Jane @smuttyjane - Tumblr Blog

𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝, 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞.

— pairing: gn!metkayina tsakarem!reader x younger!tonowari te tsika'u arvak'itan

written for the 'jealousy in june' event by THE namesake herself, @junebugonjupiter!

prompt no. XXXI: 'remember, you are talking to MY mate.'

synopsis: being the tsahìk in training is not easy, not in the slightest. having to spend countless days learning about different salves, doing prayer rituals at the tree of souls, and dealing with brash injured warriors. but your mate takes care to emphasize that, even when hurt, they will never speak to you with lust or with anger.

word count: 8.3k

content warnings: slightly suggestive if you squint, confrontation, angst, tonowari is NOT playing around when it comes to his mate, both are in their mid 20s and newly mated, tonowari is still eyktanay under his father, graphic descriptions of bodily injuries, most likely inaccurate descriptions of bodily injuries, there's one scene of someone having to fight despite life threatening injuries, but you don't have to read it for the whole point of the story, i love tonowari at any LEGAL age😍, lawd i love angry and jealous tonowari🤤

a/n: all of yall better get on your knees and THANK june for asking me to write this, cause i was honestly not gonna participate in her event since i feel like i can't write anything halfway decent lately but yeah i'll do anything for my queen june and cause it's my man✌️ MY MAN MY MAN THAT'S MY MANNNNNNNNN!! don't have any song inspo but i was listening to peggy by ceechyna so...not fitting but i just needed a song

got this done in 7 hours over the span of 3 days. alexander hamilton fears ME.

Tsakarem training had been anything but easy for you.

Of course, no one expected it to be easy. But the current Tsahìk, Soän, made everything look so effortless, when in truth, you were ready to fall asleep as soon as you crossed the woven walkways to your marui [home]. She worked you all day and well into Eclipse, sending you home often in the middle of the night. Those were the days where she let you rest past the morning sun, but it only meant grueling training was simply delayed farther into the day. You tried your best to keep up the mask of a future Tsahìk, pushing through the fatigue, and sometimes even the pain of each day.

But one Na'vi could see right through each attempt.

Each morning, when you woke, it was Tonowari who wrapped a broad arm around your midsection, bringing you into his chest just a little longer. It was he who whispered his pride and affections before the two of you had to split for your respective duties, savoring the closeness and privacy not afforded often to the Eyktanay [Olo'eyktan-in-waiting] and Tsakarem [Tsahìk-in-waiting] of the Metkayina. It was he who helped massage your tense shoulders after letting you bandage his cuts and scrapes from training out past the reefs. Tonowari was always by your side when he could be, showering you with soft kisses and gentle embraces whether in public or in the privacy of your own home, letting the entire clan know of his love and devotion towards you.

And that, that was what you needed to rely on for this particular morning.

Tsahìk Soän was traveling with her husband, the Olo'eyktan, which left Tonowari in charge of the village as one of his Eyktanay trials, being their son and next in line to ascend to the title. Your mate had to leave early that morning, pressing a kiss to your temple, which woke you earlier than he knew you wanted, but for him, you wouldn't mind in the slightest. Sitting up in the woven swayvini [a hammock meant for more than one Na'vi] that the two of you shared, you watched Tonowari move around the marui, donning his bright orange shawl that you made for him, then moving to the weapons mantle to gather his spear and knife before his ears turned in the direction of your movement. His face became just slightly less apprehensive, and more relaxed with a hint of worry when he saw you were awake, staring silently with pleading eyes while he tried to get ready quietly.

"Do you have to go now, ma yawnetu [my love]? Must you leave before the sun comes?"

Setting his spear back in its place, just beside yours on the weapons mantle, Tonowari moves towards you, resting a warm, calloused hand on your cheek, savoring the way you automatically curl into his touch, comfortable in the very home, the very hammock he built just for you, but always upset to see him go.

"I must go, tìywan [beloved]. I have to meet with the leiokoaktu [elders] so they can assist me with leading the village for the next fortnight. But I will be at your call whenever you wish to see me."

For the first time that day, and what would happen to be the last for a long while, you offered your mate a soft smile, your chest warm with the knowledge of his true dedication to you and your bond. Ever since the mating ceremonies, and even well before then, the two of you have been inseparable. First as friends, then as something more, that bond only growing stronger as the two of you were poised to lead the Metkayina clan for as long as you were able. There was a strong connection, something deeper than no one to could tear apart, not his parents, not even yours. It was the kind of love that you would fight for, the kind you would protect, the kind you would die for.

So having to part to early, to relinquish time that you cherished, it left a sour feeling that cast doubts in the back of your mind. Was this how life would be after the two of you rose to power? Would leading the clan be the very thing that drove the two of you apart? No, you wouldn't dwell on that. You knew the love, the bond that you and Tonowari shared was stronger than anything, even stronger than Eywa could say. Still, it was not easy.

Especially with the day you had ahead of you.

𓇼𓂃 𓈒𓏸‪‪ ˚｡⋆

Tsahìk Soän may have been gone for the next few days, but that did not mean you were let off of training.

