The Stars in Your Skin

CHAPTER 11

A.N.: Was literally supposed to post this last night but fell asleep. Anyway I hope you enjoy it and shout out to any reading this. Onward!

It’s the night of the celebration. He wears his new beaded choker with the turquoise and red beads. His hand absently lingers on his neck before going to his snokfyan next to his sleeping mat. Should he wear the more ornate choker and matching arm cuff, a gift from his grandmother? Was that too formal?

“Hey Neteyam, you asleep over there? We’re ready.” His Dad beckons.

He shakes his head, chuckling at himself. What was his problem? “Coming.” He leaves with his family for the firepit.

The village is a hive of activity. Children frolic about, their faces painted with the colors of the talioang. Many adults are either donning the costumes for the talioang fire dance or helping the cooks prepare the feast, which smells divine by the way. Younger ones not quite on the cusp of adulthood sequester themselves into their own groups.

He stands on his father’s right hand side atop the raised dais in the village center. All eyes switch to them. His grandmother blesses the celebration with thanks to Eywa. His father concludes the opening ceremony with a speech  for all to eat their fill and have fun to their heart's content.  There’s a short burst of whoops and then the music starts.

He’s among his people then, Lo’ak next to him, greeting most he meets with a smile and helping those he can. He spots Ha’ew in a small group. The Na’vi spots him then beckons him over enthusiastically.  “Come on there’s Ha’ew.”

He sees Ha’ew tug gently at someone in the group and the Syemu twins follow. Neteyam nearly stops  in his tracks. Noney has her long coily hair down but his gaze is drawn to Naawri. Her hair is not loose like her twin’s but braided in an intricate style and adorned in a way that is both ornate and understated. Her necklace is made of beads that highlight her eyes and her outfit accentuates the warmth of her skin.  Eywa she looks…radiant.

“Dayum,” his brother says once they meet. “Looking very good ladies.”

She smiles. Eywa, she smiles and his mouth goes dry.

“Thanks Lo’ak,” the twins answer in unison.

“Save me a dance tonight, yeah?” Neteyam glances at his brother whose voice is all smooth, with surprise.  Where did this come from?

“You okay over there Ney?” Ha’ew asks.

“Yeah,” he swallows, “Nawri a-and Noney you both look beautiful tonight.”

“Well, you’re not so bad yourself Neteyam te Suli,” Noney answers.

“Thank you Neteyam,” Naawri answers, “excuse us.”  They stride past them.

The subtle scent of her hair oil wafts into his nose as she passes and he has to fight not to huff it in. She smells so good.

“Ma Nawri are you two coming to the post celebration tonight?” Ha’ew calls after them.

“Of course,” she throws over her shoulder.

Maybe going to the post-celebration wasn't such a bad idea… “Bro we’re going right?” Lo’ak asks.

“I’ll talk to Dad and Mother.” He staunchly ignores Ha’ew’s smug grin.

The celebration is in full swing by sundown and carries late into the night. Laughter and driving drumbeats fill the air, beckoning them all to dance.  Lo’ak dances with Noney and Naawri at some point. Neteyam is definitely not jealous.  Each of Noney’s suitors request a dance with her while Naawri sits alone. It agitates him. How could they not see how amazing she was? But on some level he’s glad?