p class="MsoNormal"That night she waited for her sisters to sleep and as silently as she could, she went to eavesdrop on the Scully's. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt was a big risk to be caught but she needed to know what they were planning./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""The Ash people have been uncontactable and have gone deep into the forest on the east. I do not understand why their movements are so strange. What is it that they want? Are they planning on attacking the Sky people for all of their killings of their people? Why do they not seek contact with us!" yelled Jake in frustration./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Tuk was asleep in their hut, for she had begged Anat-Tiye to sleep with Panya. She allowed it for her sister seemed less frightened with the other child's body so close to hers. She was glad, for she too felt that she was too young to hear about such plannings of the Warriors./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"The Ot' was with them, but his was Ronal was training Tsiyra is something important but what she would not say./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Anat climbed to the top of their pod where she lay with her eye pressed downwards./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""We need to stop being so patient with Anat-Tiye." Demanded Lo'ak. "We need to ask and press the importance of the situation flat out. She must understand our cause for war!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"She listened to Neteyam fill his father in on their morning encounter when he taught her to ride a Skimwing and how Anat-Tiye grew terrified and how her legs even trembled./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"She did not remember such things but with all her history considered, and the restless nights that she has had since coming here with Panya, she would not be surprised./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What could they possibly be hiding?" he asked in frustration./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I believe that the Ash people have banished them from their clan, but I cannot figure out why. The Arrow that hit Lo'ak was found, and it was not identifiable from any of our Navi clans that work to fight against the Sky people. Ronal says she has not seen such an Arrow before but insist it was made by true Navi people, for the Sky people do not know how to tame such venomous creatures without death. Anat was honest. It was the Ashpeople. But what was it doing on the enemy's ship?" JakeScully asked in exasperation./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"His sons and daughter shrugged with no answer./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I need answers! We are not far away from thousands of ships getting sent to Pandora and can not afford a civil war right now! We know nothing about them, and they have isolated themselves even more since we first contacted their Ot'. You guys must start taking your mission more seriously!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""We are Sir!" replied Neteyam and Lo'ak in unison./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAnat-Tiye held her breath and she turned to stare up at the night sky. The stars shone brightly, and the moon was more beautiful than ever. Tears threatened to fall but she did not allow them as she wished more than anything that her mother was here to keep her and her sisters safe./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What was that noise?" whispered Neteyam. Everyone grew silent./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""It was the wind, brother." Answered Kiri. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Listen Dad. Anat-Tiye and Talibah want to learn to ride Ikran. Tali told me yesterday out at sea. She said that Anat has tried to find time with you so you can keep your promise, but you do not find her and avoid her eye. This is easiest way. You teach them and then she will answer your questions about the Ash people."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"He looked his daughter in annoyance. "I know this Baby girl, but do you think it is wise to take them so far from home? The Ikran have all retreated far into the Forest after the last invasion and it is at least a week's journey to the nearest colony. Besides, even if they can survive the judgement of the Ikran, what is to say they do not fly off and never speak to me again once they learn?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Anat-Tiye tries not to smile as JackScully understands her well./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""We have to trust that she won't do that. Talibah and I are spirit sisters"./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"That stopped Anat-Tiyes smile in its tracks./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I know we are Dad! Do not look so skeptical. She cannot hurt her sister that badly and separate us. Eywa sent her here to meet me. I believe they are awaiting a signal from Eywa to do whatever it is that they ran away from the Ashpeople for. I believe it is why their mother died. They do not let me speak on it but I know that I was their message from Eywa. To meet me was why Eywa sent them to the deadly seas!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What intel have you gathered Baby girl?" asked JakeScully excitedly./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Talibah does not like to talk about past. She, just her sisters avoid it. But it is dark, Dad. It is painful. I feel it. Panya cries most nights to sleep, and Talibah worries so much for both her sisters as Anat-Tiye does not sleep properly for she is always awake in fear. I ask and I ask but I do not get any answers. I believe that the Ashpeople have turned their backs on Eywa. I do not think it is wise for you to seek the Ashpeople and negotiate for their help. I think that despite not willing a civil war, that it might come. I think we need to be brave, Dad, and trust in the daughters of Masaki and in the will of Eywa." span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Anat-Tiye retreated to her pod as quickly as possible and she looked over at her sleeping sister, Talibah and wondered if what Kiri had said was true./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"If they were spirit sisters, it meant many strange and unknown things. Talibah must be aware of that too and she was not surprised that it was hidden, but she was still hurt./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"If it was true, it meant that Kiri must come with them to the Caves to seek Eywa's spirit./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"It had all made sense to her now and neither Kiri nor Talibah understood the importance of their bond and the life that Eywa gave them. Her mother understood. She would always talk of Talibah as if she were two and Anat-Tiye thought it was her mother being strange once more. They could only understand when they visited her at hometree. /p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Her mother told her this story many moons before Talibahs birth and Anat-Tiye could picture it from the memories and songs her mother gifted her. Eywa had sent her a signal, two Yoli's dancing in the night sky, flirting, diving, singing, praying, and loving one another. Maskai was only one season with child and Anat-Tiye was asleep on her lap. The two spirits were a signal form Eywa herself and in their song and dance, they told her mother of her second child's destiny./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Anat-Tiye always interpreted it as a journey her sister must take alone but now, she realizes that it is not just her own destiny. The two spirits of the Yoli were the spirits of Talibah and Kiri, reuniting once more to do what Eywa has asked./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"It was hard to understand, for Anat-Tiye was not certain of Eywa's actuality but it was hard to deny that the signal was Eywa was always in front of her./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Kiri's smile when she met Talibah. Her sister's strength since coming to the sea./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"She wondered if Talibah did get a chance to sing for her, if the images that live in Anat-Tiyes memory would come alive, and Kiri and her would understand what was in store for them./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"JakeScully would not get the answers he would like to hear for if she was to trust him and tell him of her knowledge, his daughters life would no longer be his to care for, and it would be hers, for he would not be able to take the Journey to the caves for Talibah has seen his journey, and it lies in blood and fire, with the Sky people./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Ronal was yelling at the sisters as she had discovered her missing herbs and ingredients./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You come here to Uturu and steal from Tahisk?" her voice was loud and the whole clan looked over to where they sat under her deathly stares./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I apologize Tahisk. It was an accident. We misplaced the ingredients when healing the wounded from the last battle with the Sky people." Supplied Talibah. Panya was close to tears for she knew her sisters were getting scolded for the sake of her./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Anat-Tiye was panicked once again, and the sight of her sisters disappear. Ronal did not understand what pain she was inflicting, and this angered her./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""We save your wounded. We weave and we created, and we fish, and we hunt. We do many things for you Tahisk, many things. We look after your children. We assist your Tahisk in training. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAnd you do not care to notice. But you do notice something small, something that is not of importance." She retaliated./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Her sisters look at her in reproached, but it is too late./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What I do not appreciate is deception child! Do not forget that you are here because I allow it! Get out of my site. I must decide what to do with liars and thieves."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Panya was crying but it was lost on Anat-Tiye as she could see Kiri and JakeScully conspiring. This angered her more./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Come sisters." She demanded./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"They stopped and looked at her angrily./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""No." replied Panya./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""No. You are not mother. I want to swim with the llu and play Warriors with Tuk."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""And I want to see Kiri. It has been so long since we have spoken." Supplied Talibah./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I forbid you both to leave the pod." She said in her rage./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You are not mother! You cannot forbid us from anything. You do not trust us sister and I am sick of it. I am going to be with Kiri and Panya is going to play with Tuk."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"With that they both left, leaving Anat-Tiye in shock. The Scully brothers were not far form ear shot and looked over at her in amusement./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"This aggravated her further and she fled for the comfort of the edge of the clans set up, far from anyone and anything./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Her hands were shaking with anger. It was not fair. This was not fair. Why, mother, why have you asked so much of me? She questioned./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Ronal was furious but she could not careless if the clan decided to kick them out. The expectations of the Meteyania were unrealistic and no matter how hard she tried to stay hidden the more that she was forced to socialize. It was impossible. She just wanted them to be left alone./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Why was that so hard?