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The adjustment from leaving the familiar forests of the Omatikaya to the waters of the Metkayina has been hard, on all of your family. You understood that.
But you felt like the Great Mother was making you endure her wrath more than others for some unknown reason. And that 'cruel punishment' came in the form of the Olo'eyktan's insufferable son.
Ao'nung te Tsika'u Tonowari'itan.
The skxawng [idiot] hadn't left you or your family alone since you came to the reefs forty-two eclipses ago. After his mother, the Tsahìk, began to poke and prod and you and your siblings as if you were nothing more than some odd creatures, he and his group of friends had circled you and spoke nothing but insults and taunts.
'Look at their tails. How small.'
'So small, I bet they could not even keep up in the water.'
'There is no way these forest freaks are going to survive here in our waters.'
They were fools, all of them. You would show — no, prove — those boys wrong in every way. You were going to adapt to the change, no matter what they think they can throw at you.
Still, you didn't miss how Ao'nung's eyes lingered when trailing over your form, much longer than the careless glances he gave to Neteyam and Lo'ak, like he was sizing them up for a fight. Much longer than the minuscule amounts of care he seemed to show when analyzing Kiri and Tuk.
You folded your arms and huffed in a show of defiance, daring him to step up to you. But he stepped back, watching, waiting. As his father allowed your family to seek shelter within the Metkayina clan, and instructing both Ao'nung and a younger girl whose name you learned to be Tsireya to teach you the ways of the clan and of the sea, you couldn't help but lock eyes with him again.
There was more behind those teal-hued eyes than just curiosity and teenage arrogance.
So you made it your mission to find out what it was.
࿐༉༉
The one-on-one instruction began a few hours after you and the rest of the Sully family got settled into the new marui [home], life never slowing even for the newcomers.
The lessons with your four siblings were not difficult. Rather, it was your teacher, or at least one of your teachers, who made learning in the reefs something you dreaded.
Even after a family talk with your father, Jake, and comforting words from Neytiri, who understood the challenges of losing your home and having to leave much behind, it didn't lift your spirits any.
Because he was there.
The first lessons focused on breath work, to strengthen the lungs and prepare for extended stretches of time spent underwater. Your younger three siblings were assigned to Tsireya, since she was closer in age and could help them adjust more easily to responsibilities within the village. Leaving you and Neteyam, much to your dismay, with Ao'nung.
"Come on, forest girl. Use your ears and listen. Breathe in from the stomach, not just the chest."
It was the first sentence of his you actually listened to, mostly because he was right in your face, close enough for you to trace the patterns of aquamarine stripes on his skin. For the entirety of the learning process up to now, you had tuned Ao'nung out, mostly because you couldn't stand the sound of his voice, the drawn out syllables every time his critiqued you grating at your mind.
"I am trying, skxawng. For something as second-nature as breathing, you sure are particular about the way I do it."
Hearing a stifled exhale followed by a series of breathy laughs to your left, you see Neteyam covering his mouth, trying to hide his delight as Ao'nung stands and tilts his head down to meet your eyes, injured pride flashing at your words.
"It is either you listen to me and get it right, forest freak, or you go out there and drown in the sea. And I am not saving you. Tsireya can do that since she cares about you tree-climbers so much."
"You would not save me because you are too much of a weak bitch to do so." Standing to stare the Metkayina in the eye, you step closer until your chests are practically touching, both of you too stubborn and too proud to back down. Ao'nung gives a low hiss back in defiance, you returning one much louder, testing the waters. You were damn near ready to snap his neck until Neteyam, peacemaker as always, stepped between you two.
"Can we…finish the breathing lessons? There are other times for you two to get angry with each other."
With a huff from Ao'nung and a reluctant 'fine' from you, the three of you sit back down onto the rock below, working on deep breathing and breath holding in tandem. But your mind wouldn't stop going to the reef boy. As much as he irritated you, you liked it when he was angry. It showed you were winning.
And you wouldn't settle for less.
࿐༉༉
Four days later, you, Lo'ak, Neteyam, Tsireya, and Ao'nung were out in a deeper part of the sea, training endurance and working on underwater sign language. And per usual, Tsireya had taken the rest of your siblings, leaving you alone with the teen.
"Are you planning on being a real teacher today? Or are you just going to watch me master in a few hours what it took you years to learn, Fishlips?" Giving Ao'nung a smirk, it pleased you to see how he bristled at the sharp jab. Even downplaying the aquatic abilities of a Metkayina Na'vi was like committing a cardinal sin in his eyes. It brought you so much joy, but also kept you wondering.
"I would like to see you even try to swim down for more than thirty counts without coming up for air. Your diving is pathetic, tree-hugger. If only you really listened—"
"This cannot be how you really are, can it? So rude and stuck up?"
Ao'nung's eyes widen, clearly taken aback by your statement.
"What? You skxawng! Of course it is! You are just angry because I am older, and therefore better."
You rolled your eyes, so hard that with a little more momentum, you could've rolled headfirst into the water. "I have seen you around the village, Fishlips. You never really act like this. Only around your little girl group, and whenever you have to teach my siblings. Is someone afraid to admit that he can actually be…nice? How shocking." Accentuating the last part of your sentence and putting on a face of mock surprise, you had hoped that it got under Ao'nung's skin just enough to bring humor to the situation. But instead you watched his cheeks color a darker blue, eyes turning downcast.
