No matter what they say

.𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟.

"Tonowari was the chief of the Metkaynia... the Reff People."

"I see you, Tonowari," Arya greeted respectfully, performing the traditional Na'vi gesture of acknowledgment. Tonowari reciprocated the gesture, his expression warm as he replied, "Arya Miller." A smile graced his features as he exchanged greetings with the rest of the family.

"I knew him as a tough leader."

"But it wasn't Tonowari I was worried about."

As the female Na'vi approached, Arya greeted her warmly, "I see you, Ronal." Arya's husband mirrored the gesture, acknowledging Ronal respectfully. Tonowari, the clan leader, interjected with a question, his curiosity evident in his tone, "Why do you come to us, Arya Miller?" Arya glanced at her family, a sense of determination shining in her eyes as she explained their purpose, "We seek uturu." Ronal's reaction was one of shock, her voice filled with disbelief as she echoed the word, "Uturu?!"

Arya affirmed her request firmly, "Yes, a sanctuary for my family." But Ronal's skepticism remained evident as she approached them, her doubts surfacing in her words, "We are Reef People. You are forest People. Your skills will mean nothing here." Undeterred, Arya stood her ground, expressing her determination to adapt to their new environment, "Well, we will learn your ways." But Ronal's skepticism persisted as she reached out to assess them, her touch probing and critical. Her fingers trailed over Arya's tail, noting its thinness, "Their arms are thin," she remarked before attempting to reach for Tuk, prompting Neytan to intervene, pulling Tuk away protectively. Ronal then turned her attention to Kiri, assessing her tail and declaring, "Their tails... are weak. You will be slow in the water."

Ronal's words cut through the air like a sharp blade, slicing through the atmosphere thick with tension. As her gaze fell upon Kiri's hand, she reached out and grasped it firmly, her voice dripping with disdain as she uttered her judgment, "These children... are not even true Na'vi."

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, mingling with murmurs of disbelief. "Mom." Kiri called out to Arya before looking back at Ronal as Arya and Neytan exchanged incredulous glances, their expressions clouded with anger and defiance. "Yes, we are!" Kiri retorted boldly, her voice ringing out amidst the stunned silence.

Undeterred, Ronal moved towards Lo'ak, seizing his hand and presenting it to the People as if displaying evidence of a crime. "They have demon blood!" she proclaimed, her words laced with venom. Arya's protective instincts flared, her eyes flashing with fury as she swiftly intervened, forcefully removing Ronal's hand from Lo'ak's and pulling him close, shielding him from further scrutiny along with Kiri.

With a low, warning hiss, Arya fixed her gaze upon Ronal, her eyes blazing with an intensity that seemed to pierce through the very soul of the accuser. A silent threat hung in the air as Arya raised her hand, her eyes alight with the spirit of Toruk Makto, a symbol of unwavering determination and resilience. "Look. Look. Look, I was born of the Sky People, and now I am Na'vi. Alright? You can adapt. We will adapt," Arya asserted firmly, her voice resonating with conviction and strength. Meanwhile, Ronal turned her attention towards Tonowari, seeking support for her accusations. Neytan seized the opportunity to interject, his voice echoing with pride as he spoke of Arya's illustrious past, "My wife was Toruk Makto. She led the clans to victory against the Sky People."

But Ronal's skepticism remained steadfast, her gaze shifting back to Arya, her words dripping with scorn, "This you call victory? Hiding among strangers? It seems Eywa has turned her back on you. Chosen one." Neytan bristled with indignation at the implication, defending his wife with a fierce hiss that matched Ronal's own.

Sensing the escalating tension, Arya intervened with a measured tone, extending an olive branch of diplomacy, "I apologize, but we are all tired from the long journey." She sought to diffuse the hostility, her hand finding Neytan's, offering him solace and support.

