Chronicles Of Mama Okoye and Riri XXII
CASTING BONDS
AN: Shoutout to @neptoons1998 for the idea! MVP for real.
Attoye Lovahs: @pilesofpillows @xblackreader @blacksapphhicmaddonna
Okoye leaned against the wooden fence and watched Riri tended to her rhinoceraus, Thabisa. The calf had grown quite large over the last 4 years, almost as large as its father. To combat the height disadvantage, Riri equipped herself with some stilts. Not without technologically modifying them first in ways that best suited her needs, of course.
Riri had insisted to her mother that she was capable of bathing the rhino all by her lonesome, so Okoye was forced to be a bystander. Not like she minded in the least. She spectated as Riri got herself soaked with water and soap, trying to get Thabisa as clean as she could while the animal huffed and grunted at her ministrations.
A smile blossomed over Okoye's features as Thabisa nudged Riri before giving a wet, affectionate lick to her cheek.
"Ah! Thabisa!" Riri giggled before meticulously scrubbing her horn with a toothbrush, "I should use this for your tongue next."
Okoye settled herself onto the grass but was soon accompanied by her own rhinoceraus, Efua. She placed a kiss onto the beast's thick hide before leaning against her.
She pulled her Seana Marena closer to her form as her mind went back to the conversation she had the previous night with her husband.
"Okoye, I fear Riri is not quite as fond of me as I had initially believed," Attuma started, "When I try interacting with her, she keeps communication short and goes about her way. I sense that she is uncomfortable, but I do not know how to remedy the issue."
Okoye gave Attuma her full attention as he lamented. She did in fact notice the stagnancy in the relationship between Riri and Attuma. Their interactions have been a stark contrast compared to before they had married.
Attuma officially moved in and integrated into their home three weeks ago. Initially, Okoye had chalked it up to Riri needing to adjust to the new presence being a permanent fixture. They have evolved from a family of two, into a family of three.
However, Okoye being as perceptive as she was, had noticed tension from Riri long before he brought it up. She wanted to give her child space though. She wanted to allow her to sit with her feelings and reflect before approaching the child. Though it looks like she'd have to gently prod her.
"I would like to bond more with her, but I am afraid the wall she has put up prevents me from doing so. She is like a daughter to me-no, she is my daughter, and I would love to teach her the ways of my people. But I am hurt that she avoids me. Did I perhaps do something to anger her?"
Okoye gave a gentle smile and held Attuma's hand in comfort, "No, darling. She has just had difficulty to the new addition in our home. But don't worry, I'll have a little chat with her."
Attuma brightened at Okoye's suggestion, "You will? Thank Chaac!"
Efua huffed, bringing Okoye out of her reverie. Her attention went back to Riri and Thabisa, noting that her daughter was finished with the tidying.
"You're all clean now, Superstar!" Riri cheered before taking a selfie with the rhino, "You can go ahead and eat now, girl." She patted her side and walked over to Okoye after Thabisa walked off to eat her meal.
"Come." Okoye pat her side, "Let's talk."
Efua stood up and trudged off to get her own food, leaving the mother and daughter by themselves.
Riri plopped down and rest on her head on Okoye's lap, looking up at her.
"You smell like wet Rhino, small girl." Okoye playfully scrunched her nose.
"A small price to pay in making sure my baby looks presentable at all times." The child smirked.
Okoye unravelled her Seana Marena off of her body and covered Riri with it, seeing her shiver slightly due to her damp clothes.
"Riri," Okoyes affectionately rubbed a thumb over her daughter's forehead, "Attuma wants to take you fishing tomorrow."
Riri wrinkled her nose at the statement, "I'm not a member of the River Tribe. I don't fish. Tell him I pass."
Okoye frowned slightly at Riri's dismissiveness, "But how come my love?" Before Attuma moved in with them, she was always excited to be around 'Big Blue' as she affectionately called him.
"Uh," She squeezed her eyes shut, "Because I'm a part of the Border Tribe? Duh. I don't have a need to fish." She wildly flailed her arms, gesturing to the wide open fields and cattle scattered across the landscape.
Chuckling at Riri's adamance, she gently coaxed again, "Yes, my Pebble. But Attuma would like to share a piece of him, a part of his world with you through the bonding experience of fishing. Don't you want to have a deeper understanding of your stepfather?"
Riri flinched at the title and looked at her mother, "No?"
Okoye softly cradled Riri's cheek and regarded her, "Why is that my sweet?"
Riri gave her mother an exaggerated shrug, interlocked her fingers and stretched out her arms, "I dunno."
