𝖲𝗍𝗋𝗈𝗇𝗀 𝖧𝖾𝖺𝗋𝗍

𝖿𝗂𝗏𝖾

      

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐯𝐞

༄𓆉︎♫︎☀︎︎❦︎☀︎︎♫︎𓆉︎༄

      TU’AHU WAS WITH LORAN THE NEXT MORNING. She had been in the water with Loran, washing her down from the heat. Tu’ahu, dripping wet, grabbed some fruit for Loran, and grabbed her saddle. “Alaksi, Loran?” (Ready, Elegance?) Loran snorted and whined in response, nuzzling up to Tu’ahu. 

      She clicked her tongue, and Loran stood up from her position on the sand, stomping her feet in excitement. “Mawey, mawey.” (Calm, clam) Tu’ahu chuckled, stroking Loran’s nose. Tu’ahu and Loran were alone on the beach, save for a few villagers fishing and feeding ilu.

      Tu’ahu grabbed Loran’s saddle, placing it on her back, when Aonung walked to the sand from the village. Tu’ahu rolled her eyes and went back to what she was doing, set on ignoring the boy.

      “Tu’ahu.” Aonung said after a moment, palms sweaty at his side. He didn’t even know why he was there on the beach with Tu’ahu. He just wanted to talk to her. Tu’ahu sat on the ground beneath her ikran.

      “Aonung,” said Tu’ahu, sliding on her back under Loran’s stomach to strap her saddle. Loran whined, jerking her body away. “Hey, easy, easy.” Tu’ahu said gently, rubbing Loran’s leg. She strapped the saddle around Loran’s pregnant belly and pushed herself out from underneath the ikran.

      Aonung was still standing there, and Tu’ahu looked away from him and at Loran. She clicked her tongue, and Loran bent down so Tu’ahu could fix her saddle and tighten it. Tu’ahu noticed Aonung staring at her, so she turned to him, soft glare on her face, almost daring him to speak.

      “I’m sorry.” Aonung finally said, eyes never leaving Tu’ahu’s face. He watched as water dripped from her hair, guessing she had been in the water recently.

      Tu’ahu snickered. “Funny joke.” she said, giving Loran another piece of fruit. She turned her back on Aonung, shaking the sea water out of her braids.

      “I’m serious. I’m sorry for what happened to Lo’ak. I’m sorry for picking on your sister.” Aonung stepped forward towards Tu’ahu, an almost pleading look in his eyes. She looked over her shoulder into Aonung’s eyes, seeing truth and desperation in them.

      Tu’ahu narrowed her eyes, her hair moving behind her back with the breeze. “And?” she prompted.

      “And I’m sorry for shoving you.” Aonung almost whispered. Tu’ahu nodded, looking at the mark on his throat and nose from her. She almost felt bad. Almost. 

      Tu’ahu sighed, hand on Loran’s throat. “I’m sorry for hitting you.” Tu’ahu said, quietly, quickly. She hated apologizing. Aonung cleared his throat, and Tu’ahu rolled her eyes. “Twice.”

      Aonung let the tiniest glimmer of a smile grace his features. Tu’ahu met his eyes, looking at him. She smiled too. Not large, not clear, but it was there, Aonung could tell. Tu’ahu looked away and climbed on Loran’s back, making the bond with ease. “Good girl.” Tu’ahu whispered, rubbing Loran’s neck.

      “We’re all going over to the beach by the dock soon. Your brothers and sisters too. You should come.” Aonung said, just as Tuk came running onto the beach, dodging Aonung.

      “Hi, Aonung!” Tuk smiled, waving behind her as she ran up to Loran. “Where are you going?” she asked Tu’ahu, rubbing Loran’s leg