Thunder Road (Alex/PM for entry)

[Tamaya]

"Late it may be, but better late than never, child. You must remember, in our tribe we take great pride in having fine strong boys who can hunt the plains, fish the streams, and hit the eye of a stampeding gazelle. We will want to see your best effort in anything you undertake... Especially as you are the ward of the Chief's niece."

Tamaya laughed as they went along, the child clutching to her as if to his mother. She was not his mother, no, but perhaps she could see herself as an older sister to this infant boy, old enough to stand and fight yet as pliable and frail as a new blade of grass. He needed support, support and care and raising.

"Yes, child, I will see more of the world. I will continue to travel, and I will grow stronger in hand and heart. My mind and Mphezi will merge, and we will become unstoppable. But I cannot see myself traveling all of the years ahead - no, I will rest before I set out once more. Perhaps a week, perhaps a few months. I must rejuvenate myself. And when I do set out, I will do so with firm resolve.

You, child, are young and quick to act. You need to learn patience, and wisdom, and caution. If you are to travel with me, I must see these attributes come forth in you. I cannot be always there to protect you, and you must not be a liability. You must train, Alex, train and grow stronger."

[Alex]

Relieved and satisfied by Tamaya's reply, Alex relaxed...and realised that he looked like a six year old clutching to his mummy, and so indignantly released his grip and quickly drew back, almost falling off of the horse in the process. Was he learning to become mature all over again due to his amnesia, or did he truly care so much about Tamaya that he'd be distraught if she left him?

Finding little else to say, Alex looked around him to take in the landscape and reflect. After parting ways with Emily not a week ago, Alex already found himself missing her; He wondered if he'd ever see her again, promising himself that, if he did, he would make sure to stay with her from then on (providing he felt ready to leave Tamaya at that point, but he would focus on that detail when it was necessary to do so).

Presently, Alex could see a village over the horizon. "Is that your village? Where we're headed?" He asked, nervously. He didn't know why, but Alex felt a little self-concious about being around so many people. What if there were important things he forgot about...people? What if he offended someone? Or embarrassed himself? Trying to remain dignified, Alex shuddered and attempted to rid himself of the notion. He would just have to remain inconspicuous and hope for the best, he thought as the two rode further towards the village. Whatever lay in wait there, Alex would just have to stay by Tamaya and follow her advice.