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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘
𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃
for the rest of the evening, talia had spent it playing and running through the forest with nihona. the sky slowly transitioned from light to dark, indicating how long she'd been gone. but the avatar girl didn't care, she felt so free with her six-legged friend.
the two had come to a river when nihona jumped in, splashing the girl behind her. she elegantly swam as she seemed to be bathing herself, then jumped back out where she started. then the animal stared at talia with a unmoving, pointed look.
talia scoffed, "what, you want me to go next? are you saying i smell?" and when the creature still didn't move, she sighed and complied.
the avatar girl jumped in similarly to her friend, trying to splash her back and succeeded. the palulukan roared as it was sprayed with water.
"that's payback!" talia laughed as she moved to swim on her back. she watched the eclipse form in awe, appreciating its beauty in the darkening sky.
after swimming for awhile, the avatar girl laid down next to the palulukan. her eyes felt heavy and didn't fight to keep them open, letting sleep overtake her as she laid against the leathery skin of her friend.
but her slumber was interrupted not too long after by shouting voices. once she sat up, she heard nihona start growling and exhibiting a threatening display at whoever it was. quickly the avatar realized it must be some of the clan people shouting as they were calling her name over and over again.
"shit, they're looking for me. go on, nihona. i'll find you later," she whispered to the animal who hesitantly left the girls side, running away and slipping into the darkness of the night.
taking a deep breath, talia walked towards the shouting people. they found her with relief knowing the olo'ektan would be happy with bringing her back to the safety of the village.
upon her return, the sully family was the first to rush toward her after her absence for nearly an entire day— presumably alone. though lo'ak knew the truth that she was abandoned in the forest by ixana, having been told by tsavo of all people.
his heart soared at the sight of her, along with neteyam, both had been stressing themselves in hopes of finding her as they knew the forest could be a dangerous place. both brothers nearly tackled her in a hug as they saw she was okay, only a few bumps and scratches visible.
talia smiled as she saw her boys, glad they were worried about her but only she knew they had no reason to be. besides the situation with ixana, she had a relatively good day. but once talia noticed ixana and her friend group, she was reminded of the near-death experience they put her through. her eyes narrowed and fists clenched as she started approaching them.
