Trinity

Reckless and Stupid

For the first time in her entire life, Ten'etirey felt... right, and that pissed her off.

Years.

She spent almost twenty one years with her people and never felt like she actually belonged with them. The red eyes never bothered anyone in her tribe, no one cared. It was a non issue. The human scientists and the Omaticaya were supportive in every way. She grew up loved, well taken care of, she had emotional support and whatever else she probably needed to feel 'right.'

Yet, she never did.

Two weeks with the Recombinants and she felt... right.

She wasn't unhappy before. Ten loved her family and helping their parents teach the younger kids filled her with purpose. Being one of the youngest Omaticaya with an ikran helped with providing purpose as well. It was lucky that he attacked her off the floating mountains when she witnessed another completing their Iknimaya. Her mind felt clear when she was on his back, connected as one. The path that appeared blurred and out of reach became unobstructed every time she flew with him.

Mo'at, her Tsahik grandmother, reprimanded her father when he tried to limit her flight time. She doubts anything would ever be as funny as the day she watched Toruk Makto cower under the potent words of the Tsahik. Every day she would fly with her banshee and it paid off.

By the time she was deemed old enough to undergo Iknimaya, it was simply ceremonial. The yellow V was painted on her forehead and she ascended the Ayram alusing or Hallelujah Mountains as they were more often called. Her banshee met her at the top and they descended together. Her father gave her a battle band to signify the special bond she and her banshee held.

Eywa will watch over those who wear the band as they soar through the sky.

He probably regretted saying those ceremonial words to her, because she took them to heart. Immediately she underwent the Dream Hunt and unsurprisingly her spirit animal was her banshee. Their bond was strong and they were fearless together. It didn't take long for Jake to concede, he had to recognize her as a warrior.

Yet still. She felt... unsatisfied.

When the RDA returned she flatly refused to stand by. Jake taught her how to handle guns at a young age, a little behind Neytiri's back.

Okay, a lot behind her back but it was a useful skill.

Bound as one, she and her banshee were a force to be reckoned with. Her father consistently admonished her for being reckless but he surprised her when he named her Eyktenay. One of his generals.

It was the highest honor he could have bestowed upon her and she wore that title with pride. She earned that title. No one dared to say he gave it to her willingly. In fact she's pretty sure Tarsem convinced him to give her the title. Their warriors in the air already treated her as Eyktenay, he viewed it as a formality at this point. Ten'etirey put everything into that role. She refused to disappoint her father and to fail their tribe.

Yet again. Something was missing.

It wasn't dissatisfaction anymore. Something was missing, but... what?

Arguably she had everything. A beautiful family, full of love and security. Important roles within her tribe. Plenty of possible suitors she wasn't interested in, male or female didn't matter. She just didn't feel anything towards them, at least not in that way.

Attracted to them?

Sure.

Emotionally drawn to them?