In fact, it meant you were to step into the role of Tsahìk for a few days, taking care of the village and using the gift Eywa bestowed upon you to guide your People. And to provide healing, alongside some of the younger apprentices that you helped train. After you were able to see Tonowari off, you quickly dressed, putting on your Tsakarem skirt that denoted your rank, alongside the shell that would mark your title when you became Tsahìk. Quickly grabbing your knife, and tying your herb pouches on your waist, letting them sit right next to your waytelem [songcord], you moved to leave your marui, tying the flaps partially closed to signify its vacancy, before moving down the woven walkways between Awa'atlu. Many of the Na'vi you passed greeted you, but the air felt different. They held you in a higher regard, many even offering smiles, proud to see the warrior and the healer that you have grown into over your life. When you made it to the healers' tents, there were a man and a woman outside waiting for you, two Na'vi you recognized as apprentices underneath you and Tsahìk Söan.

The young woman, Tsunal, had a fearful, but hesitant look on her face, clearly having witnessed something she did not plan to see this early in the morning. Beside her, the young man, Rimun, managed to break the tense silence just before you could speak up and asked what happened.

"Tsahìk, the Olo'eyktan's guard went past the seawall terraces, fending off akula, but a large pod of them attacked the group. All forty of them have injuries that require your expertise." The two apprentices bowed slightly as you took in the situation before you, your mind not expecting to be addressed by the title that you had not yet achieved. It made you feel warm all across your body, this kind of elevation starting to get to your head, but you shook the thoughts out of your mind as you nodded, acknowledging the work that your apprentices had already managed to handle.

"I thank the both of you for coming out and meeting me. I will handle the most severe of the injuries, while I allow the two of you to lead the rest of the healers in taking care of those who sustained no more than flesh wounds until I have stabilized those who need me most. Tsunal, where did you send the tsamsiyu [warrior(s)] with the worst injuries? Take me to them. Rimun, gather the healers and begin preparing salves while attending to the healers in the eastern tents."

The two healers nodded, Tsunal leading you to the western tents where cries of pain could be heard before you even saw the maruis that part of the Olo'eyktan's guard were being held in. Rimun quickly went inside the largest of the eastern tents, gathering healers to form a plan. Internally, you sighed heavily, knowing that it was going to be an impossibly long day. Most of the tsamsiyu who fought alongside the Olo'eyktan were already egotistical, believing they were the best of the best, 'Eywa's favorites' or so they said. They were arrogant, all of the Na'vi who were chosen loving nothing more than to fight one another, some even fighting for the hand of each other's mates. It was disgusting, repulsive, but you knew all forty of the tsamsiyu by name, most growing up alongside you, some even childhood friends of yours. And as acting Tsahìk, you needed to maintain niceties before one of them got so angry that they bled out on the marui floor.

"The worst of them all, some of us healers were able to put in the back of the tent, near the opening to allow for the sea breeze to come in. Four of the ten tsamsiyu have caught fevers from their bodies trying to heal, and the others are growing cold with each passing minute. We had to start a fire and keep cloths full of warm and cool water to try and satiate everyone's need. It is...dire, to say the least, Tsahìk."

This news caught your ear. The Olo'eyktan's guard only departed just after Eclipse last night, and to hear there were four whose condition worsened so bad, to the point of fever was very concerning. You knew that the chill the other six were experiencing could be remedied easier than bringing down a fever, and coupled with the critical injuries, you needed to work quickly and precisely before you had a preventable death on your hands.

"Who among the four with fevers are faring the worst?"

"There are two. Netuni, she sustained large, deep gashes along her legs and midsection, with some bruising on her internal organs from the examination I was able to perform before she coughed blood on my shawl. I asked two healers to keep her still, and there is tea brewing for her on the fire we made. And Ruma, he had an akula bite into his left shoulder.¹ Some of the flesh is missing, and there are currently three healers trying to stop the bleeding, but no herbs and no pastes we have tried are working. I fear he may die of blood loss if you do not help us."

Following Tsunal into the healers' marui, the first thing that hit your senses was the smell in the room. It was warm, but the whipping of the sea breeze sent a rush of air around you that carried with it the familiar salt of the ocean. Then the underlying scent of a deep iron settled deep across your chest, the blood of all ten warriors and their injuries too prominent to ignore. The potent aroma of herbs, some steeping in a tea by the txeptseng [hearth], others being ground into pastes and salves before application onto the bodies of each tsamsiyu was enough to make even the most experienced healers nauseous. But you maintained your composure, moving quickly to the opened side of the tent to assist the two warriors that needed your attention most.

"Look at you, playing Tsahìk for the day." The tired, but still supercilious voice of Netuni hit your ears just as you were able to take in the state of her beaten and battered body. Tattoos overlapping the heavy bruises she had on her stomach, alongside the large scars that had thick paste smothered across each and wrapped in large pieces of soft tanleng [tree bark]. Tsunal knelt quietly, applying an ointment to the small cuts on Netuni's face, lips, and shoulders, but the warrior would not break eye contact with you, no matter what went on around the two of you.