/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"JakeScully had promised to teach her to ride an Ikran and that did not happen. He avoids her more than ever and ever since she eavesdropped five moons ago and now the Scully's watch their movements more frequently./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"She is suffocating./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"People are expecting too much from her and she is tired of her secrets. She is tired of the questions she cannot answer./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"JakeScully thinks that she can save his war, but she cannot. He does not want the answers she can give./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Her day went from bad to worse when the Metekaynia decided to have a feast to celebrate the new clan that lay with them before they go on their mission deep out at sea./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Her sisters do not sit with her but with the Scullys as they play excitedly as the family talk with other great Warriors./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"She is sat near the fire for she has yet to feel warmth since her sisters' nightmares began. She notices her sisters look at her hesitantly but, in their defiance, they continue to play and laugh as great Warriors spin them around./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Her hands are busy with weaving and as if she knew her jewellery was almost ready, Tsireya, sat down next to her./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""It is a great night" she whispers with a smile, "But you do not join them?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I could ask you the same question, Princess Tsireya, but I do not push you to answer."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Tsireya laughs nervously and glances over at the male who has request to mate with her who is staring at her angirly. She then glances at Lo'ak, the male who has yet to ask. /p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You think I do not notice but I do. I understand your heart, Tsireya. It is a lot of pressure to be the eldest daughter."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Tsireya looks at her in surprise as her checks turn red for Lo'ak has caught her staring./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""My sisters are mad with me, and often these feasts are for when older sisters can offer advice to their younger ones. That is what we would often do. starting from my mother, then me, then Talibah. Panya listens carefully for she is baby, but it means that her wisdom will be twice as much as ours, and when she is of age, she is the storyteller of the family. So, tsireya, let me offer you advice. My mother passed on some wisdoms about love."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Tsireya whispers for her to be quiet and she lowers her tone. They are almost touching heads. Anat-Tiye smiles evilly./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""She told me 'If you ever meet princess Tsireya, tell her to be brave and tell the man she wishes to mate with that she see's him."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Tsireya pushes her away with annoyance but soon her face breaks out into a smile, and she giggles before turning serious again./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Why did you steal from us Anat?" she asked with sadness and betrayal. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"It was not to hurt or to be deceptive. I share your secret, so I will give you one of mine. But it is for you only, yes?" she asks. Tsireya nods, pleased with such bonding./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Panya has terrible nightmares. Terrible. I stole so I can make paste without the Clan knowing. She does not want anyone to know her secret, so I stole."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Her secret is that she has nightmares?" asked Tsireya with kind eyes. Innocent. Unknowing./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Yes. That is her secret. Now, here. I made this for you." She hands her a chest piece and Tsireya looks at it in awe. It is different from the one she made Kiri, for Kiri is not yet near mating age./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""My mother would say that you must match the jewels to the persons aurora. This I made with all the colours that I think of when I think of you. Put it on now and watch to see if Lo'ak notices" Anat-Tiye tell her as she hides her body with hers while she changes from her old chest piece that has been torn form her battles at sea. She turns to look at Anat and moves her hair out of the way./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""How does it look?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""If you look to your left, you will see that someone has gone red."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Tsireya looked up quickly and with a bright smile, one so shy that it caused Anat-Tiyes heart to ache. Her sisters noticed the gift she had given and looked away quickly on meeting Anat-Tiye's eyes./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Their anger was still viable, and their eyes shone with defiance./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You are very skilled." Tsireya whispers, pleased./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""And you are beautiful, Tsireya. Do not let the pressures of your bloodline define you."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"She wondered if that advice was for herself, or for the friend she had made at the fire while her sisters ignored her./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Will you come dance with me?" she asks./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I do not feel very well." she lied and retreated to her pod./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Her sisters did not come home that night, and she suspected had spent all night playing with the Scully children. Although she was worried, no matter how mad her sisters were at her, they would not talk of things that they shouldn't. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"The next morning, she awoke in a start as Neteyam was waiting for her outside of her tent./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I wanted to tell you that your sisters slept in our tent last night and that they are fine." He said, getting up quickly and standing tall./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Thank you for the intel" she teased./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Where did you learn such a human word? Do you speak English?" he asked in surprise./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"She grimaced at her foolishness once again. It was so easy to forget many things when he stood so tall in front of her./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I heard your father use the term once. I do not speak English. I only know 'Scientist' 'Intel' and 'Fire'."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"He looked as if her answer was sufficient./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Where are you going?" he enquired walking beside her as she made to escape from him. "Your sisters are at hut and Tahisk has banned you from entering."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I am going to practicing's riding Skimwing." She answered truthfully./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Without your teacher?" he asked, offended./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""No. He is here, is he not?" she replied. He could not help but smile and followed her to the ocean where they both dived headfirst./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Are you not sad they ignore you?" he asked after they swam together in silence for a while./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Are you sad that your family are so worried you will die?" she asked./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"He looked at her in surprise and she smiled in triumph./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You ask lots of questions, Neteyam. Now it is my turn." She replied as she circle where he floated behind her as her tail swayed. She watched his brain calculate his answer. Of course, he must answer her if he was wishing for her to answer him./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Llu dangled at their feet, but she did not want them, she wanted Skimwings for she had planned to convince her sisters to leave once their tempers subsided./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I was once sent to Eywa, but she sent me back." He replied. She was surprised but she did not show it./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Eywa has many plans."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""And what are her plans for you?" he asked with a smile as she managed to grab a Skimwing and climb onto the creature. His tail was now the one to move. /p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""She has let me suffer greatly before so I hope she shall let me rest, for I am extremely tired" she replied truthfully. It was hard to sleep with her sisters, but even harder to sleep without them./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"She bonded with the creature and fell once it became airborne. Neteyam laughed at her as he once again helped her regain her composure./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You are calm when you make bond but when you fly you get messy. Calm your mind. There is too much going on up there" and he pokes her head, just as she did to Lo'ak when he tried to rise from her care when she was helping her sister remove the venom from his wound and she falls back slightly./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Why are you here with me?" she asked impatiently "and not off scouting for more Navi clans to join you, Great Warrior?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Because I have been tasked to teach you to ride Skimwing."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Is that the mission your father has given you?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Yes" he laughed./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I do not think so, Neteyam, Son of JakeScully." She murmurs and walks of heatedly. He follows her in confusion./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What is wrong. What have I done to upset you?" He looked at her confused and with genuine concern which only upsets her further./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You and your clan go on and on about truth and deceptions, but it is you who deceives me Neteyam. I know nothing of the Ashpeople that can help you in your war!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What are you talking about? Wait… wait wait wait. Have you been eavesdropping on us?" he asked furiously stepping and closing the space between them. He grabs her arm once more as she turns to leave. He is not hurtful, but it is not as gentle as before. It is with purpose./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Is that how you learnt the word intel?" he asks with all seriousness./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I am a good hunter, Neteyam. I am light. I am fast. I am like shadow." She responds, pulling her arm free and walking off./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Why don't you trust us? Why don't you trust me?" he asked offendedly, but he does not move to follow her./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"She leaves him knowing the consequences of her actions can be disastrous. Spying on Toruk Matko and his family is not socializing behaviour and the Tahisk is already beyond mad at her./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"All she wants is the comfort of her sisters, but they do not wish to speak to her. She goes to find them but stops as she watches