Ayla has spent her life among the towering trees of Pandora's forests, but when the sky people threaten her world, she and her mother are forced to flee to the reef-dwelling Metkayina clan.
She finds herself caught between an old childhood flame, an...
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Ayla has never been a fan of swimming.
Couldn't she just stick to land-based activities ?
According to her mother, who had woken her up that morning, no she could not. Lei'wa insisted that her daughter was to learn the ways of water.
"Alright, alright. I'll give it a try. But if I end up floundering like a fish, don't say I didn't warn you." The girl grumbled as she adjusted her flimsy top.
Lei'wa patted her on the back reassuringly. "You'll do fine, sweetheart. Just try to keep an open mind and enjoy it."
Ayla had hesitated before walking out of the marui, staring at her mother for a moment. "What about you...will you be okay?"
The older woman's eyes grew tender as she approached her daughter, gently pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "I'll be fine. Go have fun."
Ayla was still unsure, but after a firm nod from Lei'wa, the Omatikaya girl stepped outside.
She saw the others waiting near the water's edge on a wooden walkway, some sitting and some swimming, chatting and laughing among themselves.
Ayla tried to muster up some enthusiasm, but her nerves were already starting to get the better of her. "Hey," she called out, attempting to sound upbeat as she approached.
"Hi Ayla, come! Swim with us!" Tsireya yelled from the water, signaling with her arm for her to jump in. Besides her were her older brother Ao'nung, and the short haired boy from yesterday , who she assumed was called Rotxo.
Ayla was hesitant, stuck in place and looking around at the group of teens to determine her next action.
The Sullys all seemed eager to jump in, and it wasn't long until Ayla was pulled by her wrist by Lo'ak to reach over the edge and jump into the blue water.
She would've cursed him if she hadn't been underwater.
The multitude of sea creatures that greeted her once she opened her eyes brought joy to Ayla, and she found watching their movements and patterns soothing.
The colorful plants brought a pop of color to the overthrowing hue of blue, one that camoflagued her and the other Na'vi incredulously well.
She enjoyed the sensation of momentary relief, sinking it in, dwelling in it for as long as possible.
However the exhiliration broke its course once she needed to swim up to the surface for a breath of air.
Everyone else was underwater, and Ayla wondered how they could all hold in their breath for so long.
Her lungs stung from the heavy breathing.
With a quick glance underwater, Ayla could determine that the others wanted her to join them, so she took a curt inhale and let the water cradle her more.
