Gilded Prison Ch. 4
M'Baku watched as his sister taught her how to properly carve the teak wood into the shape needed to float. And as much as he wanted to watch her, he needed to get his boat on the lake, for winter would soon freeze it and catching fish would be almost impossible. Making his way towards shore, M'Baku gripped the stern and shoved it into the water.
N'Jante looked over at the chief, chuckling as he lifted the boat with him and his brother-in-law in it. Waiting until the man jumped into the boat, laughing as he wiped the water off his thighs. "Do you always need to show off?"
Grabbing the oar, M'Baku carved his way through the water, "Is it showing off, or are you just jealous?" he teased.
Laughing, N'Jante picked up his oar, helping the chief maneuver the boat towards the western bank, "It can be both, brother." Glancing over at Zaba's husband, "Olu, my question is this, how does your wife allow you anywhere near such a beautiful woman?" His eyes looking towards shore, smiling when he saw the princess slip into the water.
Situating the fishing line with the rigs, he could see that both his brother-in-law and friend were watching him. However, it was M'Baku that looked almost murderous at such a question. Handing them both a rod, Olu just shook his head, "because my Zaba knows that she is the only woman that I see," smirking at his face, "and I know that if I even lingered too long on another woman, she would cut out my eyes."
Laughing, "Your wife," looking over at his chief, "and sister is a truly fierce woman." Taking a hold of the fishing reel, he spared a last look towards the shore, then settled his eyes on the Chief, "Do you think the Princess is just as fierce?"
M'Baku could feel his jaw twitching, he was half tempted to pick the man up and drowned him in the frigid waters. But it would be unbecoming of a Chief to kill a childhood friend, especially for a woman that was nothing more than a friend. Throwing out his line, M'Baku focused on what he was doing, certain that if his friends could see the anger in his eyes, they would know.
Cracking his neck, "She has grown up in a world not her own, and yet not only does she excel in her duties, but she does also not complain when learning more." Lifting his eyes, he found her wiping some sweat off her forehead, but it was the smile on her face that pleased him most.
Olu gathered some basic information from his wife about his brother-in-law's interest in the princess, but it was a common thought amongst the men of the Tribe, she was the Golden Princess and was probably intended for another.
"It is too bad," Olu said, his eyes finding his friends watching him, "The 4 Tribes might say that she is theirs, but that girl's heart is all Jabari." Looking up at the shoreline, smiling as he watched his wife finish for the day, and get her onto a boat.
M'Baku watched intently as his sister showed her how to row, but he could see that between working on the boats now this, her arms were tired. But she didn't complain, just kept pushing herself, she was Jabari, and soon enough he would convince her and her family of such things.
Aiyana took several deep breaths as she rowed the boat through the water, glancing over her shoulder, pleased to see that even Zaba was looking a bit tired. "How often is fishing on the lake done?" she asked, huffing a bit.
Pulling up her oar, Zaba indicated for Aiyana to do the same, dropping the rock that they used as an anchor, she exhaled from the physical exertion. "Once a year, right before the winter cold freezes it." Taking her seat next to her, Zaba carefully instructed then shown her how to properly cast the fishing line. Smiling as she got it on the first attempt.
"So much easier than the nets, right?" she teased. Knowing that Aiyana spent a good hour in the freeze cold river, refusing to leave until she at least caught one fish in the net.
Aiyana rolled her eyes, "You are so hilarious." As she leaned back, her eyes roamed the lake, taking in the beauty of such a raw landscape. But as she scanned over the water itself, she could see a little boy in a boat all alone. "Zaba, is he supposed to be doing that?" she asked, a little concerned for him.
Turning her head, sucking her teeth at the sight, "No, Ato, he is such a troublemaker, he wants to be one of my brother's warriors so bad, that he forgets that he is only 10." Shaking her head, "He's going to put his parents to an early grave." Laughing at the sight of him slowly making his way out into the water.
She couldn't help but smile, following his projected path, she could see M'Baku, Olu, and N'Jante fishing off their boat. Aiyana didn't mean to stare but seeing the Chief with his bare chest on display, it was an impressive sight. It wasn't the first time she'd seen a man without a shirt, many times as she watched her brother spar with the other warriors, but M'Baku had a different level of danger around him.
Turning her head, she found Zaba looking at her with a huge smile on her face. Unable to stop the blush on her face from being caught, Aiyana tucked some hair behind her ear. Clearing her throat, "If he didn't want women to look, then he shouldn't do it."
