Jake tried not to let his nerves overtake his mind as his pa'li trotted along the forest floor, the early morning light just starting to break through the trees above them in soft golden curtains. It's not a long trip to Tipani territory, not far enough to warrant íkran, but it's still long enough to leave Jake lost in his own thoughts from his place at the back of the riding party.
Tsu'tey and Neytiri ride just ahead of him, he could reach out and brush his fingers against their pa'lis hindquarters if he wished, they're close enough where he could speak to them, but no one is speaking now. The time to talk had passed once they were out of Omaticaya territory, now there seemed to be an unspoken agreement that reflection and observation of their surroundings held priority.
Their plan was a flimsy one at best, essentially little more than to plead their case and hope that the other tribe could be convinced, as there wasn't much foresight that could be offered. The Na'vi weren't a waring people, rarely was there conflict between the tribes that couldn't be solved with a bit of diplomacy and compromise, so what they were about to ask had nearly no precedent to follow.
Jake had come armed, prepared to state all the evidence he had learned himself and from Grace and Max, prepared to grovel if necessary. The decision to bring him along had been an arduous one, full of assurance and protests from all parties, no one seemingly completely sold one way or the other.
"They will not trust me," Jake had said, he hands pressed hard against his knees, his head spinning, "if I go, they will assume the Omaticaya people have been infiltrated by Skypeople. They will dismiss us before we even sit down in front of them."
"Without you, Jake-Sully," Eytukan had said, his eyes grave, "we will have no credibility, we will be asking them to risk their lives based on our word alone."
"But you think their minds will be changed based off my word?" Jake had nearly yelled, hysteria emboldening him, making him forget himself and his manners.
"They may kill Jake-Sully before he even has the chance to speak," one of the elders in attendance pipped in, "the Tipani have a similar history with the Skypeople, they will know a Dreamwalker when they see one."
"If they wish to harm Jake, they will have to kill me first," Tsu'tey's voice was too loud, too harsh, his temper flaring at the hypothetical threat.
"We know, Tsu'tey," Mo'at soothed, managing not to look exasperated at the outburst, "an attack on Jake-Sully would be an attack on our tribe, we will make this clear, they will not start a conflict so brazenly."
"Perhaps Grace should go," Neytiri cut in, "she is more knowledgeable about the Skypeople and their plans."
Jake wasn't insulted by the statement, she was right, most of what he would have would be secondary information, but he was surprised when it was Tsu'tey who objected.
"Grace may be more knowledgeable, but she is not Omaticaya, they will not listen to a mere visitor, it must come from the tribe," his face pulled into a scowl as he said it, his hand coming to rest on the small of Jake's back in comfort.
"We will be risking their trust for the sake of sincerity," Eytukan frowned at the ground beneath him, his mouth set in an uncertain line.
"If anything is true of Jake-Sully," Mo'at seemed to concede with herself, "it is that he will be sincere in his message."
"I do not believe we have a choice," Eytukan huffed out a breath, looking almost sympathetic as he spoke, "Jake-Sully must join us on our journey to the Tipani, it is our best chance at convincing them."
Jake sighed at the memory. It had been a few days since, but he hadn't managed to come to terms with the pressure Mo'at's assurance had placed on him. Jake wasn't a public speaker, he wasn't a diplomat, hell he wasn't even the source of the information he was to provide.
He was pulled from his thoughts as Tsu'tey began to slow his pa'li until he was side-by-side with Jake.
"We are nearly there," Tsu'tey whispered, not wanting to break the silence around them, still looking forward, his face a hard mask, betraying nothing the man might have been feeling in the moment.
Jake nodded at him, trying to wipe any worry or anxiety from his expression. It wouldn't do to appear weak upon entering the other tribe's land. His knowledge of the neighboring clans was limited, as Tsu'tey had rarely interacted with them while Jake was still on Earth, but he remembered enough about the Tipani to know they would not take kindly to an outsider who showed his throat.
