Late Night P1 | Rough Draft | fin

Grace | 1

The day had finally come.

And despite many weeks of learning, you never truly felt like you'd be ready.

It bore a heavy weight on your heart, knowing if you fucked this up - you'd not only be embarrassing yourself but your friends, too.

You represent more than just yourself here, and it's a bit of a drag knowing that.

It's just you and Neytiri now.

A few raindrops are still falling from the trees, left over from a recent rainstorm.

You suck in a sharp breath, listening to your surroundings. Down to even the smallest of raindrops hitting a puddle beside you.

Neytiri keeps her distance, of course.
Watching every little move you make.

You'd be nervous if it were anyone but her.

Tsu'tey had overseen a few trainings, and you always struggled to impress him.

Unless it was archery... that he knew you were good with.
At least the Na'vi you were befriending all agreed on that.

Whatever your future was here, it would without a doubt include it in some way.

They wouldn't let your skills go to waste, nor deny how hard you worked to get there.

Grace, Norm, and Jake all sit together at Hometree, waiting for you to return.

Jake and Norm went first already, passing it with ease.

So, here you were.

A knife strapped to your chest, and your bow drawn so widely as you snuck up on a hexapede.

The first one noticed you and ran off, leaving you to stalk around for this one.

And you weren't letting it go.

You aim and take your hit straight for its chest, and before it even hits the ground - you've jumped over the fallen tree you were hidden behind, and crouched over the animal as it groaned in pain.

It broke your heart to do it, but you wanted to prove yourself. It was their way of living. So follow it, you will.

You grasp for the knife, hold your breath, and give Neytiri the clean kill she was looking for.
"Oel ngati kameie, ma tsmukan, ulte ngaru seiyi irayo." You drive it in further.
"-Ngari hu Eywa salew tirea, tokx 'ì'awn slu Na'viyä hapxì."

Your eyes open at the end, and you see her sitting before you now with a wide, impressed look on her face.

"You did well." She compliments with a smile. "It is time."

——————————————-

They greet you when you walk in, waiting to hear the verdict.

It's a bit surprising when you find Tsu'tey is there, too.
Apparently he and Norm were getting along lately.
Something you never saw coming.

"How was it?" Tsu'tey turns to you, asking before your friends have the chance.

It's not like him to address any one of you in such a way. But you won't complain.

'Friendly' Tsu'tey suits him better.

The Na'vi words escape you amid things, but seeing as he's asked in English - it seems okay.

You look between all of them before finally answering.

"Neytiri says I am ready." You say with a growing smile on your face, and warmth in your heart.

Norm surprises you as he hugs you so tightly that you lose your footing for a second. "I knew you could do it."