Nervous | Aonung

.LXX.

15 years later

I swam on Eska through the waters admiring its beauty and the animals. The allure of the ocean never ceased to amaze me with its corals, plants, warm soft sand but refreshing cold waters. It was peaceful.

I don't get much time to myself anymore so I love these little moments where I get to escape on Eska to swim through the ocean.

I have to go back eventually though. So I figured I'll head back now. Eska swam towards the shore and I hopped of her, bidding my goodbye as I walked through the village.

I waved to everyone, helping with small injuries as it was my day off.

"Ka'nu,"

I turn around to see a mother and her daughter standing behind me. I smile at them before looking over them for any injuries.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

"My daughter insisted we come to the Tshaik for her finger, it's just a crab bite," The mother shakes her head.

"Well let's take a look," I squat down to her level.

It was a small pinch, wouldn't even leave a scar but she looked so scared, and the mum looked so embarrassed.

"This is a good one," I smirk, pulling out some paste from my patch on my hip.

My patch held important stuff that I'd need in situations like this. I opened the ointment and began applying it to her cut.

"Your very brave," I encourage her. "What's your name?"

"Halko," She smiles, sniffling slightly.

"That's beautiful, and look your all done," I show her the cleaned finger.

"Thank you Tshaik," She giggles.

"Thank you," The mum smiles at me.

"All good, have a great day," I wave as I walk back towards my Mauri.

It's still the same one, deeper in the forest than any others and slightly secluded. It's had some renovations so it's much bigger now.

It's still beautiful though. It has vines growing over the top and hanging down the side. A stream running near by and it's in close distance to the beach.

I step into my Mauri as I set my stuff down on the chair near the entry way.

"I'm home," I call out.

"Thank Eywa, everyone's going to be here soon and we need your help," Aonung whines walking towards me.

"Mama!"

Fpeio runs towards me, straight past Aonung as he hugs my legs. I lean down and pick him up, spinning us around as he giggles.

"What did you need help with?" I ask Aonung, kissing his cheek as I set Fpeio down.

"We've been trying to braid Ikayris hair all morning," Aonung groans.

"Dad is horrible at it!" Ikayri runs towards me with puffy, frizzy hair that is not braided.

"Oh sweet heart," I smile, picking her up.

"At least I did better than Eylan," Aonung grumbles.

"I've never braided before," Eylan walks towards us.

"Hey dear," I smile at him.

"Hey mum," he smiles back, kissing my cheek.

"Where your brother?" I ask my kids.