DID YOU NOTICE?
☆彡SUMMARY.; Neteyam had to leave you behind and now, you’re with him again, except now, he feels a bit.. different about you.
☆彡FEATURED.; CRUSH! Neteyam x FEM! Omatikaya Reader, NEWFOUND BESTFRIEND!Tsireya x FEM! Omatikaya Reader
☆彡TROPE.; Childhood Friends to Lovers
☆彡FORMAT.; SERIES (ESTIMATED :: 2 PARTS!!) (PART 2 HERE!!)
☆彡WORD COUNT.; 5.6k
☆彡GENRE.; Mostly Fluff, a little bit of Angst
☆彡WARNINGS.; Cursing (only a bit), Slight AFAA spoiler (only one), Neteyam is like emotionally unaware of his own feelings for a bit
☆彡NOTES.; so.. after a lonngggg while, I’m back💀. avatar is my favorite movie franchise so I thought why not write for my favorite character (in my mind, he’s alive and well guys and I’m sticking to it👁️👁️.) ANYWHOOO I hope you enjoy!!💕
REBLOGS ARE APPRECIATED🤍.
🎧CREDS TO THE ARTIST OF THE FANART🎧
He still remembers the feeling like it was yesterday because it practically was.
The day his parents told him they had to leave their homeland and flee to some faraway land. A clan far beyond their own, surrounded by others in which he did not know.
Neteyam felt sick.
He didn't want to leave the place he grew up, where all his happiest and most important memories reside. He hated not being given the choice. But he knew the decision came from his father, and so, there was no room for argument. He tried to make his peace with it, but there was one component he couldn't fully come to terms with.
That was never seeing you again.
You had grown up with him, with you being a couple moons older than he was, not by much, but enough for you to constantly remind him of. And yet, he still found himself taking care of you. From when you both were little he deemed himself your "protector", always looking out for you and making sure you were safe and okay.
He was happy, content in those days.
But now, he couldn't bear to look at your face.
You're in the crowd of your clan, watching as his father gave up headship to another and watching as they prepare to leave. Your legs wobbled as you tried your best to hold back your tears. You didn't want them to leave.
You didn't want him to leave.
The day he told you about his father's decision was the day you felt as if you were being doused in the coldest water the Forest could offer. And now, you stand in the crowd of hundreds, watching as the Sully Family departs.
They all walk solemnly, with their emotions painted as clear as day on their faces. They didn't want to leave, but they had to. Toruk Makto said "there's no other way." So the family had to concede.
You watch with teary eyes as the friends you've held so dearly to your heart mount their ikrans and prepare for their departure. You could barely hear what was happening anymore, your heart hammering so violently in your chest that the feeling alone felt like it was swallowing you whole. You glance at Neteyam, who was securing the last of his things onto his ikran when you don't even register that your feet were moving underneath you, kicking up grass in your stride as you run towards him. Murmurs in the crowd can be heard but no one, not even the Tsahik, stops you.
Neteyam's ears twitch as he hears the sounds of leaves rustling and he looks up to see you running towards him. His eyes softened, just a bit and he took one step forward and opened his arms to you. You, upon seeing this, sped up and barreled straight into his arms, hugging him tightly.
"I am going to miss you."
His arms lock around you and he murmurs back to you. "I am going to miss you too." You peel your head off his chest and look at him. He shares the same glance at you. You smile sadly. "Be safe, okay?" He nods. "Okay.." His father then calls out to him to get in his ikran, because they are ready to leave. He slowly separates from you and walks back towards his ikran and mounts it. He glances back one final time before he, and his family take off.
You stand stationary and soon enough, your feet are following them. You stand at the edge of the gathering site, the Hometree, and watch as they leave, disappearing above the trees. When they're finally out of view, you clasp your hands together. "Great Mother.. Please keep them safe." Your parents come and usher you back in and as you walk, your eyes are set in the direction they left in, barely looking at the steps your two feet were taking.
☆彡
It's been many moons since then.
Since the Sully's had to leave everything behind. Since they had to adapt to the Metkayina way. It was hard, very hard, but they're getting the hang of it.
Both Jake and Neytiri observe their children, to see how they conform, how they adapt. And they notice something.
Neteyam is doing everything he normally does, but he's also.. different from what he used to be, his smile doesn't quite reach his eyes anymore and he seems more reserved than usual. She watches, studies and when she's come to a conclusion, she tells Jake about it. Then he begins to notice as well.
How Neteyam still does well in his training, but it's almost as if his mind lingers. How his strikes still connect the way they're intended, but there is a hint of unsaid emotion behind them. How he's picked up habits he never had before. His hand twirling around his hair absentmindedly, how he pinches at his own side when he's spacing out.
And then there was the weaving.
His patterns had not changed, but they had something extra added into them. The weaving patterns, still intricate, had a feel to them that neither Jake, Neytiri or any of his siblings had felt from him before. He gives off a sturdy, steady sense of craft.
Whatever he made, it was strong.
But now, his craft was still albeit strong, but also.. soft?
They had a tenderness that they didn't carry before.
And then the straw that broke the camel's back.
Both Jake and Neytiri had been taking a walk beside the ocean, finally getting to admire the scenery after a long day of training when they stumbled across the children, huddled into a circle on a big, smooth rock on the shore of the ocean. They both smiled slightly, and were within earshot, to hear what the kids were talking about.
"Bro he's so in love it's crazy!"
"I am not.. would you shut up you skxawng."
Lo'ak had been teasing his elder brother about the girl he had to leave behind. His laugh bellowed as the others around them laughed a bit as well.
"Yeah! She was always the one he would be all smiley with!" Tuk's little voice chirped.
Neteyam sighed as his ears turned a deep shade of purple. "Guys please.."
"Well.. is she pretty Neteyam?" Tsireya questioned.
The tone now quieted as everyone looked at him. His siblings gave him teasing smiles, already knowing what his answer would be. Neteyam smiled slightly. "Yeah.. she's the prettiest.." He shocked even himself with the soft tone he used. He shakes it off.
Lo'ak fake gagged as Tsireya let out an "aww". "So you must miss her?" This time, it was Ao'nung asking the question. Neteyam nods. "Yeah of course."
"I'm sure brother does, seeing that he's been mumbling her name in his sleep ever since we got here" Kiri teases. Neteyam groans and lets out a laugh as the conversation continues.
In the background, both Jake and Neytiri share a look, as if they've finally figured out the missing piece of a puzzle they've been trying to fit together. "Ma Jake." "I know baby.. let's talk to the Olo'eyktan and Tsahik okay?" Neytiri nods, they both now have a plan set in motion.
Since then, Neteyam carries on with his day as usual, training, learning, observing, repeat. He does as he's told, follows his father's orders and does his best to keep his siblings out of danger, same as usual.
Except today was different.
His usual routine was disturbed, and of all people, it was his father that disturbed it.
"Um dad..? Where are we going?"
"Hush boy. Just follow."
Neteyam was confused, but he followed nonetheless.
The entire Metkaiyna clan was gathered, all facing the ocean, just like they were when the Sully's arrived.
Neteyam saw his siblings and he went over to them as their parents stood behind them.
"What's going on?"
"Hell if I know."
They all stood there, staring out into the open sea.
Nothing happened. Until one person saw it.
"There!"
Everyone's head turned in unison to see someone.. flying?
Lo'ak was the first to speak.
"Holy shit is that an ikran..?"
Everyone began to talk amongst themselves. Of course, the Sully children were shocked, was it someone from their clan? Was it their grandmother? Or was it a messenger? They had no idea who or what to expect.
After a couple more moments, the banshee landed on the sand with a soft squeal. The mystery person dismounts and pets the animal, gently cooing at it before striding over to the Olo'eyktan and showing both him and the Tsahik respect.
