Pandora (Neteyam)

One

The way of water has no beginning and no end. The sea is around you, and in you. The sea is your home, before your birth, after your death. Our hearts beat in the womb of the world. Our breath burns in the shadows of the deep. The sea gives, and the sea takes. Water connects all things. Life to death. Darkness to light.

Tsireya's favourite quote of all time. The older sister used to tell her this saying when they were younger, her first time trying to bond with an Ilu. It's what kept her calm and she supposes others did too.

Mireya, the daughter of Tonowari and Ronal their older child and daughter. She is yet to be mated for life but she felt that she didn't need that in her life right now. Apparently, it is because she never saw the big deal. She says she will mate and find love when she wants to. Huntress her tsurak or known as Skimwing sliced through the water and out from the surface, Mireya's lungs exhale and she felt her strong heart thump against her legs. Mireya yells in victory before they dived back into the water. Ilu's squeal and click and swim beside them, her tail moved fast and strongly through the strong waters.

It was until they reached near the shore, she ended the bond between them and softly patted her head as she dove off from her. She reached the surface and looked towards the sand and saw her people gathering around. Gusts of wind and dark shadows circles her land and the cries that came from the winged animals. They looked to be huge Ikran's from the forest swooping down towards them, Mireya grabbed her handmade bow from the sand where she had left it earlier. Her legs took long and rushed steps towards the crowd and her bow and arrow was firmly in her hands. Her hair fell before her eyes but she was still able to see through the gaps and saw the dark blue skin. The Metkayina Clan moved out of her way and looked down avoiding the daughter's  harsh stare.

"What is this?" Mireya harshly pointed the arrow towards the older male who took a step back and raised his hands in surrender. The older woman stepped forward so she aimed her arrow at her instead and hissed. Her father stepped forward and lowered her arm.

"This is the Sully family. They are here to stay as long as they need. Which means I need you on your best behaviour and for you to help your sister and brother to teach them our ways." Mireya hissed and looked back at the Omatikaya and watched them stare at her with fear. As soon as she met their gazes they bowed their heads, however one bowed his head but kept his eyes on her, his curiosities getting the best of him.

"I will teach those who are looking for a challenge." Mireya kept her eyes on the boy as she relaxed her arm but kept her bow close to herself. She then looked towards Tsireya and Ao'nung and her sister smiled while her brother shared the same expression as she. Mireya's sister took the lead in grabbing some essentials of theirs and took them across to their Marui. She rolled her eyes and hung her bow across her back and helped them take a few things and followed behind Tsireya. Their child bounced along the woven structure and her ears perked up at the sight of her. Wasn't she adorable?

"Yeah this should work. This great, isn't it?." The man reassured his family as his mate dropped her belongings to the floor. He thanked them kindly and her sister smiled while Mireya nodded and placed their things down. She steps aside and watched them scatter in their new home and once she saw they were content, the woman left. Her body splashed into the water and Huntress appeared in a matter of seconds. She made the bond immediately and they swam as far as possible. Until the village was out of sight and they were beyond the reef. Where the waves were harsh and dangers lurked below them as they flew above the surface.

They sliced through the water once more and she embraced the harsh water and watched all the sea creatures swim beside them. They swam back towards the village not long after and as they got closer she saw her brother and sister with Rotxo swimming towards her. Mireya raises her hand as a wave and then bubbles and splashed formed behind them as bodies of blue appeared. She swam ahead again but occasionally looked back keeping an eye on them.