Chapter 6 – From Now Until Forever
Warmth. Sublime warmth was what Naia felt all around her and within her as Neteyam flew them both back to High Camp on Tompa's back: The warmth of the daylight kissing her bare skin; the warmth of Neteyam's chest against her back; the warmth overflowing in her heart and soul after the most perfect night in his arms as his mate.
Tilting her face to her left, Naia nuzzled the skin of Neteyam's bicep, loving the new scent that now seeped from his pores as well as hers. It was their scent now; a delightful combination of his scent and hers etched into their beings forevermore like a marker that they would both recognise anywhere going forward. It was commonly referred to as the mating scent and it was strongest in the days immediately after a mated pair had sealed their bond before Eywa.
They had stopped by a river spring prior to heading home to wash each other and rinse off the obvious evidence of their night in paradise, but their mating scent would still be evident to anyone in the vicinity like an unspoken declaration of their new union.
"We're nearly home," Neteyam murmured by her ear, "Shall we go to your family's shelter first? Your parents will still be worried."
Nodding in agreement, Naia turned her head with a query, "Although, I thought you said you'd told everyone that you'd found me so they knew I was alright?"
"Yes, but you know what your mother is like. She won't stop worrying herself sick until she's seen you with her own eyes."
Naia snorted out a laugh and then immediately felt bad. Her mother was prone to being overdramatic, but Naia acknowledged that she would have caused her mother great concern with her prolonged disappearance yesterday. It was definitely best that she checked in with her parents first thing before seeking Mo'at out.
"And then we'll go to the tsahìk to be blessed?" Naia asked.
A husky chuckle rumbled through Neteyam's chest and he pressed a kiss to the side of her face, "Yes, my love, then we'll go to my grandmother to have her bless our mating."
It was well past the break of dawn now and the clan would be well into the swing of the day with chores and activities. Neteyam's long-distance patrol had been gruelling the day before and it had been agreed amongst the warriors that today would be a day of rest for them. However, today was technically a work day for Naia.
Suppressing a tired yawn, Naia hoped to herself that the news of her mating to Neteyam, and her re-acceptance of her role as tsakarem, would be good news enough to tamp down any aggravation that Mo'at might hold towards her for her abandonment of duties yesterday and her no-show to work today. Naia's yawn spawned one of Neteyam's own and she giggled at the happening.
He nipped the point of her ear playfully, "It's your fault I'm so exhausted, woman. You thoroughly wore me down last night."
Naia narrowed her eyes at him with a sassy pout. Three times in a night after a long day was impressive, she supposed. The wicked part of her mused that she was going to thoroughly enjoy testing more of her mate's limits in this area in the near future.
"We'll see your parents and my parents, and then just take the day off to rest. We both need it. The rest of the clan can wait. I'll tell my grandmother not to make any formal announcement for a couple of days." Neteyam stated, urging Tompa towards High Camp as the familiar floating mount came into view ahead beyond the mist.
Swiftly alighting once they had reached their destination, Neteyam and Naia both thanked Tompa before sending the ikran on his way back to the rookery where Naia's own ikran was surely awaiting her mate after a long day and night away. Feet firmly back on home ground, Neteyam smiled affectionately at Naia, instinctively holding a hand out to lead her to her family's shelter. Naia's hand slipped without hesitation into the larger warmth of his and flutters erupted in her belly as she once again marvelled at how handsome he was, how perfect, and all hers.
They passed several others on their way who gave relieved smiles and kind waves at the sight of Naia, all of which she returned somewhat shamefacedly. Neteyam had told her that Tarsem had mobilised most of the able-bodied yesterday in their search for her. Scout parties had taken to the skies, others had patrolled the forest floor on pa'li, while the rest had scoured the nearby cave systems around High Camp on foot.
Great Mother… all over one misunderstanding and a severe overreaction on her part…
Naia felt Neteyam squeeze her hand reassuringly and she breathed a quiet sigh. She just wanted to see her parents, share the news too with Neteyam's parents and then spend the rest of today doing sweet, blessed nothing (preferably with Neteyam by her side). This was a sentiment she knew Neteyam shared too, judging by the darker rims around his eyes and his heavy eyelids.
Reaching the cloth-draped threshold of Naia's home, however, any wish the pair had of a discreet return evaporated in the next instant when seven, no, eight pairs of eyes turned to settle on them as they parted the flaps to enter.
Naia froze in her tracks and she felt Neteyam bump into the back of her, before she heard him suck in a surprised breath at the discovery.
There were eight people crowded in her family's living area. Ayepni and Tulut were expected, being Naia's parents, but Jake, Neytiri, Mo'at, Leylani, Tarsem and Tupou, most certainly were not. Eight pairs of golden eyes were accompanied very quickly by their eight twitching, sniffing noses as they all undoubtedly scented the reason for Naia and Neteyam's belated return to camp.
