The sun was beginning to set over the lush expanse of Pandora, painting the sky in hues of violet and orange. Zeyrala stood on a tall branch of a large oak tree, her heart beating in rhythm with the vibrant world around her. The cool breeze rustled through the leaves, and the familiar sounds of the jungle—chirping creatures, rustling foliage, and the distant calls of flying creatures—filled the air. Her long, dark hair swayed in the wind as she gazed out at the expanse of the forest below. It had been her home all her life, and though she had spent years learning the ways of her people, she could never quite get enough of the beauty that surrounded her.

Zeyrala was the daughter of Zyren, a skilled warrior in the Omaticaya Clan, and Sulyana, a healer and a trusted member of the clan's spiritual council. From a young age, her life was filled with moments of learning and discovery under the guidance of her parents.

****

Zyren was a fierce protector of the clan, respected for his tactical mind and bravery in battle. He had taken it upon himself to ensure Zeyrala was prepared to protect their people, should the need ever arise. When she was just six, Zyren took her on her first trek into the forest. He showed her how to listen to the sounds of the jungle, to distinguish between the rustle of prey and the approach of a predator. Kneeling beside her, he whispers, "Remember this, my daughter: the forest is not just a place, but a living being, and as long as you listen with your heart, it will always speak to you, guiding you through life."

Young Zeyrala curiously absorbed every word, her wide amber eyes reflecting the light of the sun streaming through the dense canopy. She crouched beside her father, her small fingers brushing the soil as he demonstrated how to read the faint tracks left by a passing herd of direhorses. The earthy scent of the jungle filled her senses, and her heart raced with excitement at the thought of uncovering the forest's secrets.

She gasps when she spots the delicate imprint of a paw print in the soft earth—a sign of a palulukan, known as one of the most formidable predators in Pandora's jungles. Its size was smaller than she had expected, hinting it might be a juvenile or perhaps simply passing through. Zeyrala's heart quickened, a mixture of fear and fascination coursing through her. While part of her wanted to hide behind her dad, the other part wanted to go after it, and see it with her own eyes. She had never seen one before. But she had always loved the creatures in the forest. The allure of the jungle's mysteries tugged at her, but the weight of her father's teachings held her back. She glanced up at Zyren, her expression a mixture of wonder and determination.

"Can we follow it?" She whispered, her voice barely audible over the rustle of the leaves.

Zyren crouches beside her, his gaze scanning the surroundings with the practiced precision of a seasoned hunter. He places a steadying hand on her shoulder. "Not yet, my daughter. The palulukan is not a creature to approach lightly. It is the fiercest of the jungle's hunters, and it commands respect. To follow it unprepared would bring danger—not just to you, but possibly to the clan as well." His voice was firm but carried an undertone of warmth. He was proud of her curiosity and eagerness to learn, but he also knew the importance of caution in a world as alive—and perilous—as Pandora.

Zeyrala nodded, though a spark of curiosity still danced in her eyes. She allowed her gaze to linger on the paw print, committing its intricate details to memory. Her father's words echoed in her mind. Every detail was a piece of the story, and she was learning to listen. Zyren led her deeper into the forest, weaving through thick vines and under the towering, bioluminescent flora that would glow with vibrant blues and greens once night fell. As the day wore on, Zeyrala's legs grew weary, but her spirit remained buoyed by the thrill of exploration and her father's patient instruction. 

When she got too tired to keep up with his long legs, she had managed to convince her dad to let him carry her on his shoulders, something she had always loved. She loved seeing the world from his view and feeling the steady rhythm of his movements as he navigated the forest with ease. From her perch on his shoulders, Zeyrala reached out to brush the hanging tendrils of glowing plants, giggling as they responded to her touch with gentle pulses of light. She felt invincible up there, as though no danger could reach her with her father as her guardian.

Zyren chuckles at her enthusiasm, his deep voice rumbling beneath her. "You never get tired of the wonders of this place, do you, Rala?" He said, glancing back at her with a warm, amused smile.

