Mune Olo'eyktan [NeteyamxAonung]

Part 4

Closer to the center of the celebration, Jake, Neytiri, and Tuktirey are with Ronal and Wari.

The young girl is having fun dancing with Wari and trying to teach him some moves. While the adults are conversing nearby.

Ronal- Everyone is so lively. How often do you party?

Jake- More often than we should, but who am I to stop them from celebrating when they can?

Ronal- When they can?

Jake- Uh-

Neytiri- During the war, there was little time for fun such as this. You should enjoy yourself, and dance.

Ronal- No thank you, I think I have enough attention on myself already.

Ronal glances towards a few men who were eyeing her. Knowing she's a Tsahík, they quickly give the respectful gesture after being caught staring.

Neytiri chuckles at them as they turn and leave nervously.

Neytiri- It has been almost three years, Ronal. Won't you at least humor a man? You must be lonely.

Ronal- My hands are full with Wari, and my duties. I've no want or need for another man.

Neytiri- And what will you do once Wari can take care of himself?

She pauses for a moment. She hadn't thought that far ahead.

Mo'at- She will become consumed in her duties, unable to break from her routine, like this old woman.

Many people give the Omatikayan Tsahík their respects as she approaches. Ronal quickly does the same, as does Mo'at to her.

Neytiri- Ronal, this is my mother, Mo'at.

Ronal- I am honored to meet you.

Mo'at- You will be grateful too, once you take my advice.

She chuckles to herself as she thoroughly observes the marine woman.

Mo'at- You are strong, and dedicated. I admire that, but you are also young. No older than forty, am I correct?

Ronal- Yes. Thirty-eight to be precise.

Mo'at- As I thought. Listen to my daughter, and find you someone to spend some time with.

Ronal- I appreciate the thought, but I have not dated in years. I am too old to frisk around, or be so carefree.

Mo'at- Take it from a real old woman, dear, fun does not have to stop with age or duty.

Neytiri- Believe her. Spending time with someone special can be like therapy. Unless that someone is Jake.

Jake- Hey.

Jake playfully pulls his mate's tail, making her pluck him in the arm with a soft laugh.

Mo'at looks at the two with a smile, then to Ronal, who also finds the moment sweet.

Mo'at- See? Go mingle, you might like what you find. There are many capable men here.

Ronal looks around at the crowd, thinking it over. Having an Omatikayan man would prevent her from feeling like she was replacing Tonowari. Their two cultures are very different, and there's no mistaking that he would be nothing like her late mate, but that wouldn't mean he wasn't as good.

But she quickly second guesses when her eyes land on Wari and Tuktirey playing.

Ronal- I couldn't just leave, I must watch over my son.

Mo'at- Leave the young one to me. Go have some fun, or at least try to.

Ronal- Thank you, ma'am. I suppose there is no harm in trying.

Mo'at nods at her in approval, then turns to Tuktirey and the small marine boy.

Mo'at- Tuk, bring the boy and follow me.

Tuktirey- Where are we going?

Mo'at- My den. I have a few treats for you.

Tuktirey- Yay!

Tuktirey picks up the small boy, who loves all the attention she gives him. She's already told Neytiri that she wants to be a great mother like her one day, and this is her form of practice.

Mo'at smiles as the girl comes over to her, then she looks at Jake.

Mo'at- Jake, a word if you will.

She turns to head back to her den, with the children in tow, and he follows, leaving Neytiri with Ronal.

Neytiri- So, what will you do?

Ronal- I haven't the slightest clue. I told you, I have not dated in years.

Neytiri- Did you and Tonowari not go on dates?

Ronal- We were betrothed. Promised to each other by our parents. There was no reason to court, we just fell into our place as expected.

Neytiri- How did you know you loved him then?

Ronal- He would have done anything for me, not because he had to, but because he wanted to. I never asked much of him though, only that he kept our family safe and helped me raise them well.

Neytiri gives her a bit of a sorrowful look.

Neytiri- Have you ever done anything for yourself?

Ronal- Wari.

Neytiri- Wari?

Ronal- Aonung was born because an heir was inevitably needed. Tsireya was born so that he would not be alone. Wari was a decision I first thought selfish, since there was no need for another child, but Tonowari told me it was about time he gave me a gift. Something just for me.

Neytiri- Who knew he had a sweet side?

Ronal- (chuckles) Rarely seen, but there. Aonung is the same.

Her amused smile falls, making Neytiri worry.

Neytiri- What is it?

Ronal- After Tonowari passed, I was not that good to my children. Trying to change Aonung to suit the Clan's needs. Trying to pit Tsireya and Aonung against each other for the role. I had no clue what I was doing.

Neytiri- You were hurting, Ronal. I'm sure they understand that. You seem better to me now.

Ronal- I feel better than I did. I've let them continue to grow and do as they want, with guidance of course. Tonowari was better at managing the children, I will admit that.

Neytiri- You are doing just fine, especially with Wari. Now, enough talk, let us dance.

Ronal- But I-

Neytiri- If you spend so much time thinking of the past, you cannot look at the future.

Neytiri grabs Ronal's hand, pulling her closer to some of their best dancers, for her to learn. Seeing the woman act so unsure and nervous is greatly out of character, but it lets Neytiri know Ronal isn't just the strict and uptight Tsahík everyone sees her as.

She is a woman, a mother, and someone who is ready to bring a little more happiness into her life.