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Neteyam tilted his head, a smirk curling on his lips as Saraïyah squared her shoulders and tilted her chin up. Her fingers drummed nervously on her thighs as they stood at the cliff's edge. The mist from the waterfall brushed against their faces, tiny droplets clinging to their hair like dewdrops.
His eyes gleamed with a mixture of amusement and curiosity, watching her as if deciphering a puzzle. "That's your brave face?" he teased, voice carrying an edge of disbelief.
Saraïyah met his gaze, her arms crossed tightly across her chest. "More like my 'why in the Mother's name did I listen to a crazy guy' face," her eyebrow raised, challenging him.
His laugh was soft, a warm chuckle that spread easily between them. "No offense taken," he grinned, rolling his shoulders with mock ease. "They say the second time's a charm."
"Words from other lunatics." She shook her head.
"You promised, Saïyah. Are you one to break your promises?" Neteyam's tone softened, a hint of playful challenge in his voice.
She exhaled dramatically, her eyes narrowing as she began pacing, more out of nervous energy than actual uncertainty. "Honestly, I can advise you not to take my promises too seriously. I once told Reya I'd hold her hand through the dark..." She trailed off, her fingers brushing her braid absentmindedly.
Neteyam's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "And?"
"I ran ahead instead, forcing her to chase after me." Saraïyah shrugged, an innocent smile tugging at her lips. "She cried the whole way home. Poor thing. But hey, lesson learned."
Neteyam burst into a hearty laugh, his head tilting back. "Nice!" He gave her a bow of approval. "Reminds me of that ride day with my family—Lo'ak was being his usual pest of a self. Kept begging for the direhorse I'd tamed. Mother made me let him take it, and so,"
Saraïyah's eyes widened. "No...you didn't." She could already imagine the chaos.
"Oh, I did," Neteyam said, mischief dancing in his eyes. "The thing about direhorses? They're easily spooked."
She laughed, shaking her head. "He must've been terrified!"
"He held on for dear life," Neteyam replied, chuckling. "Mother and Father had to chase him down. They were furious, but it was worth every second."
"What was your punishment?"
"None. I've perfected the art of disappearing after misbehaving. It only backfired once, my father waited all night for me to return and just lecture me."
