MOON RIVER | Ao'nung

chapter seven.

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Days had passed and those days turned to weeks and before Neyali knew it months had gone by.

Neyali and the rest of her family had grown accustomed to reef life. Lo'ak and Kiri adapted faster than Neteyam and Neyali. Neyali was glad that Lo'ak seemed to be at ease amongst the clan, and Kiri found everything around her to be beautiful.

Neyali spent most of her days with Ao'nung who, unbeknownst to her, had been skipping some of his Olo'eyktan training to spend time with her.

He had helped Neyali learn to control her breathing more, she was now able to keep up with Ao'nung in the water and stay under for much longer. Ao'nung had most recently been teaching Neyali more sign language, since she still found it quite hard to understand.

As much as Neyali loved the village as well as its people, she missed home. She often wondered if they would ever even return. Neteyam and her seemed to be the ones who took the move the hardest. They would often sneak out to the island forest to visit their Ikrans or to simply spend some time alone and away from the rest of their family.

Lo'ak hadn't told Neyali of how Ao'nung and his friends would often pick on him and Kiri. No matter how much he disliked the boy, for some reason he made Neyali happy and Lo'ak didn't wish to take that away from her. Kiri chose to keep her mouth closed as well, not wanting to ruin whatever relationship the Metkayina boy had with Neyali.

It was easy for Jake and Neytiri to notice the change in Neyali. Her mood seemed to be brighter when she would return home after eclipse and she would wake up early to leave and spend time with Ao'nung by the shore.

Neytiri was happy for her daughter and she trusted her to make the right decisions and to be responsible.

Jake was a little more worried. He didn't trust the boy and didn't like the fact that Neyali spends so much of her time with him. She would constantly brush off her fathers questions about him and change the topic, which resulted in Neytiri often scolding her husband for mettling in their daughter's business.

It was early when Neyali had woken up. Tuk was resting comfortably on top of her with Lo'ak snuggled into her side.

She looked around and found Kiri and Neteyam making breakfast and she smiled at them as she gently moved Tuk to sleep next to Lo'ak. Tuk instantly moved and grabbed Lo'ak's hand as she let out a gentle snore.

Neyali chuckled at the sight and walked to where the rest of her siblings were "Why are you guys up this early?"

"Early lessons today" Neteyam answered as he handed Neyali some breakfast.

Neyali nodded her head "Mom and dad?" She asked after taking a bite of her food.

Before Neteyam could answer, their parents walked into the marui.

"Right here ma atan" Neytiri answered as she walked over and gave Neyali a kiss on her cheek.

Neyali smiled and closed her eyes in content at her mothers touch.

"Tsireya was asking for Lo'ak" Jake said as he grabbed some breakfast.

"And Ao'nung was looking for you Neyali, " Neytiri added, giving her daughter a cheeky look.