Naia wished the ground beneath her would open up and swallow her whole.
Eywa, she was so tired… She did not want to face so many people right now, Naia's petulance grouched. With an almost inaudible groan, she began to turn away from their unexpected audience, trying to push past Neteyam to leave, "Let's go."
However, Neteyam stopped her with a gentle hand around her waist. He gave her a consoling look with a cock of his head, "Your mother, Naia."
At his reminder, Naia turned on heel and sought out her mother's form, finding her in the middle of the gathered circle next to her father. The older woman looked distressed, her eyes puffy and her cheeks wet.
Ayepni sprang to her feet with a cry and she hastened towards Naia with her arms outstretched, "Oh my daughter! We were so worried, Manaia!"
Naia received her mother in a tight embrace, apologising profusely and attempting to calm her mother's sobs, "I'm sorry, sa'nok. My actions were rash yesterday. I'm sorry I worried you and sempu."
In a flash her mother's tone turned scolding, "You worried everyone, maite! Not just your father and I!"
Forced now to acknowledge the unanticipated assembly of people in her home, Naia lifted embarrassed eyes to them, "I apologise for the inconvenience I've caused. I wasn't thinking straight."
Ayepni was busy checking Naia over now, lifting her arms and circling her daughter's torso, clucking at all the scrapes and cuts. She stopped to peer intently at a few bruises on her neck and collarbone, which made Naia squirm uncomfortably because she knew full well that those bruises were not in fact bruises at all, courtesy of Neteyam.
Slowly, the gathered group all rose to their feet, encircling the pair of them and ushering them into the space. Leylani was next in line to give Naia a hug, and Neteyam saw his mother and grandmother were close behind her.
Catching his father's eye, Neteyam greeted Jake warmly as his father pulled him into a strapping hug. Neteyam took the opportunity to whisper a question by Jake's ear, "Uh, why is everyone gathered here, Dad?"
Chortling softly, Jake nodded towards the spread of food on the floormats behind them, "Well, Ayepni was worried sick and so she did what she does best and busied herself with cooking. Leylani was here most of the night consoling her. Your mother and grandmother came to check in with them this morning, and Tulut invited them to stay for first meal."
Neteyam's eyes flickered to Tarsem and Tupou then in a silent extension to his original question and Jake continued, "Tarsem and I have reprimanded Tupou this morning. He's here to make his apology. We figured you and Manaia would return here first thing."
"Right, I see." Neteyam breathed with a deep inhale and exhale at the irony of the situation. It was the exact opposite of the quiet return he had hoped for.
Tulut stepped up to Neteyam and gripped him firmly on the shoulder. He was a man of few words and also one of the few people Neteyam felt a little cautious around in life. Tulut was a master craftsmen and weaver who was well-respected among the clan for his work, but it was his position as Naia's father that intimidated Neteyam.
"Our thanks to you, Neteyam, for bringing our daughter home safely." Tulut stated in a genial tone, his shorter stature not making Neteyam any less nervous around the man, "Though, perhaps I should be addressing you differently now, son?"
Crouching immediately down onto one knee in a sign of deep respect, Neteyam took Tulut's hand and brought the knuckles of it to his forehead and pledged, "It is an honour to have Naia by my side, sir. I promise you that she will want for nothing and that her safety and happiness are my utmost priority."
Tulut gave an amused cackle and pulled Neteyam to his feet. Fighting not to be overwhelmed by his own humour, Tulut uttered between hoarse laughs, "I'm not worried for Manaia. I know she is in good hands, mated to our future olo'eyktan no less. However, my daughter is a handful like her mother is, with a tongue sharp like a whip, and a temper that could rival the fiercest of tempests. You'll need an arsenal of skills to weather those storms, son."
Jake laughed along with Neteyam at Tulut's words, "All women are storms, but there's immense beauty in their peril and strength. Your daughter is warmly welcomed into our soaia, Tulut. It has been a long time coming." Jake jostled Neteyam lightly with his words, his eyes twinkling with meaning as he teased his son.
Tulut appeared to catch on to Jake's meaning perfectly and he smiled at Neteyam, whose ears were fidgeting self-consciously after his father's quip. He caught the younger man's eye again and spoke, "I have never seen Manaia so happy as she has been in recent weeks. Likewise, there has only ever been one in her heart. Welcome to the family, Neteyam."
Naia was not far from Neteyam, slowly disentangling herself from yet another one of Leylani's very excited hugs. Leylani pulled Naia into a little nook, almost bouncing with glee, "Oh, my heart is so full for you and Neteyam, sister! Congratulations!"
"Thanks, Leylani." Naia replied and her expression turned contrite again as she clutched at Leylani's hands, "I'm so sorry for the way I reacted yesterday. I shouldn't have thought the worst of you like that without clarifying. You've always been good to me, and I feel like such an ass now."
