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Lo'ak woke up in a grimace, stirring awake from the rising tangerine rays of the sun in the distance. Rolling over to his side he felt for a warm body that lay under him not even hours ago. Missing her presence almost immediately until he realized that he'd see her sooner than later.
Today was the day, he would become a metkayina warrior— truly one of the people. He'd never admit it to anyone but he was nervous, and the thoughts of being in the seas territory sort of frightened him. Yayìu believe that he was more than ready, she trained him until he was both physically and mentally fit for the challenge.
"Today is the day ma son." Neytiri cooed to her youngest boy, pushing braids the two freed braids from his face. "Come."
Lo'ak stood to his feet, rolling out of the hammock his mother carefully pieced together to add a hint of the forest within their new home. Spread along the mauri were some of the dishes he'd grown to love in his time with the metkayina clan. The family enjoyed the feast, sharing fond memories of Lo'ak that they've each experienced in their times together.
"Yeah." Kiri chuckled before ruffling his hair. "Lo'ak can definitely be a skxawng."
"Whatever." Lo'ak swatted her hand with a light chuckle.
"Are you scared Lo'ak?" Tuk questioned with curious eyes. "Skimwing are scary!"
"Our brother is a mighty warrior." Neteyam approached the boy from behind placing his firm hands on boys shoulders lightly shaking him. "He'll be fine."
"Skimwing are scary tuk." Lo'ak agreed nodding his agreeing with the facts, "But I must be brave."
"There are times when fear is needed while other times it is not." Jake added on, taking Tuk's small hand into his fingers earning a small smile in return.
"You must get ready soon hm?" Neytri stood gathering the leftover food and crafted shells into her arms. "Tsahìk will be waiting."
Lo'ak nodded before heading towards the communal mauri, that held Ronal. She'd already begun burning her herbs within the pod, leaving a tinted fog around them. Lo'ak took a seat within the middle of the pod where woven cushions lay. Ronal starting a chant not long after, blessing the boy for his journey of becoming a man.
Soon she took a seat in front of him, a thick shell in her hands that contained a white paste-like substance. Ronal brushed thick white strips of paint onto the boys skin, gliding over his shoulders and hands. During the passage the paint is to wash off and be replaced once the iknimaya is complete, symbolizing the shedding skin of a boy being reborn into a man.
The sun illuminated around Ronal coating her turquoise skin with its rays, as a small foot imprinted along her belly. Finishing the last coat of paint the two shared a knowing smile before he joined the others who also sought to complete their passage.
