There has started to become a routine for Neteyam. Him and his family have now been there for two weeks, and in that time, he has learned how to ride an Ilu (although not perfect, well enough if needed to escape danger) how to free dive (not well by any means) and how to hold his breath for long periods of time.
The boy has also somehow become a father to a little orphan boy who lost his parents far too early in life, and begins to form a connection with the children's teacher of the Clan.
With this, days have began to blend together.
He will wake up, spend his mornings with his family. Usually swimming with Tuk, having a heart to heart with Kiri while they weave baskets, and then have some fight with Lo'ak that leads into tackling each other. Then he will go and pick up Miio, who still sleeps with various adults who can watch over him and have a crib (Neytiri and Jake are in the process of making a crib but are finding it difficult with the different plants and wood here), he then will spend the morning with Tiayli'a and her students, following along and playing with Miio in the water. After that, he will attend lunch with his family, giving Miio to Tiayli'a so the boy can nap. During mid day meal, he helps cook with his mother or goes fishing with his father. After midday lunch, he will spend hours with his siblings in the water, helping master their new skills all together. And then they will have dinner at Eclipse, Neteyam going and picking up the boy, allowing the baby to hangout with him and his family. Once Eclipse is over, he will hand Miio off to an adult that will let him sleep with them for the evening, and he will spend his evenings with Tiayli'a.
Those evenings with the girl are the only times they get alone time together, and Neteyam treasures them.
It's something about the darkness the night provides and how the waves seem to calm with Eclipse that makes it so peaceful. Not to mention Tiayli'as calm voice and soft smile she carries everywhere.
He has learned a lot about her in the most recent nights they spend together.
He keeps a mental list of what she says to him in his mind, letting it become something to always rememberi.
The list includes:
Her favorite flower, Tsawksyul, or Sun Lily.
Her favorite time of day, Eclipse.
Her favorite animal, a Tulkun.
She also always braids the hair that frames her face when she knows they will be swimming.
Her tick when she is anxious is kicking the sand beneath her.
She always puts hair behind her ears when she talks about something she is passionate about.
She likes the glow of water at night, one of the main reasons she throws rocks into the sea.
She never has a knife on her, instead two Songcords (hers and Miios) are tied to her loincloth.
She doesn't speak of her parents or her brother, instead speaks of her friends.
When asked a question, she speaks with her hands, her voice quickening in excitement.
Her favorite word, Txasuna, meaning love greatly and enjoy tremendously. It suits her, he thinks.
She always wears a purple, blue, and green beaded choker.
She has 12 bracelets, 6 on each wrist, all bracelets her students have made her.
She has a small accent when she speaks quickly about something she loves.
She still sleeps with her baby blanket, something she blushed about when she told him.
She doesn't like to open up about deep topics, thinking she will be a burden.
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The Water Is Fine - Neteyam
FanfictionTiayli'a, the gentle girl of the Metkayina Clan. She is no warrior and finds violence to be a disgrace. However, when a family of forest Na'vi arrive, she learns her gentle side may be her greatest weakness, especially with war around the corner. Th...