"And I am the only Na'vi who can heal you. So I suggest you obey what I say." Taking in the sickly pallor that drowned out any color in Netuni's face, you brought the steeping bowl of tea off the fire, analyzing how Netuni would not stop perspiring even with the chill that ran down your spine at each gust of wind brought in from the open flaps she was laid by. Pouring a small cup for her to drink, you handed it to the woman not with grace, but with an urgency that even years of training could not stay hidden for long. As Netuni drank, you turned and began to prepare a thick tincture, reminiscent of koaktutral [medicinal flowers] but much more potent, and far more lethal if prepared incorrectly. Tsahìk Soän only taught you to prepare a medicine as precise as this, for it was only by a Tsakarem or a Tsahìk that this tincture would be as effective as possible. While you worked, the other healers managed to stabilize Ruma, his bleeding slowing with typical blood clotting pastes, his skin color slowly returning as he came to his senses. Slowly, but surely, he was doing better than Netuni, whose fever was still high, even with how irritating she was at the moment.

Your tail swayed slowly behind you, giving away your apprehension, as your hands worked faster than your mind could comprehend, having made the medicine hundreds of times. Unbeknownst to you, Netuni was enjoying the sight that she was afforded, the way you moved with an effortless grace, the tone of your muscles with each movement you made. From the necklaces you chose, to the silky waves of your hair that cascaded down your back, even tracing the beads that encircled your waist, her eyes would not leave your body. You looked simply tantalizing.

"You know, I think the role of Tsahìk, is something you wear well, sevin [pretty]." You finally turned around, seeing the pure lust that was in no way hidden as it danced across Netuni's eyes, bile seeping into your throat at the very thought of her trying to objectify you. Even more so while you had just mated with the love of your life, all of the ceremonies being something Netuni hadn't missed. She knew you were spoken for, that you were happily mated, but she was never one to be faithful. Two broken bonds that ended with her mates heartbroken, she was willing to fight for whatever pretty thing caught her eye next, commitment be damned.

"Keep those indecent thoughts to yourself, woman. I am spoken for. And my mate is much better than whatever remnants of a relationship you could give me." Not even needing to look back, you were pleased at how the warrior grew angered by your sharp words, even her breathing changing giving her emotion away. With no care for her injuries, Netuni sat up quickly, her arm catching your bicep, squeezing hard enough to bruise. She wanted you to know who she thought held power. In spite of her body screaming in protest, her internal injuries surely worsened.

The sudden movement made you drop your Tsakarem knife, almost spilling the poisonous part of the plant you were preparing to steep in the tincture for the warriors bruised organs. You tried to pull away, Tsunal even stepping between the two of you, but Netuni held a vice-like grip on your arm, not daring to let go, even as footsteps slowly began to approach the healers' tent the three of you were currently in.

𓇼𓂃 𓈒𓏸‪‪ ˚｡⋆

There was one thing Tonowari wanted nothing more than to do after an arduous day of leading the People.

He wanted to see you. Nothing would make his day more than getting to hold you in his arms, taking in the scent of sea salt and fresh fruit that always followed you, a scent he memorized from the first time he asked to court you. The elders stretched him thin, making him assess the problematic hunt that occurred within the Olo'eyktan's guard, visiting with the neighboring Ta'unui clan, even overseeing the mid-morning and afternoon catches, though he was only a half-decent fisher. It felt as if he had to be everywhere all at once today, so there was one more stop Tonowari wanted to make before asking around to see where you were.

In his heart, he knew that as you were to take up the mantle of Tsahìk beside him, that the village of Awa'atlu was well under your reign as equal leaders. Your expertise, the dedication to your practice that had been honed over the many years of training, would aid you well, he had faith in that. But he had more faith in you, your steady presence guiding the People even better than he thought he could.

Traversing the woven walkways amongst the village, the Eyktanay stopped by the southern gardens, speaking to some of the women who know his mother, the Tsahìk, well. They doted on his strength, shared their pride, all of their superficial compliments showing they meant well and wished for prosperity as the transition of power began soon. They somehow were able to read his mind, as a large bouquet of paysyul [water lilies] were placed in his arms, 'a gift for our next Tsahìk,' the women soon ushering him away so they could continue harvesting herbs for preservation.

Tonowari walked slow, savoring the sea breeze along the shore, enjoying the feeling of the sand beneath his feet. His mind wandered, one hand held onto his spear as the other was tight around the flowers meant for you, thinking about how your day had gone. Had you gone straight to the healers' tents to lead the efforts with the injured tsamsiyu? The elders told him only surface details, not going father than to alert him that all forty were injured, and some were worse than others. He knew you would stay level-headed if that was what you had to deal with all day, putting any of them who stepped out of life back in their place. Still, he worried about you, having to deals with skxawngs [idiots] like that. They were all brash, too worried about the spoils that came with war, and trying to recreate that glory, to care about the feelings of those in their path.

So if he had to, Tonowari would put them back in line before they disrespected his love.