Leylani waved Naia's apology away with a good-natured scoff, "I'm just glad you're alright." She leaned in closer to Naia then, "Do you need moon-tea? I have a fresh batch that I just brewed the other day back at tsahìk's hut."
The question caught Naia off-guard and she blinked a few times while Leylani's words sunk in. Moon-tea. She had not even thought of it or considered the possibility when she and Neteyam had sealed their bond last night.
Her surprise must have been evident on her face as Leylani felt the need to expound further, "The mating bond opens your body to conception, sister. I have the tea if you want it."
With a small and wistful smile, Naia realised she did not want the moon-tea. There was no guarantee of course that she had conceived after last night, but the possibility was there. Everything happened in the Great Mother's time as she willed it, and if Eywa deigned to bless her and Neteyam with a baby then Naia would gladly accept the blessing. "Thanks Leylani, but I'm alright."
Leylani's only response was another happy squeal and another bone-crushing hug that stunned Naia considering how petite the other girl was.
"Well, I suppose congratulations are in order!" Tarsem boomed over the throng of speaking voices. He had a vessel of drink raised like a toast to the good news, but he lowered it then and nudged his son forward, "But first my son has an apology to make."
Neteyam moved to stand by Naia's side as Tupou skulked up to them. The young warrior's face was stony and his head was still held high, but Neteyam could see the cracks of shame in the surface of his haughty façade. Naia scowled at Tupou, unimpressed, but she wisely kept the multitude of sharp retorts waiting on her tongue to herself.
Tupou dropped to one knee before them, one fist placed on the ground next to him, "Please accept my apology, brother Neteyam. I broke the confidence you asked for and my actions have caused unwarranted harm."
Pursing his lips, Neteyam regarded Tupou with a calculating stare, "It's not me you caused the most distress to with your loose mouth, brother."
Half-heartedly, Tupou's eyes shifted to meet Naia's before he dipped his head out of necessity, "I apologise, Manaia. Your feelings were an unintentional casualty."
Naia ground her teeth where she stood, thinking that she had never heard an apology less sincere. But she muttered her quiet acceptance through gritted teeth nonetheless and reminded herself that the fault was not entirely Tupou's. Neteyam had hidden the truth from her too.
Tupou unfolded himself to rise to his feet again, and his gaze shifted deliberately between Naia and Neteyam. With a telltale twitch of his nose, he spoke, "I assume, since you're both mated now, that this means Manaia has reclaimed her position as tsakarem?"
A soft huff of disbelief puffed from Naia's lips at the blunt and tactless nature of the question. She had not wanted to share the news of her re-acceptance with the clan for a couple of days yet, and she bristled at the way Tupou had thrown her out in the open in front of everyone, "By Eywa, this is so typical of you, Tupou. Still only concerned with your own agenda?"
As expected, Tupou met Naia's rising annoyance head on and he spat, "I would just like to know where I stand. After all, I'm only making a logical conclusion based on your happy news." His nose wrinkled visibly again as he scented the air.
A warning hiss and growl rumbled from Neteyam who took immediate objection to the erroneous implication of Tupou's words, "Take care, brother. My intention to mate Naia was never in question. It was always the reclamation of my birthright that was dependent on Naia's choice, not the other way round."
Tupou's lips parted, no doubt preparing to hurl another rebuttal, but Naia's weariness had caught up to her and she just wanted peace. Exasperated, she interrupted and hissed at him, "But yes, Tupou, I have decided to re-accept the role of tsakarem. Eywa forbid we ever have you as olo'eyktan with poor Leylani doomed to your side as your minder and keeper for eternity!"
A loud and amused snort perforated the mounting tension in the air, and whatever tautness that remained quickly fizzled out as all eyes turned to see Mo'at's wizened form quaking with laughter at Naia's words, "Minder and keeper, hah! That's a good one, Manaia." The tsahìk's eyes shone with mirth as she took in Tupou's sullen expression at her laughing at his expense and she cajoled him, "Ah Tupou, don't look so glum, child. You got your wish after all, did you not?"
"Sa'nok, a blessing for the happy pair, perhaps?" Neytiri suggested, moving to stand by Neteyam. She gave his cheek an affectionate stroke, noting the darker circles around her son's eyes.
"Yes, come! A blessing and then some food and rest. You must both be drained after yesterday's ordeal." Mo'at agreed, swooping around the group and gesturing for Naia and Neteyam to kneel in the middle.
Neteyam's ears caught the tail-end of a crass joke that Tarsem, Jake and Tulut were whispering between themselves; something about a particular part of him being well-drained indeed. Neteyam shook his head with a smirk. He took Naia's hands in his and he guided them both down to their knees, facing each other. He could see Naia was uncomfortable with the audience.
Naia bit her lip as she knelt, preventing her words of protest from spilling. She had wanted an intimate blessing ceremony with just Neteyam and Mo'at. However, nothing about this morning was turning out the way she had envisioned. She was exhausted and everything around her at that moment just felt overwhelming.