Neteyam, Lo'ak, and Kiri share a look. They still had no idea who this person could be, because there was a hood obscuring the person's face. Tonowari begins speaking.
"We have another that will be staying with us, to learn the ways of the Metkaiyna!"
Whispers went through the crowd at his words and the person then removed the hood and looks up.
All of the Sully children gasp in shock.
Neteyam stares as he softly says your name. You look towards them and smile. His eyes widened. Was it you? Were you really standing in front of him after so long?
You exchange pleasantries, and make your way over to the Sully's. You smile. "Hi.. miss me?" Tuk is the first to make a break for you, almost tumbling into your legs as she hugs you and laughs happily. "You're here! You're here!
How are you here?! I missed you!" You could only giggle as you watch the small girl ask you questions a mile a minute.
One by one each of the children approach you and give you a hug, asking the same questions that their younger sibling is. Neteyam stays rooted in place. He still couldn't believe that you were in front of him. He thought he would never see you again. Softly once again, he murmurs your name.
You look up at him and smile. "Hi ‘Teyam."
He looked at you shocked, then he slowly stalked towards you with wide eyes.
“How.. how are you here?”
You say nothing as you hug him then look towards his parents. He catches this look and whips his head around to look at his parents as well. They both smile and Jake walks towards the both of you.
He leans over and whispers something in Neteyam’s ear and his face then deepens in a purple shade as he flushes. “Dad!”
Jake laughs as you look between them both, confused, but happy you’re able to be here.
☆彡
And soon enough, just like the rest, you begin learning the way of water.
You learn from Tsireya, and her older brother Ao’nung, right alongside Neteyam and his siblings. Everyone notices the shift in him almost instantly. He’s brighter, more full of life, and not moving as if he is simply functioned to do so.
He’s content. But he notices a shift in himself as well.
When you first returned, he was happy seeing his friend from childhood alongside him. He’s always been close to you, giving you compliments and taking care of you and you do the same as well.
But.. have you gotten prettier?
Even when you weren’t speaking to him, Neteyam’s gaze would drift to you. And like a magnet, like you could feel his eyes on you, you would look at him.
His nose would twitch as he looked at you and you when you catch sight of him, his breath catches. He offers you a small smile as you smile back.
What the hell is wrong with him?
He feels jittery as he spends as much time with you, like his body is betraying him. Still, he begins asking how you ended up here and how you’re adapting. You explain to him it was an agreement between both your parents and his, and that you're happy to be here, to be learning. He nods at your words.
“Ask your parents how I am able to be here by the way, they will tell you.” You look at him teasingly but he obliges and that night, he did just that.
When he approaches them with the same question he had asked you earlier, they explain to him that they noticed he wasn’t himself, so they thought it would be easier for him to adapt with someone he knows.
Someone he cares for in a way his parents see that is different.
Different?, he thought, puzzled.
But he shakes it off.
He takes you to a couple places in the following days, and talks with you, just the two of you.
“Neteyam you’re going to break your neck, come down please!” You laugh. The boy had been jumping from tree to tree gathering fruits. He wanted you to try the ones you haven’t before.
“Hold on just this last one!” He calls out. You could only smile as you watched him. ‘Dummy..’ you thought. He finally slides down the last tree with a net fully of different fruits. Your mouth waters.
He smiles at your expression. “Pick one..” You quickly fish out a fruit that looks the tastiest to you and takes a giant bite out of it. You hum, making a sound of delight as the juices hit your taste buds.
“It’s good!” You say through your bites as you look at him. His eyes soften and he sets the net down and wipes the excess fruit off your face. “Yeah?” You nod at him and something in his chest blossoms. His body felt like it was buzzing again. What is it that is making him feel this way?
After all, it’s just you.
The you he’s always known.
“You still eat like a child..” his voice is teasing and low. You turn to him, feigning offense with a playful gasp. “I do not!”
