Ocean Skies - Loreya

When Secrets Spill

"Tsireya." Tonowari turns to face her. "What have you done?"

Tsireya stutters helplessly before clearing her throat; it suddenly feels drier than it ever has, and air does not come easy anymore. "Father..."

Ao'nung stands by, watching the scene unfold.

Tonowari shoots him an unimpressed room. "Your things will not pack themselves, Ao'nung. Get to work."

Ronal pinches the bridge of her nose and shakes her head. She steps up beside her mate and lays a hand on his upper arm, a protective flare igniting in her chest as she looks between her children, somehow looking so old yet so young at the Same time.

"We must discuss Ao'nung and Neteyam further. Come, Tonowari." She nudges him towards the exit. "Tsireya can wait. I assure, nothing will change while we are talking."

Ao'nung gulps, sharing a look with his sister. Once their parents leave, he heaves a sigh and lets his tense shoulders fall. "We are in deep shit."

Tsireya groans, rubbing a hand over her face. "Oh, you tell me. Your misdeeds are easy to hide from the clan, but what will become of me?"

Ao'nung hums. "Well, you're not showing yet—"

She wacks the back of his head. "I will!"

Ao'nung whines and rubs the aching spot tenderly. "You don't need to beat me up for that!"

"I'm beating you for the nonsense you speak—" She retorts, hands on her hips. "You only need to complete the trials you would have needed to anyway. But if I did that, I will return and all will be obvious! It takes too long."

"But I have to be away from Neteyam—"

"Be grateful his family accepted you!" She hissed, anger flaring, her mind slightly fogged by stress and her newly changing hormones. "They could have been very upset with you for mating with their adult son."

"Upset at me?" He gapes, affronted. "He's the adult—"

"You, yourself said you're some weeks older, Ao'nung." Her tone leaves no room for argument. Or, it would not, but this is her brother.

"Age does not define who knows more," he grunts, crossing his arms.

"You are the one who grew up here. I should hope you know more about our customs than he does!" She cries out, eyes wide in disbelief. "Ao'nung, be glad you have not received punishment and you merely have to complete your trial. Which you would have had to do anyway!"

"Whatever—" he sniffs, turning away to gather his things.

As Ao'nung busies himself with preparing for the impending journey, Tsireya takes a deep breath, attempting to regain her composure. The weight of the situation settles heavily on her shoulders, and the reality of her impending motherhood looms over her.

She watches her brother, torn between frustration and concern. "Ao'nung, don't you see? This changes everything. We can't keep this hidden forever. What will happen when I start showing, and people realize I'm with child?"

He glances at her, a mix of sympathy and helplessness in his eyes. "We'll figure something out, Tsireya. Maybe you can travel to a secluded place until I return."

She scoffs, pacing in agitation. "Secluded place? Do you realize how suspicious that would look? I can't just vanish without a trace. And what about Neteyam? What if something happens to him during the trials?"

Ao'nung sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I know, Tsireya. I didn't plan for any of this. I didn't plan for Eywa's intervention or for Neteyam and me to be connected like this. We're in uncharted territory."

She stops, locking eyes with her brother. "Uncharted territory or not, we have to face the consequences. We can't hide forever. Our actions have consequences, not just for us but for Neteyam and even for the clan."

He nods solemnly, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "I'll do my best during the trials, Tsireya. I'll prove myself to the clan, to Eywa. We'll find a way to navigate this together."

As the siblings share a determined look, a sense of unity prevails despite the challenges ahead. The impending conversation between their parents lingers in the air, and the uncertainty of the future adds a layer of complexity to their bond.

The marui curtain pulls open, revealing Tonowari and Ronal, expressions serious yet tempered. The family gathers for a discussion that will shape the path they must now tread, balancing tradition, love, and the unforeseen consequences of their choices.

Tsireya's heart races as anxiety tightens its grip on her. The impending confrontation with her father weighs heavily on her mind, and the nerves eat away at her core. Each passing moment seems to stretch, and the anticipation of the conversation intensifies.She takes a deep breath, attempting to steady herself, but the unease lingers. The prospect of facing Tonowari, the clan leader, with the news of her unexpected bonding and impending motherhood leaves her feeling exposed and vulnerable.

As her parents approach, Tsireya can't help but fidget, her fingers anxiously intertwining. The Marui's atmosphere grows thicker with tension, and the weight of her actions becomes palpable. Despite the support she receives from Ao'nung, the reality of her choices and the potential repercussions leave her on edge.

"I believe there is something you wish to tell me, daughter." Tonowari settles down on one of their mats, resting his elbows on his knees.

Tsireya copies him, swallowing thickly. She glances at her mother, who paces around their home. She nods to her.
"Do you not yet know?"

Tonowari shakes his head, but deep down, he already suspects it.

Tsireya takes a deep breath, her gaze fixed on the mat beneath her. "Father, there's something I need to share with you. It's about a choice I've made, a path I've taken that deviates from our traditions."

Tonowari remains composed, his expression unreadable. "Go on, Tsireya. I'm listening."

She glances at her mother once more, seeking a source of strength. "I've formed a bond, a deep connection with someone. And... I'm carrying his child."

Ronal halts her pacing, her eyes widening slightly at the revelation. Tonowari's stern expression shifts, revealing a mix of surprise and concern. The air in the marui becomes charged with the weight of Tsireya's disclosure.

"We didn't plan for this, Father. It's a result of unforeseen circumstances," Tsireya continues, her voice carrying a mixture of remorse and determination.

Tonowari takes a moment, absorbing the information. "Who is the one you've bonded with, and who is the father of your child?"

Tsireya swallows, her throat dry. "It's Lo'ak, Father. He and I share a bond that goes beyond our understanding, and I didn't anticipate the consequences that followed."

Tonowari's gaze sharpens as he processes the revelation. Ronal, standing nearby, grips the edge of a mat, her eyes reflecting a blend of worry and empathy.

The chief remains silent for a moment, contemplating the situation. Finally, he speaks, his tone measured. "Tsireya, our traditions and customs are essential to maintaining the balance within our clan. Your actions have repercussions, not only for you but for Lo'ak and the clan as a whole."

Tsireya bows her head, a knot of guilt tightening in her chest. "I understand, Father. I am prepared to face the consequences of my choices."

Tonowari exhales slowly, his eyes searching hers. "We must consider the best course of action for the clan. This is a delicate matter, one that requires careful thought and consideration. We will discuss this further, as a family."

As the weight of the impending decision settles in, the marui is filled with a heavy silence, each member grappling with the complexities of tradition, love, and the uncharted territory that lies ahead.

She lowers her head, worry not eased in the slightest.