Absence

Idea 29

Saiya slept with a glimmer of hope imprinted into her mind, if she kept going back to the Spirit tree she could be with Neteyam all the time, and she so desperately wanted to.

The morning came quickly, awakening all the of life in Awa'atlu. The sully family all woke up together like they had been doing, except Lo'ak who would occasionally sneak out before dawn, however today he didn't. Tuk and Kiri had forgotten of their previous squabble and Kiri allowed Tuk to sleep with her that night. Jake got up first, kissing Neytiri on the side of the head to wake her.

Only a month and some had passed since Neteyam passed away, and he couldn't remain stagnant for some reason. He knew he got rid of Quaritch, he saw him float away in the water. But if he came back before, he could come back again, and that didn't sit right with Jake. He had been preparing for anything that could happen, so he was ready to protect himself, his wife, his children, he couldn't bear to lose another.

"Ma' Jake, where are you going?" Neytiri asked, her voice soft and quiet as she squinted her eyes, seeing her mate strap his gun onto his back.
He turned around slowly not wanting to wake the children. "Just for some air." He said smiling gently.

"With your gun?" Neytiri asked suspiciously.
Jake huffed in defeat, he constantly felt uneasy, like he had to be on look out every single second of the day. At least having the gun would make him a little more prepared.
Neytiri noticed the tense manner in his shoulder and sighed warmly before walking up to him.

"Jake." She hummed taking his face into her soft hands, her eyes tracing over his. The warm yellow they'd had always been since the first day she saw him.

"I need it." Jake said lowly like he was trying to convince himself, his eyes watered slightly before he blinked.
"No, no you don't." Neytiri replied rubbing her thumb against his cheek.
"I do, I need it to protect you, all of you." Jake said again feeling the guilt drag in.

Neytiri said nothing, sighing deeply as she knew he would keep the gun regardless of what she could say, and she didn't have the energy to argue.
"Okay." She said, hiding a frown.
"Be safe." She said running her hands down to his chest and patting his heart.

"I will." Jake hummed softly as he pulled her closer and planted a kiss on her forehead before walking out.

Neytiri looked at the flowing flap that now moved with the breeze as her mate walked out of it, praying Eywa would keep himself and provide rest to her family soon.

Jake walked down the cool sand that hadn't felt the heat of the scorching sun yet. Barely anyone had awoke but there were a few people around, mostly elders or men and women catching their first meal of the day.
Jake stumbled down to the edge of the water, his eyes landing on a figure far in the distance. The figure road an ilu fast before completing submerging themselves before the surface. The distance made it hard for him to make out who it had been, however he paid no mind as he called his own skimwing and prepared for own day.

Saiya had quickly woken up and gotten ready to see Neteyam again. She knew she should've alerted Tsireya but she couldn't wait for her to wake and knew it wouldn't hurt anyone if she went alone. She practically ran down the sand, calling for her Ilu before she even got the shore. She mounted, moving forward with sufficient speed. Her heart thumped excitedly as the thought of seeing Neteyam again made goosebumps rise against her skin. Once far enough out she submerged herself completely gaining more speed. She sped through the water, feeling it bubble out behind her. She lifted her head to take a breath, slowing down to see the direction she was headed. Once confirming she was going the right way she went back under racing to get to him.

Once she arrived she thanked her Ilu and waved her goodbye, swimming over to the Spirit tree. She remembered what Tsireya had said and formed a clear memory in her head. Taking a few deep breaths and picturing a flickering flame she slowed her heart beat slowly sinking.