Tamtey being absolutely horrid at keeping herself fed. She's gone her whole life having food be used as a tool of abuse, that now that she's and adult and free she doesn't know how to keep or have a responsible relationship with food.
She will go hours, even days without eating, only to gorge herself when she has an over abundance of it. Or she'll hide away food around camp or the region, though those tend to be more RDA rations or dry nuts and meats. The other's also have a similar relationship with food but since they have more help, being at HQ and other people, they've been getting more help than Tamtey has.
Surprisingly it's not So'lek or the people at the resistance that notice her relationship with food. Instead it's Ka'nat, Nefika, and Etuwa that notice first, as they're the people she interacts the most in the beginning.
Nefika sees how she buys multiple plates from Relun, the man looking over Tamtey's shoulder in concern, most of them are long lasting meals or meals that can feed multiple people. Later she has hunters telling her that they saw her portioning out the food into smaller and smaller piles, then wrapping them in leaves and clay to be stored for later.
Etuwa notices how Tamtey follows food with her eyes but never daring to ask for even a bite, or how she'll flinch when she's been "caught". When she's able to convince Tamtey to take a plate and eat she tries not to make it obvious that she notices how quickly Tamtey eats, like she's afraid it'll be taken away.
Ka'nat grows concerned, though he won't show it at the time, of how Tamtey will never touch food or drink around him, unless he orders her to. Once she sat by what could be a small banquet during a meeting with him for hours, never once looking at the plates or showing interest, he could hear her stomach growling.
The three decide that they're going to do something about it.
Etuwa goes to Itu asking him to help take Tamtey on more hunts and help the woman portion out and dry the meat so she has a better store available. He tries to complain but changes his tune when she explained why, he even goes so far as to take Tamtey gathering and give her part his kills too.
Ka'nat starts to make sure that they eat before meetings, asking to speak with her when she is at Hometree. He passes it off as wanting to keep track of her progress against the RDA and her involvement with the Aranahe camps. Slowly he stops to order her until she no longer waits for his "permission".
Nefika makes her sit and gossip with her Kitangi, she'll even drag Etuwa in, making sure she has food and drinks. She'll play the "look at you so thin, we must fatten you up" card like a pro. Cooking with her and teaching her foods that are more nutritious and can't be stored for long, this is to make sure she eats them within a day or two instead of hoarding it.
They even get the camps involved, people will make her sit and feed her small portions, adding more and more to her plate as she eats until she's eaten a full meal. Hunters will go into her stashes and make sure the food hasn't spoiled or will add to the small bundles.
Slowly Tamtey stops hoarding and gorging herself, she starts to take actual breaks to eat and actually enjoy her meals. Her stashes dwindle, though never fully disappear. And she starts to share more off her plate then eat it in fear of it being "stolen". Soon she starts contributing more of her food to the camps and Hometree rather then hiding it.
When she goes back to HQ So'lek now makes sure she's eating real food, three times a day, and he doesn't hide the reason either. Because of course he'd got informed by the trio of how toxic and damaging Tamtey's relationship with food had gotten and realizing that, if not for the others still being at HQ, how much more damaging their own relationships with food could have become.
"You are free now Sarentu, no longer will you be starved by those who stole you, nor will I stand by and let you to be starved because of the scars of their abuse."
And the look hed given Alma when the trio informed him could only have been described as soul scorching; riping her a new one when no one was around.
(Just imagine how the RDA has twisted the Sarentu's relationship with food. After years of being withheld food as form punishment I think that once they're free they'd need help reforming healthy relationships with it. Slowly being taught that their friends, Aranahe and later other clans will ever use food against them and are absolutely horrified that they were abused in such a way too. If Alma thought So'lek disliked her before she's not prepared to what's its grown to now.)
So’lek was helping tie an arm band around your bicep, it was neatly woven, beautiful beads and stones decorating it. His hands were gentle, making sure to secure it tightly, but not too tight.
“There, ma’eylan” he hummed, quietly admiring his own work. His eyes flicked up to your face, studying you, giving you the same look he would give someone he cared about deeply. It reminded you of when he would have quiet afternoons with his Ikran.
“Thanks, So’lek, it looks great!” You smiled up at him, he looked away and nodded. “You are much welcome, it is my pleasure to help you find your way, even in small ways such as these.” He finally met your eyes again, not smiling, but you could tell he was contempt, happy.
“How long did it take you to make?” You ran your fingers over the colourful stones, feeling their smoothness.
“Not long, I spent maybe a week or so in my spare time.” He looked down once again, like he was embarrassed to meet your gaze. He wasn’t used to doing these kinds of things for people. The truth was, he spent much longer, he spent up to a month studying you, seeing what you liked to decorate your own things with, what colours. Then he spent a considerable amount of time picking the right things, carving the beads, weaving the band, tying the stones. However, he couldn’t bring himself to admit he spent so much time and energy on you, it felt much too personal, for now anyway.
“You should teach me sometime!” Your sparkling eyes met his once again, a smile plastered on your face. Great mother, how those sparkling eyes of yours made his stomach flip, he felt like a teenager again.
“If you would like me to, then I shall, I would be glad.” He cleared his throat, trying to calm his beating heart, slow his swishing tail.
You admired the band for a short moment, before springing to life again. “Thank you, so much! But I have to go, Eetu is supposed to teach me how to hunt!”
Eetu… the name made his gut twist, but he curtly nodded and tightened his lips. Eetu was younger, livelier, not burdened by the trauma of battle, not like he was. “Go, I will be here when you return.”
