strong - neteyam x oc

customs

Kireyi

Many Metkayina gathered, awaiting the arrival of Olo'eyktan and Toruk Makto's families. Kireyi and Tsahik had spent the whole day preparing for the ceremony, not allowing for any time for Kireyi to go out to the water yet. It'd been close to night now, the girl's family heading to retrieve the Sullys.

She was silent as she approached the pod, peeking her head around the corner, "It is time."

Unlike the Omatikaya, it was not apart of the Metkayina's customs to paint the Na'vi's body. Instead, they'd be given beads made by Tsahik for their song-chord, and if they were being awarded as becoming a warrior, a tattoo. Kireyi, Aonung, and Rotxo would be receiving theirs in just the next few days, it was up to Neteyam if he'd wanted one yet.

Kireyi and her mother led the family out, the girl sticking closer to Neteyam. She was tired, but oh was she excited, just as she did, Neteyam took the title of Omatikaya and Metkayina. The fact that it was not just for her, but his family too, made it all the more heartwarming to the girl. She had been so proud of the entire family, the group learning and staying open-minded despite their situation.

She could feel emotions rise in her the second her foot touched the water, though the water in the forest was a good substitute, it would never be anything like the sea she'd grown up in. Here it felt all the more freeing, the cool bite of the water enveloping her then surrounding her with warmth the farther she treaded. For a split second, Kireyi had to remind herself she was helping commence a ceremony, she could enjoy the water after.

Slowly turning to the family she stopped them just before they made way into the entrance of the cove, "Stop when you reach the center, they will make room so do not worry."

Neytiri had nodded, beginning forward with her family, and as Neteyam passed by the girl, she took his hand for a split second nodding in reassurance. Then, her own family followed behind, circling them to place their hands against their shoulders, the rest of the Metkayina doing the same. Kireyi had wanted her mother to welcome the Sullys, so she simply watched, her hands on Neteyam's shoulders, her eyes on her mother.

"Earning their right of passage, we welcome the Sullys as Metkayina today, where not only Eywa, but we will care for them as our own brothers and sisters."

She'd watched as her parents made eye contact, the two not even needing to speak to know they'd both approved of this, their eyes showing their pride for the family. And it had made her so happy, finally seeing everyone accept the family as their own, seeing the joy upon both family's faces.

Night fell amongst the water, everything beginning to wake as soon as they started to head back to their village. A handful of the Metkayina stayed back to prepare a feast, which is exactly what the tribe was met with when they'd arrived. As many of the Na'vi fled to eat, Kireyi's mother kept the Sullys behind, offering their beads. They were all different shapes and sizes, yet each was a fluorescent crystal, shining a blue hue from the light around it, "For your song chords, as a gift from us."

Kireyi couldn't help but smile, her eyes stuck on Neteyam as he carefully placed it into his mother's safe-keeping to thread into his chord later. They all began heading their own ways towards the celebration, the girl finding a spot next to Neteyam.

He turned, an embarrassed grin on his face, "Hi Kireyi...."

"Hi," And she only smiled, her eyes squinted and canines showing as she grinned ear to ear. She'd been so happy about everything that it felt impossible to contain it.

"What is it?" The girl barely noticed how his face changed to slight curiosity, either way, she hadn't cared much.

"Can we go swimming?" Not even waiting, she'd already been dragging him into the water, earning a laugh in return.

"Sure," Neteyam chuckled. 

The moment her head was fully submerged, she'd fully felt at home again. The girl missed the water, the animals and the feeling of it all. Her body moved freely through the ocean, her friend taking her back, holding her as if she had never left. In all honesty, swimming now felt as if she never did leave, everything coming back so naturally. She'd continued forward, wanting to back to the small cave she introduced Tuk and Neteyam to, and the boy simply followed; swimming close behind her. It didn't take long at all to reach the cave, and as she did she grasped onto Neteyam's hand, gently leading him in.

She turned to look at him despite how dark it was, her eyes making the slightest outline of his face. Her hand trailed over his cheek, pulling him closer until their foreheads touched. With the comfort of both the sea and the boy, she'd felt so content, allowing herself to float in the darkness. Neteyam's hand tapped her shoulder, signaling he needed air. Immediately moving away from him, Kireyi began to swim up towards the air pocket, "Are you alright?"

Her eyes examined his glowing freckles, the light hue of his eyes as they glimmered, "Yes don't worry," He pulled her close, "How is it? Being back in the water."

"It is amazing, I want to see Eleu tomorrow if that is alright...."

Kireyi felt her body tingle with goosebumps the second Neteyam's hand brushed back some of her hair, "Hm, that is more than alright Ma Reyi." 

"Thank you...." She nuzzled her head into his shoulder for a short moment, "Can we go under again?"

Her eyes met his, the boy smiling before pulling them both under. The havoc of it all brushed water against the walls, the same small iridescent fish and algae beginning to light up. They glittered and swam through the water, yellows and whites filling the once dark blues of the cave. Kireyi kept her wide smile even while underwater, her eyes focusing on the tiny fish that brushed against her skin. It wasn't until Neteyam was in front of her that her attention changed, the girl now staring at him. She watched as his hands moved towards his eyes, sweeping them out and away. It had been just like the first night he told her.

You're beautiful.