As he approached the healers' maruis, there was the faint sound of yelling, then hissing, his mind automatically registering the sound of your voice. But it wasn't normal, not like he expected it to be. It was loud, upset, defensive. He assumed the worst, that one of his own people dared to threaten you, his Tsahìk? Holding tight onto the flowers still in his arms, he went through each healing marui, stopping when Tsunal stepped outside, her hands stained from the pigment of ointments and teas being made from sunrise well past High Noon, with efforts most likely having to continue into the night.

"Tsunal! Where is the Tsahìk? I heard a scream and—"

The young healer sighed, her body weary and exhausted from the day, but trying to maintain composure to not startle Tonowari any further than he already seemed to be.

"Olo'eyktan, Tsahìk is inside trying to deal with Netuni. I was told to step outside so that 'the situation can be handled.' Do you need help with those flowers?"

Tonowari immediately shakes his head, handing Tsunal his spear to free up his hands, brushing past the young woman and into the tent behind her, as she looked on not with surprise, but rather with a knowing gaze. Moving back to the other healers' tents, she steps inside another, leaving the spear she was handed propped against the interior wall of the marui Tonowari ran in.

Inside said marui, the Eyktanay was met with a sight that nearly brought him to his knees, the bouquet of paysyul almost falling out of his arms as he set it down to deal with the issue at hand. Your arm was still held by Netuni, your pleas and desperate attempts to pull away only met with more force, the woman not relenting as she bared her fangs, daring you to keep moving, like you were her prey. Your face was contorted not in shock, but in true fear, the bruises the tsamsiyu's hands already left marked your tattooed skin, covering the ceremonial markings that you received with pride.

"Look at you! You pathetic little kali'weya [bitch], you cannot even make a simple medicine to heal me! You are not fit to be my Tsahìk—"

"Netuni!"

The room fell silent, Netuni becoming completely still, suddenly aware of the pain that flared beneath her skin. She tried and failed to lie back down without assistance, feigning innocence as the one man who could and would kill her stepped farther inside the marui, immediately rushing to your side, Tonowari holding you in his arms as he assessed the injury on your bicep. After careful reassurance that you were mostly alright, his gaze landed sharply onto Netuni, staying low as he moved towards her, like a predator ready to strike. The fact that she dare touch you, and have the audacity to leave you marked, that awoke a deep-seated anger that was extremely rare in the typically level-headed Eyktanay.

"Remember, woman, you are talking to my mate. And do not ever question the role of your Tsahìk, before I tear your head from your spine and use you as bait for my next hunt."

You openly welcomed the comfort of your mate's arms, away from her. But your mind, your morals, they were torn between obeying your training, healing at all costs, putting the People before yourself at times, and staying away. You know Netuni would not touch you with Tonowari here beside you, but she risked internal bleeding with all of the movement she kept doing. She needed the tincture, and she needed it now. But your mate wouldn't let you out of the embrace of his hold, even turning you away from the tsamsiyu, blocking your view of her as the other healers in the marui slowly, apprehensively, began to check on Netuni. They realized, once you were not moving back near her, that they needed to take up the responsibilities that were thrown out of the window when the woman attacked you.

"Tonowari, I need to finish the tincture—"

"No. She has hurt you, she had laid hands on what is mine. Netuni does not get the privilege of your expertise if she does not understand respect."

Without another word, Tonowari gathered the flowers he left by the entrance, as well as his spear that Tsunal left on the side, before ushering you out, giving Netuni one last glare before the two of you began walking away from the healers' tents and towards your own home.

𓇼𓂃 𓈒𓏸‪‪ ˚｡⋆

Eclipse settled slowly across Ewya'eveng [Pandora].

And through reports from your apprentices, it seemed all ten critically injured tsamsiyu were in stable condition. Including Netuni.

The healers managed to prepare enough of an herbal tea that brought her fever down, her organs slowly returning to normal after repeated examinations and four of them even tying her down to the woven floor. The far side of the village returned to peace, but inside your own marui, it was a different story.

Tonowari had long abandoned repairing a few nets to bring back a sense of cool to your home. But the tension was incredibly thick, his anger seething, seeping into every crack of the home that the two fo you built together. He was pacing along the length of the marui, while you kindled a fire in your home's txeptseng, preparing a meal for the two of you to share in private. The rest of the clan was gathered at the communal meal, but it was not appropriate for their acting leaders to appear in this state, one ready to snap and the other injured by hands that were not at all gentle, but ready to harm.

"Ma yawnetu, please, come and sit. It has been a long day."

"I cannot rest knowing that I left you to be subject to that. Netuni hurt you. She preyed upon your nature, your care about every Na'vi, regardless of their past. She does not deserve any more treatment after she laid hands on my mate."

Setting your knife down, you walk over to Tonowari, making him stop in his tracks, his tail swinging behind him, slow and controlled, another tell of his anger. Your hands rested on his shoulder, giving them a gentle squeeze to remind your mate of your presence, that you are here now. Alive. Guiding Tonowari to sit beside the fire, you kneel down in front of him, noticing how he would not look up to meet your eyes. But he kept you close, one of your hands kept safe underneath his own, as if he did not want to let you go, not wanting to risk someone else laying hands on his beloved.