You bid him goodbye, but not before giving his hand a squeeze, before finally fleeing off for the Aranahe hometree.
Eetu was fixing his headband onto his head, before finally spotted you walking into hometree.
“Sarentu! It is lovely to see you again. You are here for your lessons, I assume?” He gave you a boyish smile, although it held an air of friendliness.
“Eetu! Yeah, I’m here for the lessons you promised yesterday!” You giggled, and oh the sound made his heart flutter, it made him giddy inside.
“Great! Actually, I have a gift for you.” He bent down and rummaged through his belongings, finally pulling out a string. “For you. It is a bow string for when you hunt. I hope it will suffice better than the one you have.” He handed it to you, it was sturdy, and decorated with beads and dyes, in Aranahe fashion.
“Oh it’s beautiful! Thank you.” You admire the work, holding it up to its full length.
“Come! Let us put it on” he beckoned you to follow him, up to the Ikran landing. He sat with you on the edge, smiling to himself as you sat close.
He let you attach the string yourself, mentally patting himself on the back for having taught you how to switch out strings a few lessons ago.
His eye caught the armband around your bicep, it complimented you beautifully, the colours being ones he always associated with you, ones you always wore.
“Your armband is beautiful, did you make it?” He complimented
“Oh, thank you! Actually, So’lek just gave it to me today! He did a great job, didn’t he?” You smiled down at the band briefly, before going back to tying the string onto your heavy bow.
“So’lek?” Eetu felt his mood sour, a frown on his face. He was just glad you were too distracted with his own gift to notice it. “Yes, he is a mighty warrior, respectable. He did a good job.” He felt himself force out. He knew all of those things were true, but that was the exact problem, he felt a pit of jealously in his stomach each time you mentioned him. Each time you talked with him he felt himself become bitter. It was silly, really, he shouldn’t be this childish about something so small, yet, he couldn’t help himself.
The rest of the lesson went just as he had planned, lingering touches, his hands gently readjusting your position as you aimed at a target. You finally caught your own Yerik (hexapede), a clean and merciful kill. He felt pride swell in his chest, if it were not for him, you would not know these things.
You both made your way back to hometree, laughing and talking, when you spotted Etuwa talking with So’lek. “So’lek? What are you doing here?” You jog up to him, that smile that made his breath catch.
“Sarentu… Priya asked me to come and deliver some things to Etuwa, that is all.” He gestured to Etuwa, before spotting Eetu trailing behind you. The sight of the young hunter made his lips twitch into a small frown.
“Eetu.” He gave a greeting nod, only wanting to acknowledge the young man out of obligation.
“So’lek.” Eetu nodded back, feeling much the same about the older, hardened man.
There was a moment of tension between the two, So’lek noting the new string on your bow, and Eetu already having taken note of your new armband.
“Well, I must not keep Priya waiting, I will be going now.” So’lek looked back to Etuwa, giving her a nod, then both you and Eetu and nod. Although Eetu definitely took note of the hand So’lek placed on your shoulder before he left.
Eetu huffed quietly to himself at the action, turning back to you. “I must leave as well, one of the camps has requested my help with a hunt.” He smiled at you, putting a hand over his heart and making his leave.
Etuwa hummed, almost amused by the situation, if it were not for the uncomfortable tension. She sighed and turned to you, “please, be gentle with their hearts.” She gave your shoulder a squeeze before walking off her own way.
You were left standing there, confused, not sure if you should go help So’lek with Priya, assist Eetu on the hunt, ask Etuwa what she possibly meant by that, or go off on your own to think why everyone was being so weird today.
Summary: History seems to repeat itself. The only difference? Walker won’t accept it.
(Disclaimer!: I forgot to add that everything going on right now is a year before the way of water starts and before the Sarentu are found)
Cora Walker. Daughter of the famous Gray Hound Walker.
A name that shot fear in the hearts of many. Cora’s mother was a beast in combat, always ready to spill blood, always willing to sacrifice any part of her body for war.
A perfect soldier.
A wepon
A monster.
That’s what they call Cora’s mother. And that’s what others expect Cora to be.
Some expect Cora to be this, crazy messed up kid. But in truth, shes gentle and kind. Sensitive and isn’t afraid to show her emotions. She loves how beautiful pandora is.
“That is ‘Anstìk. Your people call it hammerhead.” So’lek pointed to the hammerhead mother and child below in the dryers bowl. Cora watched the two with wide eyes.
“They’re so big! And that’s the mom?” Cora pointed to the biggest one that was nudging the smaller one.
“Yes. Don’t get too close. The mother is very protective of its young one.” So’lek has been assisting young Cora outside, letting her explore but only when he can see her.
He lost her once. Only to find her dangling from the vines of the trees, laughing as she swung back and fourth.
“Mi hija! Come on, time to sleep!” Malcom shouted from the doors, waving his arm in the air to get the younger one’s attention.
Cora left out a small huff. Reluctant was clear in her movements as she got up.
“… I will take you to the swamps tomorrow.” So’lek watched Cora’s eyes light up at his words.
“Okay! I’ll be ready!” She ran off to Malcom who almost got the wind knocked out of him when she tackled him in a hug. The older man laughed as he pat her head before they walked back into HQ.
So’lek called for his Ikran ìley, ready to search for (Name).
It’s been a few days since the signal from Walkers tablet was sent. The checked the whole area, but they only found drops of blood and the broken tablet, along with a picture of Walker and Cora.