them play with their llu's in the water and dive happily as they chase each other, Kiri and Tuk in tow./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""The Ash people have been uncontactable and have gone deep into the forest on the east. I do not understand why their movements are so strange. What is it that they want? Are they planning on attacking the Sky people for all of their killings of their people? Why do they not seek contact with us!" yelled Jake in frustration./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Tuk was asleep in their hut, for she had begged Anat-Tiye to sleep with Panya. She allowed it for her sister seemed less frightened with the other child's body so close to hers. She was glad, for she too felt that she was too young to hear about such plannings of the Warriors./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"The Ot' was with them, but his was Ronal was training Tsiyra is something important but what she would not say./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Anat climbed to the top of their pod where she lay with her eye pressed downwards./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""We need to stop being so patient with Anat-Tiye." Demanded Lo'ak. "We need to ask and press the importance of the situation flat out. She must understand our cause for war!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"She listened to Neteyam fill his father in on their morning encounter when he taught her to ride a Skimwing and how Anat-Tiye grew terrified and how her legs even trembled./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"She did not remember such things but with all her history considered, and the restless nights that she has had since coming here with Panya, she would not be surprised./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What could they possibly be hiding?" he asked in frustration./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I believe that the Ash people have banished them from their clan, but I cannot figure out why. The Arrow that hit Lo'ak was found, and it was not identifiable from any of our Navi clans that work to fight against the Sky people. Ronal says she has not seen such an Arrow before but insist it was made by true Navi people, for the Sky people do not know how to tame such venomous creatures without death. Anat was honest. It was the Ashpeople. But what was it doing on the enemy's ship?" JakeScully asked in exasperation./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"His sons and daughter shrugged with no answer./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I need answers! We are not far away from thousands of ships getting sent to Pandora and can not afford a civil war right now! We know nothing about them, and they have isolated themselves even more since we first contacted their Ot'. You guys must start taking your mission more seriously!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""We are Sir!" replied Neteyam and Lo'ak in unison./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAnat-Tiye held her breath and she turned to stare up at the night sky. The stars shone brightly, and the moon was more beautiful than ever. Tears threatened to fall but she did not allow them as she wished more than anything that her mother was here to keep her and her sisters safe./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What was that noise?" whispered Neteyam. Everyone grew silent./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""It was the wind, brother." Answered Kiri. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Listen Dad. Anat-Tiye and Talibah want to learn to ride Ikran. Tali told me yesterday out at sea. She said that Anat has tried to find time with you so you can keep your promise, but you do not find her and avoid her eye. This is easiest way. You teach them and then she will answer your questions about the Ash people."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"He looked his daughter in annoyance. "I know this Baby girl, but do you think it is wise to take them so far from home? The Ikran have all retreated far into the Forest after the last invasion and it is at least a week's journey to the nearest colony. Besides, even if they can survive the judgement of the Ikran, what is to say they do not fly off and never speak to me again once they learn?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Anat-Tiye tries not to smile as JackScully understands her well./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""We have to trust that she won't do that. Talibah and I are spirit sisters"./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"That stopped Anat-Tiyes smile in its tracks./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I know we are Dad! Do not look so skeptical. She cannot hurt her sister that badly and separate us. Eywa sent her here to meet me. I believe they are awaiting a signal from Eywa to do whatever it is that they ran away from the Ashpeople for. I believe it is why their mother died. They do not let me speak on it but I know that I was their message from Eywa. To meet me was why Eywa sent them to the deadly seas!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What intel have you gathered Baby girl?" asked JakeScully excitedly./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Talibah does not like to talk about past. She, just her sisters avoid it. But it is dark, Dad. It is painful. I feel it. Panya cries most nights to sleep, and Talibah worries so much for both her sisters as Anat-Tiye does not sleep properly for she is always awake in fear. I ask and I ask but I do not get any answers. I believe that the Ashpeople have turned their backs on Eywa. I do not think it is wise for you to seek the Ashpeople and negotiate for their help. I think that despite not willing a civil war, that it might come. I think we need to be brave, Dad, and trust in the daughters of Masaki and in the will of Eywa." span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Anat-Tiye retreated to her pod as quickly as possible and she looked over at her sleeping sister, Talibah