Zeyrala grins, her eyes sparkling with the joy of the moment. "No, father. There''s always something new to see, always something to learn." She replied, her voice full of wonder. Her fingers still brushed against the glowing plants as they moved through the jungle, leaving a soft trail of light in their wake. As twilight descended, the forest came alive in a symphony of light and sound. The bioluminescent flora glowed with an ethereal brilliance, illuminating their path through the dense underbrush. Zeyrala's fatigue melted away, replaced by awe at the vibrant display surrounding her. She leaned forward, her wide amber eyes reflecting the shimmering hues of Pandora's magic.

Zyren stopped suddenly, raising a hand to signal silence. Zeyrala's breath caught as she followed his gaze. Ahead of them, a herd of direhorses grazed in a small clearing, their sleek bodies adorned with bioluminescent patterns that pulsed softly in time with their movements. Zeyrala marveled at their grace, her heart swelling with a mixture of admiration and a deep sense of connection to the creatures.

Zyren crouches low, lowering her gently to the ground beside him. He leans close, his voice barely a whisper. "Watch how they move, how they communicate. Each sound, each gesture—they are as much a part of this forest as we are. Remember this, Zeyrala: we are not separate from Eywa's creation. We are one with it."

Zeyrala nodded, her young mind absorbing his wisdom. She watched the direhorses with rapt attention, noting the subtle flicks of their ears, the rhythmic swish of their tails, and the soft, melodic calls that passed between them. It was as though the forest itself was teaching her, revealing its secrets one moment at a time.

She looks up at him hopefully. "Can I learn to bond with one now?" She whispered, her voice filled with a mixture of anticipation and awe. The idea of forming a connection with one of these majestic creatures stirred something deep within her—a longing to truly become part of the vibrant, interconnected world she so admired.

Zyren smiles faintly, a glimmer of pride in his sharp amber eyes. "One day, when you are ready. Bonding with a direhorse is a sacred act. It is not just a means of travel, but a joining of spirits. You must first understand them, respect them, and prove yourself worthy of their trust." He ruffled her hair gently. "Patience, Zeyrala. In time, you will find your moment."

Her gaze returned to the clearing, where the direhorses moved with an effortless elegance that seemed almost otherworldly. Zeyrala clenched her fists, silently promising herself that she would be ready when the time came. The connection her father spoke of, the unity with Eywa's creatures—it was something she yearned for with all her heart.

****

Over the years, Zyren's lessons became more rigorous. He taught her how to wield a bow with precision, how to move silently among the trees, and how to communicate with the creatures of Pandora using the clan's sacred bond. Her mornings often began with grueling sparring sessions, and her evenings ended with stories of great battles and victories around the communal fire. Yet, it was Sulyana's teachings that nurtured Zeyrala's spirit and kept her grounded. Sulyana's touch was as soft as the petals of the glowing flowers she used in her remedies, and her voice carried the wisdom of countless generations. She taught Zeyrala the art of healing, how to harness the energy of Eywa, and how to read the signs the Great Mother left in the natural world.

"Balance, my child," Sulyana would say as she guided Zeyrala's hands over a wounded animal. "Without harmony, the forest falters. Without care, the creatures of this land suffer. You must learn to heal, not only with your hands but with your heart. Nature does not simply take; it also gives. When you are one with it, you will feel the pulse of life and death, the ebb and flow of the universe."

Zeyrala absorbed her mother's wisdom deeply. Each lesson with Sulyana felt like stepping closer to understanding Eywa's design, the delicate balance that kept the world in harmony. When she worked with the plants and herbs, it was as though the forest itself whispered its secrets through her mother's guidance, and Zeyrala's hands became instruments of healing, responding to the needs of the world around her. She learned to listen not just with her ears, but with her soul, attuning herself to the rhythm of the land. As she grew, so too did her connection to Eywa, to the forest, and to the creatures that inhabited it. 

By the time she reached adolescence, Zeyrala had grown into a formidable presence within the Omaticaya Clan. Her skill with a bow rivaled that of the seasoned hunters, and her understanding of the forest's healing properties often surprised even the elder healers. Despite this, she remained humble, always seeking to learn more and striving to earn the respect of her people through her actions rather than her lineage. Sulyana often led Zeyrala to the Tree of Souls, their sacred connection to Eywa, the life force of Pandora. Under the shimmering tendrils of the tree, Sulyana taught her the songs of their ancestors, the prayers that carried their hopes and fears to Eywa, and the intricate art of healing. Zeyrala learned to gather herbs with reverence, understanding that each plant had its purpose and spirit.