So’lek decided to keep it in his vest. The drops of blood won’t be very good for Cora to see. The young one has gone through enough.
“What were you thinking daughter? Bringing that… Dreamwalker into Hometree!”
Ka’nat, Olo’eyktan of the Aranahe. He was upset with his daughter bringing trouble into their home.
“Eywa sent a sign father, will you turn away a sign Eywa sent?”
Etuwa, Tsahik of the Aranahe. Bringing the dreamwalker to Hometree was risky, she knew her father would either have the Dreamwalker leave, or killed.
Ka’nat stayed silent. The safety of his people was important to him. But if his daughter truly did see a sign from the great mother. He cannot question it.
A reluctant nod was given to Etuwa from Ka’nat. Nefika shook her head.
Meanwhile, with Sa’nop.
Sa’nop was tending to the sleeping Dreamwalker, while his daughter was paceing back and forth.
“What were you thinking father? This dream Walker will bring trouble!”
Koranu, one of the weavers of the clan and Sa’nops child.
“Be calm my child. She has saved my life, and took vengeance on the sky people for killing one of the animals with their metal. She is a kind soul.”
Koranu frowns, watching her father- who is usually never in Hometree and is always out and about doing everything but being a father to her- doting on this Dreamwalker! It was irritating.
Koranu let out a loud groaning noise and stormed out of the healing room. Sa’nop watched his daughter with sad and confused eyes.
Koranu cannot fathom the idea of her father taking in this Dreamwalker, the talk is already going around Hometree. She can already hear it from the swamps from here.
It was frustrating enough for her father to never be at Hometree, he just had to bring a Dreamwalker into Hometree and offer shelter. To share their cocoon nest with them!
It’s outrageous!
It puts a stain on their family.
You wake up at Eclipse. Sa’nop is who you expected to see, but your met with those same yellow eyes you were dreaming of.
“You are awake. I did not tell you who I was when we met.” The Tsahik straightened her poster a bit.
“I am Etuwa. The Tsahik of this Clan.”
The Dreamwalker, stared at Etuwa while tilting her head, keeping her eyes on the Tsahik before speaking her name.
“Etuwa…. Etuwa.” The Dreamwalker smiled a little when Etuwa nodded.
“And your name?”
The Dreamwalker’s ear twitched before saying her own name with slight excitement. Etuwa nods, seeming to repeat the name in her head before saying it herself.
“(Name), you are apart from the resistance. Why?”
Any small trace that was left behind from the smile on the Dreamwalker from before slowly dropped.
“…. The RDA caught me trying to leave with my team. Trapped me in this body as a form of punishment…. I escaped, not without a bullet in me though.” There was pain in the Dreamwalker’s eyes.
Without the metal armor Etuwa’s eyes drift down to the Dreamwalker’s skin at her neck. It looked like burns, new ones.
“And this?” Etuwa reached out her hand. Etuwa half expected to be stopped by the Dreamwalker’s hand. But that never happened. The two met eyes once again, just staring at each other. A look in the eyes of the Dreamwalker was one the Tsahik could not identify.
Etuwa recoiled her hand. Clearing her throat before speaking.
“The Olo’eyktan has agreed to let you stay within Hometree.”
Her words caused a surge of slight panic “oh no that’s not-”
“On one condition, you learn our ways. And rid yourself from… these.” Etuwa gestured to your armor of metal and guns and duel blades.
The Dreamwalker let out a nervous laugh.
“Oh um… heh. I can’t stay here… I have a daughter to get back to. I need to get to the resistance.”
Etuwa stayed silent, thinking over the words. She lets out a small sigh.
“You will be back at the resistance, but you will be here for most of the time.” Etuwa said it like it was no big deal. But it was a big deal to you. You want to be back with your daughter and Malcom.
This can’t be happening right now.
Etuwa watched the distressed look forming on the Dreamwalker’s face.
Etuwa was hopping if this Dreamwalker stays, and becomes one of the people, her father will finally open his eyes and join the resistance in fighting against the Sky People.
This Dreamwalker was a sign sent from Eywa.
“You have a strong heart. You will be back with your child soon. You have my word.” Etuwa puts her hand on her heart. As if making a vow.
But her word is not enough. (Name) needs to be with her daughter. She needs to know she is safe, if she has eaten or if she’s been sleeping on time-
God she doesn’t even know if Cora or Malcom are alive. She hopes the signal she sent went through.
Jake was working on the guns. Making sure there was enough ammo for each gun. He cleaned and loaded each one with quick hands.
Lo’ak peeked from a healing tent close by. Watching his father work on the metal weapon with curious eyes.
Jake sets a gun down, without needing to look behind him Jake spoke.
“I know your there. Come out Lo’ak.” Jake’s words made the young one freez, slowly merging out from his spot and standing in front of his father.
“You’re supposed to be watching your sister boy.” Jake’s stern tone caused Lo’ak to bow his head down, his big eyes glancing to the guns. Jake noticed the subtle look of curiosity in his son’s eyes.
“You wanna learn how to use a gun?… come on.” Jake made space for his youngest son to sit next to him. Lo’ak smiled, trying to cover up his excitement by slowly sitting next to his father, giving all his attention to his father.
Ever since the sky people came back, Jake hasnt had time to bond with his son Lo’ak who has been going through a phase lately. Not rebellious, more like he has the need for adventure.
It’s a pain in the butt to deal with, but he doesn’t blame him. Being stuck in the strong hold of the hallelujah mountains could be tiring for a young Na’vi boy.