Okoye remained patient with the child and prodded some more, "Riri, who boasts about knowing everything, claims to not know why she doesn't want to know her stepfather better? That's preposterous!"
Riri groaned loudly, "Ugh, Ma! I dunno. I guess its because it's different I guess?"
"Different how?" Okoye persisted with open-ended questions to allow room for Riri to properly express herself.
Riri shrugged again and avoided eye contact.
"It's okay to speak what's on your mind, Riri. You know I don't bite." She tickled her ribs, causing the girl to giggle.
"Okay, okay Ma! Stop! Haha!" Okoye paused her attack to allow Riri to speak.
"You promise you ain't gonna look at me funny for what I have to say?"
"You know I'd never do that, Riri. You know you can always speak your mind with me." Okoye encouraged.
Riri folded her lips as she thought of the best way to get her thoughts across, "I just feel weird with someone else in the house other than us. I guess. It was cool and everything when he came and went but I didn't realize how...WEIRD I feel. It was just me and you always..." She trailed off.
Okoye kept quiet in case Riri had anything else to say.
"And I know we had the talk. You asked me if I was comfortable with you marrying Attuma and him living with us. And I was. He's fun. He plays with me. He took me out and stuff. He told me he loves me and stuff. But it feels strange officially calling him Baba you know? Or Yuum as he says I can call him." Riri scratched her head. "I dunno if I'm making any sense to you, Ma." She took a deep breath and sighed.
"No, you're making perfect sense Riri." She stroked her daughter's cheek with a knuckle.
"I guess what I'm saying is I underestimated my ability to adjust to a male presence that is a constant in the home and I don't know how to navigate this newfound family dynamic full-time. I like Attuma, don't get me wrong. I just feel awkward. And shy, I guess." She wiggled around on the grass and rubbed the back of her head impossibly deeper into Okoye's lap.
Okoye laughed at Riri's antics, "It is alright, Riri. This is something new. You are adjusting. But the fact of the matter is, this is the same Attuma that you know. He's very excited to teach you more about his home and traditions as he sees you as his own child."
Riri blew a raspberry in response.
"He is very excited to bond, you know. Don't knock it till you try it."
"Hmm, but Ma, I'm an engineer, not a fisherman. I'm also one with the Border, in case you forgot. Not exactly a water baby here."
Okoye nodded, "That may be true but just as the Border Tribe protects Wakanda with the strength of the earth beneath their feet, Talokan draws its strength from the water. You can learn a lot from Attuma, just as he has been very eager to learn from you."
Riri took a breath "But- the-Hmm."
Okoye interrupted Riri every time she tried to make an excuse, "Ah-No-Riri." She levelled the child with a look only a mother could give.
"Just give it a chance. Go into it with an open mind. Try looking at things from his perspective. What scientist do you boast yourself to be and not having an open mind, eh?"
Riri sighed, "Fiiiinnneeeeee. I'll go." She knew once her mother made up her mind.
"But manual poles and bait and stuff? Nah, I can do better than that. Trust. I'll build some more effective gear for our bonding session." Riri nodded and stroked her chin as she began brainstorming, "Attuma's gonna have the sandals rocked off of him!"
The next day, Attuma excitedly packed his essentials into his satchel as well as everything needed for their outing into a carved wooden chest.
He planned on having a full day with Riri which was rich in knowledge and new experiences for her. He put everything outside on the porch and waited for Riri to come outside.
Okoye was with Riri as she put in the last of her gadgets into her backpack, "Be open to the experience, okay, Riri?"
She walked around her room and tugged her shorts out of the clothes hamper before putting it on, "Yea, Ma. I got it. Be open and be nice and blah blah." She laughed.
Riri picked up her bag and slipped her flip-flops on.
Mother and daughter ventured outside to meet Attuma.
"Are you ready to venture to Lake Mbasi, Riri?" Attuma asked cheerfully.
Riri smiled and nodded, "Heck yea. We're gonna catch so much fish! It's gonna be a feast!"
"That's the spirit, Tiny Shrimp!" Attuma cheered, which caused Riri to smile at his enthusiasm.
Okoye bent down and pressed a kiss to Riri's cheek, "Be good!"
She then turned and tip-toed to press a kiss to Attuma's lips after he removed his rebreather, "You be good as well."
"Of course!" He grinned and picked up his chest, "Let's go Riri."
And so, the duo set off on their trek to Lake Mbasi. It was a 45-minute walk, so they had gotten an early start to properly seize the day, as Attuma explained.
"Are you excited for the fishing experience, Riri? Because I have so much to show you."
