Ma Tompawll

Chapter Six

The heat of the sun was setting his skin ablaze from his cross legged spot on the rock formation. His siblings, Tsireya and Rotxo were taking a different approach on their lessons today.

Neteyam lets his eyes wander to the shore off in the distance. He was just a little bummed out that a certain sweet Metkayina girl was absent but he didn't want to make it obvious by asking where she was.

Noticing Ao'nung's absence as well had his shoulders relaxing and closing his eyes once more, following Tsireya's instructions carefully.

His ears flicker in Tuk's direction, her uneven breathing loud enough to hear that she was struggling to grasp it as much as the rest of their siblings.

"Deep breaths." Tsireya tells them, glancing between them while Rotxo tries demonstrating with his hands.

"Imagine a flickering flame. You must slow your heartbeat." Taking a deep breath, he struggles to keep his air in for as long as the Metkayina teens, blowing out in frustration.

Kiri seems to be doing better than the rest of the Sully siblings, keeping her eyes shut and taking a deep inhale.

"Take your time." Rotxo blows out a breath, frowning at their winded forms.

Huffing out an impatient breath, Neteyam reopens his eyes in time to see Tsireya place her hands on Lo'ak's chest and stomach, the boy's eyes flying open in an instant making him hold back a chuckle.

Lo'ak glares at Neteyam subtly, the older boy taking his revenge by wiggling his brow bones in an attempt to mimic the younger boy.

"Breathe in, breathe out slowly. Your heartbeat is fast Lo'ak -" Rotxo and Neteyam share a amused glance, Kiri rolling her eyes at her brothers. Only a month here and her siblings were already tracking potential mates.

Tuk suddenly gasps, eyes darting back and forth between Tsireya and her brother who was trying and failing to hide his likeliness of the girl's touch then to Neteyam with an eager glint.

"Sorry." Tsireya gives him a shy smile, pulling back to look over the group.

"Skxawngs." Kiri mutters under her breath, shaking her head before closing her eyes to practice.

With Ao'nung and Kanu gone for today, that left Rotxo and Tsireya to teach the four Sully siblings. Though the progress has been anything but steady. Neteyam hoped it would hurry up and come.

"Why couldn't Nu come?" Tuk pouts, sprawling out on the rock and over Neteyam's legs. Tsireya reaches over to pat her head, giving the girl a sympathetic smile.

"My sister is with the hunting party today, that is why she could not come." Rotxo yawns, scratching his head and stretching.

Lo'ak raises his eyebrows in question, tilting his head.

"Nu is a hunter you see, she has earned her place in our clan."

"How does that work?" Neteyam listens in, mentally thanking his brother for asking a question that's been on his mind for a while.

"It is our passage to adulthood, you must complete a series of tasks to show bravery and dedication to the clan. As a reward to acknowledge your achievements you will receive a marking for show." Rotxo rests his back on the rock below him, deciding to take a break making Tsireya sigh as she faces them again.

"Depending on the role you choose, you will eventually get another marking to signify that one." She explains, tapping her arm gently to demonstrate.

"When you learn our ways you will be trained for your Iknimaya as well." Tuk touches the girls leg, practically bouncing in place.