Safe zones are getting less safe, even the labs had to be moved. Children can’t leave the stronghold, not after the RDA used an innocent child to get to Jake once. It was a sad day for the clan that day.
Ardmore has gotten more and more aggressive lately. Last he heard, Ardmore let lose someone called the Gray Hound, running around the western frontier. He’s heard talk about this Gray Hound.
Ardmore’s very own sick and twisted puppy.
Maybe Jake should check in with Cortez to see how they are dealing with that.
“Cora, mi amor. Put that down, you know your mom won’t like you touching that.” Malcom grabbed the handgun from the young girls hands.
“… can’t you teach me how to use it at least?” Cora begged her uncle. Malcom shook his head.
“Unless you want your mom to skin me. It’s a no.” Malcom ruffled Cora’s head before taking the handgun far away from her.
Cora lets out a heavy sigh. Reluctantly taking herself to the living area.
Daniella saw Cora and decided to say hi to the kid.
“Hey kiddo. Why such the long face?”
Jin was right next to Daniella, he gave Cora a smile and waved at the young teen.
“I feel usless here. Uncle Malcom won’t teach me how to use a gun. I’m not smart so I can’t help Alex with… smart stuff. Ugh! If I can’t fight with you guys, and cant help with tech stuff. What use am I.” Cora plopped down on a bean back in front of the couple. A big pout on her lips.
“Oh, Cora. Your plenty of help. You help me in the kitchen a lot.” Jin spoke up as he knelt down in front of Cora.
“I burnt the food and set half of your apron on fire Jin. Not very helpful.” Cora spoke in an unimpressed tone.
The two adults gave each other a worried look. Daniella decided to take a go.
“Cora. I’m sure you feel like you’re not doing much. But do you know how helpful your memory has been to us? You have remembered all of the higher ups your mother has interacted with. You remember plans discussed with Ardmore and your mom. Important details that are usually shut away in classified documents. That’s amazing.” Daniella tilts her head to meet the young girls eyes.
“You don’t need to know how to handle a gun to be helpful. Or be as smart as Alex. You’re still young. You don’t need to doing any fighting. Kay?” Daniella pats Cora’s head.
It helps. More than Cora thought it would. She is good at remembering things. Maybe if she uses that skill more often. She can make a lot more of a difference to this resistance.
And when her mom comes back, she’ll be so proud of her!
“Yes! Your right! Oh thank you!” Suddenly Cora hugged both Jin and Daniella and ran off in excitement.
“Why is the Dreamwalker in such bland clothing? Etuwa! If she is to learn our ways, have her in our colors!”
Nefika lectured Etuwa, (Name) was no longer in her vest. No longer had her guns. But she still wore pants and a dirty worn out shirt.
You looked at the two with curiosity. You’ve only been in Hometree for a few days. So you still haven’t learned the language yet. But you do know body language, you know many of the Na’vi at Hometree don’t like you.
Which is reasonable, you’re an outsider. The kids like to follow you though. You hear their giggling and whispers behind you from time to time.
“(Name) is what she is called. Sa’nop has already asked Koranu to make clothes for her. But for now, she will be in …. Those.”
The two Na’vi woman stare at you in your dirty clothes.
You were back to staring at the trees and touching literally anything you could get your hands on. You tripped on a root, luckily you used the tree next to you to support yourself.
“… Are you sure this, (Name) is a hunter?”
Nefika questioned as she judged the Dreamwalker silently.
Despite Etuwa’s look of doubt, she knows (name) is a good fighter. But a fighter is not what her father wants, he wants the Dreamwalker to be hunter. A weaver at most.
it takes you getting shot from the sky by a samson for Etuwa to realize she is a fool for ever wanting to wait to take you as her mate
biggest thank you to the sweetest @eesomee for the sexy etuwa pic AND fueling this whole fic. always in the know
this was my passion project for a while its so crazy to finally be posting it ahhhgg
wc - 5k+
watch it - war. reader getting shot in the bicep. blood, injuries, healing etc. established relationship but private. etuwa is adamant about waiting till the war is over to mate, until the big injuring. mating bond etc etc. and lesbian sex!! scissoring, cunnilingus, kinda face riding, hair pulling. very soft dom etuwa. soft soft sex. first times
let me know if i miss anything per usual, enjooyyyy
You stir in your sleep, caught in nightmares of the past and chasing for a life that does not exist. You awake with a gasp, breath heaving as you stare wide eyes at the top of the tent you are in.
“Shh, be still.” Etuwa whispers softly, sitting up and reaching over you, bringing a wooden gourd to your lips.
Your breath stills enough to allow you a drink, collapsing back into the pile of furs and soft throws you lay in.
“A nightmare?” she presses her hand to your head, no fever. Gently carding the hair from your face, smoothing the braid of your kuru.
You grumble, bringing her down into the floor with you, a soft smile on her lips.
“Yes, nightmare." You groan.
She lays atop you, both hands on either side of your face. So warm from sleep, soft as silk. So different from how all others see her adored in her gear. Here she is simple, raw, and beautiful.
She gives a gentle kiss to your temple, face illuminated by the glow of the moon. “It is only a dream yawntutsyìp.” her voice cuts like a knife through the clouded doubt that clings to your mind. The remnants of the dream slowly fading till the only thing you care for is the no woman before you.
“A dream.” You breathe out, hands on her waist as she plants another kiss, this one to your cheek.