"Shut up, forest girl. You don't know anything."
Obviously, you figured out you had struck a nerve in the reef boy's mind. You had secretly hoped that maybe he could be nice, that these new, strange feelings — something you remember your father calling 'butterflies in the stomach' — weren't some stupid, misplaced hopes of a fleeting teenage romance. That maybe there was a connection beyond the sibling rivalry. The mask of arrogance and indifference broke ever so slightly, the corners of your lips turning downward ever so slightly.
"Let's just…continue with the diving lessons, yes?"
"…Right. Yes. When I throw this shell, you go and retrieve it as fast as possible. It sinks quickly, to test endurance. Let us see if you can handle it, hm?"
"I can do that. Do your worst." Just like that, the banter was back, and it felt nice for the familiar, comfortable atmosphere to return. For a second earlier, it felt like you could take your knife and cut through the unbearable tension. Ao'nung gave a dry laugh, happily ready to test the newcomer. He threw the shell much farther than you anticipated, and with every second you waited, it only sank lower and lower, decreasing your chances of retrieval.
Giving Ao'nung a dirty look and taking a deep breath in, you dove beneath the surface, where your training kicked in like you had been in these waters all your life. Using your legs and the little momentum your tail gave you, you pushed first outward to an approximate location above the shell's downward path, then straight down after the small shimmering object.
Meanwhile, Ao'nung had taken to floating lazily on his back, tracing lines in the sky while he waited for you to resurface. It hadn't been too long, so he expected to have a few more moments to think to himself.
And his mind could not think about anything but you.
Did she really mean what she said? She thought he was really that rude? All this time, maybe he thought that being 'mean' — though all in good fun — was the way to get her to see him. By Eywa, every time he got mad, she seemed happy! Why was it not working? There was no way his flirting methods were not working. Maybe he just needed to try harder, be more brash. Or…he could try another method. The Metkayinan courting season had just begun, and maybe she would appreciate a gift. A shell, a necklace, some flowers—
His thoughts were immediately broken by the sound of your triumphant gasps for air as you raised the small shell high, proud of yourself.
"And you doubted me! Ha!"
Swimming over to Ao'nung and practically shoving the shell into his chest, you couldn't help but rub your achievement in his face. Maybe if you proved to him you could fit in, just like the rest of the girls in Awa'atlu, then he would give you a chance. That's how your father said he won the heart of your mother. By proof that he could do anything she wanted, anything she needed.
So why wasn't it working?
࿐༉༉
After ten repetitions of having you dive for the shell, and Ao'nung being so bored he proclaimed 'there were better things to do in a day,' you found yourself walking around the village at eclipse, slowly making your way to the family marui. Admiring the weaving circles, the small children running around and playing with the beautifully bioluminescent flora and fauna, seeing the warriors sharpen weapons while preparing for their next hunt, it all made you miss home. Of being free in the forests, flying your ikran with your parents and siblings without a care in the world. As you continued to stroll, your mind wandered, seeing many of the young adults in the Metkayina clan collecting shells and making gifts of jewelry. Were there many small celebrations happening at once? Do all of the Na'vi near my age have to make gifts for another? Maybe Ao'nung was—
No. There was no reason to think about him. He was just your teacher, nothing more, nothing less. At least, you think.
Broken from your trance, you hear the sound of your father calling to you. Among those in your family, it seemed Jake was handling the transition best. He had done it once before, many of those stories becoming tales to your and your siblings, both in the forest and recently, the five of you wanting some sense of normalcy in your lives during this adjustment.
"Come here, baby." A simple command, but you knew there was much more underneath those three words than the ex-Marine was willing to let on. Stepping up the woven walkway and onto the thick, fibrous floors of the marui, you crouched beside your father, who was tending to his cuts and scrapes from the earlier tsurak riding lessons with the Olo'eyktan.
"Is there something you needed from me?"
"No, not at all. Is it wrong for a father to want to speak to his eldest daughter?" Jake chuckled, but the sound was humorless. He hadn't sat down like this, really sat and had the chance to speak with you alone, not since you were younger, just before your iknimaya [rite of passage].
"There is nothing wrong with that. We just have not done it in so long. It feels childish, but I miss it." You looked down, avoiding eye contact. You understood that talking to your parents was nothing to be ashamed of, but to think of how long it had been left a sour taste in your mouth.
"I miss it too. That is why," Jake say, with a long pause, "you and I are going to sit here, and just talk. Like we did back home. You looked pretty lost in thought walking around, baby girl. Everything alright?"
Damn it.
"Was I truly that obvious?"
"You are half me, kid. Why do you think your mother knows exactly what I think at all times?"
"I thought it was because you two have been together forever, since you are so old."
The two of you let out boisterous laughter, a joyous sound accompanied by a warm feeling bubbling in your chest.
"Tell me, sweet girl. What goes on up there?" Jake asks, tapping the side of your head once for emphasis, earning his arm a shove and a playful grin.
"Promise you will not overreact."
"Cross my heart and hope to die."
"Those Sky People sayings, they are so odd," you mutter, flashing a smile before inhaling deeply and continuing on.
"But there is…a boy."
The atmosphere stilled, silence engulfing the marui. Jake stills in his movements, slowly lowering the gauze he was using to clean his wounds. You didn't dare look at your father, not wanting to know if he was shocked, curious, angry, or some dangerous mixture of the three.
"Go on. But depending on what you say, I may track him down and skin him alive."
"Sempu [dad]! No, do not! You will have this entire clan hunting us down if you do." You almost backed away from him, frightened by the prospect. Your father was not one for making empty threats. It wasn't until he finally smirked that you felt your heartbeat start to slow. Easing up and taking a cross-legged position next to Jake on the woven mat, you continued.
"He is the son of the Olo'eyktan. Very important to the clan."
"But?" You father knew you too well. You had the same face as Neytiri when there was more to be said, part of your thought waiting to be voiced.
"But, I do not know if he likes me back. So it is no use doing anything about it."
A hum sounds from Jake's throat, wrapping small pieces of cloth around his injuries and tying a secure knot. You could tell he was thinking, as his movements weren't as precise and methodical as they would be with his full attention.
"How does he treat you?"
"Like Lo'ak but even worse, if that is even a real thing. It is like…if I had another brother whose sole purpose was to see how far we can insult each other. But, that is the issue. Do boys my age just act like skxawngs to get attention?"
You really were Jake's child. "Language, sweetheart. But yes, that is usually how it starts."
"Usually?" You ask, the hope blooming in your heart withering away just as quickly.
"I mean, unless you just act annoyed and walk away all pretty and flustered, he most likely is not going to chase after you. With his status, there are many girls willing to fall as prey."
"So I have no chance. All I have done is insult him right back. And it gets under his skin. It is hilarious. But disheartening now."
Your father pulls you in, wrapping you into an embrace like he would after you got upset as a child. You always felt safe in his arms, no matter the circumstance, and this time was no different.
"You know, he could just be messing with your head. It happens."
"Do not give me false hope. I will leave the matter alone. There are plenty of other Na'vi my age willing to fall at my feet. Just like you did with Sa'nu [mom]."
Getting a playful shove forcing you on your feet with a bout of laughter, you revel in the lightheartedness of the moment.
"Damn right I did. And you are her child, so I know every boy under the stars will kill for you. Go and finish your walk, baby. But think about what I said." Jake gave you a knowing look, one that hoped you really would at least ponder his words.
"Kìyevame, Sempu [goodbye, dad]. I will see you at the communal dinner tonight."
There was so much to do. And even more to think about.
࿐༉༉
Sleep eluded you. Your body was tired from swimming, begging for reprieve. Yet your mind forbid it, plagued with what felt like every thought in Ewya'eveng [Pandora].
Everyone else seems to be comfortable in their hammocks, but the woven fibers make you toss and turn with every little sway. There was nothing you could do to stop thinking about him.
Oh, Eywa.
From the curls of his hair that seemed to reflect the sunlight after your diving instruction, and subtle spots of blue in the vast teal ocean of his irises that reminded one of the night sky, to the mesmerizing pattern of the tanhì [patterned bioluminescent pattern] over his arms, chest, and face, and the way his strength could carry you through the reefs as he led you down to the parts that were deep enough to sit in the sand, everything about him was perfect. Screamed at you that he was the one. Teaching you how to ride an ilu, and how to sign different commands and objects underwater, you relished in those feelings.
But the thought of Ao'nung not liking you back…that was one you couldn't stomach.
So you preoccupied yourself. Gathering some herbs just outside the marui that Tsireya said would help with a sleeping tea, you moved in silence, as to not wake anyone else. Starting a small cooking fire on the shore, facing the seawall terraces, you laid on your back while waiting for the water to warm. Eyeing the stars, you traced their patterns, just like back in the forest. Eventually, your eyes fluttered shut, with a decision to just…talk to Eywa.
Kiri said it helps when she doesn't want to voice her thoughts. Maybe it'll help you too.
You laid there, in silence, humming the words to an old prayer song your grandmother Mo'at taught you when you were younger, changing the words just enough to air your grievances. It did help a little, but nothing could stop the aching feeling in your heart.
Taking the tea in one swallow, you extinguish the fire and step back inside, laying back in your hammock and letting the effects of the concoction lull you into a dreamless sleep.
࿐༉༉
The morning sunrise came faster than you wished it had. Slowly stirring, while your eyes refocused from sleep, you noticed your family all hovering over a small wrapped gift. Neytiri noticed you awake first, and without a word, motioned for you to come over and crouch down beside Kiri.
"Ma 'ite, were you expecting anything delivered this morning?"
"No, I was not. What is this…thing?"
"That is what we all wonder, yawntutsyìp. And how the deliverer managed to do it so quietly. The reef people walk so loud—"
"Sa'nu." You gave your mother a sharp look, but not one hard enough to get a scolding. Neytiri only scoffed and moved to begin a fire to make breakfast, while Neteyam, Tuk and Kiri went out to gather fruits on the mangrove trees. Leaving you, your father, and Lo'ak near the mystery object.
"You should open it, Lo'ak. Since you want to be such a mighty warrior."
You held in a laugh as your younger brother's eyes widened in shock, before trying, and failing, to recompose himself.
"No. What if it…blows up in my face?"
"Skxawng."
"You do it then!"
Standing up straight, you retrieved the object and sat it in your lap as you took a seat in your hammock. It was heavy, circular, and wrapped as neatly as you could expect for a gift that was obviously important. Across the cloth, there were patterns that you had seen inked on the skin of many Na'vi in Awa'atlu, and the blue twine was tied in a small bow.
"Gather, oh fearless Lo'ak. And watch your sister best you yet again."
"Shut up." But Lo'ak crept closer anyway, while Jake took a seat beside you in your hammock, both anticipating whatever the gift was.
Pulling at the string, the cloth fell into petals to reveal a lidded basket full of—
"Fortune's Fruit." You say in unison with the rest of your family. Neytiri dropped her utensil and took one of the fruits in her hand, weighing it, smelling it, analyzing it.
"It is a variant, but almost identical to the ones we have in the forest. My mother told me, long ago, that these fruits can grow in many odd places. I did not know they grew along the reef. Who brought these here?"
You shook your head, still in shock. "I have no clue. I was talking…" Then it hit you.
"What, ma 'ite?" Neytiri set the fruit back into the basket, putting her hands on your shoulders to look you in the eye.
"I was talking about missing these Fortune's Fruit back home, and how awful the climb would be to retrieve them sometimes. I did not expect anyone to go and gather them, let alone this many. There have to be at least twenty alone. But…only a few people could have known I wanted these specific fruits."
Bringing your gaze up from the red-orange skin of the fruit, you lock eyes with your father, his stare already knowing. But for once, you couldn't read what he was really thinking. All you could do was listen while he directed the family back into a sense of normalcy.
"It is a nice gift. But we can enjoy it later. We all have things to do today, so we will eat and then break off into our separate ways."
A chorus of sounds, all in agreement, came from around the marui, as you and Lo'ak grabbed your things and went out to the shore for more lessons. There had to have been something more to a full basket of Fortune's Fruit than just a 'delivery.'
You could ask Tsireya. She would definitely know.
࿐༉༉
Walking ahead of Lo'ak, you reached the small section of the shoreline where your siblings often spent time with Ao'nung, Rotxo, and Tsireya first. Hoping to get her attention before she started swooning over your brother, you set your things down and tapped her shoulder to get her to move to the side, away from the two boys.
"Tsireya, I need to ask you something."
"Yes, of course. What do you need?"
"This morning, there was a large basket of fruit left at my family's marui, the same fruit I was telling you about yesterday after diving lessons."
"The txon'ong mauti [sunset fruit]? Who left them for you?" Tsireya looked confused too, and you realized that she might not know what's going on either.
"That is the question. I have no idea."
"Well, the only reason I have for you is that you have a secret admirer." She giggled gleefully, pulling you back towards Rotxo and Ao'nung, the former looking on curiously and the latter averting your gaze.
"Ao'nung, Rotxo, you get to help me describe courting season to the newest members of the clan." Motioning for you to sit, Tsireya ran off to fetch Lo'ak, who was sitting with a group of ilus, arguing with them for some reason.
"Do you not have a courting season in the forest?" Rotxo asked, clearly wondering about Omatikaya traditions.
"We do, but it is much more subtle. It starts with one-on-one courting, then the couple approaches both sets of parents, before gifts are given to the entire family. If I do have some…suitor, then you are saying the basket of fruit I received was—"
"A courting gift," Ao'nung cuts in, sharply. Still not bothering to make eye contact with you.
Just as you open your mouth to ask another question, Lo'ak and Tsireya return, sitting beside you while she calms her excitement just enough to start explaining courting processes to you.
"So, the first thing a suitor does to their desired mate in the Metkayina is to give them a gift for the family. Most start with a basket of herbs or blankets, sometimes even necklaces or baskets of pretty shells. Then, if the receiver of these gifts shows their appreciation by wearing them, or using them in any way, the next gift is typically smaller, and more intimate. Sea glass that matches their eyes, a necklace and bracelet set full of shells and stones that remind your suitor of you. Eventually, the suitor reveals themself if the receiver shows enough interest, they announce their love before the clan, and so on, but we are not there yet. This in and of itself is so exciting! You are being courted! It is all so romantic. I wish I were being courted right now."
"I think you are much too young right now, Tsireya. And if you are wanting to be courted, your suitor is not even listening to you. I think you should do better." You break out into a spell of laughter with her, giving Lo'ak a shove to bring his attention back to the conversation.
"But that is a lot of information. And I will not know the identity of this suitor until I begin to use the txon'ong mauti in some way?"
"Right. And I think your suitor could be anyone. You are so very pretty." That brought a spread of warmth to your face, coloring your cheeks a dark indigo. But you didn't miss the way Ao'nung's ears moved backwards ever so slightly, as if he was upset at the fact of someone courting you. But Tsireya kept going on, regardless.
"I wonder who it is. Ao'nung, what are your guesses?"
For the first time that day, he finally looked in your direction, staring at you for a second longer than necessary before answering.
"No clue. And I think that having to be a secret admirer is stupid. Just tell whoever you like that you like them. It cannot be that hard."
"Like you would ever do that, skxawng." You interjected, not passing up the opportunity to get a playful insult in.
"I would! I am the son of the chief. And every girl wants me anyway. Since I have so many falling at my feet, I would have to just say it outright, to not raise any hopes too high."
"How humble of you, hm?" Standing with a start, you called for an ilu and gathered your belongings, needing to find some space to clear your head. Were there really others who had the same feelings you did for Ao'nung? Of course there were, he was the Olo'eyktan's son. He is handsome. And he seems like the type to brag about courting someone so no one else gets too close to them.
You made it back to the village, pulling your kuru away from the ilu's, and stepping up onto one of the woven walkways that connected all of the maruis in the village. As you took a walk, you kept thinking about what Tsireya just told you, with the meaning behind each gift and the secrecy of it all, and what Jake said, how your suitor could be messing with your head. But if they really wanted to court you, why not just say it to your face? Ao'nung said some Na'vi do that, so what was going on with your suitor?
Eclipse was coming in, and you needed to get home. There would be time to ponder in your hammock, where there was nothing but you and your thoughts.
࿐༉༉
Morning came all too quickly. And just like the last, there was a gift on the walkway to your family's marui.
Neytiri gathered the gift with a grimace, spitting out a string of thoughts with a hint of venom, but softening when she realized you were awake while approaching with the present.
"Here, ma 'ite. I presume it is for you again."
Taking the gift with a nod, you let a sleepy Tuk climb in your lap and lean against your shoulder, and wait for Kiri and Neteyam to sit beside you so you could open the suitor's offering. After missing the first gift, you weren't going to let any of your siblings miss the second gift.
Provided there was one, of course. But, with thanks to the Great Mother, there was.
Untying the pink woven ribbon, the cloth fell away to reveal a beautiful sea glass necklace, eight layers of amber-colored sea glass stacked on one another, polished to reflect the light, grouped into clusters of seven, separated by a blue bead that matched the color of your skin. And set in the middle of the necklace as a statement, was the most beautifully patterned conch shell you had seen, it's pink and white hues shining due to the thin, sturdy layer of clear amber it was coated in.
All seven of you sat in a state of awe a wonder, admiring the detailed craftsmanship and dedication that went into the necklace. You ran your fingers over the details of the necklace, the time and care that was obvious in every bead bringing you to a state of tears. Neytiri wrapped you in a hug, rocking you back and forth while beaming, a smile on her face. Even Jake was smiling, clearly impressed by whomever your suitor was, and the evident thought they put into every detail. Breaking the silence, your mother speaks, "Put it on, my sweet child."
Nodding, you quickly do your hair into a singular braid, brushing it and your kuru over your left shoulder to set the necklace around your neck, tying the fastenings tight. In the morning light, the beads shimmer and match the color of your golden irises, and you realize, while looking into the polished stone mirror that sat at the back of the marui, the sets of seven were to represent each member in your family, the people you held dear. You knew then that this suitor, whoever they were, knew you. Saw you.
"You look good, ma tsmuke [my sister], " both Neteyam and Lo'ak said in unison, followed by melodic 'oohs' from Tuk as she touched each bead, and Kiri pulling you into a tight embrace.
"This suitor is the one for you, my sister. They know you, and it is clear the Great Mother put them in your path for a reason. You look as beautiful as anything I have ever seen on this moon and in the stars."
Neytiri crouched in front of you, accompanied by Jake, tears shining in her eyes as she grinned with pride and with thanks to Eywa. "Kiri is right, ma 'ite. You look wonderful."
Jake spoke too, his voice breaking every so slightly as he admired the woman his daughter was growing to be, and that your suitor was able to realize that too. "You caught the eye of a good one, baby girl. We have no idea who they are, and they already treat you right."
Thought you were happy, there was a small pool of guilt forming in your stomach. The necklace was everything, but your feelings for Ao'nung still hadn't dissipated. What would he think, seeing you wear the necklace? Would he dislike you even more? See you as an enemy? "I just wish I knew who they were. But the Tsahìk's daughter said that there has to be one more gift given before they can come forward and announce their identity. So I will not take this necklace off until I know."
The rest of the Sully family nods, agreeing with your decision. Your parents rise to a standing position and exchange hugs with you and each of your siblings before leaving, Neteyam and Lo'ak leaving soon after, while you, Tuk, and Kiri went out to 'forage.' You it was an excuse for you and your sister to catch up, and for Tuk to see her new friends and play around the village.
Tying half of your hair back and stepping out of the marui, you were greeted by the stares and gleeful whispers of the Metkayina, all of whom immediately noticed your necklace. Falling into an easy gait, trailing behind Tuk as she practically ran along the beach, looking for her friends, you and Kiri could finally have some time to talk. Sister to sister.
"Any ideas on who would take so much time to make a necklace this elaborate, tsmuke? It is obviously a profession of love." Kiri asked, not bothering to hold in her laugh while she did.
"To be truthful, no, I do not. But there can only be a select few. I doubt anyone besides the Olo'eyktan's children, Rotxo, and a few of the other reef Na'vi know enough about me to even think about giving me a gift this nice. And this,clearly," you said, motioning to the necklace, "is not out of friendship."
"So that eliminates who?"
You listed off the names of two girls and two boys, all of whom you had grown closer to during your integration into the clan. They were all nice, with the girls helping you weave new tops and collect shells, and the boys showing you and your siblings good fishing spots, but none of whom were ever more than just friends. Which left only three people.