"Is this the price we must pay to lead together? You must contend with people fighting over you, and I must worry about having my mate stolen from me?"

"Tonowari. I am here, and I am safe. That is what matters most, my love. Not Netuni. Not what she did. I am yours, and yours alone."

Setting down your knife, you shifted to face him fully, cradling your mate's face in your hands, seeing the exhaustion, the defeat in his eyes. It made your heart feel heavy, knowing that he felt as if he failed you, that he believed the clan did not know you were his.

"When I spoke those vows during our mating ceremony, I promised my life to you, just as you promised yours to me. When we made tsaheylu [the neural connection] at the Great Tree, I made it only with you. No one, and I mean none of those warriors, none of those Na'vi outside of these walls, will ever know me like you do."

"I am not a prize to be won, I am not a trophy to be paraded around by some arrogant bastard who knows nothing about me past my looks. I am your mate, I am your Tsahìk. You are the one my soul belongs to. Do not forget that."

Tonowari wrapped his arms around your waist, drawing you close, as a small smile graced his features, a sight you thought had been lost to the morning. He laid his head on your shoulder, pressing a kiss to your neck as he took in the scent that he'd been missing all morning, savoring the touch of what was only his. Sensing your head turning, he looked up, following your line of sight to the paysyul that had been set down at the front of your marui, his mind completely forgetting about them in his anger about the afternoon.

"The women in the herb gardens gave them to me. I thought of you as soon as they put them in my arms."

You press a kiss to his temple, standing to retrieve the pink and white flowers to set them in a small wooden bowl of water, their petals bright, welcoming, much unlike the weight of duty that the two of you were learning was heavy on its bearer. But those responsibilities you left at the front of you home, relishing in the quiet comfort of one another, eating in peace, the solace between you and Tonowari strong. Until he breaks the silence, his voice hesitant, testing the waters of the atmosphere the two of you spent hours kindling.

"I still do not think Netuni should be able to bruise my mate without punishment."

While in the middle of cleaning up the leaves you used as placemats, your ears turned quickly to the sound of Tonowari speaking, your brows furrowing at his statement. You thought the two of you left that in the past. Netuni laid her hands on you. But it was no longer your matter, only the Great Mother's. But your mate would not let that suffice.

Besides, what was the harm in exacting some revenge?

Netuni was bold enough to reach for you while she was injured, her mind not bothering to think of the consequences.

That familiar, looming pressure of authority settled across your home. You turned to look at your mate; his face was masked with dancing shadows from the fire. Tonowari was plotting. You had only seen his become this rigid, this stoic once before. When some of the Olo'eyktan's guard, all of them being his and your peers, disobeyed his direct order.

Hell had been raised upon the tsamsiyu from the one man they never expected.

Yet it seems that one warrior had not learned from her first encounter with the wrath of your mate.

So she would know once more. And she would never forget.

𓇼𓂃 𓈒𓏸‪‪ ˚｡⋆

When dawn bathed the village in warm purples, oranges, and reds, the rest of the Metkayina clan began their day.

But for you, and for Tonowari, the day began far earlier, before Eclipse even ended. The two of you were a force to be reckoned with, like a storm beginning to arrive on the shores of Awa'atlu.

Though only one Na'vi would have to deal with its consequences.

The two of you dressed quickly, Tonowari wearing his shawl that marked his status, marked his power, as you wore your Tsahìk garments, your presence just as strong as your mate's, formidable, able to bend the knee and bow the head of all you passed. The two of you planned late in the night, that Netuni would not get away with her offense. If she wanted to fight, if she wanted to stake claim to you, then a fight she will have.

Injured or not.

As soon as the two of you stepped out of the marui, hand in hand, all of the Metkayina nearby froze, not using to seeing the Eyktanay and Tsakarem so furious, so determined to deliver something or someone to their fate. Hunters, healers, gatherers, all who stood in your way parted like the sea, both in awe and in fear of the wrath of their next leaders.

Tonowari moved faster than a storm-turned current out past the reefs; his hand holding yours in a firm grip, determined to show his people just who your mate was. He wasted no time leading you to the healers' marui where Netuni was staying, Tsunal immediately falling silent as she watched the two of you approached, her heart hammering with fear. The young healer heard everything that transpired yesterday, and she simply hoped that she would not be subjected to the misguided anger of a man who was not at all quick to become mad.

"Olo'eyktan, Tsahìk. What brings the both of you—?"

"Tsunal, is Netuni awake?" You didn't waste any time, your guarded rage being the only somewhat calm presence, contrasting with Tonowari's own temper. If your plan were to to work smoothly, then it could not start with unbridled emotions. Things needed to be controlled, to be saved for what was to come. Your mate stayed silent to your right, his head hung low, deep in thought. His free hand held a vice grip on his spear, which you secretly feared he was going to break over the back of the woman whose fate was sat in his hands, in his actions.

"She is inside, awake. But...what are you planning to do, Olo'eyktan?"

Tonowari nodded, offering quick thanks to the young woman before pulling you behind him to step into the tent, only stopping just before the flaps fully closed, to answer Tsunal. "I am planning to give that woman what she really wants."

