The Nockilam Clan🦎

Taqtu and mi'nia

It was a peaceful day in front of the kolak'ta caves. Taqtu and mi'nia were petting mis near the lake talking about nothing. Other na'vis were seen swimming in the nearby lake, enjoying every moment of this sweet day. Mi'nia splashed a bit of the water on Taqtu, which ended in him jumping like a cat at the cold touch.

"mi'nia!!!"
"Eheheheh"

Even with such a soft and lovely face she had the most gremlin of laughs and the most devilish of thoughts. After a bit of banter and a small scolding, mi'nia took taqtu's hand and slowly led him inside the cave.

"What trick are you planning on doing this time?"
"Oh, this one you'll like it! I promise"

With a soft smile from her, he immediately felt safe and warm inside. As they walked along the soft glows of the cave, the gentle minded olo'eytkan would only wonder and wonder more about what he was about to see. Little did he know it was gonna be one of the most wonderful surprise he would ever get. As they entered the soul trees entrance, he began to feel a bit nervous. A surprise in front of eywa? What could that mean? How serious was it? Little did he know it wasn't anything to worry about. They both sat down in front of the many rows of trees, and gently bonded with the trees. Mi'nia slowly held out her hand and he gently reciprocate.

"Are you ready?"
"I... yes"

They slowly connected their bonds together, immediately filling both their minds with each other's. Taqtu slowly felt everything going on in her mind. He could hear her thoughts, her feelings, her breathes, her hearts... hearts? Two?

His eyes widen in shock. Mi'nia slowly opened her eyes with a warm smile waiting for his words. But he didn't have anything to say, he was far too gone in his thoughts to respond. Slowly he removed his bond, looked down and didn't say a word. She was a bit worried, and gently nudge him. He started to cry.

"R- r ea l ly?"
"*giggles* yes, really"

Taqtu opened his arms weakly, which mi'nia quickly accepted. No other words were exchanged that night. They both had so many thoughts and feelings racing In their hearts and minds. Yet they could still hold each other and quietly celebrate near each other.

They both laid on their Covers, simply looking at each other with no words brave enough to come out. Simply looking at each other, and knowing deep down they were both extatique about the news. She reached a hand out, gently placing it on his cheek. He laid his hand to it, holding it even closer.

"You're going to be the best father anyone could ask for"
"You think so?"
"I know so"

———————

Taqtu just stood there. No words could come up in his mind. All he could see was the terrified face of his daughter on the ground, afraid of him. He yelled at her. He told her she wasn't ready for anything outside. He betrayed her. Betrayed his daughter, Betrayed his beloved, Betrayed his people, betrayed himself. He is a horrible father, and Chepi deserves everything he did not do. Those words were spiralling in his mind over and over and over and o-

"It's okay dad. I know. I know it's hard. I love you. And I know you're trying your best. But you need to heal. And I need to go. You know this. Everyone does. I love you dad. And I know you love me. But don't trust the outside, trust me. Please."
"I... Trust you. I love you. I.. I'm ... im sorry, I love you you're right.."

Chepi hugged him. And he hugged her tightly back, he was crying unto her shoulder, and his grip getting tighter and tighter. She was right, he needed to heal. But he couldn't allow himself. He knew it. Chepi knew it. Mi'nia knew it. Everyone knew it. But he felt weak, pathetic, a failure of an olo'eytkan. The hardest part of healing isn't the healing, it's the acceptance.

End