Until Neteyam gently took her chin between his fingers to bring her attention back to him.
Naia's eyes focused on his beautiful face and the tender smile playing across his lips mollified her frazzled senses.
Neteyam enveloped her hands in his and he breathed, "Just look at me, yawntu. Only me."
Mo'at's chanting filled the air around them, but the sound was dulled to Naia's ears as she allowed herself to drown in the singular sight and scent of Neteyam. An idyllic smile stretched across her own lips. He was her world…
Most people would call her foolish for centring her happiness around one person, but for Naia, the habit was not new.
Neteyam had always been and would always be the focal point of her universe.
There were many things that Naia was learning and rediscovering about Neteyam now that they were mated.
They had been gifted their own home shelter shortly after returning to High Camp together that morning several weeks ago. Waking next to the warmth of his body and falling asleep in his embrace every night was bliss, and Naia knew she would never tire of the meaningful monotony.
Now that they lived and breathed daily life together, Naia learned that Neteyam was incredibly particular about certain things like the way the drink vessels and food mats were stacked on their shelves. It was imperative that they were stacked in size order from largest to smallest, running from left to right. Their sleeping mats and bedding also had to be neatly rolled and made up every morning. And Neteyam was prone to being what Tuk had taught her was called 'hangry' in their family, if he was hungry and last meal was still not quite ready.
Hangry Neteyam was a slightly surlier version of himself that had somehow lost the ability to speak in proper sentences and would only respond in a series of monosyllabic huffs and grunts. Naia found this side of him more amusing than anything else, but she still made sure there was a supply of fresh fruit and dried meat strips on hand for snacking on nonetheless.
The one thing, though, that Naia had discovered about her new husband that both surprised and thrilled her was that if she had thought Neteyam frisky before, during their evenings spent together, he was even more so in the mornings.
Naia swallowed back the small moan that tickled in her throat as Neteyam's lips grazed the sensitive skin where her neck met her shoulder. She kept her eyes closed, continuing to pretend like she was still asleep where she lay on her side. She felt one of his warm hands stroke down her upper arm before his brazen fingers reached for the swell of her breast, the pads of his fingers toying with her quickly stiffening nipple.
It was a game they played most mornings. Neteyam would ease her awake with his secretive caresses, his smooth lips finding purchase on her neck and chest, while his hands stroked and roamed over her and inside her. All the while Naia would play the sleeping beauty, moaning softly in faux slumber until his touches stoked her desire past the point of being demure and she relented to their morning passion.
Truly, there was no deceit in their sport. Naia knew that Neteyam was aware she was awake because the first thing he always did was join his neural queue to hers, forming tsaheylu.
Good morning, Naia greeted through their bond. She rolled slowly onto her back and hooked a knee over Neteyam's hip, consenting to his touch as his hand snaked its way down to the apex of her thighs. His fingers found her quickly growing slippery with want and a desirous growl sounded from Neteyam, muffled only by the fact that his face was pressed into the crook of her neck.
Afforded their own privacy now in their new home, they slept bare against each other most nights. There was no need for clothing when they were so in-tune with each other; when their hearts beat in time with each other's and they kept no secrets.
Neteyam was extra restless this morning and he was impatient. Naia could sense it through their bond and she knew it also from the insistent press of his erection where it was attempting to find some friction against one plump cheek of her bottom. Beneath his intense desire though, Naia found an undercurrent of anxiety at what the day ahead would bring.
Of course… today was the day they would be formally presented to the clan as heirs to the leadership…
Opening her eyes so she could look at him, Naia kissed the crown of his head where he was busying himself with the plush softness of her breasts, and she teased, "Hey, my eyes are up here, skxawng."
Neteyam snorted and ignored her request, choosing instead to enclose his mouth over one of her nipples in a hot, hard suckle that made Naia gasp and arch against him in pleasure. In a playful mood, however, Naia squirmed and pushed away from him to roll into a sitting position. She turned to look at him, finding him watching her through eyes of molten gold, his lips pursed into an unimpressed pout at the distance she had put between them.
"Come back here." Neteyam patted the bedding next to him, where he still lay on his side with his head propped up on an elbow.
Naia was in a playful mood. Some mornings she eagerly surrendered to him, but where was the fun if she always acquiesced without some resistance? Eyeing him impishly, she reasoned, not untruthfully, "We don't have time. The ceremony is due to begin after first meal and people are already eating."
The lively sounds of the other clan members going about their morning outside their shelter was testament to Naia's statement, but Neteyam was not swayed, "I know what I want for breakfast."
You. The unspoken word was a titillating thrill down their bond and Naia had to suppress a pleasurable shudder.
"Well, that won't fill my belly." Naia remarked nonchalantly, shifting onto all fours to crawl slowly away from him.
"Oh I'll fill your belly, just not in the way you mean."