Tonowari, the voice of reason amidst the turmoil, stepped forward, his hand resting gently on Arya's shoulder as he addressed the gathering. "Toruk Makto is a great war leader. All Na'vi people know her story. But we, the Metkayina, are not at war," he declared, his words carrying a sense of wisdom and tranquility, offering a path towards understanding and acceptance. "Mom." Arya cradled Tuk in her arms, her protective instincts kicking in as Tonorwari addressed her solemnly. "We cannot let you bring your war here," he stated, his voice heavy with concern. Arya met his gaze with a mixture of determination and vulnerability, her grip on Tuk tightening slightly as she spoke, "I just want to protect my family. I want to keep them safe away from war."

Neytan's sigh resonated with weariness as he echoed Tonorwari's sentiment, "Uturu has been asked," he admitted, his eyes betraying a hint of resignation. Beside him, Kiri and Lo'ak remained sheltered behind Arya, their expressions a mix of apprehension and defiance.

Ronal and Tonorwari shared a silent exchange, their eyes speaking volumes as they weighed their options. "Do we have to go?" Tuk's voice trembled with uncertainty, seeking reassurance from her mother. Arya gently cupped Tuk's cheek, offering her words of comfort, "We're going to be okay." Ronal nodded in agreement with her husband's unspoken decision, addressing the gathered People with authority. "Toruk Makto and her family will stay with us. Treat them as our brothers and sisters," he declared, her words carrying the weight of authority. "Now, they do not know the sea. So they will be like babies... taking their first breath."

Neytan's frustration was palpable as he resisted the implication of helplessness inherent in Tonorowari's words. Arya released Tuk from her embrace but kept a firm grip on her hand, her gaze steady as Tonorwari continued to outline their expectations. "Teach them our ways, so they do not suffer the same... of being... useless," he concluded, his tone firm yet tinged with a hint of empathy. Arya bit back the retort that threatened to spill from her lips, instead turning to her family with a silent question in her eyes. "What do we say?" she prompted, seeking their collective agreement. Tuk's response came first, her voice soft yet sincere, "Thank you." The rest of the family echoed her sentiment, offering their gratitude to their hosts, "Myson, Aonung, our daughter, Tsireya will show your children what to do."

Tonorwari's son, Aonung, attempted to interject, his voice tinged with a note of protest. "Father, why do-" he began, but Tonorwari cut him off with a decisive gesture. "It has been decided," he declared, his tone brooking no further argument.

"Come. I will show you our village," Tsireya beckoned, her voice filled with warmth as she assisted the family with their belongings. They followed her eagerly, Arya keeping a watchful eye on Tuk, who was captivated by the sight of the ilu. Tsireya's infectious enthusiasm enveloped the family as she led them through the winding pathways of the village, her cheerful demeanor easing some of the tension that had settled over them. Tuk bounced along the bridge with unrestrained joy, her laughter mingling with the sounds of the village. Arya's gaze swept over the quaint huts and bustling activity, her expression a mixture of wonder and apprehension.

"Just up here," Tsireya announced, guiding them towards a hut nestled among the trees. "This is for you. Your new home," she said with a warm smile, gesturing for Arya to enter. Arya stepped inside, her smile genuine as she surveyed the simple yet welcoming space. "Yeah, this will work. Thank you," she expressed her gratitude to Tsireya before setting her belongings down.

Neytan's reaction was more subdued as he dropped his things on the ground with a heavy sigh. Arya shot him a nervous smile, silently hoping that he would come around to the idea. As the sun began to set and their sons finished exploring, Arya called for a family meeting. "Okay, Tskahas, fall in," she instructed, prompting Neteyam to remind Lo'ak of their meeting, "Remember? Family meeting."

Neytan's gaze settled on Kiri, a silent plea for cooperation evident in his eyes. "What?" Kiri responded, her arms crossed defiantly as she awaited her mother's instructions. Arya's gaze softened as she addressed her children, her words laced with maternal concern. "I need you kids on your best behavior. I mean it. Learn fast. Pull your weight," she emphasized, casting a meaningful glance at Lo'ak. He nodded in understanding, promising to behave. Neteyam smiled and playfully nudged his brother, earning a hiss in response.