and wondered if what Kiri had said was true./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"If they were spirit sisters, it meant many strange and unknown things. Talibah must be aware of that too and she was not surprised that it was hidden, but she was still hurt./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"If it was true, it meant that Kiri must come with them to the Caves to seek Eywa's spirit./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"It had all made sense to her now and neither Kiri nor Talibah understood the importance of their bond and the life that Eywa gave them. Her mother understood. She would always talk of Talibah as if she were two and Anat-Tiye thought it was her mother being strange once more. They could only understand when they visited her at hometree. /p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Her mother told her this story many moons before Talibahs birth and Anat-Tiye could picture it from the memories and songs her mother gifted her. Eywa had sent her a signal, two Yoli's dancing in the night sky, flirting, diving, singing, praying, and loving one another. Maskai was only one season with child and Anat-Tiye was asleep on her lap. The two spirits were a signal form Eywa herself and in their song and dance, they told her mother of her second child's destiny./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Anat-Tiye always interpreted it as a journey her sister must take alone but now, she realizes that it is not just her own destiny. The two spirits of the Yoli were the spirits of Talibah and Kiri, reuniting once more to do what Eywa has asked./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"It was hard to understand, for Anat-Tiye was not certain of Eywa's actuality but it was hard to deny that the signal was Eywa was always in front of her./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Kiri's smile when she met Talibah. Her sister's strength since coming to the sea./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"She wondered if Talibah did get a chance to sing for her, if the images that live in Anat-Tiyes memory would come alive, and Kiri and her would understand what was in store for them./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"JakeScully would not get the answers he would like to hear for if she was to trust him and tell him of her knowledge, his daughters life would no longer be his to care for, and it would be hers, for he would not be able to take the Journey to the caves for Talibah has seen his journey, and it lies in blood and fire, with the Sky people./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Ronal was yelling at the sisters as she had discovered her missing herbs and ingredients./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You come here to Uturu and steal from Tahisk?" her voice was loud and the whole clan looked over to where they sat under her deathly stares./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I apologize Tahisk. It was an accident. We misplaced the ingredients when healing the wounded from the last battle with the Sky people." Supplied Talibah. Panya was close to tears for she knew her sisters were getting scolded for the sake of her./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Anat-Tiye was panicked once again, and the sight of her sisters disappear. Ronal did not understand what pain she was inflicting, and this angered her./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""We save your wounded. We weave and we created, and we fish, and we hunt. We do many things for you Tahisk, many things. We look after your children. We assist your Tahisk in training. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAnd you do not care to notice. But you do notice something small, something that is not of importance." She retaliated./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Her sisters look at her in reproached, but it is too late./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What I do not appreciate is deception child! Do not forget that you are here because I allow it! Get out of my site. I must decide what to do with liars and thieves."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Panya was crying but it was lost on Anat-Tiye as she could see Kiri and JakeScully conspiring. This angered her more./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Come sisters." She demanded./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"They stopped and looked at her angrily./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""No." replied Panya./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""No. You are not mother. I want to swim with the llu and play Warriors with Tuk."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""And I want to see Kiri. It has been so long since we have spoken." Supplied Talibah./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I forbid you both to leave the pod." She said in her rage./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You are not mother! You cannot forbid us from anything. You do not trust us sister and I am sick of it. I am going to be with Kiri and Panya is going to play with Tuk."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"With that they both left, leaving Anat-Tiye in shock. The Scully brothers were not far form ear shot and looked over at her in amusement./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"This aggravated her further and she fled for the comfort of the edge of the clans set up, far from anyone and anything./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Her hands were shaking with anger. It was not fair. This was not fair. Why, mother, why have you asked so much of me? She questioned./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Ronal was furious but she could not careless if the clan decided to kick them out. The expectations of the Meteyania were unrealistic and no matter how hard she tried to stay hidden the more that she was forced to socialize. It was impossible. She just wanted them to be left alone./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Why was that so hard?