"Everything will be fine," Tsu'tey whispered, though his eyes were not as confident as his words, "I will protect you no matter what."
"and I, you," Jake offered the other man a small smile he hoped was reassuring.
Tsu'tey nodded at that, not smiling back, but Jake doubted the warrior could manage such an act at the moment, as Tsu'tey sped up just enough to fall back into line with Neytiri.
True to Tsu'tey's word, they hadn't traveled another ten minutes before Jake heard a rustling and the telltale pounding of hooves on the soft moisture-soaked soil, when they suddenly found themselves surrounded by armor clad Na'vi, large, ominous masks covering their faces.
"What is the meaning of this?" one of the Tipani spoke from where he had stopped in front of their party, forcing them to halt in their tracks, "why does a Dreamwalker ride with you, is he your prisoner?"
"The Dreamwalker is a member of the Omaticaya clan, you will not touch him," Eytukan's voice rang out hard and commanding from the center of the pack.
The Tipani warrior seemed to consider this for a moment, obviously weighing the options, deciding whether it was riskier to question the Omaticaya leader further or to allow Jake to continue into their land.
"Very well," the warrior said, his scowl audible beneath his mask, "we will escort you the rest of the way."
"Your compliance is appreciated," Eytukan affirmed, before the party began moving forward again, now surrounded by the spear and bow armed Na'vi.
-x-
They were shown to a spot near the Tipani's Hometree where they were to leave their pa'lis, the warriors escorting them staying eerily quiet, only the warrior who had confronted them before giving curt instructions when strictly necessary.
The party dismounted, Jake resisting the urge to stretch after the hours of riding, not wanting to draw any attention to himself.
The moment both feet hit the ground, Tsu'tey was at Jake's side, a possessive hand pressed against the small of his back, where the surrounding Tipani could not see.
"I will show you to where you may speak with our Olo'eyktan and Tsahìk," the warrior Jake assumed was the leader of the escorting party spoke, removing his mask to reveal a severe, sharp face, his eyes fixed in Jake's direction.
They offered polite thanks as they allowed themselves to be led away from their pa'lis, Tsu'tey's hand dropping from Jake's back as they began walking, not wanting to stir up any more trouble than was necessary.
Jake took in his surroundings as they walked, the Tipani Hometree and common area remarkably similar to the Omaticaya's, though where the Omaticaya decorated their public spaces with woven cloths and fibers, the Tipani decorated with large, elaborately carved and painted masks. The masks stared into Jake as they went, their dark, hollow eyes boring into his soul, seeming to demand answers to questions Jake couldn't begin to fathom.
There were no Tipani commoners in the large open area, only the occasional warrior, their bright armor and masks standing stark against the foliage behind them. If he looked up into the vast branches above him, he could swear he saw the flick of a tail or the rush of limbs there and gone in the blink of an eye, nothing ever staying long enough for him to be certain.
After what felt like an eternity, while at the same time not taking long enough, the party found themselves ushered into a covered alcove in the base of the Hometree.
Sat among the soft glow of torchlight, sat a single woman, older than Mo'at and Eytukan. Her features were softer than either Omaticaya leader's, though her mouth was set in a harsh line, her braided hair pulled back much like Mo'at's, secured with a red sash of fabric.
Jake was surprised for a moment, before remembering that the Olo'eyktan and the Tsahìk of the Tipani was one in the same person. Whether she had been assigned both these roles by Eywa at birth or she had lost her mate and taken up their role instead of passing the position on to another, he could not recall, but when she opened her eyes from the meditation she had been entranced in, Jake noted that they held the authority of her positions, however it had come about.
"Eytukan, Mo'at, I am pleased you have arrived safely," the woman's voice flowed like honey, warm and calm, and Jake felt himself relax marginally, though he knew the judgement was premature.