“Tomorrow, when the hunt returns we will bathe in the hot springs.” She confesses like it's a secret she can not keep, hands now on your collar bone as she traces gentle shapes along it.
You hum, tilting your head to let her continue. “You have said this for the past 3 days, your duties pull you away from me each time.”
“Not tomorrow, I promise it. I will be yours for as long as you wish.”
“I wish for you to always be mine, paskalin ” You gently squeeze her waist, playing with each intricate woven pattern on her chest piece.
Etuwa stops her hands, moving her head to place her lips just a hair before yours. “I am always yours yawnetu.”
“And yet we are not mated.” You pull back, not giving her the kiss.
She frowns, “We are fighting a war. It is not the time.”
“Will there ever be a time?”
“Yes, of course there will be. I wish to court you in the ways of my people, with honor. I can not do this within war.”
You close your eyes, letting yourself feel the thrum of her heart as it beats against your own, chest pressed against yours as the soft sounds of the forest echo around you. You imagine what it would feel like mated, bonded to her with each emotion coursing through you like a prayer.
“With honor.” you repeat.
You feel her hum, cracking an eye open as she is once against not more than a breath away. You slot your lips together, gentle and sure in the same manner that Etwua does everything. A gentle hand grasping at your arm as you deepen the kiss.
You part with a gasp, breathless and lips now sheen with spit. “Mighty tsahik, always so eager.” You tease, pecking her lips once more.
Her eyes are wide, pupils blown as her ear twitches in embarrassment. “Eager only because it is you.”
You grin, hand around the back of her head and you pull her down for more. Messy and hot, you flip her on her back as he watches you with hungry eyes, but you know it will not go further, not this night nor any other until you are mated. This is the way.
You lay gentle kisses on her shoulder, mumbling praises to every part of her as she stumbles to keep up, flush creeping up her neck. “You are too much.” Etuwa chides, pulling you down to lay next to her.
You hum, wrapping yourself in more furs and pressing your face into her chest. Warm, steady, strong. She is your peace.
“Tomorow we will go to those hot springs, or I will make Itu go with me.’ You yawn.
“We will go, no need for him.” She gives you one last kiss at your temple before sleep takes you once more.
—-----
To your surprise, she does good on her promise. After the hunters come in for the day, she finishes her duties and takes you back into her tent.
“Now you are the eager one.” She laughs, one of your fingers looped into the ropes of her loincloth.
You roll your eyes, pulling her closer to you. “I have been waiting for days. “
She yelps, now flush against you. “We will not leave this tent if you can not wait a few minutes more. “
You bite back a quip, but let her go to remove the adornments that litter her body. “Can you keep them on?”
Etuwa tilts her head at you. “No. They will not hold.“
You sit in the far corner, on top of the soft furs and throws you were sleeping in last night. Watching as her nimble hands undo each knot and twist of rope that holds together the adornments. Your thoughts race to all the ways her fingers could work on you in the same way. Long fingers touching every part of you.
You want nothing more than to feel her, bond with her and mate before Eywa and announce to all that you have been taken, as she has, mated. She tells you it is not the time, and yet the burning heat that coils in your stomach begs to differ.
You yearn for her, so deeply you think some days she can hear it. Etuwa is proud, a bit stubborn, and lives with her people at the center of her heart. It's all of these things that have made you fall for her so feverishly, so deeply.
You would have had her many moons ago, if she was not so afraid of losing you. You think it's because of her mother. Losing someone so close and dear, watching her father succumb to the fear. All of these things are what halt Etuwa. But you can not wait forever.
It feels like you are giving the sky people a part of your lives by refusing
It’s an agonizing next couple of minutes, but she turns to you now in her usual wear.
“Come, it is time for the springs.” Stretching her hand out for you to take, and a small basket of herbs in the other.
You jump up, taking her hand eagerly, letting her guide you out of the tent, down the sloping hills following a well worn path till you reach a little clearing. Small steaming pools bubbling gently, tall plants sweeping over head to create a small cover from the sun. Heaven, this is heaven.
“Oh I’m so excited.” You beam.
“The springs will relax you.” Etuwa gives you a smile, beginning to take her clothing off as you fight the blush that creeps up your neck. She hands you the basket full of herbs, and it feels like the heaviest thing you have ever held.
You know that bathing is an innocent thing for navi, the same for nudity, but knowing how she wishes to take you for a mate, and you the same, does nothing to cool the fire in your veins.
She removes her top in one swift movement, tugging at a single leather strand that holds it all together, falling to the ground with a soft thud. Next comes her lioncloth, and your mouth goes dry, eyes flicking to where her hands move smoothly to undo each knot.
It too pools to the ground and you fight to keep your eyes on her face.
“You are staring.” Etuwa teases, turning to dip a foot into one of the smaller springs.
“You are beautiful.” is all you find the courage to say back.
She smiles at this, tucking a braid behind her ear, both feet now in the water and she sits atop the moss covered ledges that circle each pool. “Come, join me.”
You nod along dumbly, handing her the basket that has started to spill from your own lack of attention to anything but her. She tosses a handful of colorful leaves, dipping a hand into the water to lather a few flower petals together.
You throw your clothes off faster than you can blink, slipping into the water waist deep. “It's very warm.”
Etuwa hands you a bundle of the foaming petals, nodding softly. “They always are.”
“Itu said that in the-”
“Akh, always with his name on your lips. Am I not enough?” She slips into the water, lathering the pink foam over her body.
Your ears are pinned in shame. “You are all I need, more than enough. Itu is a friend, yawnetu. “
Etuwa turns to you, arms crossed with a pout. “You always speak of him.”
