Intangible

23: Tìtsyul mip

----------Tsu'tey's POV----------

I stood up quickly on tired legs, I was eager to see her eyes open. Instead, it was silent. When JakeSully had his ceremony, he woke up immediately. But this is different. 

I got on my knees next to her body. Her heart beats, but her eyes won't open. I panic and I look to my former betrothed. Her guess is the same as mine, but she is silent and listening to Eywa. She nods to me with a reassuring look. 

I look back to my love and her eyes open slowly. 

All worry and breath leaves me as she smiles at me after realizing what's happened. She's with me now. 

----------Our POV----------

I hear murmurs and relieved gasps as I wake, Tsu'tey's face is the first thing I see. And I am never going back. 

That day, I spent in Tsu'tey's arms, gazing into his eyes. His smile used to be rare, it still is, but I still get to see it more than most. I can't help but notice that we've been straying farther and farther from the clan, first we ate closer to our tent, but then he took us flying, Hiyìk knew my attitude was different somehow, my mind itself seemed louder to her now. It didn't matter where he guided me, so long as I could follow.

We stopped at several places, doing things we've done before, running, jumping, playing, acting like fools. Fools in love. Every time he smiles at me, I get butterflies in my stomach and I feel something I've never felt before. 

On earth, I never had much time for love or friends. I had flings in the Avatar program, but they weren't love driven. This is new and beautiful. It makes me feel foolish and bashful, the way he looks at me. All of that warmth and love I don't even deserve. 

The sun began to set and I knew we'd head back to the clan. I was saddened but I knew that tomorrow, we'd both have what we wanted. Each other, for the rest of our lives.

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Tsu'tey had a smile on his face all through dinner, and I'm sure I did too.

"What's up with the smile? You've been smiling for an hour now, it's starting to freak me out." Jake chuckled.

"No, it's nothing. I'm just really happy today." I continued to eat until I found I was full. The 'emyu[cooker] had done a great job on these bun-like meat pods. The meat inside the bread-like bun was sweet and salty, while the pod's outside which was made from dried and roasted plants with another array of ingredients was also flavorful. It's like the pork-buns my mother and I bought from a local store I've forgotten the name of. 

Jake snickered.

"You really seem happy, I know you were anxious, but is it really so bad?" He teased. His smile was familiar and friendly.

"No, its wonderful. I completely forgot how scared I was when I came to the Tree of Souls." I put down my food after finding I was full, "Pandora is so beautiful. I've been here for almost three years and I've found everything I never thought I'd have." I grinned. Jake smiled in understanding. He began to stand up to leave.

"I'd better hit the hammock, we have another ceremony tomorrow."

"Oh! That's right. The Tìmuntxa(marriage) ceremony. I've forgotten." Jake just smiled and walked away. 

The ceremony. It's not very complicated, and nothing one does can make it go wrong, but there are requirements. The first preparation on my end is hair. Both of us will have to undo our main braid and we'll have it done up so that a single pin can release all of our loose hair, exposing the queue. It's symbolic for vulnerability, and open-ness. 

Next we'll be painted according to our places in the clan. Tsu'tey will have his hands painted red, stripes and patterns will decorate him while white will be mine. I will have my eyelids, lips, and hands painted white with the mark of our clan on my forehead. 

We'll be wearing simple, but distinct clothes which will symbolize our roles in the clan. I know Tsu'tey will wear a newly made ceremonial piece, nearly identical to the one Neytiri's father wore. I'll wear A blue neckpiece which will cover my chest, and a simple loin cloth. We'll have to have a big lei-like ring around the both of us at the end, so, no flashy clothes. 

Neytiri or an elder will be in charge of our ceremony, Leading us through a quick prayer before the ring is wrapped around our shoulders. And then a celebration will occur, Tsu'tey and I will make a weapon together to symbolize our tribes merging. Since I have no tribe, he will be seen as the head of our family once we are one. After, we'll part ways for the last time and Maru will pester him and I'll probably deal with Ka'ani. It's a test of patience. Finally, we'll be alone together at Utraya Tirea. We'll be one.

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I went to sleep that night apart from Tsu'tey. Just me, holding onto an earthly tradition. It's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before their wedding. I would know, I watched Monsters Vs. Aliens.