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03

CHAPTER THREE: Adventure!

Na'taya grew stronger with each passing day, her little legs soon able to carry her through the dense, vibrant forests surrounding her home. Though she was Neytiri's youngest daughter, she was already a bundle of energy and curiosity, racing through the underbrush with her siblings. Despite her growing independence, there remained a sparkle of innocence deep within her, a naivety about the world's dangers that her family was determined to protect for as long as possible.

Now nearly five years old, Na'taya had become the light of her family's life, a joyous spirit that brought laughter and love into their home. As the youngest of Neytiri's children, she was adored by her siblings, including Spider, who had become like a brother to her. Like her eldest sister, Na'taya was adventurous, her love for the world and Eywa shining brightly.

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"Guys, wait up!" Tuk called, leaping onto a long forest branch as her siblings continued to race ahead, the sunlight filtering through the towering trees casting dappled shadows on the ground.

The siblings, all of them minus Neteyam, were out exploring the vast and beautiful forest. Kiri held Na'taya protectively, her little sister having begged to join them, her curiosity impossible to resist. The siblings agreed, unable to deny Na'taya anything she wanted, and Tuk, not wanting to be left behind, insisted on coming too.

As they reached the part of the forest they had been seeking, Lo'ak shouted, "Tuk, keep up!"

"Okay, okay!" Tuk rolled her eyes but hurried to catch up, her frustration quickly melting away when she saw Na'taya's infectious laughter, her little sister's toothy smile lighting up her face.

"Why'd you even bring her?" Spider asked Lo'ak with a hint of annoyance.

"She said she'd tell Mom we were going to the battlefield if we didn't bring her, and I can't really deal with that right now," Lo'ak responded with a playful roll of his eyes.

"Hey!" Tuk stuck out her tongue, her mock annoyance making Na'taya laugh even harder.

Na'taya's laughter was a melody to Tuk, who loved nothing more than making her baby sister happy. "Ugh, don't pick on her, Lo'ak," Kiri sighed, trying to keep the peace.

Mimicking her eldest sister, Na'taya crossed her arms and pouted. "Yeah, Lo'ak, don't pick on Tuk!"

Lo'ak gasped, feigning offense. "'Taya, when did you get so sassy?" He walked towards her, and Na'taya tried to hide in Kiri's arms, but her giggles betrayed her.

Lo'ak scooped her up, tickling her sides. "You can't hide from me, little miss."

Na'taya giggled uncontrollably, her face turning pink from the laughter. "I know," she managed between breaths.

"You know?" Lo'ak paused, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes," Na'taya said with a bright smile. "Lo'ak will always find me."

Lo'ak's heart melted at her words, and he shared a look of fondness with Kiri, who watched the scene with adoration. "You're too cute, kid. Too cute." He blew a raspberry on her cheek before gently setting her back down, making sure she was steady on her feet before letting go.

"Ah, I see it! C'mon, guys," Spider shouted, pointing to something nearby. He took off in a sprint, Tuk following closely behind.

"Sick," Lo'ak said, his eyes lighting up. He glanced down at Na'taya, who had crouched down to examine a large leaf on the ground.

"Go, I'll watch her," Kiri offered with a smile.

"Thanks!" Lo'ak said before running after Spider and Tuk, eager to see what they had found.