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May 14

Song of the Moon

Act 1, Scene 7: The Zangke Flows Like Tears

Warnings: Alcohol consumption. Hallucinations. Drunken hallucinations. Panic attacks. Implied(?) past murder. Fainting.

[The morning was a calm and peaceful one. Ritina and Tamtey feasted on a large breakfast from Relun, the Aranahe’s best cook. The man seemed like a perpetual grump, but Nefika made certain to reassure Ritina that he wasn’t mad at her. As usual, Ritina practically gorged herself on her food.]

RELUN: Did the tsahìk tell you that you’ll get a bellyache if you eat like that?

NEFIKA: Bah! Let the child eat, Relun!

RELUN: Fine. But don’t cry to me when you’re wretching behind a bush.

NEFIKA: Ignore him, ma’yawntu. Fill up before your journey!

[Tamtey even passed Ritina one of their fruits, but she passed it right on back.]

RITINA: You need to eat too, you know.

TAMTEY: I swear, it’s fine. Besides, I’m full.

RITINA: Are you sure?

TAMTEY: Heh, I’m sure! I promise.

RITINA: Alright.

[After the two finished breakfast, they headed out to the landing pad where their ikran were waiting. Nefika, Etuwa, and Itu were waiting to bid them farewell.]

ITU: It was good to see you again, Tamtey.

TAMTEY: Heh, likewise.

ITU: Now, try not to get yourself shot again, eh?

TAMTEY: Fu–you little shit!

[Tamtey playfully punched Itu’s shoulder, sending the hunter into fits of laughter. Etuwa shook her head in mild annoyance.]

ETUWA: I think what he means is that you should be careful, and that goes for you too, Ritina.

RITINA: I promise, tsahìk, we’ll be careful.

TAMTEY: Mm hmm.

NEFIKA: I’ll hold you both to that. Ah, and Ritina, I wrapped your little work in progress for you just in case you wish to continue working on it while you’re with the Zeswa.

[Nefika handed Ritina a bundle wrapped in leaves and tied with sturdy twine. Underneath the leaves, Ritina could see the black and blue of the clothing scraps she’d been working on altering. She happily took it, tying it securely to Zawngatan’s saddle.]

RITINA: Thank you, Nefika. For everything.

NEFIKA: Ah, it was nothing, ma’yawntu. Now, take care of yourself, you hear? I’m not above flying over there myself if I have to!

RITINA: Ohp–yes ma’am!

NEFIKA: Good. Now, work hard and have fun, both of you!

TAMTEY: Ohhhh we will! Ritina, I can’t wait for you to meet the Zeswa!

[Zawngatan Telisi then chirped at their riders, Zawngatan even giving Ritina a little head bonk as if to say “what are you still standing around for?”]

RITINA: Alright, alright, missy. I suppose it is time to go.

[Ritina and Tamtey mounted their saddles, their ikran rearing and ready to go. As their Aranahe friends waved them adieu, the Sarentu and their ikran bolted into the sky, yipping and chirping as the wind blew across their faces and the rays of the sun beamed down.

Etuwa was right about the journey being a bit long, but the technicolor of the Kinglor Forest soon transitioned into the endless yellow-green of the rolling plains. Wild herds of pa’li galloped across the hills as if the whole world was theirs to wander across. However, despite the wonders of this new location, it also brought with it its annoyances. The wind was brutal, blowing Zawngatan in every direction except forward. As for Ritina, the wind blew mercilessly through her hair, whipping it across her face and making it even more difficult to fly.]

RITINA: How in thunder do you fly here?!

TAMTEY: The Zeswa usually stick to riding pa’li, so they don’t really fly at all. When they do, they have to use different techniques.

RITINA: Oh! You don’t say?!

TAMTEY: Heh…they also always wear tight protective hairstyles to protect it from the wind.

RITINA: Hmh. Wow. Thank you, Tamtey. That would’ve been absolutely wonderful to know before we took off.

TAMTEY: Eheh…Sorry.

RITINA: It’s fine. I’ll just follow you and do what you do until we land.

[Ritina did just that. As the wind decided to make the Sarentu and their ikran its personal plaything, Zawngatan screeched in annoyance as she struggled to follow Telisi. Zawngatan practically had to bite onto Telisi’s tail as they landed so as to not crash. The ikran growled at each other as their riders dismounted. Meanwhile, Tamtey stifled back their laughter as they looked at the tangled mess known currently as Ritina’s hair. The older Sarentu wasn’t exactly amused though; she emitted a low, yet light growl. Tamtey finally giggled as they pulled multiple pieces of twine out of their waist pouches.]