Neteyam's racy retort made her nipples harden in want, and the pulsing ache between Naia's thighs reminded her that it was not just her belly that was hungry.
Oh they had time, if they were quick…
Naia threw him a puckish look over her shoulder while she continued to slink away from him on her hands and knees. She lifted her tail in a suggestive curl away from her bottom, deliberately baring herself to him.
Neteyam pounced in the next instant.
Strong hands clutched at Naia's hips, pulling her backwards towards him. She gasped in delight at the action. She rather enjoyed it when he was a little rough with her in bed. It was a sexy contrast to the gentle and noble side of him that she normally saw, and the notion that it was her that made him impatient like that was extremely arousing to her.
Neteyam pulled Naia's bottom flush against his pelvis as he knelt behind her. He leaned down over her, one hand supporting his weight while the other moved to curl around her shoulders, pressing her slender back against the front of his muscular torso. He began to rock his hips against her, enjoying the way his throbbing erection smoothed over the flat of her slippery folds while he attempted to position himself to enter her.
Naia moaned wantonly at the contact, each stroke of his cock running past her sensitive flesh. Her core ached for him to fill her though and she angled her hips gently, arching her back to push her bottom out towards him. His cock finally found its seat at her entrance and Neteyam sheathed himself to the hilt with a single, hard thrust.
The groaning exhale that Neteyam let out was in perfect time with Naia's inhale of pleasure as the physical and mental sensation of being joined washed over them. Making love like this with tsaheylu would never get old. But they did not have the time this morning to be languid in their enjoyment of each other.
With the arm around Naia's shoulders serving as leverage, Neteyam set a punishing rhythm of thrusts that knocked the breath from her lungs in short, clipped puffs. His hot breaths ticked her cheek as he panted and grunted, and Naia let her head loll back against his shoulder as she moaned indiscriminately, "Oh Neteyam,"
Neteyam's thoughts were a chaotic stream in the mental bond they shared; tender compliments, pledges of eternal love, his physical pleasure … You're so beautiful, my Naia… feels so amazing… my love, I love you… I won't last long… want you so much.. mine forever…
Naia loved this position. It was her second favourite after being front-to-front with him, and only because she could not easily kiss him like this. She could feel all of him like this, his cock reaching and filling her to its full capability, hitting a sweet spot inside her that made her toes curl in delicious pleasure. It was no issue that Neteyam would not last long today. Through their bond, his pleasure was hers and vice versa. Naia was hurtling towards her own peak at the same startling pace.
"Naia," Her name fell from his lips in a pleading whimper and Naia could feel him teetering on the edge, stubbornly waiting for her to succumb first. She gave him a mental eyeroll, knowing full well that it did not matter. They always reached their peaks together now when they were bonded in tsaheylu. No matter who reached ecstasy first, succumbing to it always triggered the other's climax simultaneously.
Deciding to grant them both the rapture they both hungered for, Naia reached down with a hand to caress the sensitive bundle of nerves at the juncture of her thighs. It was the last little push they both needed and they surrendered with a rhapsody of cries to the height of their mutual pleasure.
Satiated and wilted from the climax, Naia sank down flat onto her front with Neteyam half atop her still. She hummed happily, enjoying the heavy weight and warmth of his body over hers. The moment was short-lived, however. The instant Neteyam's growing drowsiness fed through to her, she wriggled to free herself from beneath him, remembering the upcoming ceremony that was now even less time away than before.
"Neteyam!" Naia hissed, intending to sound firm and failing when an amused chuckle ruined her attempt, "There's no time for a lie in. We have to eat quickly, then wash and get ready!"
"We don't need to eat now. We can eat after the ceremony." A sleepy drawl from Neteyam.
"Well, I'm hungry. So I'm going to fix myself something without you." Naia declared, successfully twisting herself free from beneath his weight and slapping his hand away when he made a half-wakeful attempt to reach for her again. She sat upright and sighed with a shake of her head, knowing what would wake him properly.
Reaching for their joined queues, Naia separated them and the now-familiar tingle and shudder of their bond ending washed over her. It was not an unpleasant sensation, just wholly unique and different in what it was to anything else. She knew the sensation would have broken Neteyam out of his dozy stupor and sure enough, she found his eyes open and alert when she glanced down at him again.
"The future olo'eyktan can't be late to his own presentation ceremony." Naia said, "That wouldn't be a good precedent to set."
Grinning mischievously as he rolled into a sitting position, Neteyam chortled, "Ah, that's an easy fix. I'll just tell them I was satisfying the needs of my wife. All the men will understand and all the women will approve."
An indignant shriek sounded and a plump bolster roll was thrown.
Neteyam only just managed to duck out of the way of it, laughing.
The stagnant air in the enclosed space of the ceremonial tent felt stifling. The weather was not hot, but Neteyam's skin prickled in discomfort and his heart palpitated at a quickened pace in his chest. The ceremonial tent sat at the back edge of the platform where clan rituals were conducted, and the excited chants and songs of the gathered Omatikaya clan outside could be clearly heard beyond the heavy entry flaps.
