The Ancients

I gratefully acknowledge one of the foremost creative geniuses of our times, James Cameron, for conceiving the lush moon Pandora and the "noble savages," the Na'vi, that inhabit it. This story uses the characters and setting he created for his movie, Avatar. I have not received any money for my work based on Avatar. If I could get paid by the hour for these stories, I would retire and spend all my time dancing and writing in comfort.

Author's Note: This story is an idea that grew out of my work for Pandora: The Final Solution. It is difficult for me to write at a good pace for you, my loyal readers, and taking on another story is a tough decision. However, I see enough potential in this story line it give it a try. I will work this tale if I get enough readership to make it worth the time. Please let me know.

Also, I know that publicity for the movie sequels has begun, and the children of Jake and Neytiri have been named. The names I am using are different from those announced, since I picked them several years ago and like them better. Silwanin and Tomi are obvious. Ngrresi is as close as I can make to Gracie in the Na'vi language, for Doctor Augustine.

Chapter 1: Arrival

Wrrtll, a respected warrior and one of Jake's most trusted friends among the Omatikaya Clan, comes running into the gathering place in New Hometree, where the clan is eating their evening meal and waiting for the nightly performance by the singers. He squeezes his way through the crowd and stops before Jake who is sitting by his son. "Leader, we have visitors. They wish to speak with Mo'at in private, right away."

Jake stands and answers, "That's odd. Don't they know Mo'at has retired?" He steps around his son Tomi to get closer to Wrrtll.

"It was Akwey that asked for her. He knows she is retired."

"Akwey? Wasn't expecting to see him again until our next conclave. Hmm, wonder what's going on?"

"He said they want to clean up and put on their ceremonial garb before entering.

"Really, as if we're dressed for anything fancy. Who are they?"

"I recognize Akwey and his mate. There are two more couples I do not know, they behave like retired clan leader and tsahìk couples. There is a very old woman, I think she is Za'ki, a healer who was at the Well of Souls, and a very old man wearing an odd outfit, like the white covering the tawtute doctors wear, but it looks like old weathered leather, silvery gray. Didn't hear a name for him."

"Very mysterious. This is just like Akwey." Both Jake and Wrrtll laugh. Akwey is known for his very meticulous ways, and hates giving or receiving surprises. Jake turns to Mo'at and says, "Guess you should go out and see what they want."

Mo'at has a strange look on her face. "I wonder..." She stands and steps around her oldest grandchild Silwanin to face Jake. "This sounds like one of the old stories all tsahìks must learn, but it always seemed more like a legend to me. I will find out why our visitors have traveled here. I will be happy to talk with Za'ki again." Turning to Neytiri, who is sitting and nursing her youngest baby, Ngrresi, Mo'at says, "I will let them know that you are now the Tsahìk. I'll come back and get you if they need you. Remember the teachings about the Ancients?"

Neytiri nods, but says nothing.

"If I remember correctly, they will enter and ask you and Jake to take in the Ancient as part of our clan. The Rite of Acceptance. It is a great honor, and a grave responsibility. Only Eywa knows what may come from the acceptance of the Ancient into a clan."

Neytiri says softly, "If he is old, he will need to select his replacement. He can take any child, including one of mine."

"That is one possibility. We must be prepared for anything."

Jake forcefully says, "Maybe we should turn them away. No one is taking an Omatikayan child, especially one of mine."

Mo'at turns her whole body to face Jake, clenches her fists, and using her sternest voice says, "The Ancient cannot be refused! Eywa will not allow such a thing! It can be hard on the affected family, but it is a great honor, for the chosen one, his or her family, and clan."

Jake raises his hands, palms toward her. "It was just a thought. Hope this doesn't come to grief."

Turning to Wrrtll, Mo'at asks, "Where are they now?"

Wrrtll says, "They are down at the river, at the bathing beach, cleaning up after their long ride."

Mo'at replies, "Thank you. I will stay with them and walk them in, unless Neytiri is needed."

Jake says, "I'll get places ready, and tell the cooks we have visitors."

Mo'at nods, and walks towards the spiral structure that takes her to the ground.

Jake stoops down by Tomi and says, "Your father has to work now, can you eat like a big boy?"

"Yes, father."

"Ask you sister Silwanin for help if you need it."

"I can eat by myself now, you cut up my food so it is easy to eat."

"Mind your elders. Remember our talk about how to behave around visitors, especially strangers."