Zaba couldn't help but laugh, almost tipping the canoe in the process, "Are you saying you think my brother is handsome?"
Feeling her cheeks go red, Aiyana tossed a bobber at her, "Yes. He is. Now, shut up." Biting her cheek, Aiyana couldn't help but laugh as Zaba fell over. She may be new to this friend thing but seeing one have so much fun at her expense, at least told her that she was amusing. "I'm glad my embarrassment is amusing to you."
Wiping the tears off her face, Zaba sat up, still giggling as she looked at her friend. "I'm sorry," she said between breaths, "You should not be embarrassed, my brother is a good-looking man, or so I'm told." Touching her shoulders, her plan to start pushing them together needed to start sooner rather than later.
"He watches you too." Smirking as her eyes snapped up, "He tries to act aloof, but I see it." Sitting back, not wanting to overdo it. Quickly changing the subject, "So, tell me Princess, what do you do when you are not kissing babies?" she said her voice teasing.
Aiyana had to take a moment to process the little tidbit that Zaba dropped. Resisting the urge to turn her head to look at the man in question, she forced herself to answer the woman's question. "Oh, you mean when I'm not being carried in my golden palanquin?" Chuckling when she rolled her eyes, "I spend my time with the shaman, Zuri."
Looking over at her, "Why would you do that? Isn't there more royal things that you should be doing?" She asked, curious about her motives.
Sighing, "I can't join the Dora Milaje, or if God forbid something happen to my family I can't sit on the throne. So, I figured the one thing I can do is learn the histories of Wakanda and share them with the people." Removing her cloak, Aiyana could see Zaba frowning, "Let's be clear, even if I could sit on the throne, I would hate it, so don't look so offended."
Zaba just stared at her, there were a million things that she wanted to say about that, but her train of thought was cut off by the sounds of the rocks sliding. Looking up towards the cliff, giant boulders were coming down, gripping the side of the canoe Zaba looked at her friend, "Hold on." Knowing that they were going to cause a huge wave when they hit the water.
Aiyana tucked her foot under the seat and her fingers gripped the sides, closing her eyes Aiyana bit the inside of her cheek refusing to scream out.
M'Baku watched in horror as the boulders came tumbling down, dropping the rods, he immediately grabbed the oars, "Move this boat!" he yelled out. Worried that both his sister and Aiyana were going to get pulled into the cold waters.
Olu tossed his rod, he immediately picked up the oar, practically driving into the water. His heart was pounding in this chest, with how those rocks were coming down, the chances of them bringing the boat down were high.
As the waves tossed the canoe around, Aiyana was grateful that so far all it did was rock them a bit, but as she opened her eyes to see if it was over, the sight of Zaba getting pulled under by anchor rope that snapped off. "ZABA!"
Standing up, Aiyana didn't even hesitate to jump into the water, her only goal was to save her friend. Kicking her feet as hard as she could, Aiyana watched as her friend struggled to loosen the rope on her feet, but it was dragging her down too fast. Seeing it reach the bottom, Aiyana watched as Zaba struggled to release her foot, but the more she struggled the tighter it gripped her foot.
Swimming down until her feet touched the bottom, Aiyana reached into her boot pulling out the knife her father gave her. Gripping her foot, Aiyana carefully cut the rope, but was frustrated that the rope was twisted so tightly, it was taking longer to cut through.
Glancing up, she could see that the lack of air was getting to her friend, moving quickly, Aiyana grabbed ahold of her face, breathing some air into her lungs.
Zaba locked eyes with her, nodding her thanks. Grateful that Aiyana bought her another minute before she blacked out. As she cut through the rope, Zaba grabbed ahold of her hand, both women kicking their feet towards the surface.
Tossing the oar down, M'Baku could see them breaking the surface, reaching down gripping Aiyana by the back of her shirt, hauling her onto the boat, his eyes raking over every inch of her. Glancing towards his sister, grateful to see that she was fine. Hearing her cough, his eyes turned towards her, seeing her coughing up a lung full of water. Keeping his hand on her back, M'Baku patted doing what he could to help her expel the water.