Riri grinned and rubbed her pointer under her nose, "Yea. I'm excited. I have a few things to show off to you as well It'll blow your mind!"
Attuma paused, his tone held a tinge of hurt, "You intend to blow my head off?"
Riri looked at him, "Big Blue, you're funny sometimes. It's just a figure of speech." She jumped and spread her legs apart on the landing, then pointed up at the sky, "What I mean is you're going to be completely and utterly dumbfounded by what I have in store! I stayed up all night prepping for today. You're going to be at such a loss for words you're gonna look like this."
Riri put on an expression of awe and hung her mouth open, "Gonna be like a fish outta water. I'm saying!"
Attuma chuckled, happy that she seemingly reverted to how she used to interact with him.
They continued their walk with light conversation until they finally arrived at Lake Mbasi.
"Here we are, Riri." He carefully placed the chest on the ground as well as his satchel.
Riri did the same with her backpack and went to inspect the chest, "Woah! What are these glyphs?" She touched the markings on the wood, unable to stave off her curiosity.
"That is the glyph of Ix Chel." Attuma explained as he got on one knee, "She is our Goddes of Waters and the Moon. The glyph represents nurturing and abundance, symbolizing the balance of nature and the life-giving forces of the water."
Riri listened to Attuma and nodded in understanding, "That's pretty cool."
She went to her backpack and took out the gadgets she prepared, "Let's get to fishing!" One by one her tech lined the grass.
"I got, self casting fishing lines. A sonar to detect the fish so we don't have to wait super long for a catch, and I even brought a drone to spot schools of fish from a bird's eye view! This'll be a piece of cake!" Riri hummed and nodded her head in approval.
Attuma regarded Riri, "I know you love using your tech as it provides a more convenient and efficient way of executing tasks as you so put it, I insist we start things off in the more traditional way. I want to share with you the way my people prepare to fish."
RIri scratched her head, "Okay, show me your ways, Attuma. But you have to promise we use my gear next!"
Attuma chuckled, "Yes. You have my word." Attuma set aside his spear which was in his satchel, as well as his net.
"This fishing spear and net have been passed down for generations in Talokan, tracing back to our Mayan roots. One of many of course."
"That's cool," Riri stated as she squatted opposite the blue man.
Next, he placed a gentle hand on the unopened chest, "Fishing in Talokan is not just about catching food. It is about respecting the natural world. The waters are sacred and breathe life. In Talokan, we do not take more than what we need. That is how we maintain balance between nature and survival."
Wow. The way of the Talokan is similar to how her fellow Wakandans do things on land. Riri smiled and hugged her knees at the lesson she was getting from Attuma.
“In my culture, we believe the water has a spirit like the gods who control the rain and rivers. We don’t just fish; we give thanks. Each catch is a gift."
Attuma opened up the chest and looked at Riri, "I want to share in a ritual we do before we fish."
First, he extracted a polished shell which had intricate markings of a hammerhead shark on it. He beckoned Riri closer so she could scrutinize it properly.
"The shark represents strength and power in the ocean." He motions for Riri to hold out her hand and places the shell into her palms.
He then placed a white flower into the shell, "You may place the shell at the water's edge."
Riri wasn't expecting to participate in the ritual herself, but she was rolling with it. Quite appreciative that he was sharing this experience with her.
He removed a few more bowls, placing flowers into them as he did the first and allowed Riri to place them at different points to symbolize a circle of protection.
Next, Attuma removed a small pouch of copal from the chest. Attuma burned the incense at the water’s edge, allowing the smoke to drift over the lake. He explained to Riri that it symbolised a bridge between Talokan and the natural world. The scent would honor the sea and the spirits that dwell within it.
Next, Attuma retrieved a fishing spear made from obsidian.
"This has been passed down through generations in Talokan. This spear is not used for everyday fishing, however, it is symbolic, representing the unity between the fisherman and the sea."
He showed it off to Riri, "These carvings engraved into the spear represent Chaac, the Mayan God of rain and water."
"I shall now seek the blessing of the sea gods. This spear represents my respect for the ocean, my ancestors and the fish we seek to catch."
With great reverence, Attuma gently placed the tip of the spear in the water. As the spear touched the water, he whispered a prayer in his native tongue to the sea god Chaac, asking for balance and guidance.
Riri remained silent as Attuma went through the steps with great devotion.
Next, Attuma takes a gourd out of the chest, "This is the vessel of seawater from which I hail."
Slowly he pours it into the lake, symbolizing the union of Talokan and Wakanda.
This act represents how the two worlds—underwater and on land—are forever connected, a message not lost on Riri, who watches with curiosity.