"There is only Tsireya and Ao'nung left." Kiri said, her expression hinting that she was lost in thought.
"And Rotxo. What about him?" As soon as the sentence left your mouth, your sister stopped dead in her tracks, turning to face you.
"Tsmuke, I love you. And you know this, but absolutely not. Not Rotxo."
"Why not?"
"Because he and I have…a mutual understanding." You knew Kiri wouldn't elaborate any further, that being part of her mysterious ways, so you two kept walking, reaching the eastern side of the village.
"Tsireya is utterly infatuated with our brother, and she is much too young to even think about courting or being courted. Which leaves—" This time, you were the one who froze, realization washing over your face, a cold sensation running along your spine. You couldn't help but give a few slow, uncertain shakes of your head, not wanting to believe the conclusion you had come to.
"Ao'nung." Kiri finished your thought for you, the hesitation in her voice also alluding to the doubt she felt. "But of all people, I do not want to think Fishlips is courting my sister. Especially after he was not the most welcoming at first."
"I guess so. But how will we know who keeps leaving these gifts at our marui? I would love to thank them, especially for the necklace. It is…magnificent."
Kiri paused for a moment, her gaze lazily following Tuk to keep track of her as she ran up and down the sandy shore nearby, before her eyes widened with an idea, the golden yellow of her irises glinting ever so slightly with mischief.
"We catch them in the act."
"Now I would rather follow the tradition like Tsireya said and wait until my suitor announces themself. Why would you ever suggest trying to catch the suitor in the act? Does that not defeat the entire purpose of being courted?"
"Yes, however, we are the newcomers of the clan. If anyone asks, we can brush it off as another 'forest people' custom."
This brings a small smirk to your face, seeing the sneakier, more playful side of your sister begin to show itself. You liked this version of Kiri, and rather enjoyed the change in dynamic between you two.
"I like that idea. I just wonder how we will get it past our parents."
"I think Sa'nok would not mind hunting down the suitor. She is not the most fond of the Metkayina to begin with."
You and Kiri laughed, knowing how short Neytiri's temper has been as of late. It was understandable, seeing as your mother had to leave her home, but nonetheless humorous as she hissed at the villagers who offered to show them their ways of life, opting to maintain the methods of the forest.
After prying Tuk away from her small group of friends, having to make promises of seeing them as soon as eclipse ended tomorrow, the three of you finished the lap around Awa'atlu, speaking to other reef Na'vi and observing the different tasks at hand. It was comforting to see that day to day livelihoods had not changed much between clans, but it all reminded you of the change that happened so suddenly.
Not just the movement of your family, but your maturation. Back in the Omatikaya, you already completed your iknimaya, and were soon about to pick a mate.
Yet it seems there was someone who already knew it was your time to find your other half.
࿐༉༉
Returning home, you and Kiri briefed the rest of your family on the plan of action, Jake and Lo'ak both as eager as the other for a mission of stealth, while Neytiri and Neteyam were understanding, yet still uncertain. It took some bribing, but eventually you were able to convince everyone to formulate a plan.
Everyone would feign sleep, lying still within their hammocks while listening for any sense of noise until the village quieted and settled into a state of rest. Neytiri offered to take Sa'ata, her ikran, out and patrol silently above the home while Neteyam and Lo'ak were hidden beneath the woven structure, all three willing to call in over comms when the suitor approaches. Leaving you, Jake, and Kiri inside to stun the hidden suitor and finally reveal their identity.
It would work out, and you would find the suitor.
Though, there was one part of you that wouldn't let go of what Kiri said earlier. His name.
Why would Ao'nung be your suitor? You were sure he did not see you the same way you were beginning to see him. It appeared as if he thought of you as a sister. It would be a dream if he reciprocated those feelings of want to you, that the understanding was mutual. But there were doubts. The Great Mother had not really intended on the two of you meeting, and even now, he only tolerated you. Ao'nung could not be it. Or could he—
Blinking twice furiously, you focused back on the task at hand, helping your brothers and your mother pack light for their undercover patrols, while Kiri and Jake settled into their respective hammocks to wait out the time between now and the approach, you and Jake having comms on and as low as possible to avoid suspicion or detection.
Just as Naranawm [Polyphemus] cast eclipse across Eywa'eveng, and the stars began to twinkle high in the sky, you watched half of your family depart, unease beginning to form a pit in your stomach. Maybe the suitor was just another kid from the reef who wanted to get to know you better. And they spent their time observing you, wishing others know you better. But there was still a lingering voice in your mind, telling you that whoever made the necklace, whoever went out of their way to harvest a notoriously dangerous fruit, has to have known you beyond just watching you.
Lying down in your hammock, you gave your father one last look, and then did the same with Kiri. All hoping the suitor would come, but slowly preparing themselves for the worst.
That this display of affection was just a passing moment.
࿐༉༉
The marui was eerily silent for hours, nothing but the rise of the tide and the splashing of sea creatures filling the empty space. You were beginning to lose hope that your suitor would return, either losing interest or— on the very slim off chance you and your sister were eavesdropped on, which was rare considering most of the Metkayina preferred to keep a distanced from your family —your supposed suitor heard whispers of being caught and ended up changing their mind.