The smell of herbs, blood and salt hit your nose, making you stagger, the weight of you falling back immediately alerting Tonowari. His hands flew to your waist, offering a steady presence while you recover from the sudden pungency in the air, something that you hadn't gotten used to for the day. It somehow smelled even worse than yesterday, but you were not here to heal. Not yet.

You would heal after everything was said and done. Though, enough had been said.

It was time for for something to get done.

Your steps were light, cautious as you wove around the other nine Na'vi still laid on the soft woven floors of the marui, all being attended to by different healers, most having improved. The source of that bloodied smell came from the scattered bowls laid beside Netuni, her skin even paler than it was a full day ago. She could barely open her eyes, a thin sheen of sweat reflecting the sunlight that came in from the open flaps that let in sea breeze, something that was supposed to alleviate the weight of her fever. It seems that Eywa has already begun exacting her punishment.

But now, it was your turn.

Shifting your armband, the one that matched with Tonowari, as it sat atop your bruise, the three-fingered hand print turning a deep, angry purple as it healed. Every object that it brushed over reminding you of that moment, of when you felt so out of control, so left at the mercy of another. When Netuni made you, a warrior, a healer, made you feel as small as a child as she hurt you.

And right now, she would know how it felt to be made inferior.

"Netuni. Sit up." You voice echoed throughout the woven tent, healers and even the injured turning their ears and heads to face you. The command in your tone was sharp, not able to be ignored, and some of the healers beside you cowered in fear, moving to get out of your way. It was the first time most had seen their Tsakarem angry, but with how fast they moved out of the way, they knew that this was not going to be the last time Netuni has to face the consequences of her actions.

The woman's gaze lazily drifted to meet yours, her face remaining still, rigid. Her eyes were glassy, not fully conscious of what was going on. Netuni's lips were tinted red with blood, having coughed up what seemed to be three bowls' worth overnight, the bruising on her skin blooming, prominent, as she sat up, fighting with each movement made. Those purple-blue contusions, reminiscent of the clouds, were marks of her condition worsening, likely strained by all the movement from the day before. It serves her right. She should have known better than to test you. And while at the mercy of your healing, your knowledge.

"Hear my words. You have harmed your next Tsahìk, and that is an offense punishable by death. But," you let out a low chuckle, glancing at your mate, the burning fire beneath his sea-blue irises enough to strike fear in even the coldest of hearts.

"It seems that you might be able to meet the Great Mother without my mate have to try hard."

Netuni spat out another mouthful of blood, arrogance flaring in her demeanor as she glared at you, the daring nature of her spirit clashing with the war that was your incredibly resilient resolve.

"What the hell are you even—?"

"Since you see me as some pretty little prize, you will fight my mate for my hand. If he wins, you are to submit and give up your proud ways, and embrace humility. If you win, then, I will make the bond with you. You will stand and fight today, at High Noon. You have just a few moments longer to wait. Do what you must to stop my mate from killing you. But know that I will not stop him."

With that, you walked out of the healers' tent, Tonowari not even bothering to look back at the sickly pallor Netuni's face took on, her face frozen in a state of utter disbelief. A pit formed in her stomach as she replayed the moment when she grabbed you over and over, her mind struggling to grasp the fact that she would not win this fight.

But it was too late.

Her fate was sealed.

𓇼𓂃 𓈒𓏸‪‪ ˚｡⋆

High Noon was bright, Tsawke [Alpha Centauri A] beaming down on the sandy shores of western Awa'atlu, the closest to the healers' maruis.

You were sat on a small moss-covered rock, your eyes tracking the water like a sailor pointed north, not wavering, focused on only one thing. The rigidity with which you sat was eerie, a guardian sat upon their pedestal, watching Tonowari pace against the sand, his ears pinned to his head. His tail thrashed behind him, a silent testament to the anger that radiated off his tattooed back in waves, while the bright orange olo'eyktan shawl that marked his status kept swaying in the wind.

"She is late. A coward when it truly matters." Your mate's voice cut through the tension, sharp, a controlled fury that left an odd feeling sitting low in your stomach. He was right, Netuni is late, and she was known for boasting her ability to spar. She would never miss an opportunity that gave her the chance to display her strength, injured or not.

But the real reason you wanted her to fight, was for her to finally be put in her place.

Netuni had been like this ever since the two of you completed your iknimaya [coming-of-age rites] together. It was in her nature, to fight, to win. Her father and mother were on the Olo'eyktan's guard, the two of them being part of the forty warriors who managed to take down twelve akula in one hunt. It was Eywa's plan for her to devote her strength to this craft, but it came with a price to everyone around her. Many times, she would fight with other warriors in training, proudly declaring that one day, she would have your hand, that the two of you would stand together as the strongest couple in Awa'atlu. And for a short while, you believed her.

Until Tonowari came, and enamored you in a way you never believed your heart would desire. So if Netuni really wanted you, then she would fight. You knew those juvenile feelings hadn't dissapated for her like they did for you.

Therefore, you would let her come.

"She will come, ma tsamsiyu. The woman is still injured. But I know her pride, and the adrenaline of a fight will lure her in."

