Rough Elegance [Neteyam x Aonung]

Til Eywa Do Us Part : Part 7

In the skies above Al'Háven, the rays of the sun don't reach, hidden by the dim grey clouds resting below it. A constant drizzle creates its own distinct melody throughout the haven. The village grounds are wet, and the meadows are soaked, some flooding as pools of water collect between hills.

On the beach, the royals and the remaining two older Sully children come onto shore with a small haul of fish. Despite their brother missing, Kiri is in good spirits. Before leaving the den this morning, Neteyam ate breakfast with everyone calmly.

It wasn't just that he was calm that surprised the others, it was the fact that he allowed Tuktirey to sit next to him. The two didn't make any conversation, since he seemed a little zoned out, but it was progress nonetheless. The small girl would have accompanied them, but decided to stay home with Koral.

Kiri strolls next to the princess, her tail swaying calmly as they both carry the fish they caught. Tsireya eyes Kiri's smaller haul, then smirks.

Tsireya- Looks like I win.

Kiri- Always a competition with you.

Tsireya- It's called motivation.

As the two girls slow their pace to a stop, Aonung catches up to them, carrying the largest haul of fish over his shoulder. Right at his side, a quiet Neteyam carries the few fish he caught, making Tsireya give him a look.

Tsireya- A certain someone could definitely use some of that motivation.

The Sully boy gives her no reaction, and while Aonung comes to a stop, he walks past them like she said nothing to him. Both her and Kiri exchange a look of concern, then turn to the heir.

Tsireya- What's with your boyfriend today, bro?

He adjusts his haul on his shoulders, and looks ahead at Neteyam continuing onto the village, which is fine since they were heading back home to unload their catch anyway, before moving onto their next activity.

Aonung- Even if I knew, I'm not sure I would even tell you.

The boy walks onward after that, leaving Kiri and his sister behind in the tense atmosphere he brought upon them. Kiri has noticed a bit of distance between the two royals, which is something completely new. Aonung is usually the type to forgive and move on, but something seems to have him holding a grudge.

Kiri- Mind if I ask what's going on with you two?

Tsireya- What do you mean?

Tsireya plays dumb and trails after her brother, not wanting to discuss anything of it, but her persistent friend doesn't let her off the hook that easily. Kiri comes up to her side with determination, and gives her a stern look.

Kiri- Talk.

Tsireya- Do I have to?

Kiri- Hey, you're the one who said it's better to talk things out.

Tsireya- Yeah, with whoever the problem is with.

Kiri- Then, have you talked to Aonung?

Tsireya- Obviously not.

Kiri- Exactly. So, what's going on? You've only been talking to me since this morning, and each time you speak to your brother, your neck visibly tenses up.

Tsireya- (sighs) Okay, Aonung is in some serious trouble.

Kiri- Again?

Tsireya- Father has deemed the fault his, for Rotxo's unannounced departure, and . . .