"I'll be good. I like Akwey. That bone through his nose makes him look so fierce, yet he seems so caring."

Smiling, Jake says, "Yes, he is. That's a good boy." He turns to his oldest child, Silwanin. Before he can speak, she says, "It sounds like you and Mother have very important duties now. I'll take care of Tomi and Ngrresi, and I'll get help if I need it. Take care of the clan."

Jake smiles and answers, "Always. Your mother and I really appreciate your help. You are growing into a very fine young woman and tsahìk."

"This is good practice for taking care of a clan. I'll be fine. May Eywa be with you and Mother."

"And with you, too, my daughter." Jake stands up and looks to Wrrtll. "Can you send some pa'li handlers out?"

"Already done. Also sent more warriors out to protect our visitors and pa'li, and sent hunters backtracking their trail, in case anything was following them. Akway said they were riding hard, putting speed over safety."

"This must be important, if he did that. You're on top of everything, like usual. I'm glad you're here taking care of things, you do such a good job."

Wrrtll smiles and answers, "Anything to help that skxawng that almost got thrown out of the rookery by his ikran." He laughs heartily.

"I appreciate your support there, too, even though it got you in trouble with Tsu'tey. Thanks again for your help and friendship. Why don't you go outside and keep an eye on our visitors, and I'll inform the cooks and make places here for eight guests."

"Right away, Leader. And maybe you should find a better outfit. You're still wearing the loincloth you always wear for hand to hand combat practice."

"I jumped in the river afterwards, it's clean."

"And take Ngrresi so Neytiri can change."

"Good ideas. Don't know what I'd do without you. Now get to work."

"Yes, Leader. You're welcome." With a laugh and a big smile, Wrrtll turns away.

Jake yells out, "One more thing, my brother." Wrrtll stops, and turns to face Jake. "Catch up with Mo'at and see if this Ancient really is here. If that's the case, send someone up to light the clan recall beacon."

Wrrtll nods his head, "Brother, that is a really good idea. This is not an emergency, but it is so rare, it would be good to get as many clan members back here to see this as we can. It will also be a good test of the response to the signal fires." He snakes through the crowd and heads to the spiral ramp down to ground level.

Jake looks to Neytiri and asks, "So, what is an Ancient?"

"One of the individuals selected by Eywa to spread skills and knowledge among the Na'vi. It is not surprising one has come here, you being the first Toruk Makto not born on Eywa'eveng, and I being the first Palulukan Makto. Historical events are usually commemorated with songs. There are many things, like how you captured your toruk or I captured my palulukan, that cannot be described adequately in songs."

"I've told no one except you about that. I haven't even told Norm or Wrrtll."

"I know, and I agree with your reasons for not passing it on."

"I'd rather have him tell my story to get the clans beyond my reach prepared for the return of RDA."

"I don't know if you can influence an Ancient that way. My story is much different, Eywa sent that palulukan to me so that I could save you. If an Ancient is coming here tonight, the singers will sing the songs about the Ancients, and you will know as much as anyone can who does not know an Ancient personally. We should let him ask us what he wants to know."

"If he is an old man, he may not have time to learn about us and pass it on to other clans."

"That is why I See him picking and training his successor right away."

"Do we get any say in picking this successor?"

"No. Only Eywa decides, through the Ancient."

"We have had many babies born since we moved into New Hometree."

"Yes, our clan has been blessed after our terrible losses. But maybe that was Eywa's plan all along, to have many candidates waiting. Our children, and a few others, like Wrrtll's and Maytse's, and Norm's and Trudy's Na'vi children, are the most likely choices."

"I was thinking the same thing. Do you want to change your clothes now?"

"No, Ngrresi and I are still eating. Go ahead, tell the cooks, tell the singers to remember the songs about the Ancients, put on your best ceremonial outfit, and get back here as soon as you can. That should be enough time for us to finish up."

"I'll dress up, but may pass on all the frills."

"Escorting an Ancient to a different clan is a very rare event, the more impressive the outfit, the better. I will wear my best, including my mother's mantle, even though I don't have time to do my hair. Wish we had more time to prepare. I know many hunters are still out tonight, the recall fire should get the closer ones back in time. Spread the word for everyone to gather, except for the sentries. Now get going."

"OK, all the frills it is. I'll spread the word on the way. Be right back." Jake heads across the meeting place to the singers, going as fast as the crowd allows.