Skxawng • Neteyam

6

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She wasn't sure what he'd told his parent last night, but they'd allowed him to stay outside with her. And the minute she woke the following day, she found him lying a few feet away. His head propped up on his arm, eyes still closed.

His chest rose with every breath, and his mouth parted slightly to let out soft sounds. He seemed more peaceful this way when he didn't have a permanent scowl.

It was still early, and the sun had only just risen. Her back was sore but nowhere near as horrible as yesterday's. She groaned as she sat upright, her good hand buried deep into the grass—the animals calling, announcing that they'd woken up for the day. The sounds were peaceful, and a blanket of serenity washed over her.

She didn't want to leave Neteyam alone, but she would only be gone for a bit. She just wanted to get into the sky before the day ahead. She wasn't sure how Neteyam wished to deal with this situation. Yeriyah was worried he'd run off and tell someone, and if he did, it would ruin everything. The clan does not need to know.

She got up and went further into the forest, where she couldn't see him. She called for Zaeyli and waited. A few moments later, her ikran touched down next to her. Zaeyli observed the sling that wrapped around her rider. It would be challenging to fly, but she didn't care. There were very few things that would prevent her from flying.

They made the bond and flew to the sky. She circled the area where Neteyam still slept so she could watch over him. It just felt nice to be up here. Her good arm was holding on. They levelled out and glided through the breeze as her mind wandered off. She wondered where she'd stay in the clan without making it weird. If she stayed anywhere without her father until she was eighteen, it would be bizarre.

As Na'vi turn eighteen, they are allowed to find a mate. It's when you grow and can start a new chapter of your life. She only had one more year until she would be able to move out. It felt like staying seventeen would last forever.

As she flew over Neteyam, she looked down and saw him no longer. Her heart dropped, and Zaeyli dove head-first to the ground before landing. "Neteyam!" She yells. "Netey-"

"I'm right here." He said, and she turned to find him leaning against a tree. "You're really flying with a fractured wrist?"

"You really walk around with that stupid look on your face?"

He glares. "You skxawng."

"Stop pouting. Let's go, I'm hungry!" They departed and had gotten to the village at the same time Neteyam's parents walked in. His parents aimed for them immediately, and a soft look crossed their faces upon seeing her sling.

"How are you feeling, kid?" Jake questions and checks her over.

"As best as I can. It's starting to feel a bit better." She says honestly. She'd always respected Jake and knew he was a great warrior. Yeiryah also knew he was known to be hard on his children from time to time.

"You saved Kiri and Lo'ak. We will find a way to repay you somehow," Neytiri adds, and Yeriyah turns to Neteyam's mom. It was eerie how many similar features they had. She'd watched them interact a few times before and knew they had a close bond.

"You don't have to do tha-"

Jake speaks before she can finish. "Yes, we do. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask."