( 𝐎𝐍 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐃 ) 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐈 𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐃 • 𝘼𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙧

𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐎

anything
( na'vi ▸ italics )

LITTLE LO'AK LET OUT A HISS AS HE LAUNCHED AT THE BOY MESSING WITH HIS TWIN SISTER. The boy cried as he harshly hit the ground and screamed for their parents. Lo'ak didn't relent on his punching, instead hitting him harder. Leso'ha cheered her brother on from the sidelines and stuck her tongue out at the crying child. "That's what you get for taking my favorite toy!"

An exasperated Jake ran over and pulled a kicking Lo'ak off. He held his hand to his forehead and sighed. This was the third fight this week. Jake grabbed his trouble twin's arms and dragged them away after apologizing to the boy's parents. Neytiri saw them coming and sighed heavily. She moved to meet them halfway. "What did you two do now?" She questioned, and put her hands on her hips.

Jake shook his head and pushed Lo'ak forward. "This knucklehead got in another fight! I'm getting grey hairs, Neytiri, GREY." Jake dramatically cried gaining a side eye from Leso'ha who then rolled her eyes. "But daddy, that skwang took my favorite toy and pushed me!" Leso'ha shouted and stomped her foot. "Mama would be proud." She mumbled and Lo'ak nodded in agreement. Neytiri and Jake exchanged looks and walked away to decide a punishment.

Their ears twitched at the sound of hooves coming their way. They turned and beamed when seeing their loved family member. Nìnrra smoothly dismounted from her Pa'li and softly smiled at her mates and children. She adjusted the bow on her back and commanded Hoan to take her hunt to the cooks. She walked over to her mates and pressed sweet kisses to their lips before kneeling before her children.

"My, look at how big you've gotten!" Nìnrra cooed, pulling them into her arms. Leso'ha smiled before a look of determination overtook her face. "Mama, daddy wants to punish Lo'ak for sticking up for me!" The young girl whined. Nìnrra chuckled and turned to Lo'ak who nodded along. She stood and grabbed her children's hands. "Well, that just won't do. Will it, Jake?" Nìnrra turned to the man who fidgeted at her stern look. Neytiri swiftly walked away to pick up Kiri from her studies with Mo'at.

"Fine."

▾

The quietness was peaceful. While her children slept, Nìnrra watched over them even though it was late at night, she refused to sleep. The woman sighed and stood up, choosing to go outside and visit her dear siblings. It's been awhile.

Nìnrra snuck through to Hoan, not wanting to wake her family or the clan. She made the bond and mounted the creature. Despite her mate's pleads, the woman would not bond with an ikran under any circumstances. Not only did the majestic animals slightly frighten her, it didn't feel right. Not anymore.

Hoan stopped just outside the area of Kinä and Ni'awve's graves, the routine feeling like second nature by now. Nìnrra dismounted and patted his neck in thanks before walking further into the shrubs. She kneeled down in front of the neat grave with flowers and her siblings favorite things. Most times, she visited when her mind was burdened with dark memories or she felt unsettled.

Life had been perfect, why would she feel unsettled about anything? Well, the kids were growing much too quick for her taste, that was pretty unsettling. "You would've loved them." She chuckled, a somber smile on her lips. A familiar roar above caused her to look up. She shook her head with a smile, of course Jake would follow her with Bob. He did most nights when she got the urge but he always stayed in the air, wanting to respect her space.

The sight of the ikran brought her back to her concerns about acquiring her own. It was Kinä's dream to soar through the sky on her own companion. She always talked about joining Nì'awve on his adventures.

—

"Nìnrra can ride on my ikran and Nì'awve will be our guide!" Kinä beamed, getting comfortable in their family hammock. Nì'awve snorted and layed next to her. "Yeah, right. Nìnrra is too much of a baby to fly with us." He teased, smirking at Nìnrra's offended expression. "Um, excuse me?" Nìnrra scoffed, diving for Nì'awve, landing some light punches which quickly turned into a real fight with Kinä shouting at them to be quiet.

—

Her siblings who dreamed so big but saw the harshness of the world too soon. Nìnrra wouldn't claim an ikran before Kinä. Her green eyes glistened from the bittersweet memory but she shook her head, not wanting to cry and worry her family. Nìnrra opened the pouch attached to her loincloth and took out a string with beads that looked incomplete. She started making some matching accessories for her family weeks ago and she was just finishing her own necklace.

Nìnrra basked in the coolness of the night air, the distant humming of the forest and animals comforting her. A smile overcame her features as she thought about her family that was still growing. She fought so hard for this life.

This was her home, her family and she would do whatever it takes to protect it.