My Beloved | Neteyam

TWO. Eykyu

"I see you, Jake Sully," Tonowari greeted.

At once, Rewonay's eyes slightly widened at the name as she slowly realized who these forest Na'vi were. Toruk Makto and Neytiri of the Omaticaya. The one who led the Na'vi to victory during the war against the Sky People. Jake Sully, the human who became Na'vi. She had heard many stories of his exploits. So, why was he now in Awa'atlu with his family, so far away from their home? And visibly seeking a new place to settle in as their ikrans were packed with supplies.

Slithering among the crowd, Ronal finally reached the family. Rewonay, with a nod of her head, told her siblings to go stand by their parents. Walking beside the braided boy, again, she noticed his stare on her but immediately looked away when he met her eyes once more.

"Why do you come to us, Jake Sully?" Tonowari asked.

"We seek Uturu,"

Surprise struck Rewonay and the rest of the Metkayina. Uturu was an ancestral tradition that cannot be refuted. A shelter must be granted to those seeking it. But why was such a great warrior seeking shelter?

"Uturu?" Ronal repeated in disbelief.

"A sanctuary for my family,"

Both Ronal and Tonowari exchange a look. Rewonay knew they were quite hesitant to let the Sully family live in Awa'atlu. Though, she also knew her father. He would never let anyone in need down. Though, it was another story for her mother.

Ronal began to advance.

"We are reef people," Tonowari spoke. "You are forest people. Your skills will mean nothing here,"

"But we will learn your ways, right?" Jake turned to his family.

He seemed a bit agitated, nervous even. He seemed to be in great need of a new home. Why?

"Yes," Neytiri agreed, though she did not seem very ecstatic at the idea. Still, she did not contradict her husband. If she does, it would be an expression of her reluctance to be in Awa'atlu which would not help Toruk Makto's pleading.

The conversation was not the main focus for Rewonay anymore. She watched as her mother began observing, circling the Omaticayas with her sharp and firm eyes. Rewonay knew her mother very well. When she was this quiet and observant, it was usually not looking very positive for those under her glare. It was clear to Rewonay that it was only a matter of time before Ronald's strong temperament and shameless bluntness would come into play and possibly offend Neytiri who, not so different from Ronal, had no fear to speak her mind.

Ronal grabbed their tails and arms, scrutinizing them with attention.

"Their arms are thin," she began. "Their tails are weak. You'll be slow in the water,"

Rewonay sharply inhaled, feeling the worst coming when she saw her mother grabbing the hands of the oldest daughter and exposing them to the whole clan. Five fingers.

"These children are not even true Na'vi!"

Gasps were heard as Rewonay sighed, sympathizing with the Sully family for being the victim of the harsh words of her mother. But Ronal continued, grabbing the hand of the tied-haired boy.

"They have demon blood!"

Gasps were again heard as some took a few steps back. The boy was visibly uncomfortable and hurt by her words and by the reaction of the Metkayinas. Rewonay could not help the feeling of shame creep into her heart. She knew the history between the Na'vaiya and the Sky People, but Toruk Makto had saved them all. He was not like them. Besides, she knew the pain caused by being shamed for who you were. Shaming and mocking were not what the Metkayinas were about. Still, as much as she wished to intervene, it would be the greatest affront to oppose her mother, the Tsahik, in front of the entire village. So Rewonay kept her mouth shut.