Rough Elegance [Neteyam x Aonung]

< Sequel Teaser >

In the calm and cool skies on the horizon, and through the fluffy white clouds decorating the blue sky, a large winged creature is spotted, heading towards Al'Háven.

With gentle winds in his ears, the eldest son of Toruk Makto rides his Ikran straight for his home. A distant horn sounds, alerting the people of a stranger's presence.

Below Neteyam's Ikran, following in the glistening ocean, one of their own is traveling on an Ilu, with an Omatikayan passenger. Rotxo, and the second son of Toruk. With a pair of blue striped arms around his waist, Rotxo dives underwater to pick up speed.

The lookout, Hakune, sounds the horn once more as their visitors reach the shore. Many villagers crowd onto the beach, flinching as the Ikran causes sand to fly when it lands. Neteyam's golden eyes scan the people crowding around him, and notice many of them whispering as they see exactly who he is.

With a calming breath, he stands and hops off of Itero the Ikran, patting the creature's neck softly as a thanks for getting him there. He's taller, larger, and his braids hang farther; The product of three years. Behind him, Lo'ak and Rotxo's figures rise out of the waters, and they come up to stand at his side.

His brother is much larger than he was, and stands at his height, with his longer braids tied back. Rotxo, on the other hand, still stands at about the height he did when he left. The only visible difference on him are his jaw-length curls that he still has the habit of shaking the water out of.

Neteyam- As amusing as this is, we don't have much time.

Lo'ak- You've been in a hurry ever since you found us, and I still have no clue how you did that.

Neteyan- I already said the trees told me. Now come on, our follower will be here soon.

Neteyam moves forward through the crowd, and Lo'ak and Rotxo stand there to share a look before following after him.

As they make their way through the tunnel, and parts of the village, everyone around focuses on them; The formerly missing boys. Or deserters, as they've been named in the past two years.

As if he was there yesterday, Neteyam remembers exactly where the den of the head family is placed. When they approach, a familiar looking woman nearby suddenly gasps, then runs off in a different direction.

The Olo'eyktan, who heard the commotion, is already standing at the entrance of his home, and his trusted guard is beside him.

With the other two behind him, Neteyam stands before the clan leader, looking up at him with determination on his face, while the chief looks more conflicted.

Tonowari- There are many questions to be answered, but I am most curious of only one; Why have you returned?

Neteyam- Wish I could say it was to bring these two back, but it's more urgent than that. We need to talk.

Víat- (scoffs) Have you learned nothing of respect while you were away?

Neteyam- We don't have time for formalities.

His voice becomes stern, angering the guard even more, but Tonowari quickly calms him.

Jake- You don't have time to visit your father either, it seems.

With light gasps, Neteyam and his brother turn and see their father approaching them. The two rush over to him without any second thoughts, and Jake holds them in his embrace. After their tight hug, they stand back with happy tails as he gets a good look at them.