I must confess, it is with great concern that I write to you, knowing you are so far from civilization. It pained me greatly to hear that you had departed to live among the barbarians of Cresh, to learn of their ach’e of all things. But I understand that you have been so instructed by the Sha, and one cannot question their mysterious ways. In truth, I suppose it is best to know one’s enemy, but I pray that the Sha guide you true on your Orire N’jem, and your pure spirit is not subverted by the godless ways of the Creshens. Please remember our last conversation. They are not to be trusted. Used, perhaps, but never trusted.

I assume you have been in contact with your family, but I feel it is my duty to let you know the Yirba’s standing with the other tribes weakens along with your father’s condition. To be truthful, I was surprised to hear you had left at such a volatile time. What machinations could the Sha be up to, sending you away?

I apologize that I am not writing to you with happier tidings. That said, I look forward to meeting with you upon your return, as there is something very important I must ask you. Something that I think will have a positive outcome for both our tribes.

May the Mothers and Fathers smile upon you,
Natahi N’lanla Olashawela ka Gunzu

Yenni took the letter over to her little desk and slumped into the chair, feeling utterly drained. Everything was going wrong. Well, the Gunzu were still open to a union between their tribes, so there was that at least. However, the prospect of marriage to Natahi did not bring her the relief it should. Fears and worries continued to tumble around and around in her head, slowly driving her mad.

She put her head in her hands. “Mothers and Fathers guide me,” she said wearily. She would need to write back with a diplomatic response. Yenni took out another sheet of paper and simply stared. Long minutes passed and still she stared, with no idea where to start, until a sharp familiar cry invaded her mind’s haze.

Dragon.

She’d completely forgotten he was coming to see her. A strange, nervous energy vibrated through her limbs. Yenni rose and went to her Creshen vanity to check her hair. She’d recently taken an evening to redo her braids, and they hung in her usual neat fall just past her chin. Satisfied, she made her way down.

Dragon stood on the path to the main gate of Riverbank Chambers, and as she approached he pulled his wings close, stuck one leg out front, and bent over it in a bow. Yenni balled her hands into fists and put them behind her back against the urge to stroke his face.

“Hello, Dragon.”