He guides you to sit and he sits next to you, feeding you more fruits as the sky begins to turn into the beautiful blue haze of night. You lean your head on his shoulder and just talk, having playful, light conversation, like settling right back into where you left off before he left.
He returns that night alone. You told him you’d be back soon, as you went to wash up with Kiri and Tsireya. As he walked into his family’s pod, he saw his brother and his father glance at him. Jake looks back down and a teasing expression creeps on his face. “Are you planning to court her?”
Neteyam freezes in his tracks. “Uh..?” Lo’ak laughs at his brother’s reaction. “Bro please don’t tell me you didn’t think Dad wouldn’t realize. I mean even I noticed.” Neteyam stares, “notice what?”
Jake laughs. “You haven’t noticed?” “Noticed what?” Neteyam now feels a bit frustrated.
What were they talking about?
Both Lo’ak and Jake glance at each other. “What do you see when you look at her?”Neteyam looks at his dad. “Look at who?” Jake sighs. “Don’t play dumb boy.”
He thinks for a moment then comes to a realization of what his dad was referring to.
You.
“Um.. I don’t know.. she looks like.. home.” The confession hangs in the air. Jake grins. “Yeah.. that’s how I feel when I look at your mother.” Neteyam flushes.
Lo’ak stifles a laugh.
“What do you think that means then?”
Neteyam's face fades into a deeper shade of purple. He knows what his dad is alluding to. Jake gives him a knowing look.
“You better get to her before someone else does.”
Neteyam nods shyly, then a beat of silence washes over them.
“Neteyam come here, you too Lo’ak, both of you sit right here.” Both brothers share a look before doing as their father says and sits in front of him. Jake puts down the dagger he was sharpening and turns to face them. “I’m gonna give you two one more thing I always say, this one applies to you two only.”
Lo’ak’s eyebrows furrow and Neteyam tilts his head in confusion.
Jake sits back then looks at Neteyam first. “What’s the first one?”
“Sully’s stick together.”
Jake nods then looks at Lo’ak.
“And the other?”
“Sully’s never quit.”
Jake nods again. “Right. Now, the last one is —“
The sun has risen again, and you find yourself weaving different baskets and accessories with Tsireya. You are in front of her family’s pod. Her mother is there as well and see she’s the both of you. She notes the synergy you have together, how you bounce off each other gracefully. Her daughter hasn’t had a friendship such as this. As she’s in her thoughts, watching you carefully, a small creature lands on your forehead. It sits there for a beat and it makes both you and Tsireya pause. Then it lifts and floats over to Tsireya, landing on her forehead as well. Ronal gasps silently. She watches it then it lifts once more and floats away. Both you and Tsireya laugh slightly as you continue your crafting. But Ronal takes that one instance as a sign. So she will make great use of it.
Both you and Tsireya drift back into casual conversation after what just happened. You were getting to know each other better, and you also didn’t know what to make of what just happened and neither did she, so for now, you stayed silent on the matter.
“So.. you have known Lo’ak and Neteyam from when they were children?” Tsireya asks gently, crafting herself a new top from shells, glossy rocks and seaweed. You sit beside her, currently making new pieces to put in your hair. “Yes.. we have been together since birth. Our families are very close.” She smiles at your words. “How was it? Growing up with them in the forest?” You look at her and grin. “Surprisingly, the first couple years were calm, we were all calm children.” “Even Lo’ak?!” You nod. “Yes, even Lo’ak. He was the quietest of all of us, now, he is the loudest.” You giggle and so does she.
You look at her as she laughs. “You like him, don’t you?” She looks at you with shock. “I.. um..” You smile at her. “It is cute.. I can tell he likes you too.” Her eyes turn to you. “You think so?” You nod. “I’ve grown with him, he really can’t hide it very well.” She smiles bashfully. “Then what about you? And Neteyam?”
Your breath catches and your eyes avert from her. “What about him?” “He called you the prettiest person he’s ever seen, you know?”
