Not the End

20 - Ilu

I only woke up a few times from unfamiliar sounds coming from the ocean. Each time though, I would open my eyes to either Kiri, or Neteyam, probably the two people I feel most comfortable with.

I am startled awake, I think it is an ilu making noise this time. The sky is turning a dull, light blue, as the night fades into a new day. I might as well get up. Slowly I push myself up to sit, stretching my stuff arms, I look around the marui, all the others are still sleeping. Neteyam is laying on his side facing away from me, my hand runs over his hair and kiss his shoulder. Standing up, I pull my hair back, tying it up, the morning breeze dries my sweat from the night. I step forward, focusing to find my balance on the flexible floor, I walk softly across the room to grab a piece of fruit before leaving silently.

Not many others are up, I walk around a bit to observe the Metkayina morning. In the distance is a canoe with a few people fishing out past the reef, and a woman walking around, gently swaying her baby. I take a bite of my fruit, it is similar to what grows in the forest, but much sweeter. I sit on the edge of path in front of our marui, watching the fish and other animals swim around the shallow water. An ilu swims up in front of me, quietly squeaking and clicking at me.

"Good morning." I whisper happily, I still can't believe how adorable these creatures are. Their faces are much friendlier than those in the forest. I slowly reach out, it hesitates a moment before rubbing its head against my hand. "You are so cute." I pet its head and it swims around my feet before coming out of the water close to me, eyeing my fruit. "Oh, you want some?" It flaps its fins and squeaks at me. "I would love to share with you but I am not sure you can eat this. I am sorry." I say softly, then I feel someone coming down the path towards me. I turn to see Ao'nung who waves at me, I wave back.

"You are anxious to ride?" He asks, smiling at me. I return a small smile.

"This one just came up to me on its own, I think it wants this." I say gesturing to the fruit.

"Don't feed them here, or you will start waking up to pods of ilu every morning." He chuckles, then he looks at the ilu and his expression changed. "Wait, she is not one of ours." He cocks his head and squats near me, the ilu dives back in the water and hides under the path.

"Really? But she was so friendly."

"All of our ilu have handle wraps on them; She doesn't." He says rubbing his head. "There are never wild ones around the village."

There is movement inside the marui, Aonung stands and steps away from me, and we both turn to see Neteyam coming outside. He leans against the wall of our hut, rubbing his eyes.

"Good morning Teyam." I say, giving him a warm smile, I watch him eye Aonung.

"I was just coming by to let you know we will be out in the water today, you can meet us whenever you are ready, but, no rush." Ao'nung smirks before walking away.

"Thanks." I reply, trying to be friendly. I can sense Neteyam's distrust from here. We watch Aonung as he retreats from our marui. Neteyam sighs and rubs his forehead, causing me to furrow my brow. I stand and turn to him, he takes a deep breath before meeting my eyes.

"Are you okay?" I ask softly.

"I'm fine." He answers quickly, but he knows I don't believe him.

"Let's go for a walk." I suggest quietly, he blinks at me, in agreeance I think. We head down the path, walking in the direction we went last night.

He walks next to me, his eyes aren't fixed on anything, he just stares blankly ahead. Somehow he still doesn't miss a step as we make our way out of the village. We walk in silence until we come upon the large rock, I take his hand and guide him over to it. He stands in front of me with his hands on his hips.