Ma Tsawke

Chapter Eleven

They sprint side by side, Tanhì leading the charge, her laughter ringing out when Jake seizes a chance to tug at her tail, settling his earlier score. 

She spins around with a playful snarl, baring her fangs, but the lighthearted moment keeps them moving forward. Together, they weave through the trees, tapping their trunks as they pass into a grove of willows. 

Long, glowing tendrils hang like shimmering pastel curtains, brushing softly against them.

The ground beneath their feet pulses faintly with light, each step triggering gentle rings of luminescence on the mossy floor. The willows sway in harmony with their presence, their tendrils reaching out to Tanhì, who lifts her hands to greet them. 

She stands bathed in their glow, a serene connection to the natural world enveloping her.

"This is a sacred space where we forge a connection with Eywa and commune with our ancestors." Tanhì explains, extending her palms as the luminous tendrils delicately dance over her fingers. 

Jake reaches behind, grasping his queue, his forearms stretching before intertwining the braid. His eyes widen in awe as the hushed whispers of ancient Na'vi voices fill his ears.

"I can hear them." He blinks in sheer amazement.

"It is utraya mokri, the Tree of Voices—a realm where our ancestors live with Eywa." 

Woodsprites drift around them, some settling gently on their shoulders and arms, their glow adding to the ethereal atmosphere. 

Her eyes exude intensity, almost luminous in their depth, drawing him into their captivating gaze. However, she retreats slightly, putting a bit of space between them.

"You are Omaticaya now, Nì'eveng." She briefly averts her gaze from him. "You have the privilege to carve a bow from our hometree."

"And have a mate of your choosing." 

Jake stifles a smile as she feigns nonchalance, her tail whipping furiously behind her.

"We have admirable women in our clan. Your braids are often in disarray—Danek is a skilled weaver." She rattles off, as if unaffected by the notion of him being with someone else.

"I don't want Danek." His gaze burns hotly from behind. 

Tanhì responds with a gentle smile, releasing the willow from her palms.

"You are a skilled hunter, there is Beyral—she would complement your abilities." She suggests but he swiftly dismisses those words.

"She's not the one I want either." 

Tanhì turns toward him, faltering as Jake places his fingers against her lips, silencing her.

"I've already made my choice... You. But you have to choose me." He takes her hands, their fingers intertwining naturally, moving over each other in a quiet rhythm.

"I already have." Leaning his face closely to hers, she affectionately rubs her cheek against his. With a gentle pull at the pouch strapped to her waist, she retrieves an arm band.

"Traditionally, you were to receive this from your intended upon betrothal—but I believe the great mother will grant us an exception just this once." 

He cradles her face she secures the band around his bicep before finally kissing her.

The sheer force of it sends her back slightly, but he follows instantly, hand steady on the back of her neck, anchoring her to him. His tail curls around her thigh as his lips press harder against hers.