Skxawng • Neteyam

11

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A lot had happened over the past twelve months. After the Sky People had returned, the clan was in full panic. Before things escalated between the aliens, Jake moved the clan out to High Camp.

Before he'd done that, Jake and Neytiri confronted Tsu'tey. They kicked him from the clan and shamed him. Her father left in fits of rage. Yeriyah was long gone and nowhere to be found when they did it. She didn't want to take any chances with his anger and what he'd do with it. Whatever he now does would have to be alone. He was permitted to find another clan, but the rules were that he'd have to tell them why he was kicked from his other clan. After that, there was a slim chance any clan would let him in.

Yeriyah got her own tent, despite not being eighteen at the time. Even though now she and Neteyam were both of age to find a mate and find their place to live. Neteyam remained with his family, and Yeriyah remained alone. Jake and Neytiri had made the transition the easiest for her after kicking out Tsu'tey. They'd found her a place and given her all the support she needed. They checked in on her and made sure she always showed up for meals.

It was weird to have someone care for her this way again.

Some days she always wondered what her father had gotten up to. A clan could have taken him in, but she doubts it. Tsu'tey may not mind it alone, but it will eventually make him go crazy. Her ears flattened, and she looked away and down towards the forest below. She spent most of her time looking down the edge, dangling her feet off the side.

"What are you thinking about?" Neteyam asks and takes a seat beside her in the same position. He leaned back on his two arms, holding his torso up.

"Nothing."

"Liar," Neteyam accuses.

"Leave it be, Teyam." She snaps, and his eyes harden at the tone. He pushes up and sits upright, turning to her.

"Where's this attitude coming from?" He cocks his head to the side, wanting to figure it out before she tells him.

She sighs. "There is no attitude. I did not mean to snap. I'm sorry."

"It's okay, but what is it?"

"It is my father." She admits. "I sometimes worry about what he ended up doing."

"I'm sure he just remained at home tree since we left." Neteyam just shrugged. "He would have shelter and know the land. It's not far, but it's not too close."

"Sometimes I'm more worried about what he's planning than what he's already done." She admits quietly.

"He wouldn't try something, Riyah." Neteyam shook his head.

"You never know. You weren't there when Tsu'tey said he'd kill Zaeyli if I told anyone. He meant it, Teyam." Yeriyah frowned.

"He most likely doesn't even know where we've gone to hide. You will be safe, don't worry." He promised, and by sitting beside him, observing him, she knew it too. Over the past year, Neteyam had filled out considerably with muscle. His chest and arms got larger. The muscles in his stomach got more prominent. He had turned into a fantastic warrior, and he was strong and intelligent and highly charismatic. Sometimes she found herself staring and praying no one saw her.