Aourine

  The planet my ancestors lived on was far bigger than Ma-Oktava*. They shared their land with other creatures.

  I was one of the fastest runners among my people. Despite the small size and my speed, it would take at least one whole day to run around the planet.

  I could hear strong rumbles under the gray surface of the planet. Ouubuutt was right. Something was happening under the surface.

  The harsh wind blew against my skin.

  Whistling in my ear.

  My feet continuously moved along the surface. Not once stopping. I was used to running for hours. Been practicing since I was seven.

  My heart was thumping loudly, but the wind blew harder, drowning out the sound. It had been so long since I saw her.

  Held her. Kissed her.

  The last time I saw Aourine was when we went our separate ways. She disappeared from the village. Her hut had remained empty since then.

  Her hand left mine. I thought it was going to be forever.

  But now, I was going to see her again.

  As far as my eye could see, various tints of gray painted across the horizon. Just to the north, I could see three active qualtentk*, burning and producing smoke that covered the sky. The light barely reached through the dark gray clouds.

  No one had ever seen what gave us light. Some believe it is Ma-Oktava, blessing us, while others believe there are people who live above the clouds, enjoying our suffering.

  I don’t believe in either.

  But I know there are people out there. Far away, unable to touch.

  Perhaps some were exploring the vast space out there.

  Aourine always hoped to leave this place. Maybe her dream will come true.

  The hot mist blew against me as my feet slid across the ground, coming to a stop.

  In the middle of nowhere, there was a small hut. It wasn’t near any qualtentk. So hidden that, no matter how sharp one’s gaze, they would’ve missed it.

  There could only be one person who would leave her village and go into solitary like this.

  Aourine…

  Suddenly, cold chills ran down my spine despite the warm environment.

  I was going to see her.

  My feet carried me towards the house, not running but walking. I was excited yet nervous.

  What if she shuts the door in my face?

  I didn’t stand with her back then when the entire village was against us.

  Our love.

  In the blink of an eye, I stood in front of her door. I raised my left hand, clutching the fabric of my shirt, trying to calm my beating heart.

  Part of me just wanted to embrace her, while the other part… wanted Ma to be proud of her soutaney*.

  Ma wouldn’t be pleased if I got to be with Aourine.

  Sigh.

  I knocked on the door twice. The mud door echoed.

  Knock. Knock.

  Again.

  Knock. Knock.

  No response.

  Was she even home?

  “Aourine…”

  I called out. Her name was soft yet shaky on my lips.

  Afraid of even saying it.

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  I had not said her name in a long time.

  I wanted to say it the way I used to. With love and reverence.

  My eyes drooped down. I should return.

  Suddenly, the door creaked open. My heart skipped a beat, and I jolted away from the door.

  My eyes widened when I saw Aourine standing in front of me — looking as beautiful as the day she left. The day she moved away from the village, and from me.

  Her long, silky gertah* hair reached down to her hips. Her deep red-tinted skin made her figure glow. There were no words to describe her. She looked as perfect as she did five years ago.

  “Aourine…”

  My feet automatically moved, entering her place without permission.

  “Eralla.”

  “Aourine…”

  My eyes lowered, unable to make eye contact with her anymore.

  She looked pretty, like fresh lava. Burning my sight with her beauty.

  “Eralla.”

  “Aourine.”

  In an instant, she launched her arms around me. I returned the hug, holding her, securing her.

  How good this felt. Being in the embrace of my first love.

  It felt too short. The warmth pulled away as her arms did.

  “It has been long.”

  “It has…”

  I said, gaze fixed on her as she gestured towards me to follow her further into the house. The inside was immensely different from mine.

  While mine was over-crowded with satta* and clay pots, Ma loved making them with other Maa-as. Hers had one touki* , one clay pot which I presumed contained tettara. Various machine components lay scattered around. Parts from the ship our ancestors crash-landed here with.

  She had a habit of tinkering with them.

  The villagers discriminated against her and forced her to leave.

  Instead of being a runner, she played with these.

  I picked up an odd silver piece, observing it in my hand. What was the purpose?

  “Why are you here, Eralla?”

  I immediately put it down when Aourine spoke up. I continued to look around the room.

  “I would only fool myself if I hoped you came to see me.”

  Her tone sounded almost bitter. I didn’t like it.

  “I did come here to see you, Aourine.”

  “Do you take me for a fool?”

  She stepped behind me, putting her chin against my shoulder and looking at me with those eyes of hers. As dark as the clouds covering the sky.

  Thump. Thump.

  I immediately averted my gaze.

  “No…”

  Her finger found my chin, tilting my head towards her. Dragging down to twirl around my coiled curly hair.

  “Is it because of the loud shaking?”

  My pupils dilated. How did she know? But before I could ask, she already answered.

  “It is science, my sweet Eralla.”

  Her voice was soft. Melody to my short and rounded ears, they burned orange.

  “I felt it. Something is wrong. Isn’t it?”

  She asked. I nodded my head slightly.

  She leaned away, walking off to a nearby table containing more silver pieces.

  I had no clue what their function was.

  “So tell me, Eralla. What is really happening out there?”

  ?

  Txetia Glossary

  (Sat-tah) — means “mattress”

  (Sov-te-ney) — means “Daughter”

  (Ger-tah) — means “Burgundy”. To describe the color burgundy.

  (Qua-ten-tak) — means “volcanoes”.

  (Maa-uuk-ta-va) — Local name for the planet. Also means mother lava.

  (Tok-key) — means “bed”