TAMTEY: Ggggggheh, I’m sorry Ritina–here, lemme help.

[Combing through Ritina’s hair with their fingers, Tamtey tied the rest of Ritina’s hair that wasn’t braided to her kuru into a tight high bun. There were a few stray flyaways, but other than that, her hair stayed completely secure in the wind.]

TAMTEY: There! Now the wind can’t personally victimize your hair.

RITINA: Thank you, Tamtey. I assume the Zeswa don’t really have this issue.

TAMTEY: Not really. Their hair is a lot thicker.

RITINA: To be fair, I’ve never seen another Na’vi with hair thinner than mine.

TAMTEY: The Zeswa have hair even thicker than Ri’nela and I do! They weave it into tight, protective styles that keep it safe and out of their face in this wind.

RITINA: Oh my! They sound beautiful.

TAMTEY: Well, you’ll soon see them for yourself! Just gimme a sec, gotta let them know we’re here.

NESIM: There’s no need, Sarentu!

[From over the hills, galloping as fast as the winds themselves, two muscular Na’vi women rode on the backs of pa’li toward the Sarentu. As they got closer, it was easier to see the intricacies of their woven, reddish brown hair. Not a single hair was out of place. However, something else Ritina hadn’t seen before was that the women’s skin was a blueish purple–almost a lavender shade.

The shorter and thinner of the two had a far more elaborate hairstyle, almost looking like a tree trunk split in half. Her dark teal and tan clothes were simple, yet highly practical for the fields. The other woman was taller and bulkier, and her clothing was a lot more elaborate–almost like armor dipped in red and yellow. Her left eye was scarred shut, and she held a long spear in her right hand. They both dismounted, smiling from ear to ear.]

NESIM: Tamtey! It’s good to see you again.

TAMTEY: Likewise, Nesim.

MINANG: And you must be Ritina. I am Minang, tsahìk of the Zeswa And this is my sister, Nesim, the olo’eykte.

RITINA: How do you know my name, tsahìk?

MINANG: Teylan arrived yesterday; he told Nesim and I all about you. Although, we weren’t expecting you and Tamtey until later.

NESIM: Indeed. We thought you’d still be with the Aranahe.

RITINA: Therein lies the rub. I need your help.

MINANG: Oh?

NESIM: Come, both of you.

[Tamtey nodded, looking toward Ritina, allowing her to be the one to explain as they walked to the Zeswa’s camp.]

RITINA: I’ll keep it short. I was raised by an elderly human couple, and they had a daughter in the RDA. Because my folks were old, they died while I was in my twenties. And of course, they never taught me how to survive.

[Nesim and Minang looked at each other in deep concern, as if they could already tell where this conversation was going.]

MINANG: I assume this means they never taught you how to hunt or gather either.

NESIM: Basically leaving you with no other options.

RITINA: Yes, and now my sister seeks vengeance.

MINANG: She followed you here?

RITINA: More like I accidentally found her. And now she’s after me, but the only sort of fighting I know is sniping! I don’t mean to be a bother, but–

NESIM: Mawey, Sarentu. My sister and I will make you a fine warrior.

MINANG: But if you want to fight like we do, you must first learn to ride like we do.

RITINA: You mean your pa’li?

MINANG: The pa’li of the plains don’t belong to anyone, Sarentu. They make their bonds freely; one pa’li may bond with multiple riders simultaneously in their lifetime.

NESIM: They move us through the plains, and we guard them from any danger.

[A herd of nearby pa’li stood grazing. However, one of them noticed Tamtey and galloped toward them. They smiled as they hopped on the pa’li’s back, and Telisi chuffed in annoyance.]

TAMTEY: This ol’ boy has been carrying me through these plains since I first came here.

RITINA: So…what do I do here?

TAMTEY: It isn’t like taming an ikran. You just need to approach them with respect.

RITINA: Oh…Well, that’s simple enough.

[Ritina slowly approached the herd, looking through the various pa’li. They all seemed fairly young, as many of them were a bit short. However, there was one who was a bit taller than the others. Ritina slowly approached the pa’li, who lifted its head from the grass, staring at her with wide eyes.]

RITINA: Easy now, I just need a ride.