You whip your head around as you look at her. “He did?” She smiles widely and nods. “He did.”
Your hands are still on the hairpiece you were making and your face heats. She sees this and laughs. You groan. “How am I gonna face him knowing that..”
She continues making her top. “It will be easy, I notice boys choke up about these things more than girls do.” You send her a look and she winks at you. You crack a smile. “I have an idea..”
With the brothers, they’re now walking aimlessly on the shore of the water, kicking up sand in their wake. Their father’s words from last night resonate with them. “Sully’s get what they want.” Neteyam hears his brother groan from beside him. “What the hell does that even mean..” Neteyam shrugs. “I dunno..”
Before they could fully figure out what it meant, they see both you and Tsireya running towards them in the distance. “NETEYAM!” “LO’AK!” they both stop and simultaneously let out an “aw fuck”.
They couldn’t take their eyes off the both of you. We ran to them with such happiness in your expressions. When you both get to them, you share a smile and then you look at Neteyam. “..hi” He stares at you with eyes blown wide. “Hi..” You take in his features, then you stretch both palms out to him. “Here.. I made this for you..” it was a hairpiece, a new set of beads to put in his hair. “I hope you like them..” you smile at him. He looks at your palms then back at you and without warning, he takes the hairpiece from your hands and pulls you closer to him, dragging you away from his brother and Tsireya.
“Wait..!”
He doesn’t answer as he drags you away. You could only watch his back as you followed behind him. He wasn’t being rough with you, but he was strong.
Stronger than you.
He settled beneath some groves, and then he turned around to face you.
You stand in front of him, breathless.
He looks at you.
“How..” he begins. You listen intently.
He then laughs. “Has the Great Mother given you the ability to see into my heart?” You stand still for a moment, then you break into a laugh. You couldn’t help it, it was the first time in his life he said something that sounded so… far fetched.
“What are you talking about?”
He looks at you, like, really looks at you. You look back at him and your ears draw back. You feel shy under his gaze.
“Neteyam?”
“Hm?” He sweeps some of your hair out of your face. You tilt your head slightly at his as your tail flicks. “Something on my face?”
He doesn’t say anything, but he makes a face. A face you’ve seen before. “What are you not telling me?” He smiles at your question.
“In a couple moons.. that’s when I’ll tell you.”
You narrow your eyes. “Tell me what?” Your heart thumps in your chest. He takes your hand and puts your beads back in your hands. “Would you put them on for me?” You nod. “Okay..” He always speaks so softly to you, and it never fails to leave butterflies in your stomach.
He leans over, and you notice how tall he’s actually gotten and scrunchies your face with a murmur. “You grow like weeds..” He laughs. Carefully, you begin to string the beads in his hair. His ears flutter just slightly. You were so close to each other you were sure he could feel not only your breath on his ears, but your heart beating out of your chest as well.
Neteyam wasn’t holding up very well either. He could feel the heat radiating off your body and from where he was crouched, a simple look up at you would’ve left him stuttering, completely wordless. He was sure of it.
You finish up and pull back and he straightens up.
He looks.. flushed.
“Are you okay?” He looks down at you. “Yes.. they are pretty.. I like them. Thank you.” You smile. “You are welcome.” You stand facing each other, not saying anything. “What was it? What did you want to tell me earlier?” He grins, then pinches your side softly. “You will know soon.” You yelp in surprise and your ears raise at him. He mirrors your expression and grins. You begin chasing him as he laughs, running from you. Eventually you fell asleep after tiring yourself out. He carries you on his back, your face smooshed against his shoulder.”
“I will do it properly.. I promise..” he murmurs as he begins to take you home.
☆彡
“Pardon?”
You are sitting in front of a council of women, with the Tsahik being the head. “You have been selected to perform the sacred ritual of offering.” Your eyes flicked across the room. You don’t even remember how you got here.
Were they being serious?
“I am not sure I understand Tsahik.. I am an outsider, why have you chosen me to perform such a duty?”
