Promises

𝟎𝟔

Marie spent her morning along side Mo'at. She was in charge of carrying the Tsahiks basket of flowers and herbs. Some of the other children had tried to befriend Marie, but would give up when they couldn't communicate. To say it didn't sting would be a lie, Mo'at could see how it had hurt the little girl.

While many Navi decided not to learn English, there were a few apart from Mo'at, Neytiri, and Tsu'Tey that learned it out of curiosity and taught their children.

I shall take her to Tarsem to play, the Tsahik thought to herself as she watched the little girls face fall as they passed kids in the clan.

"Come, Marie. We have one more place to be before lunch." The older woman pushed her softly forward by the back of Marie's head.

Moat led her past many families. The adults stared on with caution, some even turning their children away. Avatars were not new, but they were feared — no matter how young. The RDA left haunting memories. But they continued their walk, almost by the edge of the tribe before stumbling upon a family of four.

A mother held a sleeping baby to her chest at she cooked by the fire, the father on the other side of the fire sharpening arrows. A little boy by his side watching, his own set of arrows in his hands.

The father was the first to notice the Tsahik, "oel ngati kameie Tsahik," he greeted, bringing his fist to his forehead.

"Oel ngati kameie, to you all," Moat greeted back, she began to speak English to make it easier for Marie.

"As you know, Marie and Jake Suli are our guests. However, Marie does not speak Navi, and I believe children learn bests with others their age. I was hoping you would allow Marie to befriend Tarsem. She has much to learn." Moat was asking, but they knew it would be disrespectful to say no. Besides, the little girl looked sweet, especially with the small furry toy at her side and a giant basket on the other.

"Tarsem, is that okay with you?" The little boy had been attentive the whole conversation. He would be lying if he said he hadn't been watching the little girl since yesterday. She was different to the other kids. Her hair was loose and wild, and she had a funny yellow toy by her side. She also had a sweet smile that seemed to make his cheeks warm.

"Yes, I would like that." He answered with a soft smile. He lowered his bows by his father and approached the smaller girl.

Marie was apprehensive, she had been rejected by the other children and didn't want to feel it any more. Though, she was impressed that he spoke English, it was slightly choppy and he had an accent, but he spoke it nonetheless!

Tarsem could feel her hesitation, so he offered her his hand, "come, I will show you something you will love."

"Go on Marie, Neytiri will pick you up before dinner," Moat encouraged the two to head out and play, taking the basket from Maries hand.

Marie gave Moats leg a quick hug before grabbing Tarsems hand and allowing him to tug her along the tribe.

Tarsem ran through home tree and out of it, bringing the two of them to the opening of the forest. There he slowed down, and turned to look at Marie. Both children out of breath, heavy heaves to bring air into their lungs. But the giant smiles of a carefree moment couldn't be stopped.