Intangible

6: Tstxo oeyä

This Tsahik, dressed in red, circled Jake and I. She examined us both closely before stopping infront of us. 

"What are you called?" She asked Jake. Her eyes followed and studied him as a predator would watch prey.

"Jake Sully." He replied simply. The tsahik pulled a bone needle from her headdress and struck Jake in the shoulder. She raised the needle to her lips and tasted the blood before looking up.

"Why did you come to us?" She asserted.

"I came to learn."

"We have tried to teach other Sky People." She lamented, "It is hard to fill a cup which is already full." 

"Well, my cup is empty-" 

I snorted at his self-depreciation. The tsahik turned her head sharply at me.

"Why is this funny?" She asked.

"S-sorry," I apologized and halted my laughter, "He is known for being stupid." I say in Na'vi to conceal my words. She appreciated that I could find humor right now knowing I could die, but she disapproved of my disconnect from reality. I could very well die here today. I had never met her before today. Let alone know her, Grace knew her, and I knew her daughter. 

"As I was saying, I'm no scientist."

"What are you?" she snapped. Jake hesitated and tried to shake away his nerves. 

"I uh, I was a marine. a uh, a warrior of the jarhead clan." He motioned to Tsu'tey. 

"Tsamsiyu pak? pot tsun oe tspivang nìftue![A warrior? I could kill him easily!]" Tsu'tey challenged.

"Kehe!" the Olo'eyktan stopped him, "Fìpo lu 'awvea, uniltìranyu-tsamsiyu, a tsole'a ayoengìl.[This is the first warrior dreamwalker we have seen]" He assessed. 

"Pori awngaru lu tìkin, a nume nì'ul.[We need to learn more about him]" He concluded. 

"You, what are you called?" Tsahik asked.

"My name is Eyohi." I decided not to give her my last name. I am ashamed of my father and his family. 

She looked very closely at me before striking me with her needle. I definitely need to go make sure I have antibiotics in this bag.

"Did you come to learn?"

"Yes."

"What are you?"

"I am- I was a teacher. A care taker of children."

"Do you know Grace?"

"Dr. Augustine, I worked with her." 

She nodded in response.

"I do not know what do do with you, but Eywa has decided that you are important enough to keep alive. You will stay with us and learn as we do." She turned and began speaking to Neytiri.

"Ma 'ite, awngeyä fya'ori zene nga sänume sivi poru fte tsivun pivlltxe sì tivìran na ayoeng.[Daughter, you will teach him our way, to speak and walk as we do]" She then turned to Tsu'tey. "Sänume sami Sylwanin po, omum peyä nga?[She taught Sylwanin, you know her?]"

"Sran, oe amomum. Po sänume sami awnga.[Yes I knew. She taught us.]" He answered.

"Sänume sivi peyä poru ayfya'o.[teach her our ways.]" She finished. He bowed his head in respect and reluctant agreement. 

"It is decided, my daughter and warrior will teach you our way. Learn well JakeSully and Eyohi." She finished.

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