/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"JakeScully had promised to teach her to ride an Ikran and that did not happen. He avoids her more than ever and ever since she eavesdropped five moons ago and now the Scully's watch their movements more frequently./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"She is suffocating./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"People are expecting too much from her and she is tired of her secrets. She is tired of the questions she cannot answer./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"JakeScully thinks that she can save his war, but she cannot. He does not want the answers she can give./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Her day went from bad to worse when the Metekaynia decided to have a feast to celebrate the new clan that lay with them before they go on their mission deep out at sea./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Her sisters do not sit with her but with the Scullys as they play excitedly as the family talk with other great Warriors./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"She is sat near the fire for she has yet to feel warmth since her sisters' nightmares began. She notices her sisters look at her hesitantly but, in their defiance, they continue to play and laugh as great Warriors spin them around./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Her hands are busy with weaving and as if she knew her jewellery was almost ready, Tsireya, sat down next to her./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""It is a great night" she whispers with a smile, "But you do not join them?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I could ask you the same question, Princess Tsireya, but I do not push you to answer."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Tsireya laughs nervously and glances over at the male who has request to mate with her who is staring at her angirly. She then glances at Lo'ak, the male who has yet to ask. /p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You think I do not notice but I do. I understand your heart, Tsireya. It is a lot of pressure to be the eldest daughter."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Tsireya looks at her in surprise as her checks turn red for Lo'ak has caught her staring./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""My sisters are mad with me, and often these feasts are for when older sisters can offer advice to their younger ones. That is what we would often do. starting from my mother, then me, then Talibah. Panya listens carefully for she is baby, but it means that her wisdom will be twice as much as ours, and when she is of age, she is the storyteller of the family. So, tsireya, let me offer you advice. My mother passed on some wisdoms about love."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Tsireya whispers for her to be quiet and she lowers her tone. They are almost touching heads. Anat-Tiye smiles evilly./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""She told me 'If you ever meet princess Tsireya, tell her to be brave and tell the man she wishes to mate with that she see's him."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Tsireya pushes her away with annoyance but soon her face breaks out into a smile, and she giggles before turning serious again./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Why did you steal from us Anat?" she asked with sadness and betrayal. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"It was not to hurt or to be deceptive. I share your secret, so I will give you one of mine. But it is for you only, yes?" she asks. Tsireya nods, pleased with such bonding./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Panya has terrible nightmares. Terrible. I stole so I can make paste without the Clan knowing. She does not want anyone to know her secret, so I stole."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Her secret is that she has nightmares?" asked Tsireya with kind eyes. Innocent. Unknowing./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Yes. That is her secret. Now, here. I made this for you." She hands her a chest piece and Tsireya looks at it in awe. It is different from the one she made Kiri, for Kiri is not yet near mating age./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""My mother would say that you must match the jewels to the persons aurora. This I made with all the colours that I think of when I think of you. Put it on now and watch to see if Lo'ak notices" Anat-Tiye tell her as she hides her body with hers while she changes from her old chest piece that has been torn form her battles at sea. She turns to look at Anat and moves her hair out of the way./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""How does it look?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""If you look to your left, you will see that someone has gone red."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Tsireya looked up quickly and with a bright smile, one so shy that it caused Anat-Tiyes heart to ache. Her sisters noticed the gift she had given and looked away quickly on meeting Anat-Tiye's eyes./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Their anger was still viable, and their eyes shone with defiance./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You are very skilled." Tsireya whispers, pleased./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""And you are beautiful, Tsireya. Do not let the pressures of your bloodline define you."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"She wondered if that advice was for herself, or for the friend she had made at the fire while her sisters ignored her./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Will you come dance with me?" she asks./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I do not feel very well." she lied and retreated to her pod./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Her sisters did not come home that night, and she suspected had spent all night playing with the Scully children. Although she was worried, no matter how mad her sisters were at her, they would not talk of things that they shouldn't. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"The next morning, she awoke in a start as Neteyam was waiting for her outside of her tent./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I wanted to tell you that your sisters slept in our tent last night and that they are fine." He said, getting up quickly and standing tall./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Thank you for the intel" she teased./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Where did you learn such a human word? Do you speak English?" he asked in surprise./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"She grimaced at her foolishness once again. It was so easy to forget many things when he stood so tall in front of her./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I heard your father use the term once. I do not speak English. I only know 'Scientist' 'Intel' and 'Fire'."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"He looked as if her answer was sufficient./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Where are you going?" he enquired walking beside her as she made to escape from him. "Your sisters are at hut and Tahisk has banned you from entering."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I am going to practicing's riding Skimwing." She answered truthfully./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Without your teacher?" he asked, offended./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""No. He is here, is he not?" she replied. He could not help but smile and followed her to the ocean where they both dived headfirst./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Are you not sad they ignore you?" he asked after they swam together in silence for a while./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Are you sad that your family are so worried you will die?" she asked./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"He looked at her in surprise and she smiled in triumph./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You ask lots of questions, Neteyam. Now it is my turn." She replied as she circle where he floated behind her as her tail swayed. She watched his brain calculate his answer. Of course, he must answer her if he was wishing for her to answer him./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Llu dangled at their feet, but she did not want them, she wanted Skimwings for she had planned to convince her sisters to leave once their tempers subsided./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I was once sent to Eywa, but she sent me back." He replied. She was surprised but she did not show it./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Eywa has many plans."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""And what are her plans for you?" he asked with a smile as she managed to grab a Skimwing and climb onto the creature. His tail was now the one to move. /p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""She has let me suffer greatly before so I hope she shall let me rest, for I am extremely tired" she replied truthfully. It was hard to sleep with her sisters, but even harder to sleep without them./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"She bonded with the creature and fell once it became airborne. Neteyam laughed at her as he once again helped her regain her composure./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You are calm when you make bond but when you fly you get messy. Calm your mind. There is too much going on up there" and he pokes her head, just as she did to Lo'ak when he tried to rise from her care when she was helping her sister remove the venom from his wound and she falls back slightly./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Why are you here with me?" she asked impatiently "and not off scouting for more Navi clans to join you, Great Warrior?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Because I have been tasked to teach you to ride Skimwing."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Is that the mission your father has given you?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Yes" he laughed./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I do not think so, Neteyam, Son of JakeScully." She murmurs and walks of heatedly. He follows her in confusion./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What is wrong. What have I done to upset you?" He looked at her confused and with genuine concern which only upsets her further./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You and your clan go on and on about truth and deceptions, but it is you who deceives me Neteyam. I know nothing of the Ashpeople that can help you in your war!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""What are you talking about? Wait… wait wait wait. Have you been eavesdropping on us?" he asked furiously stepping and closing the space between them. He grabs her arm once more as she turns to leave. He is not hurtful, but it is not as gentle as before. It is with purpose./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Is that how you learnt the word intel?" he asks with all seriousness./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I am a good hunter, Neteyam. I am light. I am fast. I am like shadow." She responds, pulling her arm free and walking off./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Why don't you trust us? Why don't you trust me?" he asked offendedly, but he does not move to follow her./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"She leaves him knowing the consequences of her actions can be disastrous. Spying on Toruk Matko and his family is not socializing behaviour and the Tahisk is already beyond mad at her./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"All she wants is the comfort of her sisters, but they do not wish to speak to her. She goes to find them but stops as she watches them play with their llu's in the water and dive happily as they chase each other, Kiri and Tuk in tow./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p