The Breath of Water | Neteyam

87 • Connection

A/N: Happy New years :D

A couple hours of flying passed and Neteyam could feel his Ikran becoming tired. He couldn't blame him, three people to carry were a lot. It also started to rain pretty heavily, so the constant water droplets were like mini weights shoving them all down. He noticed they had traveled quite a distance from the reefs, the familiar territory of trees and forestry bringing some sort of comfort to the man. He scanned the surroundings, looking for a place to land.

Liyanin squirmed a little behind Neteyam, blinking multiple times due to the strong water droplets. She tried looking at the scenery, but her eyes weren't equipped for such environments. Spider was trying to stay still as possible while in the front, most of it due to the nerves of being with Neteyam and his mate. He wished at least either Kiri or Lo'ak came. Hell, even Tuk would've sufficed for him.

"I am going to land somewhere we can set up camp!" Neteyam shouted. The other two couldn't really hear what he said, but they still nodded.

Eventually, he found a small but safe cliff that had tree leaves providing some kind of makeshift roof. The rain wasn't horribly bad, but anyone could tell it was going to get worse. When they had landed, Neteyam hurriedly got down, getting their food and water off the saddle while Liyanin and Spider got down. His Ikran screeched as all of its riders dismounted its back, wanting some shelter from the rain as well. Once Neteyam put the supplies in his hands down, he grabbed his Ikran by the reigns and led it more under the leaves. Fortunately, there was enough room for all of them.

"There is a cave near here somewhere, it will have better protection from the rain," Neteyam said, bending his head towards Liyanin. Spider got closer so he could make up for the height difference. "...I will take Unilway first so he can find a spot to settle for the night."

Liyanin grabbed his shoulder, making him pause before he could go. "What is wrong with here?"

"It's too wet over here," Spider mentioned, wanting to add in the conversation. "No fire's gonna start in this."

She nodded, a bit surprised he was the one who replied. Neteyam tilted his hand, then kissed her on her lips, closing his eyes.

"I'll be back after he settles in." Neteyam assured her. He then left the two of them there with the food and water, and with an awkward silence. Spider looked out towards the sight of the other cliffs and mountains, seeing the difference between the more tropical areas and this one. He could tell they were getting closer to the grasslands. Liyanin stood behind him, shifting every now and then on her feet, feeling the new substance that lied beneath and between her toes—mud.

She didn't know quite exactly how she felt about the feeling of this material. It was thicker and stickier than sand—even wet sand.

"There's floating mountains back where Neteyam's from," Spider said, still staring at the distance. The rain was getting more intense, so the objects from afar were becoming blurrier. Liyanin's ears twitched hearing his voice.

"Floating mountains?" she repeated. She didn't recall catching one of those in her visions.

"ayRam aLusìng. That's what we call them."

She blinked once, taking in the name. Soon after, Neteyam came back.

"Come, you two. Found it." He said, grabbing the food. Liyanin took the water rations and let Spider fall into her sights before continuing to walk. She was still not used to the mud she felt; every time her foot would lift, she'd flex her toes in discomfort. When they reached the cave, Spider and Liyanin could see Neteyam's Ikran huddled in a back corner.

"So his name is Unilway?" she voiced, setting the items down.

"Yes. A dream's song." He clarified. He saw Spider shivering a bit and dusted off a surface before placing some drywood down. Spider saw the wood, and he grew confused.