[The pa’li tilted its head to the side, giving Ritina a once-over before approaching her. When it started moving, Ritina stopped, allowing it to come to her. It circled her once, then twice, almost as if it was inspecting her. Finally, it stopped; it looked at her expectantly.]

RITINA: Is this a yes?

[The pa’li merely stamped its hoof against the ground, almost as if it was saying “c’mon, we don’t have all day.” Ritina nodded at this, carefully climbing on top of the pa’li’s back and making tsaheylu. Then, like she does with Zawngatan, she told the pa’li to walk. It was a little strange, riding a pa’li wasn’t as smooth and fluid as riding an ikran, but it was similar enough. The Zeswa leaders were smiling proudly, while Tamtey quietly cheered so as to not spook the pa’li.]

MINANG: Well done, Sarentu.

TAMTEY: I told you it was easy!

NESIM: Come, let’s get you two settled in camp. We must celebrate the return of another Sarentu!

[The four rode off over the hills, Telisi and Zawngatan flying behind them. Thankfully, The Zeswa’s camp was just over those hills. It was certainly different from the sprawling Aranahe hometree, but it still held great, bright colors. Well, none as vibrant as those of the Aranahe. The colors here were more grounded, blending in with the red trees and bushes around them. Instead of interconnected branches of a tree, intricate tents surrounded the camp. Those that were a bit more open were more public spaces that seemed to be used for eating or socializing, and those that were more closed off seemed to be sleeping areas.

From one of these tents emerged Teylan. He was wearing his usual more human styled clothing, but he was without his baseball cap this time; probably because the wind would’ve blown it off. Tamtey ran over to him, hugging him tightly.]

TAMTEY: Teylan! What are you doing over here?

TEYLAN: I just wanted to visit the Zeswa! What are you two doing here? I thought you’d be with the Aranahe for a little bit longer.

RITINA: I need the Zeswa’s help. I can’t fight in the shadows forever.

TEYLAN: Oh! Well, Nesim can certainly help with that!

TAMTEY: Mm hmm! Ok, now, Teylan, we’re gonna commandeer your tent!

[Tamtey proceeded to grab their bags and run straight into Teylan’s tent, cackling like an idiot. Teylan let out a quiet squeak before running after them.]

TEYLAN: Wait–Tamtey! All my stuff is everywhere–the bit won’t even be funny this time!

[And with that, from inside the tent, metal clanging was heard, then a thud, then Tamtey growling and cursing.]

TAMTEY: Gah! Fuck!

[Ritina and Teylan ran into the tent just to see Tamtey having faceplanted; they both began to snicker as Tamtey looked up at them with a slightly pouty face.]

TAMTEY: It’s not that funny.

[With that, Ritina and Teylan burst into laughter, Teylan needing to step aside to catch his breath as Ritina went to help Tamtey to their feet.]

RITINA: I’m sorry, Tamtey–heh, but it was a little funny.

TAMTEY: Heh, I guess it was kinda funny.

RITINA: I assume you steal your siblings’ tents often?

TAMTEY: Eh, kinda sorta. It’s not really “stealing,” it’s just surprising them with my shit scattered across the floor too–it’s kind of a way of saying “surprise, skxawng, I’m here now!”

TEYLAN: We’ve been doing that every time one of us visits the Zeswa, and another one of us is already there. Honestly, Tamtey, I’m surprised you remembered. You’ve forgotten the past few times.

TAMTEY: I have? Huh.

TEYLAN: Have you and Miss Ritina eaten yet?

TAMTEY: Nope, we just got here.

TEYLAN: Kìn is making sähena right now–we should probably hurry before everyone else eats it up.

RITINA: Sähena?

TEYLAN: It’s a kind of cheese–I think you’ll like it!

[After organizing the tent for a brief minute, the three headed over to Kìn, who was already handing out bowls.]

TAMTEY: Wait! Kìn! Three more for us please!

[Kìn smiled upon seeing the Sarentu, already prepping bowls for them.]

KÌN: I was wondering when you’d come, Tamtey! And is this the newcomer I’ve heard so much about?

TEYLAN: Mm hmm! This is Ritina.

RITINA: I’ve been told your warriors are some of the best on the continent.

KÌN: Hmh, that may be true, but we’re known for more than just our skills in combat. Here.

[Kìn then handed Ritina a bowl of sähena, urging her to try it. It seemed a bit plain in comparison to the Aranahe’s outwardly spiced foods, but it was rather impolite to turn down food like this, so she took a small bite. Her ears and tail immediately shot up in shock, her pupils dilating as she realized the cheese was rather spicy.]

RITINA: This is…the best thing…I’ve ever eaten in my life.

TEYLAN: I knew you’d like it!

RITINA: Kìn, how in thunder do you make this? It’s spicy cheese!

KÌN: Don’t thank me, thank him.

[Kìn then motioned to the wall behind him; well, it wasn’t really a wall at all. It was a creature covered head to toe in bright, colorful paints. When listening closely, Ritina could hear its soft snoring.]

RITINA: Forgive me, but what exactly is he? I’ve never seen a creature like this before.

KÌN: He is a zakru. They are our wards and guardians. Where they go, we go.

[Ritina turned to the zakru after taking another bite.]

RITINA: Well, thank you for allowing this food to exist!

[Tamtey and Teylan got their own bowls, motioning Ritina to sit with them. As always, once Ritina sat down, she quickly gobbled up the meal. Her purrs were akin to the roar of an engine.]

RITINA: I do believe any other meal out there has been ruined for me now.

TEYLAN: I’m honestly partial to Zeswa food too.

RITINA: You have good taste, Teylan!

TEYLAN: Oh! Thank you, Miss Ritina.

RITINA: Please, you don’t have to call me “miss.” I’m no authority here.

TEYLAN: Uh–...Sorry.

RITINA: You need not apologize, Teylan. It’s a simple thing–it’s not as if you wronged me.

TEYLAN: Sor–I–ugh…

RITINA: At ease, child, I understand.

TEYLAN: You…do?

RITINA: I can assume, and I’m the same way.

TEYLAN: Really?

RITINA: You can thank my human guardians for that.

TEYLAN: Oh…

RITINA: Mm hmm, they were dicks; but I digress, that’s a conversation for another time.

[There was an awkward silence for a moment, the three continuing to eat. Teylan then tapped Ritina’s shoulder lightly.]

TEYLAN: Thank you for helping me. You know, the night you came to base? Your cloak helped a lot.

RITINA: Any time. If you need help with night terrors again, all you have to do is ask. I know how they can be.

TEYLAN: You do?

RITINA: Indeed.

TEYLAN: Oh…no wonder you have that cloak.

[Teylan suddenly froze for a moment before he wilted, slouching.]

TEYLAN: Ohh no–I forgot to bring the cloak with me! I was gonna return it to you when you got here!

RITINA: No, no, it’s alright! Ri’nela can use it in the meantime.

TEYLAN: Are you sure it’s ok?

RITINA: Of course! Besides, I don’t really need it presently.

TAMTEY: She’s the cloak for us now. Her snuggles are better than any blanket!

RITINA: Oh please, Tamtey.

TAMTEY: I’m not joking!

[The Sarentu continued to chat as they ate, and as the sun began to set, things began to liven up around camp. Musicians began to play, more Na’vi began to eat and chat, and as night fell, Na’vi began to dance and drink zangke. Kìn made his way over to the Sarentu, giving Tamtey and Teylan small cubs of zangke while offering a larger one to Ritina. She hesitated for a moment, sniffing the liquid. Thankfully, it held the milky scent of normal zangke; she took the cup. As Kìn continued to pass out cups, Ritina took a swig. She shivered a bit as it hit.]

RITINA: By the All-Mother, this is some strong shit!

[Tamtey burst into laughter, Teylan giggling a little at the sight.]

TAMTEY: Heh, yeah, that’s why Teylan and I have smaller cups!

RITINA: Good!

[Ritina continued to down the zangke as the night went on, getting more as she finished each cup. When she made it to her third cup, things started to get…strange. She wasn’t necessarily drunk, she thought, but she was starting to see colors that weren’t there before. Tamtey and Teylan had gone off to dance, and as they left, Nesim approached her.]

NESIM: Are you alright, Ritina?

RITINA: I–I’m fine! Just drinking. Your clan has good zangke!

[Nesim chuckled, offering a hand to Ritina.]

NESIM: Come, dance with us. It’s no good letting you drink yourself into a stupor.

[Ritina took Nesim’s hand, the olo’eykte helping her up. She led her into a crowd of people. She noticed they weren’t dance fighting–that would be the groups to the right of the crowd. The music was so alien to Ritina, but in such a wonderful way. It was bombastic, yes, but it had a bright quality to it that Mangkwan music never had, and the Mangkwan never smiled this purely when they danced. As Ritina moved, she was sure that her movements weren’t nearly as graceful as they’d usually be. They were jagged, staggered, and she stumbled once or twice.

