Mune Olo'eyktan [Neteyam x Aonung]

Part 166

In a small cave way down the beach, on the other side of the village, Aonung is lying on his back in peace. He hasn't been to this place since he was a kid, just hanging out with his sister away from their parents in a game of impossible hide and seek.

Just before he dozes off, while thinking of the fond memories, a voice draws his attention to the entrance.

Kiri- This place is really calm.

Well, it was calm.

He sits up, surprised the girl was able to find him, and not feeling that happy about it. Each day this week he's been anxious just stepping outside, afraid he'd be bombarded with an obnoxious rivalry.

Today he managed to slip away before anyone confronted him, but it looks like his peace is over.

Kiri strolls over to him, taking a seat on his left.

Kiri- So, I know you were hiding from me, and Neteyam-

Aonung- Then why are you here?

Kiri- To talk this out. Not to give you anything, or flirt, or pretend to just be friendly when it's not like that. I just want to talk.

Feeling less tense after hearing that, he sighs, and gets comfortable.

Aonung- Okay.

Kiri- I know you think I'm being wrong, or disrespectful, but it would actually be better for the clan if you chose me.

Aonung- What?

Kiri- I was gonna mention it before, but I didn't want you to feel like I was pressuring you. I heard our parents talking one day, when you were still the future leader.

Aonung- What did they say?

Kiri- When you came of age they were going to explain that you would eventually need a successor of your own, and that being with Neteyam wasn't going to be possible unless someone else was chosen to be chief. Now, they're gonna have to tell him that, and you know what he'll say.

Aonung- . . . He would choose to be with me.

Kiri- But after you stepped down and made him the future chief, which I really do agree with, do you really want him to give it all up and leave the clan's future in lesser hands?

Aonung- Well . . .

Kiri- I mean, Tsireya is great at what she does, but she's nowhere near the warrior and leader that Neteyam is.

Aonung- You're right about that.

Kiri- You know Neteyam would choose you over, well, anything really, in a heartbeat, but maybe you shouldn't give him the chance.

Aonung- What do you mean?

Kiri- If you choose me now, and let him go, then the clan's future is left solid and protected. He would become the chief, and find himself a woman as his duties require, and you would be carefree and without worry knowing everyone is in good hands.

He sighs deeply, and she can see he's unsure. Gently, she grabs onto his hand, and gives him a sincere look.

Kiri- You don't want to jeopardize the clan's future by being selfish. If you do, you know you'll regret it. You'll have taken a potentially great leader from your people, and they'll know it.

She adjusts herself to sit closer.

Kiri- Let's not go down that path, Aonung. You know what's best for this clan, it's why you put Neteyam in that position. Don't let him ruin it because you were too selfish to let go of him.