Hearing his sister ask Aiyana if she was alright, his eyes reluctantly left hers, taking in the image of N'Jante slowly rowing them all back to shore, and Olu holding his wife. Clenching his jaw, he turned back to the woman who was gripping his forearm as though she was scared that he was going to toss her back in. He could see her body shaking, her lips were a light blue, without even thinking about it, he pulled her into his lap wrapping his body around, doing what he could to keep her warm.
"Are you alright?" he asked, worried about the woman now shivering in his arms.
Shaking like a leaf, Aiyana just nodded, "Fiiinnne…." she said, her teeth chattering as she spoke. "jjjjjusttt a biiit coollddd." Closing her eyes, Aiyana practically wrapped herself around the man, doing what she could to warm up, after when she was warm and dry, she would apologize profusely for it, but right now she didn't want to get hypothermia.
"ZZZZaaabbaa?" desperate to know if she was OK.
Gripping her tighter to his chest as the boat reached the shoreline, M'Baku lifted her into his arms, and he made the trek towards one of the few huts that was used here for camping out. Looking over his shoulder he could see Olu caring Zaba to another, "Take care of my sister." Knowing full well that he would.
Nodding, "Please, watch her, Zaba would be upset to hear if anything happened to her friend."
Giving him a nod, M'Baku kicked the door open and used his foot to slam it shut. Placing her on the chair, he quickly got a fire going, once that was situated, he looked into her eyes, her lips were the same color. He knew that if he didn't warm her up now, she would die. "Aiyana, I apologize, but I have to take off all your clothes, you need to get warm."
Nodding her head, "IIiii kkkknnnnooww…hyyyyypoothermmmiia…."she stuttered.
With a faint smile, M'Baku quickly stripped her, tossing all her wet clothes on the rack, hoping that by the time she was warmed up, they would be mostly dry. In his more private moments, he couldn't help imagining what she would look like naked, but this was not how he wanted to see. Wrapping a small blanket around her, he turned his eyes towards the ceiling as he removed her bra and panties.
Tightening the blanket around her, M'Baku lifted her into his arms, making his way to the small cot laying them both down on it. Pulling her back towards his chest, he tossed his leg around her body, bringing another blanket to cover them, pleased to see that doing so eased her shivering.
"TTTTThhhnannkk yooou.." she mumbled out. While she was cold, she could feel her toes starting to warm up. Which meant that she would probably sleep for a few hours, but eventually she would be OK.
Encasing her with his big arms, chuckling a bit as she tried to thank him. Unable to resist, he placed a small kiss on the base of her neck, "You never have to thank me." He whispered into her ear. Glancing down, he could see that she was starting to doze off, holding her tighter, M'Baku let himself drift to sleep as well. Knowing that this could be the only time he shares her bed if he could not convince her that he wanted more.
Snuggling into the warmth, Aiyana could not remember a time when she felt so comfortable, lifting her hands to get some of the hair that was tickling her nose, she found an arm that did not belong to her. Snapping her eyes open, she found the huge forearm of a man wrapped around her body, biting her lip, Aiyana slowly turned her head to look over her shoulder, gasping at the sight of a sleeping Chief.
Taking a moment to really look at him, from his perfectly shaped beard to his cropped hair, Aiyana was ever so tempted to touch his face. However, she resisted, knowing that the only reason that they were in bed together was because he was keeping her from freezing to death. Sighing, Aiyana knew that she needed to wake the man, but it felt so nice to be held by a man.
Closing her eyes, Aiyana knew it was pathetic, but outside of a hug or two from one of the warriors this was the only time a man held her so intimately. Blinking away a tear that was forming in her eyes, it was already going to be embarrassing enough that when he woke, he would probably apologize for holding her, and removing her clothes, she didn't need him seeing tears in her eyes on top of all that.
Lightly shaking his arm, "M'Baku," she whispered, not wanting to startle the man. Smirking a bit as he held her a bit tighter, she would never have guessed that he was a cuddler. Enjoying it for a moment longer, Aiyana shook his arm a little harder, "M'Baku, you need to wake up, please." Raising her voice just slightly.
Groaning as he felt her moving, he pulled her closer, "Woman, why are you waking me?" he grumbled out.
Snorting, Aiyana pushing against his arm, "Because you have a Tribe to tend to, and I am hungry." Doing what she could to keep the humor in her voice.
M'Baku opened his eyes, her glacier blue eyes staring in his eyes, lifting his hand he threaded it into her hair, realizing that this was only the second time he'd seen it down. "The tribe can wait," holding her a bit tighter, "are you alright?" he asked her.