As soon as the words left your lips, Netuni came limping around the corner, the bright yellow shawl of Tsunal, currently helping her, the first indication that she was near. Her hand held a death grip on her spear, using it as a crutch, a lifeline, to stand up straight. Netuni's breathing was uneven, her exhales sharper and sounding more painful than her inhalation. The brusing across her ribs and stomach had worsened from just hours ago, angry red welts popping up along their edges, creating a jagged outline right where her organs had been critically injured.³

Despite her injuries, Netuni wasted no time, immediately raising her spear and lunging for Tonowari's chest, her blade nearly missing his shoulder as he knelt to avoid her. You stood from you place along the rocks, running to pull Tsunal by the arm, to get her out of the way of danger. Her face was paler than the sea, her body frozen in horror at how close she had come to meeting Eywa. Guiding her away from the two warriors, you had her sit beside you, while your eyes met your mate's, a silent conversation passing from yours to his, those oceans that held so much conveying everything you needed to know.

Tonowari needed to end this now.

Without truly killing Netuni, anyway.

But was it truly the right thing to do?

The whole reason this...clearly unfair fight came to fruition began last night, as a blanket of dark quiet enveloped Awa'atlu. The only fire kept burning was the one that lit your marui, you and Tonowari having gone quiet after dinner. Emotions were high, as you nursed your bruise and your mate laid his head on your lap, a blank stare across his expression. It was suffocating, the feeling being lusted over like you were. You knew it was bound to happen, that it was unavoidable. It being from Netuni, even less surprising. But you still just couldn't understand why she would go as far as trying to keep you away from the man whose heart you already captured.

"I stand by what I said earlier."

"You truly want to make Netuni pay for what she has done."

Tonowari sighed from where he lay, his muscular arms coming to sit folded atop his chest. He needed to make that woman pay. The only issue being what method did she deserve? Netuni was wrong, there was no doubt. She put her hands on his mate, on the love of his life, his lover that he was meant to protect. But she put her life on the line, she went out and fought against akula. The most dangerous creatures across all of Pandora's seas. She was willing to go to the extreme to fight for the People. It left Tonowari feeling conflicted.

"I do. But she..." He sighed, hesitant in admitting what he really wanted to say to you. He wondered what you would say. She wronged you, it was meant to be your call. But with his say in the matter, Netuni deserved only a punishment she could handle now. There would not be time for this issue to simmer into a a deadly poison that could be turned either way, ruining both your reputation and hers with just one wrong word.

"She does not deserve anything too harsh. She is already close enough to death as it is."

There it was.

You expected something...docile to come form your mate. As strong and as dangerous as he was, he was never quick to anger. And he despised giving harsh reprimand in a situation as ambiguous as this. So you would front the effort of giving that woman what she deserved. You pressed the medicine hard into the imprinted palm on your bicep, wincing at the sting of the ointment as you placed it on, but your mind did not waver from its goal.

"Then let me choose what she will face."

Everything had culminated to this. From the hours the two of you spent poring over a plan of action, to your approach, to convincing Netuni out here, possibly to fight to her death. Was this really the price she should pay?

That was when it dawned on you.

None of this was about honor, nor was it about pride.

It was about you.

You simply wanted to see how far your mate was willing to go for you. That secret voice of doubt and disbelief was whispering to you that if Tonowari really loved you, if he really would protect you, like he always promised, then he would fight an injured woman.

He would kill for you.

Kill the one woman who claimed to show just as much devotion to you as he did.

You wanted to prove to yourself that you made the right choice.

Running up to step between Netuni, who was on bended knee in the sand, fighting for every gasp of air she took, and Tonowari, you glance between the two of them, your hands creating enough space that they could not charge toward one another without harming you first.

"Tonowari, wait. Just...wait." You crouched down to inspect the fallen woman, Tsunal close behind with a small jar of salve to administer with bandages. Netuni could barely lift her head, she looked close to the point of falling into a coma. Guilt seeped deep into your conscience, where the rightful blame laid. As much of an ass she could be, no one should be fighting while battling death itself.

Your mate had come closer, silently relieved he didn't have to spar with a warrior who stood no chance in a state like Netuni's. As he looked over at your face, written with disgust, seemingly at yourself. Your eyes were lined with sorrow, finally showing regret for escalating a small, albeit disrespectful, moment, to a fight between life and death.

Immediately, your hands flew to grasp Tonowari's forearms, tears falling freely down your cheeks as you realize the gravity of what your decision led to. Your mind was a torrent of emotions, trying to pull yourself back together and make sense of everything, but you were lucky to have a mate who knew you, sometimes even better than you did yourself.

"Ma yawnetu, mawey [be calm]. Mawey—"

"I wanted you to kill her! Eywa, what is wrong with me? I just—I just wanted to see if you truly would kill for me, and I know that Netuni would because she has always wanted me...but I wanted to truly see if I made the right decision and—"

At your confession, Tonowari stepped back, his gait staggered as he realized the weight of what you chose last night. Why you wanted him to fight for your hand. He had known about you and Netuni, how there was something that she felt for you, but not that it was reciprocated. He had no clue that you thought about the possibilities with...with her. Of all warriors.

