𝑀𝓎 𝑔𝒾𝒻𝓉 𝒻𝓇𝑜𝓂 𝐸𝓌𝓎𝒶

Chapter Twenty Seven

Raya and Neteyam stayed in their mauri for the rest of the day. Raya didn't want to talk to anyone and Neteyam didn't either.

Raya was still asleep when Neteyam woke up the next morning. He looked around the mauri before leaning down to kiss Raya on her head.

He got out of bed and walked to the entrance of their mauri, looking at the sun just beginning to rise.

He had forgotten how beautiful the sun rise looked over the ocean.

As he stood there he heard rustling from behind him and he looked over his shoulder and saw Raya sitting up.

"You're awake." Raya mumbled, half asleep. He smiled and walked back over to her.
"Go back to sleep, my love." He bent down and stroked her hair, kissing her forehead again.

She slouched back down in their bed and pulled the covers over her more.
Neteyam walked back over to the entrance of their mauri and saw Ao'nung walking along the beach.

Ao'nung sat down and placed his arms on his knees, looking at the ocean.

Neteyam decided to go talk to him, so he walked over to Ao'nung and sat beside him.

Ao'nung looked at Neteyam for a moment then looked back out into the ocean, letting out a deep sigh.

"Raya's strong, you know what right?" Ao'nung said after a few moments of silence.
Neteyam nodded his head and looked at Ao'nung. "Yeah, I know."

Ao'nung looked down at his hands then back at Neteyam. "I think she'll be okay." He smiled slightly then looked at the ocean. "I don't think Ewya would've given her twins if she didn't think Raya could do it."

Neteyam nodded and looked at Ao'nung. "She has a strong heart that's for sure. No fear. She's braver than I could ever be."

Ao'nung chuckled at that and nodded. "Yeah, you're right, she definitely is the bravest out of us all."

Neteyam smiled and watched the sun slowly rise. "She loves you, so very much." Ao'nung said.
"I know, and that's what scares me the most."

Ao'nungs gaze softened at Neteyam and he curled his lip, letting out a deep breath.
"You're not going to lose her, Neteyam."
"But what if I do?" He snapped, turning to face Ao'nung. "She lost me, and that completely ruined her."

Neteyam shook his head and stood up, so did Ao'nung.
"Neteyam listen to me, you are not going to lose her. I promise."
Neteyam looked at his feet and nodded.
"But what if I do?" He asked looking back up. "What if I'm not there, and I lose her."

Ao'nungs ears flattened completely against his head as he watched Neteyam pace back and forth.

"Neteyam." Ao'nung said softly.
"My mother told me, about her friend Fära. She was pregnant with twins. Everything in her pregnancy went smoothly up until the point of labor." Neteyam told Ao'nung, watching the look on Ao'nungs face.

"I just can't lose her, man." Neteyam held his face in his hands as he pressed his palm's against his eyes.
"My mother is the best Tsahìk I know, I'm sure she will do everything she can to make sure Raya is safe, and well taken care of." Ao'nung said as he placed his hand on Neteyam's shoulder.

Neteyam moved his hand and nodded. "Okay."
"Okay?" Ao'nung repeated with a smile.
Neteyam nodded again. "Yeah, I'm okay."

Ao'nung patted Neteyam's shoulder and turned to walk away. "You know, it's not just Raya I'm worried about." Ao'nung said as he turned to walk away. "I'm worried about you too. You should get some sleep, or maybe talk to someone about this."

Neteyam nodded and Ao'nung walked away, leaving Neteyam standing on the beach thinking.

He sat on the beach until the village started to wake. Fishers set up nets, mothers walked their children and taught them how to fish.