Swallowing a bit of spit, Aiyana could feel her heart racing in her chest, certain that he could hear it too. "I am," taking a mental inventory of her body, nothing felt hurt or out of place, "other than a little embarrassed that you had to wrap yourself around me, I should be fine."
Growling a bit, "Why are you embarrassed?" he asked her. Rolling her until she was completely under him, only the sheet around her prevented him from feeling her flesh.
Blushing a bit at the new position that she found herself in, her fingers naturally going to his shoulders, "I….." turning her head as she felt her cheeks turn pink, "umm lying in bed naked with a man, that's, new and I'm certain your Tribe would object to such things." Knowing that while his council wouldn't care about who he slept with, but it would not be more than just that and she didn't want to be a side item.
Hearing those words leave her mouth, he gripped her hair tighter, he knew where such a statement was coming from, she assumed that his Tribe would reject her like the Tribes of the Valley have. "Hear me now woman," placing a kiss on her neck, "my Tribe does not dictate to me who I choose as my wife." Smirking as she inhaled deeply.
Tilting his head, he watched her eyes go through dozens of emotions at one time, it was almost impossible for him to keep up, but when they finally settled on one, disbelief. Letting his head come to rest on hers, "Aiyana, from the moment you lowered that golden scarf, I have been transfixed." Inhaling the air around her, "It was your beauty that captured my attention, but it was your heart the drew me in, please, let me speak to your father."
Aiyana closed her eyes, "M'Baku," her voice cracking with emotion, in her time here with the Jabari, she felt more at home than she had before. "I don't want to come between you or your people."
M'Baku gripped her hair, tilting her head until she opened her eyes, staring into them he could see her fear, it only served to stoke his anger, that anyone made her feel so unworthy. "My people respect you, admire your dedication, they see your strength." Letting his nose trace her neck, "I admire your strength, Aiyana, do not deny me, do you not want me as I want you?" Perhaps her heart belonged to another.
Gasping as she felt his teeth scrap her neck, digging her fingers into his skin, unaccustomed to the sensations that were coursing through her body. Forcing her eyes open, finding his eyes staring down into hers, it scared her with how intensely he was watching her.
Aiyana was too afraid to hope for such a thing, taking a moment to really take in her feelings. She cared deeply for him, every day for the last month, he has been there, taking an interest in everything that she said, engaging with her in a way that no one had before. She had no clue if her father would allow it, but she cared deeply for him, and he made her feel seen in a way that she didn't know was possible.
"I do," her voice trembling.
Leaning forward, his lips captured hers, he wanted to be gentle, but he was desperate to taste her. With one hand threaded into her long hair, the other snaked down her side almost regretting wrapping her in the blanket. Gripping her tighter, moaning as her honey flavored tongue stroked his, it was enough to drive him insane, but he would not take from her, she deserved more than a quick fuck in a hut.
Wrapping her arms around his shoulders, holding on for dear life, never in her life had she been kissed like this. Letting her fingernails scrape the base of his neck, using it to keep her grounded. Hissing a bit as his hand gripped her hips, Aiyana could feel her heart beating in her chest, she was certain that he could too.
Pulling back just slightly, M'Baku knew that if he didn't stop now, he would bury himself deep in her body. Exhaling deeply, he found it hard not to rip her blanket from her body, but she agreed to be his and perhaps knowing that she would soon give herself to him, eased the primal part of his brain. Opening his eyes, he found her blue ones staring deep into his.
"In a week, we will head to the city and then I will tell your father that you are to be my wife." Smirking down at her face, "What is my princess?" His fingers caressing her skin under the blanket.
Aiyana could feel her cheeks turning pink, she wanted to her turn her head, but the way he held her hair, he wasn't allowing such things. "Being so close to a man, is new, that's all." It was a completely new sensation, and it was something that would take a little time to get used to.
Licking the side of her neck, M'Baku chuckling as she shook beneath him, pleased to see that her body was so responsive to his. "And I will be the only man that will ever be this close to you." Placing a small kiss on her lips, M'Baku begrudgingly crawled off her, turning his body slightly, needing to adjust his cock or she would see more of him than she was ready to.
Glancing over his shoulder, he could see her sitting up, her little hand holding the blanket tightly against her chest. Reaching down, M'Baku pulled her up quickly keeping on arm wrapped around her body, "The Jabari are not like the 4 Tribes, which means you will be moving your things into my chambers."
