Two ghosts - Lo'ak

Chapter 30

Pandora reef

Metkayina clan

The sunset across the beach, pinks and oranges dusting across the village. Li'teya sat on the floor of her tent as Tsireya painted the ceremonial markings across her body. Tsireya saw the conflicted look on her best friend's face; she had gotten to notice all of Teya's little tics. She would scratch her knuckles when she was nervous, or her eye would twitch when she was in deep thought like now.

"Whatever you're overthinking, stop", Tsireya said, dipping her fingers into the paint before she traced lines over Teya's shoulders.

Liteya shook her head. "I'm not thinking anything, Reya".

Tsireya smiled gently. "Honey, you may fool your brother and others, but I know you and that look."

Li'teya didn't have many friends back in the forest; most girls became healers leaving Teya to only befriend warriors. The only time girls would talk to her would be to ask if she could set them up with Tsu'tey or Neteyam.

"Im nervous. That's all."

"You have every right to be nervous, but after tonight you can be you. You and Lo'ak can start your life together."

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Li'teya stood in front of Tonowari and Ronal as the clan surrounded them. Tsu'tey stood to her left with her father next to him. On her right, the Sullys stood; Lo'ak was at the front, then Neteyam, Kiri, Jake, and Neytiri. Behind her were Ao'nung, Tsireya and Roxto.

"You are now a daughter of the Metkayina", Tonowari's voice boomed. "You are part of The People".

Li'teya smiled at Tonowari, bowing her head slightly as he placed his hands on her shoulders. Tsu'tey followed, placing his hands on her arms, and Lo'ak placed his on her chest. The clan all came together, forming a circle around Teya as she was officially reborn into the clan. Freddie smiled, trying not to cry as his daughter was all grown up. A sense of pride filled Teya, knowing she was part of a family.

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Once again, Teya was watching her party from afar. She watched Kiri and Rotxo snuck bottles of alcohol from the drinks table, the pair giggling uncontrollably. Tsireya was talking to Tsu'tey, who couldn't look more in love. She smiled sadly at the scene, her fingers scratching over her knuckles.

"The party is down there, you know?" a voice rang out behind her

Teya let out a small laugh, a sense of deja vu washing over her. "I like watching things from a distance", she said, repeating her words from the Tulken party.

"This is your party; you should be down there", Ao'nung commented

Teya tilted her head to look at him; it was crazy how far they'd come. Nine months ago, she couldn't give two shits about him. He was a cocky, selfish, arrogant prick, but now he was kind and caring and treated her like family.

"I will, but I'm trying to stay sober as long as possible" Teya pointed to where Kiri and Rotxo were running off to their secret place.

"I guess that's our queue to join them."

Teya smiled as the two made their way towards the festivities. "I'll meet you there; something I gotta do first".

Ao'nung nodded as Li'teya ran up to Lo'ak, jumping on his back. "Hey."

Lo'ak grunted. "Jesus Te", he repositioned himself, grabbing her thighs so she wouldn't  fall off.

"Kiri and Roxto got the good stuff", she whispered so none of the adults would hear.