Tuk's tearful confession tugged at Neytan's heartstrings, his expression softening with empathy. "Oh, Tuk," he murmured, reaching out to comfort her. Arya kissed Tuk's hand and spoke soothingly, "Tuk, this is our home now. And I know this will never replace our home in the forest, so just think that this is our home for the moment."

Arya looked around at her family, her gaze filled with determination and resolve. "Now we're going to get through this. We're going to get through this if we have each other's backs. Alright?" she affirmed, seeking reassurance and unity from her loved ones.

The atmosphere in the hut softened as Neytan's comforting hand found its place on Kiri's leg, a silent gesture of reassurance amid the uncertainty that lingered in the air.

"What does your mother always say?" Neytan's voice broke the stillness, his gaze moving from one child to the next, seeking their response.

Lo'ak and Tuk exchanged a glance before mumbling their reply almost in unison, their voices barely audible above the soft rustle of the breeze outside. "Tskahas stick together," they recited, the words carrying a weight of familiarity and comfort. Arya's smile widened at their response, a silent acknowledgment of the strength that lay in their unity. "That's right. Tskahas stick together," she affirmed, her voice gentle yet firm as she echoed Neytan's sentiment.

Neytan's eyes softened as he urged his children to imbue their words with deeper meaning. "Now, this time with some feeling," he encouraged, his tone infused with warmth and affection.

The children nodded in understanding, their expressions shifting as they prepared to repeat the phrase once more. As their voices rose in unison, there was a subtle shift in the atmosphere, a tangible sense of solidarity and resolve settling over the family. "Tskahas stick together," they proclaimed, their voices stronger and more resolute this time, each word carrying the weight of their unwavering commitment to one another.

༄༄

As night descended upon Pandora, casting a veil of darkness over the land, Neytan stood sentinel by the entrance of the hut, his gaze fixed upon the vast expanse of the ocean that stretched out before him. The gentle rhythm of the waves crashing against the shore provided a soothing backdrop to the otherwise silent night. Arya approached him from behind, her footsteps barely audible. With a tender gesture, she wrapped her arms around Neytan, enveloping him in a warm embrace as she pressed a kiss to his shoulders. "Tomorrow is going to be a busy day for all of us," she murmured softly, her words carrying a note of reassurance.

Neytan nodded in agreement, his gaze still focused on the distant horizon. Arya's presence beside him offered a sense of comfort amid the uncertainty that lay ahead.

Arya attempted to lighten the mood with a touch of humor, reminiscing about their past adventures. "You know, this brings me back," she chuckled, her voice tinged with nostalgia. Neytan glanced at her, a hint of confusion dancing in his eyes as he listened to her words. She continued, recalling their early days on Pandora, filled with challenges and triumphs. "I annoyed you so badly with the language and kept falling off that damn direhorse," she recounted with a laugh, the memories flooding back with vivid clarity.

Neytan chuckled softly, the corners of his lips quirking up in a fond smile as he remembered their shared experiences. Arya's hand came to rest on his cheek, her touch gentle yet reassuring as she expressed her unwavering devotion.

"I know that this is tough for you and the children," Arya spoke earnestly, her voice laced with sincerity. "But I want you to know, wherever we go, it doesn't matter where. As long as I have my family with me, I'm already home."

Neytan's smile widened at her words, a sense of warmth flooding his heart as he pressed a tender kiss to Arya's head. Pulling her close, he rested his forehead against hers, his arms encircling her in a protective embrace. "I see you," Arya whispered softly, her voice barely above a whisper as she gazed into Neytan's eyes with unwavering love and devotion. "I see you," Neytan replied, his own voice filled with love and gratitude as he held Arya close, finding solace in the presence of his beloved family amidst the vastness of Pandora's night.

.𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟.

By: SilverMist707

Please leave a vote and comment <3