Staring up at him, Aiyana just blushed again, "So, keeping the intended and suitor apart is not done here?" She asked him.
"No, unless they are not of marrying age, it is not the Jabari way." Rubbing his thumb across the bottom of her lip, so tempted to spend the next several hours tasting her, but it was time to get back up the mountain, check on his sister, and make the arrangements with the council to select their wedding night. "I will be outside, get dressed my princess."
Aiyana watched as he shut the door, her body trembling with excitement, but mostly fear, if her father denied him, then that would be the end of the discussion. Running her fingers through her hair, trying to distract herself as well as get some of the knots out of it, as much as she cared for M'Baku, she would never bring war to his home, for if she defied him, she knew that her father would release the armies of Wakanda.
Shaking her head clear of such thoughts, she had to have faith that while he might not like it, he would trust her enough to let her go. For living in that palace any longer stifled, after she got a taste of real freedom it would nearly be impossible for her to go back.
Seeing her clothes, she made her way over dressing quickly, once she was done, she smothered fire and made her way outside, smiling when she found him leaning against one of the canoes. Stepping down, Aiyana made her way over to him, smiling as he held out his hand, "Thank you." She said, placing her hand in his.
"Zaba, is she OK?" she asked, realizing that she had no idea of what happened to her friend.
Threading his fingers with hers, bringing her knuckles to his lips, "She is fine, my princess." Knowing that if she wasn't someone would have been beating on the door. Turning his attention to the trail before him, only the moonlight showing the way home to Gorilla City, M'Baku pulled her close to his body, and led them home.
Pacing back and forth, Zaba waited ever so patiently as the moon rose higher on the mountain, half tempted to head back down towards the lake, if anything to make sure her friend was alright. Glancing around the Great Hall, each one of the Tribe members were here waiting for their Chief to come walking in.
"My love, you know that your brother is fine, and he would never leave your friend alone." Olu said to his wife. Hell, anyone that was at the lake saw how he carried her off, the look of concern etched on his face. It was clear to all of them that the Chief desired the Princess, and so help the man that dares try to gain her affections now.
Extending his hand, smiling when she placed her hand in his, pulling into his lap, his nose breathing in her scent. "Isn't this what you wanted, for your brother to spend time alone with her?"
Nodding a bit, "I do, it's just," leaning back so that she could look into his eyes, "she could have died saving me, but from what you said, she jumped in as soon as my body hit the water. Outside my brother and his bravest warriors, I didn't think anyone was so selfless."
Placing a kiss on her nose, "She is a Jabari warrior at heart." Looking up at the sound of doors being pushed open, relief filled him seeing his Chief and friend standing there, but what made it more spectacular was his fingers were intertwined with hers.
Zaba pushed herself out of her husband's arms, rushing towards them, her arms wrapping around her neck. "Thank you for saving my life." she said in a hushed whisper. Even though she was a Jabari warrior, the emotions that she was feeling were deep.
Wrapping her arms around her neck, Aiyana held her tightly, "You are most welcome, but from now on, I say we keep our feet on shore. Hm?"
"Teach me for teaching a princess how to row a boat." she teased. Grateful that her friend was unharmed. Leaning back, smiling when her blue eyes sparkled, shaking her head, she found her brother looking down at her with a goofy grin on his face. "What has you so happy?" she asked him.
Placing his big hands on her shoulders, pulling her back into his chest, his eyes found the Tribe watching him, winking at his sister. Stepping forward, his hand carefully wrapped around the back of her neck, wanting to always remain in physical contact with her.
As he saw each one of their eyes locked onto him, he held up his free hand, "My people, rejoice, for I have found my wife." His voice carrying over the Great Hall, glancing over at his council, he could see their approval not that he needed it, but it made it easier. "In a week's time, I will march to the city and unite our people."
Zaba like the rest of the Tribe were frozen for about a moment, but after the shock of the announcement wore off, the room erupted in loud cheers. Glancing towards her future sister, she could see some excitement in her eyes, but also a lot of uncertainty. Zaba knew why she was so scared, her entire life she was told that she wasn't good enough for anyone of the four tribes, now here she was being pronounced the wife of the Chief. She couldn't wait until they made their way to the city, proclaiming her as one of theirs, and the rallying cry of the Jabari behind her.