Since they were born, Zeyrala and Neteyam were inseparable. Their days were filled with laughter, adventure, secrets, and shared dreams beneath the canopy of Pandora's vast, bioluminescent forest. Neteyam, ever the explorer, was Zeyrala's equal in curiosity and determination. Where Zeyrala found solace and purpose in nurturing the delicate threads of life, Neteyam embraced the thrill of discovery and the art of the hunt. Together, they were a perfect balance—Zeyrala's thoughtful wisdom complementing Neteyam's bold enthusiasm. Their bond grew as naturally as the towering trees of Pandora, rooted in trust and mutual respect.

As children of significant figures within the Omaticaya Clan, both Zeyrala and Neteyam often felt the weight of expectations. Zeyrala was the daughter of Sulyana, a revered spiritual leader and healer, and Zyren, a formidable warrior and guide. Neteyam was the eldest son of Jake Sully and Neytiri, leaders who had shaped the destiny of the Omaticaya. This shared legacy forged a connection between them, a deep understanding of the challenges and privileges their roles carried. Together, they dreamed not only of personal growth but of ways to honor their families and serve their people.

While their parents—leaders of the Omaticaya—often discussed matters of the clan, Zeyrala and Neteyam found solace in the freedom of the jungle. Together, they climbed trees, raced through the underbrush, and competed to see who could find the most exotic plants or mimic the calls of the forest's creatures the best. One of Zeyrala's earliest memories of Neteyam was the day they decided to explore the bioluminescent river near the Tree of Souls. They had only been six at the time, their small frames dwarfed by the towering flora.

"Do you think there are glowing fish here?" Neteyam asked curiously, his amber eyes wide with wonder as they crouched by the water's edge.

"Of course, Teyam!" Zeyrala said with confidence, dipping her fingers into the cool, shimmering water. "My father says the whole forest is connected. If the plants can glow, so can the fish. Eywa is everywhere."

Neteyam leaned closer, his long braids brushing the surface. Suddenly, a small school of iridescent fish darted past, their bodies emitting soft pulses of light. Zeyrala and Neteyam gasped in unison, their faces lighting up with joy.

"I told you!" Zeyrala exclaims, grinning triumphantly. "They're so pretty." She murmured, kneeling by the edge of the water, her fingers trailing just above its glowing surface. The gentle ripples she created shimmered like liquid starlight, mesmerizing her and Neteyam alike.

Though despite being young, Neteyam couldn't help but be mesmerized by the girl beside him. He didn't know much or really anything about the deeper feelings that stirred in his chest when he looked at Zeyrala, but he knew she was special. It wasn't just her laughter, bright and full of life, or the way her eyes seemed to hold the secrets of the forest—it was the way she made the world feel brighter, more alive.

Neteyam sat back, propping himself on his elbows as he watched Zeyrala's delicate hands create ripples in the glowing water. "You're like the forest," he said suddenly, his voice quiet but filled with a sincerity beyond his years.

Zeyrala paused and turned her head, her ears flicking slightly in curiosity. "What do you mean, Teyam?"

"You make everything better," he said with a shy smile, his cheeks darkening in a hint of a blush. "When you're around, it feels like everything is... brighter, like Eywa is closer."

Zeyrala's cheeks flushed too, and for a moment, she was silent, taken aback by the depth of his words. Then she laughed softly, the sound like the wind through the leaves. "You're silly, Teyam. I'm just me."

"Yeah," Neteyam said, his grin widening as he sat upright. "That's why."

Their eyes met, a quiet understanding passing between them that neither could fully articulate at such a young age. But the bond they shared was undeniable—an unspoken promise that, like the bioluminescent forest around them, their connection would always glow, no matter how dark the world might become.

"Come on," Zeyrala said, standing and extending her hand to him. "Let's race back. I bet I can beat you this time!"

Neteyam laughed, taking her hand as he sprang to his feet. "You can try, but I'll still win!" 

"'Cause of your skxawng long legs!" She grumbled, crossing her arms playfully as she shot him a mock glare.

