Ma Neteyam

27

" Wow that is...quite a story." Tsireya said lowly, breaking the stunned silence that followed the group after hearing Neteyams explanation.

They had all huddled around him in a small circle so they could listen intently. Neteyam sat on a rock with Vareya on his right, then it was Kiri with Tuk on her lap, Tsireya, Lo'ak, Aonung, and finally Móna.

He was sure to keep his explanation the same as when he told Lo'ak, only saying enough to keep them satisfied yet leaving out the information that stays just between Vareya and him.

" It's unbelievable that's what it is. So unbelievable that if it wasn't for Vareya standing right in front of us, I probably wouldn't have believed it." Kiri said, shaking her head in disbelief.

" Trust me, I was the same way when I found out yesterday." Lo'ak blabbed, which made his sister whip her head in his direction.

" Yesterday? What do you mean yesterday? You knew of this?" Kiri couldn't help but raise her voice as she looked at Neteyam, pointing at their idiot of a brother, " He knew of this? Him? You told him before telling me? Seriously?"

Lo'ak gaped at her, offended, " Excuse you, what's so wrong with him telling me first? Are you worried that he finally discovered who's more mature between the two of us?"

At his comment, Neteyam looked at Aonung who was beside his brother. Surprisingly, the Metkayina was quick to understand the look he had sent him, because a smirk plastered his face as he said, "Gladly."

Winding up well, he smacked the back of Lo'aks head so roughly his brother jolted forward. " Gah!" he screeched hissing at Aonung.

" If you need a reminder, I never intended on telling you. In fact, I'd probably have told Tuk before sharing that with you." turning to Kiri he clarified, " He followed me last night and saw Vareya and I together. I had no choice."

" He followed you?" Kiri questioned Neteyam before giving her younger brother a judgmental look.

Lo'ak immediately became defensive, " Hey don't look at me! I may have been curious but I never would've gone as far as following him if it wasn't for Móna who told me to do it!"

And just like that all eyes snapped towards the already nervous girl.  With so many people staring at once, her eyes glanced at everyone before finally resting on Neteyam, wide and worried.

" Interesting. Did she give you a reason why?" Vareya directed her question to Lo'ak, yet her eyes never faltered from Móna.

It seemed only now his brother realized the situation he put her in, but he was damned if he didn't answer Vareya. So choosing the better option, he told her the truth, " She thought he was in danger."

Vareyas eyes narrowed as she licked her fangs, " Did she now..."

" I'm sure she wasn't aware he was meeting with you, cousin. Móna was probably worried he would lose his way around the island, especially at night." Tsireya jumped in, seemingly noticing the tension that was growing and attempting to subside it.

" No need to help Tsireya, I'm no liar." Móna said, a newfound confidence taking over her body as she looked at Vareya before continuing...

"You want to know the truth, fine, I did know you guys met and I knew he was going to see you. And while we're all here I'll make it clear, I don't trust her, I never did, nor do I see myself doing so in the near future. That said, I will apologize for spilling my friends secret, but I will be damned if I had to apologize for worrying that you will yet again destroy another kind and innocent boy like Neteyam."

The group was silent, and Neteyam was left near stunned at the sharpness behind her words. He glanced at Vareya to see how she took the hidden meaning behind what Móna said, one that he was sure he picked up on.