The Breath of Water | Neteyam

46 • In the Blink of an Eye

A/N: so I had finished the chapter but then realized I didn't draw the picture, so that's why it took me so long 😅 Anywho, here it is now~

P.S. I am going to be posting a rule book of Taronsäwem most likely next chapter, so be on the lookout for that!

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"...so...Taronsäwem..." Neteyam mentioned, playing with Liyanin's fingers. The two were now sitting, Liyanin in his lap as he leaned against a rock. She was snug between his legs, her back on his stomach. "...is it a hard game?"

"I guess it depends on who is playing. It can be hard, for someone may be absolutely strategic and tactful, or it can be a quick swim through the shallows, if your opponents are uncoordinated and reckless."

"There is strategy to this game?"

"There is strategy to every game, Neteyam. You just have to find it." She laughed, amused by his seemingly naïve statement. "I will give you a basic rundown of everything...but not now. I just want to lay here with you for today." She told him as she snuggled deeper into his arms, getting comfortable. This made him chuckle a bit, resituating his arms to hold her closer to himself.

After a while of cuddling, Neteyam had realized that now would be a perfect time for him to start Liyanin's dancing lessons. So, he picked her up (much to her surprise) and carried her to a part in the forest. It was that same place he had found Tuk collecting shells the first night they arrived; he figured it had perfect open space for dancing, and perfect seclusion and privacy.

"You cannot keep scaring me like that!" She laughed, holding on to his neck for support.

"It is funny seeing your reaction." He replied, a disobedient grin on his face. He had reached the place he wanted to and set her down. Liyanin looked around at her surroundings, trying to think if she had been here before. She knew one thing, though, it was very beautiful. The creek that came from the ocean, it resembled her practice area. It was close to nightfall, so some of the animals were lit.

"How did you find this place?" She asked him, taken in by the sights.

"I was looking for my siblings, and Tuk happened to be here." He replied, looking up. "It is a great spot, no?"

"Yes, it is," she replied, nodding. Her eyes were now back to him. "...very pleasing to the eye."

He walked closer to her, wanting to start thinking about dancing ideas. His gaze then fell to the songcord on her hip, remembering she said they could utilize it. "Could you tell me about the stuff on your songcord?"

"Oh, yes," she grabbed, then began to untie it from her bottom so they would both be able to see it better. Neteyam's eyes were focused on it as she did this, his demeanor now slightly more serious, as if he were an instructor. His arms were crossed as he waited for her to finish.

She explained to him of her life's story, the parts she had captured on her cord, at least. He took in all the information, his brain calibrating how they should go about this. His brows were furrowed in thought, his hand holding his chin. Liyanin noticed this shift in mood, slightly surprised upon seeing him so zeroed in on this.

"Okay, so...since the first thing you have on here is when you first tamed your Ilu, we can do this..."

"Now, this part where you were announced as tsakarem can go like this..."

"Oh, yes, this is perfect, your tsurak taming can be that!"

"Make your arms go a bit outward, like this—"