The Breath of Water | Neteyam

12 • Confliction and Satisfaction

Previous A/N removed due to it no longer being needed

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Masanai had seen Neteyam go back to the collection pod and decided to follow after him. When she gotten near him, she could see the reason why he went into the pod. Liyanin was inside. He began to have a conversation with her, so Masanai decided to head back home to her pod. She had hoped that Neteyam harbored no feelings towards the chief's daughter, for this was the first time that she had liked someone this much.

She felt her parents would not mind her being with the son of Toruk Makto. Especially after today, where he showcased his adept skill in hunting and archery, and his unforeseen strength. She could imagine herself, confessing how she felt towards him...but alas, she could not. At least not now.

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When Ronal went into the weaving house, she was having trouble with how she wanted to design their ioi (ceremony wear/attire). She also had hoped that it would indeed be Liyanin who would be dancing since she had always wanted to see her eldest daughter in the ioi asrew. What mother would not want to see their daughter dressed up very prettily? She especially had always wanted to design the ioi asrew for Liyanin.

She sighed, looking through the different materials. As she reached around the 30th fabric, Tsireya had rushed in, a huge smile on her face. Ronal wondered what could have gotten her so giddy, but then a bubble of hope formed.

"Mother! Mother!" Tsireya exclaimed.

"What is it, Tsireya?" Ronal worriedly questioned, desperately hoping that it was what she thought it was.

"Wait...a second..." she replied, gasping for breath since she had run all the way here. "...okay. Mother, Liyanin has agreed to performing the opening dance!"

Ronal's face had beamed brightly upon hearing the confirmation of her hopes, and she did something she rarely ever did.

She smiled.

"Wonderful! I will tell your father of this great news! Oh, I already have so many plans of how to design her ioi asrew...! Oh and her hair, her lovely hair...I have some ideas for how to decorate it and—"

Ronal had realized that she was rambling, and cut her sentence short, wanting to restrain herself, but she was still over the moon inside. Tsireya, noticing her mom's happiness, giggled at how she had to stop herself from talking too much.

"...Since it is Liyanin who is to be performing this year...could I help with the design, or her hair?" asked Tsireya.

"Well, I do not see why you would not be able to," Ronal stated, grabbing different fabrics from the piles. "...we can work on them together."

"Oh, I'm so excited, Mother!" Tsireya said, looking in the chest that contained the hair accessories and headpieces. She sifted through the different items, trying to find one that she thought would look amazing on her sister. Liyanin's hair was quite long and curly; sometimes it would be hard to see her tswin (braid) because of how long it was. Tsireya would have to find accessories that complimented her hair, so it didn't make her look weird.

"When Ro'a sees your sister in the ioi asrew, she will so happy," Ronal said while a smile crept on her face. "...She has always dreamed of seeing Liyanin in it."

"As have I." giggled Tsireya. When Ronal had finished picking the materials she wanted, she told Tsireya that she would be at the pod if she needed her.

"How many will you make, Mother?" Tsireya asked right before her mom stepped out of the weaving house.

"Around 3," Ronal replied as she was leaving. "I want your sister to have options."