T'Challa stared out over the landscape, there was a beauty to such a harsh environment, and it gave him a free moment to mourn his father. Hanging his head, he was so filled with vengeance that he wasn't sure that his family knew what happened. Rubbing his temples, doing what he could to relieve the stress and anguish that was filling his heart.
Zemo was now on his way to the worlds court; he would soon be sent to a black sight prison and never see the light of day again. It was what the man deserved, not only for killing his father, but almost bringing the world into another catastrophic war. Taking a deep breath, while he would miss his father dearly, now that he was to be King, he could no longer act on impulse.
Steadying his breath, his eyes finding Okoye staring straight into the night, doing everything she could to get them home to Wakanda safely. "Does my mother and sisters know?"
Doing her best to remain as calm as she could but given the circumstances, she was finding it difficult. Without taking her eyes off the sky in front of her, Okoye found it difficult to speak, but her King asked her a question. "Your mother and Shuri know, Aiyana hasn't been told yet, once we boarded, I sent one of my warriors to retrieve her from the mountains, I didn't want her to hear it over the coms."
Rubbing his face, "Please, have them bring her home, I will speak with her in person." Knowing that hearing about father's death was going to be devastating to her.
"Of course, my King." Hitting a few keys, she sent the message to her team, knowing that it would be done as she instructed.
Leaning back, "Before we head home, locate Nikia, I need her there as I take my place, if only for emotional support." T'Challa knew that he was preparing for this moment since he was a child, but the hope was for their father to step down, but now he was thrusted into his role probably well before he was even ready to be.
Closing his eyes, he just hoped Bast gave him the strength that he needed to persevere, and not only make his country, but his people proud.
A loud knock in his chamber doors woke him, lifting his arm off Aiyana, M'Baku kicked off the furs that covered him and made his way towards the door. Looking over his shoulder, he could see that she was stirring from all the commotion, whoever was disturbing her sleep better have a fucking explanation.
Swinging the door open, he glared down at Ekon, "WHAT?" he growled out.
Lowering his eyes, Ekon knew that taking him away from his intended was almost suicidal, but this was an urgent matter, and the princess was needed. "I'm sorry to wake you, but the Dora Milaje are here for the Princess, they say it is an emergency."
M'Baku could see the sweat pouring off the man, rolling his eyes, turning his head, he could see that she was making her way over to them, dressing as she did so. Extending his hand, "Come, let us see what they want."
Aiyana felt her heart pounding in her chest, gripping his hand tightly she allowed him to lead her towards his throne room. Walking through the double doors, just the sight of her sent a chill up her spine.
Stepping towards her, frowning when they took a knee, "Stop it, Nasi, please, tell me what is this?" she asked, unable to keep the worry out of your voice.
Slowly rising up, Nasi could see that the Great Chief had his hands all over her, frowning at the sight, "Your brother needs you at the palace, immediately." Her eyes never leaving hers.
M'Baku frowned, he did not know what they were saying, so it was true, the Dora Milaje had a language only the royal family knew. Pulling her back, "Why are you here?" he asked them, his voice demanding answers.
Nasi gripped her spear tightly, "The Princess is needed home, a family emergency, that is all I can say on the matter." Turning to the princess, "Princess, your brother has ordered this, please."
Tilting her head, brother did not have the right to command anything of her, only father and mother held such power. Swallowing hard, something deep in the pit of her stomach turned, feeling a tear run down her face, she felt his thumb carefully wiping it away.
"My beloved, what has happened?" he asked her. Ready to kill these two for upsetting her.
Leaning into his thumb, "I don't know, but it's not good, I have to go home to see." Her voice shaking, "I will be back as soon as I can, you promised me a whole life. I expect you to honor that."
Pulling her into his arms, "Go, I will see you soon enough," placing a kiss on her lips, making it clear to Dora Milaje that she was his, he gently pushed her towards them. Locking eyes with the one that spoke, "If she is harmed in anyway, I will kill you."
Nasi was shocked that such a union has happened, but she nodded in his direction, "With my life Great Gorilla, with my life." Turning to her sister, "We go, now."
Aiyana watched as the mountain grew farther away, her heart aching the further she got. Leaning her head against the glass, she could feel hot tears running down her face, and she wasn't sure if it was for what was pulling her from his arms or being away from him.
With one last look at the mountain, Aiyana made a promise to herself, no matter what, she was going to get back, even if he didn't want to marry her, the land of the Jabari was her home.