She stared at you.
“My daughter will be the head of the ritual season, but she will need someone who can keep up with her, graceful, but strong minded, this is not to say you have been selected, but that you will be tested.”
Ronal knew the reason she selected you, of all people. Because of the sign the Great Mother had given her just a few days ago.
Your back straightened.
The ritual season is no easy task. It’s a two day long ceremony, with the ending being celebrated as a new season, another season of blessings from the Great Mother. There are many things that go into making sure it is done correctly.
Day one, a day of offerings to Ewya.
Day two, hunts, and into the night, a vast celebration.
“If you are to stay here, show that you are worthy.”
You look at her and nod. “Yes Tsahik.”
The time frame was short for you to get ready. You had to make sure you were prepared, spiritually, mentally and physically. You decided to keep it a secret, only telling Jake and Neytiri, who in part, helped you to get ready.
The ritual starts in two moons.
Which means, you would be underprepared if you didn’t focus.
You didn’t see anyone in those next two moons except for the Olo'eyktan, the Tsahik, Neytiri, Jake and lastly, Tsireya.
Of course the others questioned where you were.
Neteyam especially.
He was on edge since he hadn’t seen you in a bit. “She’s fine boy, get your head in the game, you’ll see her soon.”
Neteyam’s ears flicked back as he sighed and nodded.
You went through extensive training, learning how to do everything the Metkaiyna way. You wanted to make sure you got it right. From the physical training, to the dancing, the songs and lullabies, weaving, gathering herbs and so much more.
You worked until your body burned. Those two moons you got no sleep. You wanted to prove to yourself you could do this. And it seems your efforts have paid off.
You were chosen.
The sky seeps into a beautiful blue color as the sun rises on the first morning of the ritual. You were nervous. The Tsahik stands in front of both you and Tsireya. “You have been chosen to show unity between the clans,” her eyes turn to you, “you must carry out the duties and bring joy to the Great Mother, do not disappoint her, and do not disappoint me.” Both of your heads bow. “Yes Tsahik.”
She turns from you both.
“It is time.”
You are both adorned in the finest shells and most beautiful rocks the sea could offer. The women of the village had helped you dress, you felt closer to them in that aspect. They decorated your face, chest, and arms with an array of subtle but graceful shades of paints. Tsireya wears a ceremonial headpiece, high, but so beautifully decorated that it could practically be seen from anywhere in the village. You wear a headpiece as well, one similar to Ronal’s. It sits on the middle of your forehead, neatly placed and a beautiful shade of silver and blue.
You could tell Tsireya was nervous, and she could tell you were as well. You reach your hand to hers and you hold it. “We will do well.” She squeezes your hand with a soft smile and a nod.
Ronal steps out and begins introducing the start of the ritual period.
“Brothers and Sisters! We gathered to begin the ritual period to thank the Great Mother for the many blessings she has bestowed upon us. We must remain respectful throughout this time, and may we all be able to bear the honor and responsibility the Great Mother has placed upon us and bring more peace and prosperity!” The clan cheers.
This is now the time for you both to step out. You look at Tsireya and nod. “Go..” She nods back and begins leading out with you behind her. The tone is hushed as you both step out, head held steadily forward. You both hold baskets of different provisions to be handed out to each family in the village. You see Kiri, assisting as well, doing a primary prayer and you smile.
‘She must be so happy.. did they approach her separately?’ You decided to ask her about it later.
The tone is hushed as you move around the village, taking one item from your basket and presenting it to the head of each household with a silent prayer to Ewya.
You each handled a certain section of people, to make the work easier.
The Sully’s had been in your group. As you approach, Jake steps forward. “You look beautiful babygirl.” You smile at him. “Thank you.” Your eyes quickly flick to the rest of the family and you see all their eyes on you.