"Thank you for agreeing to speak with us, Sänume," Eytukan said, taking a seat, his legs folding beneath him—the rest of the party following his example.
"Of course, I would never refuse such a simple request from our closest neighbors," Sänume spoke with a friendly ease that was starting to put Jake on edge now, just waiting for the other shoe to drop, "I see you have brought additional company."
Jake stilled, his shoulders stiffening, he had hoped the leaders were go through a few more social graces and niceties before his presence was discussed, but it appeared to be for not.
"Tell me, Eytukan, why you have brought a Dreamwalker into my territory," her honey smooth voice had soured some, her eyes hardening fractionally as she spoke, "I though we had agreed to ban Dreamwalkers from our lands, yet this one walks among you, free and unbound as though one of you."
Jake felt himself grow sick as a silence beat out, feeling the woman's eyes on him though his gaze was now firmly set on the ground beneath him.
"The Dreamwalker is a member of the Omaticaya clan," Eytukan's voice was deceptively even, calm despite the tenseness in his back, "he is one of us."
"Eytukan," Sänume almost cooed, her voice dripping with barely disguised anger, "I will require much more of an explanation before I am willing to hear what you have to say, assuming that the sole purpose of this meeting was not to introduce me to your Skyperson pet."
From his limited scope of vision, Jake could see Tsu'tey flinch at the words. He risked a glance upwards, dread setting in, and sure enough, he was met with Sänume eyeing Tsu'tey with a curious look, having obviously noticed the reaction. She stayed mercifully silence however, as she allowed Eytukan to speak.
"The Dreamwalker is Jake-Sully, he has proven himself a great asset, given us much knowledge against the Skypeople and their intentions. It is for this reason that we have come here today," Jake hoped that the woman would accept the answer, but the wry smile that pulled at her wrinkled face quickly disproved that.
"You are avoiding my question, Eytukan," every word barbed as it left her lips, carrying a silent promise of her growing impatience.
Jake watched Eytukan's back, could see the man hesitate, before doing something that stole the breath from Jake's lungs.
Eytukan turned away from Sänume, disregarded her in that moment, to fix his eyes on Jake and Tsu'tey. The Olo'eyktan said nothing, but his features held all they pair needed to know, Eytukan was asking their permission. He was asking their permission for him to tell the terrifying woman before them about them, about their bond.
Jake, overwhelmed by the gesture, nodded, an action he saw Tsu'tey mirror out of the corner of his eye.
He had known, when he had agreed to come, that it was likely the truth of why he was really there would need to be laid bare. He had reasoned with himself, and with Tsu'tey early that morning before they had left to join the party, that if it was necessary in order to establish trust between the clans, it was worth the risk.
Eytukan gave the two men a nearly imperceptible nod back, before turning back to Sänume, whose features were an odd mixture of affronted and intrigued.
"Jake-Sully came to us because he shares a tì'i'avay krrä yawntu bond with Tsu'tey, our clans next Olo'eyktan," Sänume seemed incapable of keeping the surprise from her face as Eytukan's words, though she allowed him to continue uninterrupted, "he has proven himself a fine warrior and a loyal member of our tribe."
Sänume let out a sound, just a rush of air from her nose, almost a laugh, before turning her eyes onto Jake, "Dreamwalker, is this true?"
Jake almost felt insulted at the insinuation that Eytukan's words alone were not enough to convince the woman, but he schooled his features into a calm, polite expression before bowing his head as he answered, "yes, ma'am, I have dreamt of Tsu'tey every night since I was a child."
Sänume seemed to ponder this information for a moment, regarding the small party in silence before she spoke again, her voice calmer than before, "very well, if this is what Eywa wills, it is beyond any Na'vi to question her choice," she paused against, breathing out before continuing, "you may present to me what you wished to discuss."
