Mune Olo'eyktan [NeteyamxAonung]

Part 21

Chapter 2

Across the sea, in the islands of the Metkayina, Awa'atlu is in an uproar. Their Olo'eyktan and Tsahik have not returned for a month, but they were meant to do so a week after they left.

The village has been left in the hands of Paltu's Tsahik, Cin'lan. Her own village needs her, but she can't just leave Awa'atlu with no authority.

Many people are gathered on the beach for a massively inclusive discussion on the whereabouts of their leaders.

Some only wish to know when they'll return, and some wonder if Cin'lan will leave them to return home. One boy in particular is wondering what's become of their leaders, and if they're in possible danger.

Somtra. He often took direct orders from their leaders, and is very trusted, while also being Neteyam's best friend. Naturally he began to worry once two weeks passed, since it isn't like them to stay away from responsibilities for so long.

When they were home and would need time to themselves, he was the one Neteyam left to cover for them. It would only be for a few hours, despite being told it would be one, but this feels different. Forgetting duties while having fun is one thing, but completely disregarding them is another. Which is also something he knows they wouldn't do.

Cin'lan- All of you, be calm. I know their absence is unsettling, but what would you have me do? I cannot abandon my village like this, I must return.

Coona- You can't leave us with no one in charge either.

Cin'lan- How would I know how to make that choice? I have no clue who they would trust with such a role.

Somtra- I do.

Dale- You would only choose yourself.

Somtra- I would choose anyone but you, actually.

Talon- He's not wrong though, the best option is you.

Dale- That is not what I was saying.

Coona- But it makes the most sense. Somtra worked with them closer than anyone else.

Cin'lan- So he is the most trustworthy?

Coona- To our leaders, I believe so.

A few large splashes are heard, and the back of the crowd makes way for an unexpected visitor. Somtra steps forward as the male figure comes through the crowd.

Once the boy is visible, Somtra scowls at his bright green eyes.

Somtra- What are you doing here?

Yune- There's no need to be so hostile, my mother has been absent for a month, and I've come to retrieve her. Though, by the looks of it, it won't be easily done.

Yune isn't much bigger than the last time Somtra saw him, so he knows he could easily overpower him if he were to pose a threat again.

For the time being, though, he attempts to hold back his hatred.

Yune- Why is everyone so distraught?

Coona- Should we tell him?

Somtra- He's hardly trustworthy.

Yune- Get over yourself, Somtra, it isn't like you're the one in love with Aonung.

Somtra- It had nothing to do with that, you tried to kill our heir.

Yune- And you're only still upset because Neteyam wasn't yours in the end, are you not?

Somtra- What?

Yune- Guess I was the only one who noticed while everyone was so focused on not freezing to death.

Somtra- I don't know what you're talking about. Neteyam is my leader and friend, nothing more.

Yune- Hm.

Yune stares intensely at Somtra, reading his orb and deciding if he's being truthful.

Yune- It seems we're similar.

Somtra- Spare me. I don't have time for this.

Yune- What's going on?

Somtra- The Olo'eyktan and Tsahik, along with their families, left to visit the forest. They've been gone for a month.

Yune- They said they'd be back sooner.

Somtra- (nods) It's been worrying everyone.

Yune- I can tell.

Somtra nearly clicks his tongue at his all-knowing tone.

Yune- So, how do you plan to retrieve them?

Coona- What?

Talon- What are you talking about?

Yune- He thinks they need help.

The crowd fills with opinions, speaking loudly about all their concerns. As Cin'lan tries to calm them, Somtra grabs Yune by the arm and pulls him away from the crowd to speak alone.

The green eyed boy may be a chief now, but it hardly matters to him because of what he once did.

Somtra- There's a reason that went unsaid.

Yune- I was just interested in knowing.

Somtra- Well I have no answer for you. It takes a flying creature to journey so far more safely.

Yune- Not only that, but finding their location would prove difficult as well.

Somtra- All I'd have to do is find the floating mountains. Toruk mentioned them on his visit.

Yune- Let us leave then.

Somtra- Us?

Yune- Did you expect me not to care that Neteyam could be in danger?

Somtra- Still no heart for Aonung I see.

Yune- I told you, we are similar.

Somtra- No we aren't.

Yune- Why settle for anyone other than the strong foreign warrior, right? The son of Toruk Makto, and current Olo'eyktan of our clan. You have high taste.

Somtra- Why are you so determined to bring up such childish things?

Yune- Because that is the reason you're going to find him.

Yune glares lightly at him, and he glares back.

Yune- It has nothing to do with the village, or the rest of the clan. You just miss your friend, it's obvious.

Somtra- What about you?

Yune- My village needs its Tsahik. The sooner we bring back yours, the sooner ours can return.

Somtra- It won't be an easy trip.

Yune- That is exactly why I'm going. Without me, you won't make it there, let alone come back.

Somtra looks back over to the crowd that's beginning to argue a bit.

Somtra- (sighs) Let's go. We shouldn't wait any longer.