“I am sorry, no more talk of him. Just us.”
She wades closer to you, pulling you deeper to where the water rises just to the middle of your breasts. “Just us?” Her hands come to hold yours under the water, floral scent filling your nostrils as she pulls you closer.
You don't reply, watching her lips and gentle bob of her body in the water, pressing a kiss to your cheek.
“You tease.” You groan, squeezing her hands.
She tilts her head, smiling coyly. “If it is what you wish to believe.”
“Etuwa.” You say quietly, unlatching your hands from hers and wiping a stray piece of leaf from your temple.
“Yes?”
“I can not wait forever.” You confess, barely a whisper.
The smile falls from her face and you suddenly feel so stupid for ever bringing it up. Like you are nothing but a child, trampling through flowers and stomping on gardens in your own ignorance, whincing as you brace for punishment.
It never comes, instead she leans against the walls of the pool, closing her eyes and sighing softly. “I can not bring myself to make the bond, just for you to leave me.”
Your heart aches, brows furrowing. “I would never leave.”
Her eyes open, searching yours with a burning intensity. “I know this, it is not what I meant. I can not see you taken from me.”
“I am here now. We are young, we are happy. This war can not have control over our lives, it can not take more than it has.”
“I fear taking you as my mate only opens the possibility of losing you next yawnetu.”
“That is the will of the aggressors, to take our normalcy and happiness. Do not let them shroud you in darkness. We are both ready.”
Etuwa takes a deep breath, scrubbing the last bits of leaf from her arms. “Can you get the herbs on my back?”
You frown at her deflecting but nod, allowing her to turn, kuru draped over her front as you gently cup your hands with water, pouring it over her back. Your arms work into her broad shoulders, into each defined muscle to ease the knots.
She hums, leaning into your touch. You leave gentle kisses on her skin, old scars fading, new ones taking their place criss crossing over the expanse of her back.
“You are most beautiful.” You mumble into her skin.
She gives a soft laugh, letting you rinse her one last time before she takes you to the deep end once more as you let out a soft gasp.
Her hands hold onto your waist under the water, kneading at your hip gently. “You shine more brightly than any star in the sky.” A kiss, to your lips this time.
You gladly welcome her against you, bodies flush under the water as you feel her breasts press against yours, thighs brushing. Her hold on you grows tighter, as if you will float away from her if she lets go.
Her mouth unlatches from yours for a second, “I adore you.” She breathes out, steading herself against you. “I see you.” It comes as a whisper so faint a snap of a far away branch would have muffled it.
You smile, “I see you. I love you.” Slotting your lips together as she groans into your mouth, leg coming to slot between yours under the water as she fights the urge to push it up up up higher.
“I love you.” Etuwa chokes out, trying to catch her breath and clear her mind. Her kuru tries to find a bond, moving in the water to find your own. She only flicks it back over her, mourning the loss of you under her hands.
You look at her with so much raw adoration, she wonders what she has done to deserve it. Her eyes flicker over your naked collar bone, the expanse of your neck, and an idea flickers through her mind.
One of her hands surfaces to cradle the back of your neck, giving you a firm peck to your lips before she trails soft pecks down to your neck. Stopping just before the junction of your collar bone and attaching her lips, sucking, hard.
You muffle a whimper, biting your bottom lip as you watch the top of her head bob up and down around your skin. “This is to teach that hunter, and anyone else. That you are mine.” She mumbles, voice vibrating against your skin.
You can not find your voice, nodding dumbly as she moves across your skin, decorating it with gentle bites that bloom into purple marks. She is marking you.
The thought echoes like thunder in your mind. She is marking you. And you are letting her, welcoming it.
She parts with a wet pop, turning your head to admire her handy work as you shudder. All from a few kisses to your skin and you are a mess, an utter mess, heat pooling in your legs and you fight the desire to rut up against her leg and beg her to mate you right now.
“There, perfect.” She smiles, sharp teeth shining before giving you one last kiss to your lips. Swimming away from you to collect the few floating leaves at the surface, dumping them into the basket.
“You will be the death of me.” You mutter, eyes glassy and still in a gaze from all her touching.
Etuwa laughs, her back moving as she lifts herself out of the water. “It is hard to have you and not make it known.”
You roll your eyes, following her out of the water, hissing at the cold. She breaks a leaf from the large hanging plants above, wrapping you in one, warm from the steam of the pools and does the same to herself. The clothes are wrapped in other leaves and off you go, back into the tent, and fresh blooming bruises in your skin.
You hope everyone notices.
—--
The days move in a blur and you are pulled away from her and back to your own duties. The resistance is moving now, back to hq to regroup and reassess, you must go with them.
Etuwa does not want you to leave. She scowls, tracing the stripes on your skin as you lay together, the last night before leaving.
“You should be with me.” Her teasing drops to a whisper, voice stuck at “me”. All the bite of her words are gone.
You frown, sitting up from where you both lay, bellies full from dinner and watching the night make its way over the sky. She crosses her legs in front of you, leaning into your neck, pawing to bring you closer.
“I am always with you.” You kiss her cheek, so tenderly Etuwa thinks she could very well melt.
“It is not the same.” She huffs.
“I know. I will be back soon. Only a few days.”
She pulls back, leaning against her hands, looking behind you to the sky. “Perhaps you are right, we should mate.”
You shake your head, “Not now, I want to savor you when the time comes.”
