky, and longed to see the one thing missing from its expanse. The form of a great hawk and its shriek of exaltation as it hurtled through the winds. A pang of sadness tugged at her heart, causing her smile to wane.
Behind her, Sina glanced at her husband worriedly before walking up to their daughter and standing beside her to stare out at the sky. When Moana had returned to Motunui after her adventure, she had emphatically told the incredible tail of her journey alongside the Demigod of the wind and sea, the great Maui, hero of all. Months later as the village had prepared for their impending journey across the sea, the children were still begging Moana to tell them the heroic tale. Just as her grandmother before her, the young woman never tired of her theatric retellings of their adventure. But each time the story was told, the light in her eyes dimmed just a little more, and she would look off to where the line of the sky met the sea with longing in her gaze. The villagers often asked what had become of the Demi-God, and where he was now. And she could only answer with a distant expression.
"He will always be with us. Even when he is across the sea." She'd seen him once after their departure, a great magnificent hawk that watched over them as they left Motunui behind, and since then there had been no sign of him. Sina rested a hand on her daughter's shoulder comfortingly.
"You will see him again Daughter, my Chief. We have had naught but strong and favorable winds and clear skies through our journey, The Demigod of the wind and sea has been the wind at our backs and he will be with you again one day." Moana relaxed her forlorn expression and placed her delicate hand over the matronly one on her shoulder. Sina had always known the truth of Moana's heart like no one else on the island save her grandmother.
"Thank you lo'u Tina…" She said softly,giving the woman's had a soft squeeze. She inhaled deeply, the uncertainty draining from her face as she turned back to the small fleet of ships at her command. The childlike vulnerability gone, replaced with the pride and strength of Chiefs as she spoke.
"Pack your things and prepare your families, my people. New land awaits us on the horizon!" More cheering erupted and she smiled softly as the villagers busily set about packing their belongings and provisions in preparation of their arrival. She turned back as the green peaks in the distance grew closer. She held the blue shell necklace in her hand as she gazed out at the horizon as hope blossomed in her chest.
"They call me…" She whispered softly, tapping her fingers on the rope to a song in her heart.
Sorry if my hyper descriptive style is too much XD as the story progresses we will get more dialogue heavy. In the meantime I hope you enjoyed the first chapter!
