RIPTIDE - Neteyam fanfic

six

Bold text is when they are signing or communicating underwater.

Training had halted do to the return of the tulkun. As soon as they were visible on the horizon, the metkayina people began gathering by the shore, cheering.

Stelle' had been distracted lately. Paying more attention to her duties to her people and her future, she hadn't had time to do what she liked. Her collection of trinkets and crystals had stopped growing.

She hadn't talked to Neteyam in days, barely seeing him during meals as she sat with her friends and he sat with his family. They would occasionally exchange looks. Maybe a smile or two but that was it. It hurt. She'd grown fond of him being around her.

So the tulkun arriving was a miracle from eywa. It was perfect timing to raise her spirit and provide her with the happiness she had been lacking lately.

Stelle' rushed to the shore where everyone was gathering, pushing herself politely though the crowd to get a better view.

Tuk pulled her arm from behind. "Stelle'!", she called for her.

Stelle' turned to look down at tuk with a smile. "Hey tuk. How are you?"

"What is happening?", she questioned

"The tulkun, our soul sisters and brothers have returned. It is a time of happiness and exchange. Truly one of my favorite times of the season." Stelle' looked out into the shore with a smile watching as the beautiful and large creatures returned in swarms.

Tuk looked out into the sea with her. "Do you have a spirit sister?"

"I do." Stelle' smiled recalling Mira, her spirit sister. The one creature she had the strongest connection with. They understood each other so well they were practically the same. Bound together for eternity. "She's lovely."

"Can I meet her?"

"Of course!" Stelle' got on her toes to get a better look past the heads. "Here they come." She held onto tuks hand and dragged her to the water where she called for her Ilu.

She helped tuk get on and rode to find Mira. The air blew against her face. She inhaled the salty smell of the sea she loved. She'd missed feeling the water on her feet and arms. She missed it all.

Stelle' could recognize Mira anywhere. She approached her sister with a huge grin. hello my friend, she signed.

"Is this her?", Tuk spoke from behind her.

"Yes."

Stelle' dove into the water, reaching out with her hand to feel her soul sister's firm exterior, smooth and textured. I've missed you

I have missed you too my stelle' , said Mira. What has happened while I've been gone?

Stelle' looked down. So many things , she signed

What is wrong? Mira knew. Her ease in reading stelle was why they got along so well.

Stelle' hesitated in talking about Neteyam as tuk lingered nearby, but realized she wouldn't understand. The little girl just looked at Mira in admiration, not interested in knowing what she said.

Stelle' gave in, looking into Mira's eye. I met a boy.

a boy? Tell me about him.

He is so kind. And very handsome. But I am afraid our relationship will be looked down upon by my people. , she signed. Talking about it made it so much more real.

You must follow your heart my dear, stelle'. Let it tell you what you truly want and listen to it, not to other people. Then you will find true happiness and meaning.