Savor, she thinks. As if there is the time to do anything but fight and cry and crawl and beg. What has changed your mind from being so eager to now wanting to savor? It is her, has she changed you?
She doesn't speak anymore, pulling you with her back down into the warm expanse of furs. Night washes over you like a haze, limbs tangled together until the time comes. Morning comes like a thief to steal you away from her.
Etuwa packs your things letting you sleep, giving gentle kisses to your face to wake you. You smile, eyes blurry from sleep, barely making her silhouette out in front of you. It's a blur, getting ready, and then you are at the little clearing, leaving.
She watches you mount your ikran, one last kiss to your lips before you leave toe in toe with So’lek.
“You have gotten close.” he mentions casually on the way back.
You roll your eyes,“Yes, it is easy with her.”
“I am happy for you.” And he gives you a fond smile. Happiness is a rare thing, more fleeting as the days go on.
You arrive, fall into duties, listening to where you need to go, what needs to be done. It's easy falling back into the rhythm, and your ikran has been itching to get back out there, to fight.
And then things hit the fan.
Not even a few days back, you are shot down from the sky, a bullet in your arm as you screech, hissing as you try to keep your ikran steady. It goes right in your bicep and you can feel the way your muscle spasms, shoulder locking up.
The samson that is chasing you only fires another rain of metal, hot on your tail. The tail wind it makes almost knocks you right off your mount, sending you barreling through the sky as you try and hold on.
Your eyes burn with tears, breath heaving as you clamp your hand down over the ugly wound, trying to stop the blood from pouring. The only thing you can think is go, fly, faster, away.
Your poor ikran beats her wings so fast you think they might snap, feeling the searing pain as you do. You rip a ribbon off of your saddle, one that Etuwa gifted you, made from her finest silk. It goes around your arm, wrapped as tight as you can bear, it will do for now.
You lose your attacker in the trees, diving down and weaving in and out of the canopy. The ugly metal beast can not follow here. You recognize where you land, a flight away from the Aranahe. Your mind hums with a need, arm limp as the bruising spreads, and yet one thought remains. You must go to her. Etuwa.
You slump against your saddle, face pressed against the neck of your ikran, biting back sobs as the adrenaline wears off, replaced by hot numbing pain.
You land with a thud, your ikran having to shove you off herself, sliding down and all but collapsing to the ground. It's Ka'nat that receives you on the landing pad, the same one you left from just a few days ago.
“My child, what has happened?” he takes you under his arm, steading you, eyes flicking to your arm, blood that has crusted around the wound. The trail of it down your arm.
He takes you to Etuwa immediately.
You are ushered into her tent, crying out in pain as they lay you down. Etuwa looks at you with a face of a lover that has been broken. She can not move, watching you writhe in pain, blood everywhere.
Seeing her silk around your arm is what spurs her into action, bringing clean water. Untying gently.
“It's a bullet.” You gasp. “Radio So’lek.”
She sends someone to fetch him, unable to take your pain for a minute longer.
She works with the herbs around her, dried and powered, it eases your pain, allowing you to at least stop the tears that pool in your eyes.
The only thing there is to do is wait.
So’lek comes in record time, along with one of the doctors.
Then they open your bicep, forceps digging deep into the soft flesh as you scream, sobbing and holding into Etuwa's hand.
She has failed you.
—---
She refuses to let you out of her sight, any and all duties go flying out of her tent, replaced instead by you. You are her duty, her sole and only thought as it consumes her.
You try to get up, gather your own food, only to be put back to bed.
“You will stay.” She almost scolds you, unable to look you properly in the eye.
You will stay. And you heal, with her to watch over you, no more pain blinding your vision and your mobility coming back to you.
“I told you I would come back.” You tell her one night, watching the fires of nearby tents lull into the night.
“Yes, but I wished for you to return to better winds.”
You sit side by side, leaning into one another, the tarp that serves as a door is tied open to let fresh air in, and allow you to stare. “But I'm here”
“Yes, you are here.” she hums, tracing patterns on your exposed knee, softy, gentle.
“I must return soon.”
“You are injured.”
“I am healed.”
She makes a grumble in the back of her throat, rising to close the flap and settling onto the floor. “You do not know what is healed.’
You roll your eyes at her, joining her on the floor and pressing your face into the crook of her neck. “Yes mighty tsahik, only you know.’
“Do not patronize me. “
“I am not.” you mumble, moving yourself closer and closer to her skin till you are sandwiched against her.
“I wish to speak to you, of an urgent matter.” She whispers, carding the hair from your face.
“Is everything okay?”
“I wish to mate.” she blurts it faster then you can think, sending you reeling, cheeks flush and heart thumping in your ears. You can not find an appropriate reaction, lying stunned as her heart beat floods your ears.
“I understand it is not the time, I will wait till you heal. But your words have allowed me to reflect on our world. I will not allow this trying time to take anymore happiness, there will not be war that wedges itself between us for my love for you is stronger. “
You gently pull away from her, sitting up and cupping her face with one hand. “I love you, more than I can find the words to express. I see you. “
Etuwa bites back a smile, looking up at you with so much devotion. “ I see you. Brighter than any star it is you who leads my way.”
“I can not wait, not when you tell me you wish to take me for a mate yawnetu. Do not make me wait longer, take me now.”
“You are not ready-”
You shush her with a firm kiss, maneuvering your body to sit atop one of her firm thighs. Her hands come to grab your waist as you give an experimental rock of your hips against her.
“You are eager.” She groans into your mouth, letting her hands travel till they cup your ass, rocking you back and forth, gently.