Neteyam licked his lips, tasting the earthy tang of the purple and yellow ochre that had been painted by his mother's gentle fingers over his forehead, cheeks and lips. Matching patterns and stripes of paint adorned his chest, shoulders and back, and a blue-feathered armband hugged his left bicep. His warriors' cummerbund was snug around his midsection and his hunting dagger was secured at his hip, next to his songcord that trailed down alongside a woven loincloth of regal blue.
Neytiri could sense her son's nerves and she reached up to stroke his cheek, marvelling at how her firstborn son, her baby, had grown. He was fulfilling his destiny today, formally stepping onto the path of impending leadership that was his birthright, "I'm proud of you, son. Your strength of heart and your wisdom has led you here today. I cannot wait to see you walk on your path of greatness. I love you so much."
Embracing his mother, Neteyam pressed a kiss to her temple, "Thank you, sa'nok. I wouldn't be who I am without your or Dad."
His grandmother hovered in the foreground, an expression of warm approval dancing across her wizened features. Mo'at dipped her head at him with a smile.
A cool hand came to rest on Neteyam's shoulder and he turned to acknowledge Naia, who was dressed in her own ceremonial garb. The royal blue of her swirling chest piece and loincloth matched his own, and purple and yellow ochre had been swept across her face and torso in a matching theme to his. Eywa, she looked breathtaking…
"What a striking pair you make." Mo'at pronounced sincerely, coming forward to tuck a stray beaded braid behind Naia's ear, "Come now. It is time to face our people."
"Wait, ah, can I have a moment alone with Naia?" Neteyam stammered, "There's something I need to do before we head out there."
Both Mo'at and Neytiri pursed their lips at him and they never looked more like mother and daughter than in that instant, united in their mutually unimpressed state. Neytiri clicked her tongue and stressed, "We're already running late."
"It'll be quick. We'll be out there momentarily." Neteyam placated with a sheepish expression.
As the two older women swished out of the draping entry flaps, Neteyam turned on heel to his satchel in a corner. Searching through its contents, he found what he was looking for and he gently extracted the delicate article from its depths; his soul gift.
Returning to Naia with it in his hands, he heard her gasp and he grinned at her. He had spent several furtive evenings over the last few weeks fashioning a new cord for it, repairing it and also improving it. Where the iridescent and looping pendant previously hung from a single woven cord, Neteyam had now woven three strings from leather-hide and attached the pendant to their centre.
"These cords won't be so easily sawn through like the last one." Neteyam stated candidly.
A twinge of guilt stabbed in Naia's gut and she apologised for her previous actions, "I'm sorry I cut it off last time. It's beautiful, Neteyam." She cupped the pendant in her hands and she pressed a kiss to the precious piece of jewellery that was a symbol of everything that they were to each other. She gathered her hair in her hands and instinctively turned away from him so he could affix it around her neck.
Naia noticed that Neteyam had also made the cords shorter so that the pendant did not dangle as low as it previously had. She felt him fasten it around her neck, tighter than before but not so tight that it was uncomfortable. The three woven cords sat flush against her skin and the pendant sat high over the hollow of her clavicle.
Finishing his handiwork, Neteyam came around to face her again and he cupped the back of her head with one hand, pulling Naia in for a slow and searing kiss. Pulling back with a soft smack of their lips, he rested his forehead against hers, "It won't leave your neck ever again, Naia."
"Never." Naia breathed, "From now until forever."
A thumping percussion beat began from beyond the intimacy of the moment they shared and the clan's chants of anticipation grew.
Naia stepped back to regard her mate in all his handsome glory. She held her hand out to him, "We should go now. Ready?"
Neteyam's throat bobbed in a tight swallow and Naia did not miss the clenching and unclenching of his jaw. He was nervous and alone with her now, he let the confident mask he wore fall. Uncertainty coloured his face and he fixed wide, gold eyes on her.
"Hey, it's alright." Naia soothed, stepping up to him again and smoothing her hands gently up his chest to rest on his shoulders, mindful not to spoil the dried pattern of ochre on his skin.
"What if I disappoint them? What if I'm not the leader they expect?"
"Listen, can you hear the people outside? They are rooting for you." Naia assured, "You'll make mistakes, make bad calls from time to time, because you aren't perfect. But no one is perfect and you're not expected to be. This is your birthright; you are the true heir to this leadership. I know that as long as you let the Great Mother guide you that this clan will back you like they backed your father before you."
A crooked smile tugged at one corner of Neteyam's lips and he took both of Naia's hands in his, "And I have you by my side. Spoken like a true tsahìk in waiting."
"We'll do this together." Naia squeezed his hands, watching as he took a deep breath and steeled himself.
"Alright, let's get this ceremony over and done with."