But, you chose him.

How ironic, considering your words just one night ago.

Despite your doubts, despite what your subconscious said, you loved him. And you loved him wholly. Without boundaries. From the smallest of things, adjusting how you slept so he could sleep cooler at night, to parading with him around the village after your mating ceremony, relishing in being bonded to him, you loved him more than even you could say.

He moved closer to you, cradling your head in his hands as his thumbs wiped away the last of your tears, the earliest of which left a streak on your face. A marker of your true remorse, that you recognized the error of your ways. Tonowari offered you a soft smile, giving you a quick, but weighted kiss, savoring the taste of sweet fruit and sea salt that he longed to be near for as long as he lived.

"I can only speak for myself, but despite what you believe, you made the right decision, my flower. I have loved you from the moment that I laid eyes on you, and when I began to court you, I knew in my heart that you loved me just as hard as I did."

"I understand that you were conflicted. I understand doubting a decision, hoping that the path you chose was the right one. But know that I would go to the ends of this moon to do whatever you asked of me. And you know this. As for Netuni..." His voice trailed off, the two of you looked over as Tsunal began to escort her back to the healers' maruis, her gaze sharp, deadly, though still sickly. You could see it in her stance; the way her shoulders are slumped, clutching her spear and Tsunal's extended arm like a lifeline. She was not in it for you, not wanting to do it for your hand. Of course not. Netuni just wanted a fight, just wanted to try and beat Tonowari for bragging rights.

A wet laugh escapes your lips, watching the healer and the broken warrior make their way back to the center of Awa'atlu, leaving you and Tonowari with some semblance of solace. You lean into his side, letting a large arm wrap around your shoulders, enveloping you in the scent of salt, musk, and herbs, bringing you comfort.

"I am sorry that I ever doubted your love. I am truly sorry. I should have done better by you, and you deserve better than what I have subjected you to."

"It is—"

"No," you interjected. You knew Tonowari would be far too forgiving. It was endearing, but at times, misplaced. He deserved to know that this was more than just some fleeting doubt in the back of your head. "It is not alright. Our bond is strong, it is sacred. I know better than to judge that, than to doubt that you love me just as much as I love you. I cannot tell you to never forget how strong our bond is, then forget it myself. Netuni does not and will not deserve me like you do. I am yours. So I ask for your forgiveness."

Feigning deep thought, it didn't take long for your mate to offer you a smile, extending a hand to help you up from where you were knelt on the sand. Tonowari helped pull you up, squeezing your hand tight as the two of you began walking back through Awa'atlu, many of the People nodding and offering greetings as their next leaders passed.

"I do forgive you. I always will, kalin [lit. sweet]. It is natural to have doubts, especially with all that you went through with Netuni. But I will love you, and I will kill for you if she tries that again. Though I hope it is a fair fight."

The laughter that bubbles up in your chest is hearty, warm and carefree. For the first time all day, you finally felt at peace despite everything that happened. It was truly refreshing. There was no longer a thickness in your throat, no longer a weight on your chest. No more warriors to deal with, no more added stress of being Tsahìk resting on your shoulders. You would handle that as it came tomorrow, with a clearer spirit.

As Tonowari guided you back to your marui, you embrace the closeness of the moment, grateful to the Gracious Mother that she gave you a caring, and forgiving mate.

Though, next time, you will not put yourself in a situation that requires Eywa to test his patience.

Love was difficult. It had ups and downs, situations that were unprecedented. But as fierce as the desire might be, you will not let petty arguments, doubts, and wrongful bloodlust test your bond.

Because you belonged to Tonowari.

Just as much as he belonged to you.

𓇼𓂃 𓈒𓏸‪‪ ˚｡⋆

thank you for reading! let me know if you liked it! comments and reblogs are always appreciated <3

— taglist: @smuttyjane @lejardinfleur @xilaze @scarhein @tigerpetals @corabrown19 @pookiecookie2 @yukichan67 @llovekats @swimmingnightcolor @/junebugonjupiter @homosexual-sheep

1 — could you tell i wanted an injury like neteyam got in ATWOW...? i needed something like seriously life threatening and pulled this out my bootyhole

2 — i had this thought like if the normal leaders are gone, whoever steps up in their place are called by those titles, so when people are talking you see them refer to reader as tsahìk and tonowari as olo'eyktan. but during narration, i refer to them by what they actually are for the purpose of the timeline we're following okay? it just makes sense to me idk yall

3 — literally all i could think of here was that one fight sound that goes 'CRITICAL HIT!' not sure what game it's from. but also 'katana wins, flawless victory' from either mortal kombat or street fighter. i just thought it was so funny to ME😭😭😭

i'm sorry husband...

this actual BULLSHIT feels like a weight off my chest...it turned out so messy like i'm irritated now...let me get to writing for the rest of my requests before i get mad

DONE BADDIES and that is my sole contribution to this event since i'm actually convinced my writing is SHIT

i think everyone should totally do the jealousy in june event cause their writing is better than mine anyway

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