To conclude, Attuma takes the water amulet from the chest and holds it over his heart, reflecting for a few moments in silence. He speaks the final words of the blessing, calling upon his ancestors to guide him and keep him connected to the sea. The amulet is then placed back in the chest as a final act of devotion.
"The ritual is complete." He then looked over to Riri.
"Yoo! Attuma that was so wicked!" She stood up on shaking legs and filled her lungs with several gasps of air. "I didn't realize I was holding my breath for so long! You're so devoted to your Gods and ancestors! And the ceremony was so powerful. You're making me want to learn Mayan!"
Attuma grinned at Riri's animated demeanour.
"And thank you for allowing me to participate in the ritual with you. I felt super included!"
"You are most welcome, Tiny Shrimp. That is the purpose of our bonding."
"So it's fishing time now, right?"
Attuma nodded in agreement.
"Okay! So lemme show you my stuff!" She ran and picked up her fishing pole, "This bad boy is self-casting! So all you gotta do is stick it in the ground and it'll do the work or you!"
Riri excitedly stuck the pole into the soil and clicked a button that propelled the line into the water, "Now we just gotta wait."
She put her hands on her hip, feeling proud of herself.
"That is very innovative, Riri but you don't get much interaction in the water that way." Attuma rubbed his chin.
"The tech does all the work for you." She sat next to the pole, waiting for a snag.
Attuma nodded, deciding to wait with her to see if the fishing line caught anything. But five minutes passed and nothing.
"Huh. This is boring."
Attuma sighed, "You should get into the water, Riri. You will have an easier time catching fish by understanding the rhythm in which the water behaves.
Riri scratched her head, "But the tech will do it for me."
"Come, come." Attuma ordered, "I am going to show you how to fish like a proper Talokanil.
Riri stood up and kicked off her flip flops, "Lemme get my sonar!"
Attuma shook his head, "No, I said like a proper Talokanil. We aren't using any technology."
Riri pouted and slipped her hands into her back pocket, "But I'm not from the River Tribe. I'm going to suck at this. I've never fished in my life. No connection to fishing traditions. I think you'll be wasting your time. I'm inadequate." She shrugged, not liking to admit that.
Attuma lightly nudged Riri's back and guided her to the water, "Do not fret, Shrimpy. You will be a pro when I'm done with you."
Stepping into the water until Riri was thigh-deep, Attuma began his instruction.
"Have you hunted before?"
Riri made a face, "Duh. Do you forget who my mom is? She's taken me into the forest before to catch dinner before. Meat tastes best when it's fresh as can be!"
"You have the right mentality!" He gently rubbed her shoulders, "Fishing is no different than hunting on land, besides elemental differences. Just as you hunt a boar, reading its movements, knowing the proper time to strike, so you do with fish."
Right where he stood, he took note of a large catfish swimming about, barely making ripples at the surface.
"Take note Riri. Look at how this catfish swims and has its own rhythm. To catch it you do not go against the tone it has set for itself. I cannot just splash in and expect a catch. It will get frightened and I would lose a meal."
Riri looked on as Attuma gently placed his hands in the water and trailed behind the movement of the fish. Almost as though he was one with it. Then in an instant, Attuma pulled the large fish out of the water. It flapped around in his hands, causing water to sprinkle all over Riri, making her laugh.
"See? It's easy!" He walked on land and placed the fish on the grass.
He joined Riri in the water again, "Yea. You know what. It's a piece of cake! I'll catch mine on the first try too!"
She spread her legs and looked extra hard to see if she spotted a decent-sized fish, "Aye! I see one!"
In her excitement, she dove into the water but turned up soaked and exmpty handed.
Attuma's gutteral laugh caught her attention. The Talokanil General hunched over in laughter at Riri's zealous display.
Riri smiled and wiped some hair out of her face.
"That-that was the exact opposite of what I showed you Shrimpy." Attuma coughed into his fist as tears formed in the corner of his eyes.
Riri rolled her eyes and looked into the water for another fish. This time shedunked her hands under water a little too fast which caused the fish to swim away. "Hmm!"
Attuma, still laughing came up behind her and hunched over her smaller form.
"Follow me." He placed his hands in the water and Riri did the same. Using his hands as a guide Riri slowly coursed her hands through the water, making a small current.
Seeingly attracted to the motion, a fish practically swam between her awaiting palms.
"This is your chance, Riri!"
"It's mine!!" Riri screeched before pulling her hands out of the water, "I caught you!" She looked up at her hands to see her spoils but frowned when she realized what they held in the air were her interlocked hands instead.