Neytiri gives you a small but proud smile, Tuk looks at you like she has little fireflies in your eyes, Lo’ak’s eyes aren’t even focused on you, he’s staring at Tsireya. You let out a small laugh. Then your eyes flick to Neteyam and your body heats. He’s staring so wide eyed at you that you feel like if he keeps it up, his eyes would roll straight out of his head. You grin at him and continue the ceremony after finishing the prayer with Jake.
You walk off, onto the next family. Jake turns to look at his sons. “Jaws up boys, you’ll catch insects in them.”
They both snap their mouths closed quickly. Tuk snickers at them.
The ceremony continues into the night, prayers and offerings being given. At the end, Tonowari gives a toast, brief, but empowering.
Music is sung and the first day, albeit repetitive, is now over. You, Tsireya and Kiri saunter off over to your friends.
You feel Tsireya’s hand touch yours. “You did well today..” you smile. “So did you.. you were beautiful by the way.” She laughs shyly. “You’re one to talk.”
You hear your name being called by Kiri. “Stop dragging your feet!” You both laugh as you catch up to her and now your surroundings by your friends.
Almost instantly, Neteyam reaches for you. “You didn’t tell me..”
You look up at him and smile. “Yeah, I wanted it to be a surprise..”
“Well I was definitely surprised.”
“Good. That is what I was hoping for.”
He reaches up and caresses your face.
“You are beautiful.”
You lean into his touch. “Thank you.”
You hear your name being called once again. “I have to go again. I will be back, okay?” He nods.
You walk back towards the center. Then Tonowari’s voice can be heard. “Before we retire the night, this is what tomorrow entails! There will be hunts! Gather yourselves and make sure you are ready to depart for tomorrow!” You and Tsireya stand next to him and he eyes his daughter. He turns to her, “you will choose a hunter to lead one group.” Her eyes widened. “..Anyone?” He nods, then he turns to you. “And you will do the same, I will not disclose to either of you what those hunts will entail, but know they will be the right hands to Ao’nung. This will shape the hunters of the next generation.”
Sweat prickles at the back of your neck. “Are you sure it is okay for us to choose?” You ask meekly. He turns his back. “It is essential. The people you choose will carry that with them for the rest of their lives. This is not something done often, and it must be taken seriously.” You both sigh shakily and your eyes sweep the crowd. You turn to Tsireya and you see her expression. She’s nervous.
You place your hand on her shoulder. “Trust yourself. Trust what your instincts are telling you to do.” She looks at you then takes a breath. “Thanks,” she turns to her father. “And it is okay for us to choose anyone?” He nods. She turns back to look at you. “Then I have chosen.” You look back at her, then to Tonowari. “So have I.”
Tonowari nods. You have a feeling by the way his gaze flickers into a certain direction in the crowd that he knows who you both will choose. “Two have been chosen to lead alongside Ao’nung as the younger hunting group. The Tsahik in training, and her advisor of this ritual will announce who has been chosen!” He steps back.
You both step forward, the amount of eyes on you now seem like rocks on your shoulders. You’re not even sure why you were permitted to do this, but all you can think is that this is the Great Mother’s plan. Tsireya speaks first. “The first person that will lead alongside the next Olo'eyktan in tomorrow's ritual hunt will be..” there’s a beat of silence. She glances quickly in his direction then trains her gaze back on the crowd and you smile.
You saw this coming.
“Lo'ak te Suli Tsyeyk'itan.”
Gasps course through the crowd. Even the Sully’s themselves are shocked at this revelation. You’ll have to apologize to Jake later because you can already see the stress and frustration etching its way onto his face.
Tsireya steps back. You step forward.
“The next person that will lead alongside the next Olo'eyktan will be..”
Another pause.
You keep a poker face as you let the silence stretch on. You can almost see the eyes boring holes into your face as you take a breath.
“Neteyam te Suli Tsyeyk'itan.”
From the corner of your eye, you can see both boys look at each other in shock.
You take a step back and Tonowari steps forward.
“It has been decided.”
he needs to come back desperately I fear💔.