Naia grinned and parroted the advice he had given her a few weeks ago back at him, "Just look at me, yawntu. Only me."
Parting the draping flaps of the ceremonial tent with an arm each, Neteyam and Naia stepped out onto the platform and the gathered Omatikaya clan broke into a chorus of jubilant cheers, howls and ululations.
Warmth flooded Mo'at as she surveyed the pair of them, the exultant greeting of the clan ringing in her ears. The picture of Neteyam and Naia before her was a familiar one. She had seen this very picture in a vision many years ago, even before the return of the sky people.
Back then it had seemed like nothing more than a pleasant dream, especially when her daughter's family had been forced to flee to the Metkayina, and then even more so when the Long War beset them all with uncertainty and strife. Mo'at had forgotten all about it actually until that fateful day not long ago when they came home to the clan, when Neteyam had returned looking like the long-lost prince the Omatikaya needed.
Neteyam and Naia raised their clasped hands above their heads between them, their free hands also punching skyward in fists. The Omatikaya clan's cheers thundered even louder and Mo'at smiled to herself.
The roar of approval had never sounded so irrefutable.
Epilogue – Six moons later
"You haven't eaten anything, Manaia. It's a long journey ahead and you must keep your strength up to fly." Neytiri remarked, her amber eyes tinged with concern as she held a niktsyey (food wrap) out to her.
Naia swallowed the biliousness that crept up her throat at the smell of the warm little parcel and gratefully accepted it nonetheless, "I'll take it along for the first part of our journey. I don't feel like breakfast currently."
Neytiri cast her a gentle smile, "Neteyam told me you're not fond of deep water. It is truly beautiful out in the reefs and Neteyam will be with you always. Don't worry, we'll look after you."
Nodding and projecting an air of confidence, Naia tucked the food wrap into the satchel she had slung over her shoulder and tucked its flap shut. The smell of the food dissipated and she took a shaky breath in. Ordinarily the smell of niktsyey would made her mouth water, but in recent days, anything food-related made her stomach turn.
She was content to let Neytiri think her queasiness was due to her nerves about their imminent visit to the Metkayina and their oceanic home. It was true, after all, that Naia was anxious about being surrounded by so much water, but that was not the reason for her nausea. Naia had a fair inkling of the real reason, but their trip to Awa'atlu was for a joyous occasion and she did not really want to draw any attention away from the fact. Plus, she was still not fully certain.
Lo'ak and Tsireya had welcomed their little one and it was time for the family to meet the new baby. Jake and Neytiri were understandably excited to be grandparents, as was Tuk, who had spent the last week in the lead-up to their trip raving about being an aunt. Neteyam was less forward with his enthusiasm, but Naia could tell he was very happy for his brother.
Naia smiled as her husband approached her and he enveloped her in his arms. Pressing a kiss into her hair, Neteyam murmured, "You good? The ikran are all packed and we're ready to go."
Tucking her face into his neck as she hugged him, she inhaled several deep breaths of his scent. Neteyam always smelled good to her, but she was especially appreciative at current of how his scent seemed to relieve the rolling nausea that plagued her. "Yeah, I'm good. I do feel a little bad that Lortirea and Tompa will be away from their babies for an entire week though."
"The young ones are four moons old now. Ikran mature quickly and they're already flying. They're practically toddlers now, by our standards." Neteyam chuckled, "I'm sure they're a handful. For all we know, maybe their parents will be glad for the break away from them?"
Naia laughed at the memory of the baby ikran. Lortirea and Tompa had brought them back to the rookery to introduce them shortly after the babies had hatched. Naia had been utterly enamoured by the little creatures who looked like adorable miniatures of their parents, with their soft wings and tawny eyes that had appeared a little too large for their heads. Unable to fly at that age, they had clambered all over her lap, demanding pats and scratches.
"A week surrounded by water." Naia muttered, stepping back a little so she could peer into Neteyam's eyes. She regretted her uneasy tone immediately. He had told her so many stories of his family's time in the reefs; of the people, their customs and the magnificence of the ocean environment. She knew he was excited to show her this part of his life. Her apology was swift on her lips, "Sorry, I'm just nervous about diving."
Neteyam placed a hand under her chin, "You don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with, OK? If you don't want to dive under then we'll just stay on the surface."
"No, I want to see this underwater world that you lived in for so many years." Naia pressed, heartening herself more than anything else. She placed a hand over his heart, "All those years you were gone and I used to wonder what you were doing, what the world around you was like. This is my chance. The Metkayina are a part of you too."
Jake was calling out to the family now, announcing that it was time for them to depart.
Neteyam pressed a kiss to Naia's forehead, noting absently that her scent was a little different than usual. She still smelled like she always did, but there was a sweeter note to it. "You sure you're alright?"
"Yes, Neteyam, I'm fine. Just a bit tired."
Naia knew from his doubtful expression that he was not convinced and she gave him one of her emphatic eyerolls to reassure him that she was fine, sass and all.
