Moana's instincts proved true a year later, not long after Laeli's 18th birthday when she finally told the family what her dream was — set sail from Motunui, lead a crew of her own over the great ocean, and explore the world.
This revelation was a surprise to many, but not all. While Moana had anticipated this, it was still a bit of a shock to hear it come from her daughter. Keoni was rather apprehensive at first, unsure about the idea of his daughter leaving Motunui.
"Are you sure this is what you want?" He questioned, receiving a confident nod in return.
"I'm sure, Dad. I've been thinking about this for a while."
"For how long?"
"A while." With a deep breath, Laeli unveiled the ideas she had been contemplating for quite some time, particularly on how the stories of her mother's voyages inspired her, "I know what I'll be giving up, and it's something I accept. Besides, I strongly believe Aihe can lead our people just fine." Moana was understandably quite touched by how much she'd inspired her daughter, and believed that Laeli was capable of great things. That said, Moana also knew that the idea of Laeli leaving Motunui would be a challenge for Keoni and Aihe especially to accept.
Just the mere suggestion of Laeli departing made Keoni anxious. Of course, he was supportive of what his daughter wanted, but she was his oldest child, and letting her go would be painful. But he saw the gleam in her eye as she gushed about all the possibilities of what would be out there, what the rest of the world had to offer. She even suggested venturing north, as Moana hadn't yet ventured that far during her voyages.
"Wait so... I'm going to be chief now?" Aihe said, her brown eyes wide.
"You will. We will still need to discuss with the council on the line of ascension, though." Moana remarked.
Needless to say, the council had opinions when they were informed of Laeli's decision. They didn't know what to think with the heir just up and leaving.
"I'm not up-and-leaving," Laeli argued, "I've thought long and hard about this, what my departure will mean for Motunui. I know it'll be hard, not just for my family, but for myself too. I know what was -and still is- expected of me, but this is my choice. My sister will be an excellent leader when she's old enough; my parents and grandparents will provide her with counsel and guidance as needed. She has our cousins and extended family, and the whole island too. I have planned out my voyages and who will accompany me. I have discussed this plan with them and they're on board as well."
Hesitantly, the council requested a timeline of Laeli's voyage and what she intended to accomplish. Her first remark surprised everyone, especially her father and aunt.
"I intend to visit my father and aunt's birth island and see where half of my heritage comes from. It could be an opportunity to plant roots there and rebuild a new community there, extend our reach and allies. From all the stories my sister and I grew up hearing, it is my right to seek it out." Keoni nodded in acknowledgment, agreeing that she did have that right. As he recovered from the initial shock, he gave her his blessing, as did Huihana.
"My hope is that our father's spirit will guide you safely to its shores," Huihana said with a sad half-smile.
With that settled, Laeli was then questioned on journeying north and what she hoped to find.
"From the visitors from the other islands, my mother forged connections with, I've heard many stories about other islands and tribes that know of lands far to the west, and far far to the east as well. I want to explore the opportunities there and see what we can learn from them. There's no harm in seeking them out.
With Laeli's plan and arguments laid out, the council was left to discuss and hopefully — approve her decision.
They had convened for over an hour when they finally came back with their decision.
They approved.
An emotional celebration followed, and Moana immediately sent out an order to start preparing the canoes and respective crew. One of the crew members was a young man of Laeli's age named Kane; the two had grown up together, and there had been a few hints of mutual romantic interest, though Laeli had never actively pursued him. She had never really pursued boys her age, neither did Aihe for that matter. Both sisters had been more focused on their duties and responsibilities to their island, and they did not feel the pressure to find a partner and marry, not yet anyway.
Kane was over the moon for the voyage, as he had been taught under Moana, as did a few other kids his and Laeli's age. And with the added benefit of Laeli's leading the crew? He couldn't have planned it better himself.
The voyage would depart Motunui's shores in three weeks, allowing just enough time for the canoes to undergo inspections and any repairs that would be needed. Food prep also occurred, with baskets and other storage being made.
As all of the preliminary work was being done, Moana stepped in to provide her daughter with new clothes.
"New clothes? Couldn't I just bring what I already have?"
"The seas will be unforgiving, even with Ocean there to support you. You'll need more adaptable clothing." Moana explained, "Plus, when you do encounter other tribes, they'll need to know you're in charge, you're the leader. It'll be your opportunity to put your diplomatic lessons to the test."
The following three weeks were full of anxiety and anticipation as the village prepared for the chief's daughter's departure. Many of Laeli's friends were depressed with her leaving, as many of them preferred the land over the sea, and two were already engaged to be married. While Laeli was also sad to leave them, she didn't want to be held down to any commitments. She wasn't ready for that, not for a while.
The remainder of the wait passed by seemingly in a flash, and soon, the village gathered by the shoreline, all bearing witness to Laeli and her crew's maiden voyage. It was just after the sun rose, and standing before the biggest canoe that Laeli would be piloting, she stood before her parents and the rest of her family behind them. And off to the side was Maui — the demigod was not going to miss out on this opportunity to see the next generation of voyagers set sail. He was also there to guide Laeli as needed, a reminder of home.
Laeli gazed at her family, the pained smiles of her mother, father, and sister, with her aunt Huihana and Pania standing with their families. And of course, her beloved grandparents also watching with pride in their eyes. Her grandfather Tui now walked with the aid of a cane, just like his late mother. He was slower, his gait more painful from age. It was evident to the rest of the family that he did not have much time left, but Laeli was grateful he was still around to see her chase after that same dream her mother had.
Moana stepped forward, inhaling deeply, briefly glancing towards the heavens where a couple of straggling stars still twinkled before the sun completely filled the sky. With tears in her eyes, she reached behind her neck and removed her beloved necklace, the shell suddenly feeling heavier than she remembered. She had never removed it since Tala had given it to her that fateful night.
"This necklace has been in our family for generations. My grandmother, your great-grandmother gave this to me to fulfill my quest to restore Te Fiti's heart. It's empty now, but I pass this unto you to carry our family's legacy wherever you go — and perhaps you'll find something just as precious to carry inside as I once did." Moana took Laeli's outstretched hand, and delicately placed the necklace in her palm, closing her fingers over it. Then Moana gestured for Keoni and Aihe to come closer, bringing the four of them in.
"You girls are our pride and joy, and while you're going down separate journeys in life, never forget that you are our daughters, and you are the pride of Motunui." A single tear slipped down Moana's cheek as she turned to Maui, "We've counted on your loyalty for decades, and I trust you will guide my daughter and teach her well, as you did with me."
"Always, Curly." He grinned. Even Mini Maui gestured in understanding. He couldn't speak, but he was always understood.
As the crew boarded the canoe, Laeli found it difficult to part from her mother's side, and Moana sensed so.
"Keep chasing the sun," Moana said, gently pushing her daughter aboard the canoe. Once she was up, the sail was unfurled. In a brilliant flash of purple light, Maui shifted into his giant hawk form, screeching loudly as he took off into the sky, a powerful gust of wind filling the sail, pushing it out into the reef ahead.
The trio of canoes crossed the reef, and through the ocean spray, Laeli gazed back at Motunui one last time as the ocean welcomed her into the vast blue ahead.
And so, the daughter of Moana set forth to forge her own path, her own future.
And at last, we bring The Stars and the Sea to a close!
The next installment is The Voyager and the Rogue, which y'all can find here on my profile as well. Please enjoy! And keep an eye out as my crossover universe expands!