Neteyam burst out laughing, his amber eyes twinkling with mischief. "They're not that long! You're just too slow, Zeze!" He teased, nudging her shoulder lightly.

Zeyrala huffs, pretending to be offended, but the twitch of her lips betrayed her amusement. "We'll see about that, Teyam!" With that, she turned and bolted into the forest, her laughter trailing behind her like a melody carried on the wind.

"Hey, no fair! You got a head start!" Neteyam called after her, his voice echoing through the glowing jungle. Without hesitation, he sprinted after her, leaping over roots and ducking under low-hanging vines with the grace of a young hunter.

The two wove through the underbrush, the bioluminescent flora lighting their path in a dazzling display of colors. Zeyrala darted ahead, her smaller frame weaving effortlessly between the trees, but Neteyam's long strides quickly closed the distance. Just as he was about to catch up, Zeyrala leapt onto a low-hanging branch, climbing higher with the agility of a forest creature.

"Catch me now, skxawng!" She called down, her tone filled with playful defiance.

Neteyam laughs, leaping to grab the branch and pulling himself up with ease. "You think you're so clever, huh?"

Zeyrala's grin widened as she climbed higher, the challenge in her eyes sparking something competitive in Neteyam. The two raced upwards, their movements instinctive and fluid, until they reached a wide, sturdy branch overlooking the forest below. With her being smaller, Zeyrala had more advantage of her nimble frame, darting through the smaller gaps and branches that slowed Neteyam down. But his strength and determination kept him close behind. The two best friends continued their playful ascent, their laughter mingling with the symphony of the forest. Zeyrala's quick movements and daring leaps were met with Neteyam's steady, powerful pace, each matching the other in their own way despite the clumsiness of their youth. When they reached the highest sturdy branch they dared to climb, Zeyrala perched triumphantly, her small chest heaving as she caught her breath. 

"Told you I'd win." She said between breaths, her grin lighting up her round, youthful face like the soft glow of the forest around them.

Neteyam climbs up behind her, panting slightly but grinning all the same. "Only because you always cheat, Zeze"

She gasps in mock offense, spinning around to face him, her hands landing on her tiny hips. "It's not cheating! It's...Creative strategy."

"Creative strategy?" Neteyam raises an eyebrow, crossing his thin arms. "I call it cheating."

Zeyrala rolls her eyes and plops down on the branch beside him, swinging her legs over the edge as they dangled in the air. "Call it whatever you want, skxawng. A win is a win."

Neteyam shakes his head, laughing softly, his boyish face lighting up with amusement. "You're impossible."

"And you wouldn't have it any other way." Zeyrala retorted, nudging his skinny arm with her elbow.

He smirks, his amber eyes reflecting the shimmering lights of the bioluminescent forest. "Yeah, you're probably right."

The two sat in comfortable silence for a while, their childish energy momentarily stilled as they gazed out at the vast expanse of Pandora's glowing wilderness. From their perch, everything looked magical, like a dream they couldn't quite believe they were a part of. The beauty of it all felt both overwhelming and grounding for their small, growing hearts.

"Do you think it'll always be like this?" Zeyrala asked softly, her voice tinged with the innocent wonder of her young age.

"Like what?" Neteyam asked, glancing at her with a curious tilt of his head.

"Us," She replies, her wide, innocent eyes turning to meet his. "Here. Together. Happy."

Neteyam's expression grew thoughtful, more serious than his young face usually was. "I hope so," He said earnestly, his voice cracking slightly with the sincerity of his feelings. "But even if things change, I know one thing."

"What's that?" Zeyrala asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid to disturb the moment.

He smiles, the kind of smile that held a quiet certainty beyond his years but still belonged to a boy discovering the world and the boy who was fond for the young girl beside him. "We'll always have this. And I'll always have your back, Zeze. No matter what."

Zeyrala felt her small hand curl instinctively into his, squeezing it gently. "And I'll always have yours, Teyam."

The bond they shared, as young and untested as they were, felt eternal. Like the bioluminescence of the forest, it was a light that would never dim, no matter what darkness lay ahead. Together, they were unstoppable. Together, they were home.

A/N zeyrala's backstory !! i love her & neteyam already so much