Sitting up as quietly as possible, you decided to occupy you time by repairing the cloak you wore to fly from home to the beaches of Awa'atlu, using new techniques you learned a few days ago as Tsireya let you sit in on a few weaving circles near the center of the village. You kept putting off repairing it, feeling a lack of motivation after lessons, adjusting to the new surroundings, and trying to keep up a cheerful façade for the sake of reputations. Weaving had always been a specialty of the Omatikaya, and spending your years split between warrior training and weaving circles allowed you to become one of the clan's young prodigies. The craft helped you to focus, and gave your hands something to do while you thought.
As you threaded the thin colored thread through the needle, you let your mind wander, not bothering to read the gazes of Kiri or Jake, wondering why you would risk the plan out of boredom. As of late, the only thing you really could think about was the chief's son, and every interaction you had with him.
You paused, coming to some sort of realization.
Ao'nung had acted different than normal while Tsireya explained the courting practices of her clan. He seemed quiet, more reserved, something unusual for his boisterous nature. Especially around you. And the only time he did speak was to get you away from him quicker. He had turned a darker shade of blue, barely noticeable unless you stood in the shade, exactly where you chose to sit that time. Ao'nung didn't even look at you, which already made you wonder what was going on. There was always some sort of playful jab or snide remark he would make when taking in your appearance, all of which you would return with equal force. So you wouldn't have had to start the banter unless—
Unless he was jealous.
It was not at all out of the normal for Ao'nung to be jealous. He thought he deserved the world, being the son of the Olo'eyktan. But to be jealous of you? There was no good reason you could think of that he had to be jealous of you. For all the taunting he did, all of the times he made fun of you and your family, your anatomical differences…it didn't make sense. But…there was one Na'vi he could be jealous of.
Your suitor.
࿐༉༉
It was nearly morning twilight, with Naranawm slowly moving course and out of the path of the sun. Before you knew it, you had dissociated completely from your surroundings, seeing that your father and sister were barely awake, while Neytiri, Lo'ak, and Neteyam had all come in from night patrol and laid in their hammocks to sleep the morning away. The marui was still hushed, tensions high and senses on edge as the waiting game continued.
The hint was subtle. Only the shifting of sand, but it made everyone's ears perk and all heads turned towards the door. You could see your parents tense, Neytiri reaching for her knife at her hip and Jake settling back into a position prepared to strike at whatever reached through the flap.
Taking a hesitant step forward, you kept your steps light like you were born to do in the forest, each one careful and measured. Your breathing slowed, the intervals stretching to evade being noticed by the Na'vi outside. You could hear the faint rustling of cloth followed by the soft creak of a basket being set down, before quickly being slid under, the unmistakable cyan-blue strake of a younger Metkayina peeking out before attempting to dart back and evade notice. But your reflexes allowed you to catch their wrist, knife drawn in case the mystery Na'vi decided to try and attack. Surprisingly, they conceded and you felt their muscles fall limp, accepting defeat.
The rest of your family were in ready positions, Jake with his tomahawk, Neytiri with her bow, and your two brothers with their knives, while Kiri and Tuk were hidden in the back, the older sister protecting the younger.
"Announce yourself, stranger. We know of these gifts you have left. It is time to make your identity known." You were shocked at how even your tone was, considering the absurdly quick pace your heart was beating, the adrenaline making the blood rush through your ears, creating a pulsing sensation.
The stranger sighed, and that's when the pieces shifted into place.
You knew that sigh.
Pushing through the flap, you could hear the chorus of audible gasps from behind you, all of them just as curious as you to see—
"Ao'nung." Kiri managed to speak first, both you and her repeating the conversation from yesterday over and over in your minds. He wasn't jealous, but rather something else. From the look on her face, she couldn't believe that of all people, this was the one who decided to court you.
Neytiri and Jake both slowly rose and walked over to where the two of you stood, weapons put away but still clearly tense. Jake spoke first, clearly trying form a coherent thought when none would come.
"I cannot— Kid, explain everything. What is going on here? Why are you sneaking gifts into our home?"
Ao'nung opened his mouth to speak, but closed it again. How could he really explain his reasoning?
"It would be best if he and I spoke alone first." Cutting through the uncomfortable silence, you put out the suggestion to avoid humiliating Ao'nung in front of your parents, and also giving him a chance to really be honest with you. Turning to look at your parents, you exchanged a plea in the absence of words, asking for understanding.
Neytiri gave a quick nod, the corners of her eyes softening. "Ma Jake, we will let them go. Questions can come later." She pulled on her mate's arm, trying to get him to relax enough to concede and take a few steps back. Jake complied, sighing deeply before running a face over his hands.
"Fine. Go, sweetheart. But you make him tell the truth or I will do things I may regret."
Stifled laughs break out across the open space, even Lo'ak and Neteyam letting out laughs that you didn't think possible with how tense they were just seconds ago. Not taking your hand off of Ao'nung's wrist, you pull him out of the marui and down the shore, the sunrise casting hues of reds and oranges across the sand. Following behind you, Ao'nung could see the irritated flicks of your tail lashing behind you, before both you and it came to a stop behind a group of mangrove roots.
Finally dropping his arm, you pace back and forth in front of him, arms crossed as your face was scrunched into an expression of disbelief and confusion. There were so many thoughts running through your head, the biggest one being why didn't you know? There were no tells, nothing even subtle you could have picked up. Ao'nung hid everything really well, and that infuriated you, but also…it really made you rethink if those 'butterflies' were just a passing fancy.