There were now more strange colors than before–a lot more red, strangely, and…the others looked different. They too were dressed in red, accompanied by all too familiar ashen black. The music began to distort, contorting into tritones and minor seconds. Even the eyes made a great return. Ritina still danced as if she had to–her body was moving on instinct, but her face wilted into one of exhaustion, fear, and despair.]

RITINA: No…not you again.

[When she thought she caught her bearings, Ritina realized that the eyes were only a singular pair, and for once, she could see a silhouette behind them. The eyes belonged to a child. A Mangkwan child. They were covered head to toe in the Mangkwan’s ashen paint; so much so, one might think their skin was naturally grey. Aside from that, a long, red stripe of paint ran vertically down the middle of their forehead down to their belly button. Their hands to their elbows were painted that same red, and their legs to the middle of their thighs were painted black. Their clothing was eerily similar to Varang’s–a black strip of fabric tied tight across their chest, a black leather loincloth, and a necklace of bone. Even their hair was styled similarly, the braids they wore being so tight and thin, they didn’t seem like braids at all. The child looked up at Ritina with deep concern, following her as she danced by holding onto her tail. Of course, Ritina didn’t feel anything other than confusion.]

RITINA: Why…why do you haunt me, spirit? What did I do?

[Only when the child turned to follow Ritina’s tail did she see that their kuru was gone. Severed. And their neck–the red coating their neck wasn’t paint, it was blood.]

RITINA: No…

[Ritina did this. There was no other explanation as to why this spirit haunted her. She had severed the kuru of a child, and slit their throat to put them out of their misery, but why–why?! Everything in her brain screamed at her that she’d never do this out of her own free will! Someone had to have forced her, and only one being held chains around her like that. Even if Varang forced her, she still did it. She still took the coward’s wretched way out.

Ritina’s dancing grew even more staggered; she was little more than flailing. She thought she saw a concerned face or two, but she couldn’t register it. The only thing spiraling through her mind was the burning ache of guilt that she had brutally stolen an innocent life. The child wouldn’t take their eyes off of her, their expression growing more and more saddened.]

RITINA: No…no–please! I’m sorry! I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry!

[Ritina was almost certain the music had stopped. A pair of strong hands grabbed Ritina’s shoulders, turning her to face them. She thought it was Minang, as her voice began to register in her ears, but she couldn’t understand a word. She was sure it was Minang now because of the hairstyle; the tsahìk led her to her tent, helping her sit down on a pile of soft fabrics. Not long after, Zawngatan barged into the tent, pressing her face up to Ritina’s. She thought she heard Minang shout, but the tsahìk left it alone upon seeing Zawngatan be such a comfort. Ritina screamed into Zawngatan’s neck, reduced to a nigh feral state: the pathetic monster she truly was.]

RITINA: I killed them…I killed them–I killed them!!!

[Zawngatan whined, nuzzling Ritina to calm her down. The ikran’s frame drooped, it was as if she knew about this. Everything about this revelation hurt like hell; Ritina pressed herself to Zawngatan’s beak, almost hoping her teeth would cut her. Two others ran into the tent; one stood by Zawngatan, stiffened, while the other immediately ran to Ritina, hugging her from behind and purring. The fact that Ritina knew who it was almost made her scream louder.]

TAMTEY: Stay with me, Ritina! Stay with me!

[The other being, whom Ritina was sure was Teylan, cautiously approached her. He then sat down next to Tamtey, joining the hug. Why…Why would they want to help her? Her, a wretched plagued with fiery insanity? A sudden hollow feeling pooled in her gut, her breathing becoming more labored.]

TEYLAN: Are you ok?! Please be ok!

[The last thing Ritina saw before everything went black was Minang rushing toward her, Tamtey and Teylan calling out Ritina’s name.]

Taglist: @dy-will-second @pirate-and-gay

Addendum: I’m so sorry for the long wait! The second full week of April was finals week, and it was Hell. I then had to move out of my college dorm. Aside from that, this scene was a BITCH to write. I didn’t have this arc outlined, so that was probably it. Either way, things should be coming out faster. Thanks for being patient with me!

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#avatar #james cameron's avatar #avatar frontiers of pandora #song of the moon #ritina te oare aungia’ite #the sarentu #tamtey #teylan #nesim #minang #kìn #etuwa #nefika #itu

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