“Ive been waiting for this for so long.” you breath out, beginning to grind on her thigh.
You lay like that for a moment, lips and tongues dancing together and you feel her under you.
She gently slides you off of her, sitting up and positioning you to lean back on the pile of furs while she traces shapes to your inner thigh.“Let me savor you, the right way.”
You do not complain, watching as she peppers gentle kisses to your already sensitive skin, licking a stripe with her flat tongue till she reaches where the ropes of your loincloth are tied around your hip.
She gives a small bite, smiling on your skin as you shudder.
“You are torturing me.”
Etuwa laughs, “I am tasting you.”
A whine comes from the back of your throat as she gently traces a finger over the already damn fabric of your loincloth. “Etuwa, please.” you barely get out between clenched teeth. Her finger just missing you clothed clit.
“Shh.” she whispers, pushing down deeper and rubbing you gently. “Does that feel better paskalin?”
“Yes, yes.” You moan, unashamed as you watch her on her belly, face pressed up between your legs rubbing your cunt over your soaked loincloth.
She uses two fingers, experimenting with how hard and fast she goes, watching your reactions at each new twist and turn of her fingers.
“Do you wish for me to remove this now?”
“Yes, please.”
She hums, gentling undoing the ties till the cloth comes undone and your bare slick pussy is twitching for her. She pauses, takes a moment to watch you begin to shy awry before she grabs your hips and lowers her mouth onto you.
Your head falls back, mouth agape as you grab the leathers under you, trying not to make too much noise.
She pays no mind. Sucking and prodding at each fold with her tongue, latching onto your cunt like it's a life line. Finding your clit and deciding that's exactly where she's going to stay.
You almost jump out of your skin, poor thinking already puffy from how needy you are, legs beginning to shake with the burning red hot intensity that floods your veins.
“Etuwa,” you warn, half between a moan and a cry. “I can't."
She pulls back enough to catch her breath, “you may grab my hair, control where I go. I wish for this to be pleasurable for you. Guide me to your heat.”
With that she puts her mouth right back on you, one hand guiding your own to her scalp as you take a fist of her braids, squeezing them as she laps at the slick that pours from you, swallowing every drop.
Her nose brushes on your clit once more, before she puts her attention right back on it. A feverish spark of electricity runs through you as you press her face harder into you. Chasing the feeling. She moves onto you like a wave, letting you push her head back and forth till you feel your nerves begin to crumble, the hot coiling feeling of pure pleasuring building in your stomach till it bursts.
And you are cumming all over her face, moaning and breathless all at once as it crashes over you in waves.
She moans into you, letting you ride out her face as she sticks her tongue into your pussy, lapping up the cum eagerly.
She sits up, face seen with you all over her, but she does not care and neither do you. “Yawntu, you were perfect, most perfect.” she kisses your lips, slow and deliberate, letting you taste yourself on her.
“You were perfect,” you mumble onto her swollen lips. “Ive never- you are amazing.”
She beams, moving the stray strands of hair out of your face, kissing your shoulder. “Would you like to continue?”
“Yes please. I want to feel you, taste you too.” Your face burns with your confession and she only coos at you.
“Then you will, come, lay.”
You do as told, lying back and letting her guide you. Watching as she undoes her own clothes, helping you with your top. She spreads your legs, spreading your slick all over your puffy red cunt as you shiver.
She slots her legs over yours, cunt now on display for you as she hovers over yours. You can see it begin to leak as well, slick pooling at its entrance. “Are you ready?”
You nod eagerly, “please Etuwa please please-”
You get cut off when your eager cunts meet, a groan falling from your lips as Etuwa hisses. Skin on skin slotting together oh so perfectly. She sets a slow, deep pace, grinding her hips onto yours as you stare at her. Mouth slack and eyes glassy, unable to think of anything but the feeling of her pussy sliding and touching and kissing yours.
“Oh my sweet Yawntu.” She growls, rolling her hips deepening, feeling her clit meeting yours. “You are perfect for me. Taking my heat against yours.”
You can only nod, legs wide open as she rides you, going faster, head back and watching her breasts bounce with each movement.
“Make the bond with me, mate with me.” You choke out, pink tendril sneaking behind your back as it searches for her.
Etuwa nods, "I will never again wait for our time.”
She brings a shaking hand to her kuru guiding it to yours as the soft pink glows become one. Body, mind and soul. You feel the ache in her core, the twitch of her cunt as she slides it on yours, the sore spot on her shoulder from today's hunt. The small prick of fear but your own feelings soon mask it. Your adoration for one another shines the brightest.
She feels you, the puffy cunt that aches for her, the sore bicep from your injury, your eagerness to please her, to be pleasured, how good it all feels.
You don't say another word, you do not need to. With the bond you simply think.
Etuwa picks up the pace grabbing your hip to bounce and grind and roll her hips till she feels the budding climax of yet another orgasm on you. Her body mirrors yours, and you feel it too. All the waiting she's been doing is coming to a head, about to break as she groans out.
You cum together, moaning shamelessly, blinding white hot pleasure that makes you clamp your legs around her, feeling her hot liquid cover your ruined cunt. Your own cum coming to mix with hers as you feel it dribble down your thigh.
You come off of your highly tougher, still bonded, careful to keep it together as she slide off of you and next to where you lay.
“Muntxate.” she kisses your nose.
You google softly, using the last bit of energy you have to lay atop her. “Muntxate:’ you mumble, letting sleep take over you.