It was going to be a long morning.
࿐༉༉
Ao'nung watched you pace, carving a path in the sand, a pool of regret forming in his stomach. Retracing his steps earlier in his mind, he wondered how your family was able to catch him this morning after missing his presence the last two times. Maybe it was a forest thing.
Focusing his eyes back onto you as you finally turned to look at him, he could see how distant you seemed, your tongue pressing against the inside of your cheek as you fought to find something to say.
After a moment, you let out, "I thought you just tolerated my family. Tolerated me."
"Well, I—"
"I am not done. Ever since we got here, you just followed orders and taught me the bare minimum. Then, when you were actually willing to speak to me, it was more like we were siblings. The back and forth, the taunts and teasing…when did it change?"
Ao'nung sighed. How was he really going to admit that—
"I have always felt this way. I just…did not know how to go about it, tìyawn."
Love. He called you his love. The thought alone sent blood rushing to your face, your skin turning indigo as you lowered your gaze down to the sand. Accepting your silence as an acceptance to continue, Ao'nung thought for a moment before he went on.
"When you started talking about the fruit from the forest you missed, I asked my mother how to harvest it. I figured you would like it, having a taste of home. I have never strayed far from mine before, and I can not imagine how hard it must have been. I even— Eywa, I even decided to try and paint designs on the basket covering with Tsireya. She said you would appreciate the craftsmanship."
Taking a step close and grabbing a hold of Ao'nung's hand, you trace the cerulean stripes on his strake, your eyes slowly crawling up from his chest, to his biceps, to finally meet his eyes.
"The basket was beautiful, ma' yawnetu. And," reaching up to twist one of the beads of the necklace you haven't taken off since you received it. "This, this necklace, it shows your dedication. Your heart. Your truth."
This time it was Ao'nung who blushed, a soft chuckle escaping from his lips. "Do you like it?"
"I have not taken it off since I received it. The meaning behind every bead, and this beautiful shell, it all moved me. Even my mother admired it."
Settling his hands on your waist, Ao'nung pulled you in closer, the two of you just close enough together to feel the heat coming from one another. "I spent an entire day making it. My father said that it would mean a lot to any Na'vi, but for people of the forest, a necklace is more than a gift."
You smiled, taking in the ocean blue of his eyes as they gazed with love and longing into yours. "Your father is right. Something of this nature means more to me than you know. It shows your care, your patience, and most importantly, your love. I thank you for it, my suitor."
Ao'nung gives you a lopsided grin, laughing in time with you, pulling your body impossibly closer. "I just worried, paskalin [sweet berry; term of endearment]. I was not as welcoming as I should have been to you and your family. I was just—
I was scared that I was not good enough for you."
Cupping his face into your hands, you press a small kiss to the tip of Ao'nung's nose, your eyes down-turned and brimming with fresh tears.
"Ma Ao'nung, you were good enough and will always be good enough for me. I will be truthful to you as well, ever since we started swimming lessons, I felt a connection between us, stronger than anything I ever felt before.
And from then on, every meeting we had, those feelings grew stronger, and more intense. I could not hide them any longer, but I was afraid to ask if you felt the same. I spoke to my own father about my feelings for you."
That brought a fit of laughter from you both, lightening the heavily charged air in the small gap between the two of you. Ao'nung adjusted his hold on your waist, letting one hand rest on your side as the other pressed into the small of your back, drawing you in.
"I am honored the great Toruk Makto got to hear about his daughter's admiration of me. But tell me this, yawne. What was that whole set up earlier with your family? I swear, I thought you all were going to kill me, especially your brothers."
Your eyes widened and your gaze lowered in embarrassment, your kind figuring out a was to explain exactly what was going on between yesterday and this morning.
"We all wanted to know who my suitor was. In the Omatikaya, it is easy to tell because gifts start between a couple. But after Tsireya explained how it worked here, it just made me uneasy. Kiri and I, after a walk on the beach yesterday, thought that the very last person that my suitor could be was, well, you."
"Because of how I treated you?"
"Yes, but also because of how you acted when your sister explained Metkayina courting to us. You said you would just tell your potential mate outright because you are 'the son of the Olo'eyktan.' So I figured it could not be you, due to my suitor being so secretive. We thought you were simply jealous of them.
But I am glad I was wrong. It was you this whole time. Just as I had hoped." Wrapping your arms around Ao'nung's neck, you give his a quick kiss on the lips, testing the waters of this newfound relationship between you. His grip around you only tightens, your chests touching as his eyes bore into you, the feelings he was hiding for weeks finally spilling out of him.
"I was just trying to make sure I was not too obvious with my love for you just yet."
Ao'nung pressed his forehead to yours, the intimate gesture, reserved for those who were soon to be mates or already mated, making your heart race. It was clear that he wanted you just as much as you wanted him, if not even more. Despite the difficult first few days of adjusting to your new home, you were grateful that the Great Mother allowed you to find a the other half of your soul in these waters. That you could move past the past few weeks and begin to grow together, as a couple, for all to see.
"So, forest girl, do you accept my advances?"
Giggling softly, you reply, "I do, Fishlips. I do."
࿐༉༉