Attuma roared with laughter, the sheer force of his mirth knocked him backwards, splashing Riri in the process.
"It's not funny!" Riri growled while splashing him, but her tone held no rage, "I almost had it!"
Attuma held up his own clasped hands, shouting to the heavens, "I caught it!" Mocking the child.
"You know you wrong for that." Riri huffed before splashing Attuma again.
"We can try the spear if you like." Attuma offered but Riri declined, "Nah I wanna catch a fish with my bare hands like you!"
The rest of the afternoon, Riri and Attuma spent their time catching fish. Well, more of Attuma catching fish and Riri splashing herself with water in hundred of failed attempts.
Attuma was placing his latest catch next to the rest when Riri shouted for his attention.
"I caught one! Big Blue I caught one!" She splashed around in a happy danced while she remained hunched over in excitement.
Attuma, happy about the news came rushing to observe her bounty.
Riri turned around and in her possession was a tiny brightly colored fish swimming in her palms.
Attuma grinned, "I am so proud of you Riri! You did so well!"
Riri smiled at the praise, "I wanna keep this one. It's too small to eat anyway."
"Of course you can. We need something to put it in."
Riri carefully walked back to shore, "I have a water bottle in my bag!"
Attuma fetched it, filled it with some lake water and helped Riri guide the fish into the bottle.
"Hehehe." She held up the bottle to the sunlight and admired the fish's colors, "I had a bountiful day indeed."
She looked over to the piles of fish Attuma had laid out on the grass, "You too, I guess. But mines is prettier."
Attuma smiled and nodded, "I cannot argue with you there."
Riri sat down and flopped backwards, the events of the day getting to her, "Man, I'm beat." She groaned.
"You did excellent for your first time, Riri. I'm very proud of you." Attuma sat next to her and pat her soaked afro.
"Thanks..." Riri looked up at the sky and twisted her mouth.
"Thank you, Yuum."
Attuma looked over at Riri with shocked eyes. That was the first time she referred to him as such.
"Yea, I was practicing that in the mirror for like 3 weeks." She shrugged.
"Sorry if I made you feel bad for ignoring you and stuff. You becoming my stepdad felt surreal to me. It was one thing with you coming around sometimes and hanging out. But you being around 100% felt crazy to me. And I guess I felt nervous about it. Because it was more official. And I didn't know if our dynamic would have changed."
She scooted closer to the Talokanil, "I guess I was worried that you woulda switched up or something and not like me as much? Or I was maybe projecting onto you. But I'm glad you still love me like you always said you have." She scooted closer to him and rest her head on his shoulder.
Attuma's heart soared hearing that from Riri. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer, "I would never change the way that I treat you, unless it was for the better. Which it always will. I am happy that you felt comfortable enough to share this with me, Riri."
"You're welcome, Yuum."
After winding down, Attuma packed up their spoils of the day and allowed Riri voyage on his back after complaining of being tired.
Riri silently pet Attuma's hair for comfort as he carried her back home.
Okoye was on the front porch when she saw her husband and daughter coming up the walkway.
"You're back!" She stood up to meet them but her eyes bulged at the sight of the amount of fish they brought back, "Did you clear the entire lake?" She joked.
"All that you see in the net is what I caught, Ma!" Riri announced.
"Really?" She took Riri off of Attuma's back and pressed a few kisses to he cheeks and forehead.
"Nah. He caught all of those. But look!" She held up her water bottle, showing off her colorful fish, "I caught this one all by myself!"
Okoye gasped, "Oh my goodness! Riri it's so beautiful!"
Riri rubbed her nose in smug satisfaction, "You can have it if you want."
Okoye smooched her cheek again, "Are you sure? I'm sure you worked hard to catch it."
"Put me down! I'll put it in a bowl for you!"
Okoye did as she was told and Riri bolted inside.
She looked over at her husband, "So, how was it?"
Attuma put down his net of fish and lifted Okoye into his arms.
Knowing what he wanted, she removed his rebreather and gave him a kiss on his lips.
"She called me Yuum! Okoye I'm so happy! She accepts me wholly." He pressed another kiss to her lips.
"Attuma that's great news!" She wrapped her arms around his neck in a hug.
"I already have another outing planned I believe she will love it."
Two of her favourite people in the world were getting along again and she couldn't be happier. She went in for another kiss but RIri interrupted with her gagging.
"Okay, guys. That's enough. Let's fry up some of that tilapia already." She snapped her fingers in haste.
"You heard the boss." Okoye smiled.
Attuma smiled and picked up the net, "I shall begin gutting the fish."
