Upon the nature of daylight

The Weight Of Leadership

The sun rose over the vibrant waters of Pandora, casting shimmering reflections across the coral reefs that surrounded the Metkayina clan's home. Jora awoke to the familiar sounds of the ocean, waves lapping gently against the shore, the calls of creatures stirring in the depths and the laughter of his siblings echoing in the distance. As the eldest son of Tonowari and Ronal, he was destined to inherit the role of Olo'eyktan, the leader of their clan. Each day was a lesson, each moment a step toward his future.

Jora's training began early. His father, a formidable warrior and respected leader, instilled in him the values of strength, wisdom, and compassion. "A true leader must protect his people," Tonowari often reminded him, his voice deep and commanding. Jora listened intently, absorbing every word, yet a part of him felt the weight of expectation pressing down like the ocean's depths. He longed for freedom, for the chance to explore his own desires, but duty was a heavy mantle to bear.

"You must focus your mind son. Stop looking at where you're going wrong. It's my mistakes you need to be observing" says Tonowari while clutching his spear. He looks down at his son who now lies on his back, arms stretched out on either side as he watches the sky. He sighs and pouts at his father's words. "This isn't helping father, how am I meant to best you? You are the best warrior in this clan. It's not a fair fight" Tonowari whacks his son's arm off the sand with his spear, earning a dramatic "ow!" from the boy. He straightens his back and pierces his speak into the sand and exclaims "You think any foe on the field will take it easy on you just because you've barely passed the first few years of your training? You think they care? If that is your view then do me a favour and start digging a nice big hole beneath you and lie in it and be done with it! Save your killer's the singular bead of sweat it would take to strike you down" He circles his son who now looks up at him with an offended expression on his face. He says nothing. Jora decides to rise to his feet. "Fine, enlighten me then old man" his father chuckles. "In position!" He yells at his son but before they could engage a warrior of the clan runs up to the pair and interrupts. "Tonowari, it's your son again" he says breathlessly, now resting his arms on his legs while hunched over. Tonowari sighs in disappointment, knowing what's next. "Where is he."

Jora's younger brother, Aunong, was a constant source of mischief. Always getting into trouble, Aunong had a knack for finding himself in precarious situations, and Jora often found himself playing the role of protector. Whether it was rescuing him from a particularly daring dive or preventing him from angering a sea creature, Jora's days were filled with the dual responsibilities of leadership and brotherhood. "You need to be more careful, Aunong," he would scold, shaking his head with a mixture of exasperation and affection. But this time he follows closely behind his father who marches at full speed towards the village. They come to a stop outside a marui at the far side of the village. This is Rotxo's family's hut. Out walks Rotxo's father. He mirrors Tonowari's face of frustration. "In there, Anari is seeing to both of their wounds" Tonowari nods at his friend and enters the hut with Rotxo's father, leaving Jora to stand outside. He can't help but eavesdrop. "Eywa give the me strength to not pull you by your ears and toss you into the sea. What have I told you about venturing beyond the reef? Do you think me some fool who fear mongers for laughs?! What were you thinking!"
Jora giggles to himself quietly as he stands watching the sea. His mind wanders to all the times he has watched this same scene play out with his foolish little brother. When will he learn? He thinks to himself. He is just relieved he isn't the one who had to pull him from that reef himself this time. His attention fades away from his father's scolding and focuses on the people of his village. He watches as the people as they go about their daily lives, whether its conversing deeply with one another in the markets or the fishermen standing amongst the shore's rocks as they spear the fish who dared to swim too closely. But he pulls his attention to the people in the water, amazed at how they dash across the sea on their ilus with such skill. As if their mounts were simply just another limb. The connection between Na'vi and their mounts were a gift to be revered, the ability to become a singular entity through one connection was a strength they possessed over their enemies. Although the Sky People had been defeated many years ago, there had been recent whispers amongst the water clans that speak of their return. But that's all they were ever called, whispers. The water clans never partook in the war for Pandora so their confidence and resolve in their safety remained unfaltering throughout the years. However Jora couldn't deny the slight fear these whispers have caused to arise in him. He is ripped out of his thoughts as his father exits the marui with his brother. Aunong is covered in scratches and new forming bruises and has clearly seen better days, but nothing compares the look of humiliation plastered over his face. "Come Jora, we go home" Jora nods and follows his father and brother as they make their way back to their hut, not uttering a word the whole way there.

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Yo this chapter isnt yet complete but i need to publish just to see how its looking so far? I will most likely extend it as i have more to write before i switch to someone else's chapter. Bit long but i am aiming to really add depth to the world and characters before we jump into the meat of the story. Enjoy for now!