If the younger members of the party let out a breath of relief, no one felt inclined to acknowledge it, as Eytukan began, his voice now filled with authority, "Information had been brought to us by Jake-Sully and several close companions of his, that the Skypeople are planning an attack on our land in less than a season's time. They intend to drive us from our home in order to steal a resource beneath the ground."
"This is reliable information?" Sänume addressed the question at Jake, her eyes searching his.
"Yes," Jake bowed his head once more, "my comrades and I fled the Skypeople's base because they intended to send one of them back to our own planet for not complying with their plan and so they could not learn of my bond and use it against us, but we have friends at the base working as spies to provide us with intelligence."
Sänume nodded at this, motioning for Eytukan to continue.
"It has been relayed to us that once they strip our land of its resources, they will move onto other territories," Eytukan's voice was grave as he spoke, the weight of the words settling heavy in the air, "I am not confident my people alone will succeed. This is why we plan to seek out the assistance of all neighboring tribes fit for battle, so that we may band together in driving away the Skypeople for good."
"What other tribes have you succeeded in recruiting?"
"You are the first we have spoken to."
Sänume seemed torn between being flattered that Eytukan had approached her first and skeptical of the request to send her people into what very well could be a losing battle.
"I have seen the Skypeople's metal armor and their flying machines and their weapons, what could my people offer against these? You will fare better alongside the Olgani or the Kekunan, with their pa'li and their íkran, than the Tipani with our hunting and stealth."
"There will be foot soldiers," Jake blurted out, paying no mind to whether or not he was speaking out of turn, "the Skypeople do not have the means to put every warrior into their metal armor, if your people could subdue their ranks, it would keep us from getting overwhelmed at our Hometree. And," Jake continued, barely allowing himself time to breathe, "if you could teach us how to make armor, we would be less exposed while we ride. Your people's contributions and input could be invaluable, ma'am, it could aid us in keeping the blood that must be spilt to as little as possible."
The room was deathly quiet, Jake dared not raise his bowed head, having already toed the line of what was probably enough to get him thrown out. Jake tried to calm his breathing, sweat beginning to roll off his face, falling like tears onto his hands braced against the ground,
A sound cut through the silence, quiet at first, just a rush of air, but then it built until laughter filled the small alcove, bouncing against the walls and starting the Omaticaya party.
Jake looked up, color running hot along his cheeks when he was met with the sight of Sämune's head tilted back, her shoulders shaking, her hands planted firmly on the ground on either side of her folded legs and laughter ripped through her like whitewater down a river.
Baffled, Jake chanced a glance over to Tsu'tey, who met his eyes with equal levels of disbelief.
The laughter continued for several long moments, long enough that Jake felt he might pass out from the ambiguity of the situation.
Her laughter eventually died down enough that she was able to speak, "I like you, Dreamwalker," her wrinkled face pulled into a grin, the sight of it unsettling given the previous atmosphere of the meeting, "you speak your mind, I can respect this."
Jake thought for a moment to reply to that, to thank her, perhaps, but decided not to press his luck and stayed silent.
"Very well, Eytukan, the Tipani shall aid you in the battle against the Skypeople," her features returned to the stoic expression she had had before, though her eyes twinkled just slightly as she continued, "and per your Dreamwalker's request, I will send two of my most skilled craftsmen in order to teach your people how to fashion some functional armor."
"Thank you, Sämune," Eytukan bowed his head slightly, "the Omaticaya will be in your debt."
Sämune waved him off, the corners of her mouth pulling upwards, "this is in the best interest of all Na'vi, no debt is owed."
"Your generosity will not be forgotten," Eytukan said, intent on repaying the leader in some way, if only in kind words.
"This Dreamwalker," Sämune seemed to consider Jake for a moment, her eyes, weighted with knowledge and the time it took to procure, "Jake-Sully, will make a fine right hand to your future Olo'eyktan. You have done well to accept Eywa's plan, however strange it may seem."
"Yes," Eytukan nodded, the color rising to Jake's cheeks once more, "that is what we have come to believe as well."