"We'll break throughout the journey. Stay close to Tompa. And make sure you eat that niktsyey soon."
"Yes sir," Naia quipped sarcastically, earning her a shake of his head and a chuckle in response. Her nausea roiled in her belly again at the thought of the food wrap.
There was no time now, but she would see Mo'at as soon as they were home after their trip to confirm if her suspicion was right.
To say that Ronal was intimidating was an understatement. The Metkayina tsahìk was a silent force to be reckoned with.
Neteyam had warned Naia that Ronal was aloof with strangers, but she had not been prepared for the woman's odd demeanour which seemed to vacillate between taciturn and tender at points. Their initial greeting the previous night had set Naia on edge.
The journey to the reefs had been a gruelling day-long flight on the backs of their ikran. It was well past nightfall by the time they had reached Awa'atlu. Ronal had embraced Neteyam openly with all the warmth of an aunt welcoming a nephew she had not seen in a while, whereas she had regarded Naia with calculating eyes and even given her a good sniff before frowning at her.
Exhausted and extremely queasy, Naia had gladly turned in to bed when the two families had completed their greetings and pronounced that they would reunite in the morning for a proper reunion. Blessedly, Naia had slept well and she had arisen in the morning feeling much more refreshed than she had in days. The crisp seaside air also appeared to ease her biliousness, which was a pleasant boon.
However, the moment the breakfast food was brought out, her belly began its roiling habit again.
"You know if there's one thing I did miss about this place, apart from the people, it's the fresh seafood!" Jake crowed cheerfully, tucking into a platter of raw, cooked and dried fish.
The rest of the Sullys appeared to agree and when Neteyam returned to her side with a well-piled wooden bowl with an assortment of food for them to share, Naia had done everything she could to tamp down the urge to wretch at the smell.
"Try a piece of this fish, it's delicious when it's dried and cured like that with sea salt." Neteyam encouraged, handing her a small piece.
"Yes, and let us know your verdict. I daresay our fare of food is quite different to what you're used to back home in the forest." Tonowari added with a deep chuckle. Jake and Neytiri were smiling at her too with urging eyes and Naia found herself in the impossible position of not wanting to wretch if she ate and also not wanting to be rude by refusing.
Fortifying herself, Naia took a nibble of the dried fish, chewed quickly and swallowed with as expressionless a face as possible, "Thanks, it's umm, it's new." Her stomach immediately churned and she swiftly reached for a piece of orange fruit from Neteyam's bowl, popping it into her mouth and letting the juicy burst of flavour wash the salty and fishy tang of the fish from her tastebuds before it threatened to make its way back up.
Tonowari boomed with laughter at her reaction and Naia was glad for the Metkayina olo'eyktan's light-hearted nature. She smiled guiltily and reached for more fruit from Neteyam's bowl. Fruit was good. She could stomach fruit.
Naia's gaze met with Ronal's where she sat perched by her husband. The woman did not appear to share her husband's mirth and though her eyes were once again calculating, they were not unkind, just astute in a way that made Naia feel like she was she being looked right through.
Maybe it was a tsahìk thing. Mo'at had often made her feel the same way, though Naia had grown close enough to the Omatikaya tsahìk now that she no longer felt uncomfortable in her presence. She vaguely wondered to herself if she would be the same in time to come when she took on that mantle.
"Naia," Neteyam's voice was soft by her ear.
"Hmm?" Naia turned to her mate to find him scrutinising her through concerned eyes.
"What's going on? And don't say you're OK. You're clearly not yourself." Neteyam uttered under his breath, continuing to eat in order not to draw attention to themselves. "You're normally a really good eater and I've never known you to be fussy."
"I just don't feel like food, but you need to trust me on this, there's nothing wrong. I'm perfectly healthy."
"You've barely eaten more than a few bites here and there for almost the last week. You've been like this since before we came here. It's not the food here that's making you like this."
Naia felt irritation flash through her and she picked a small piece of cooked shellfish from his bowl and ate, cocking her head at him with an expression that challenged him, "Happy now? I'm eating."
The shellfish rebelled the entire way down her throat though and she only barely suppressed the gag that came after it.
Neteyam's jaw clenched and his lips pressed into a thin line, utterly unconvinced. "Maybe you should speak to Ronal, get her to look you over-"
"I'm tsakarem, Neteyam. A tsahìk in waiting." Naia hissed in a whisper, "I think I should know if I was unwell, and I'm not-"
"Manaia, come sit with me." Ronal's voice called, and Naia almost flinched at the uncanny timing of it. She and Neteyam had been fairly quiet while they squabbled, so it was unlikely that the tsahìk had overheard them.
Naia looked to where Tonowari and Ronal had been sitting and was surprised to find that Ronal was no longer by her husband's side. Glancing around, Naia found her perched by the marui's entrance on the far side. Shooting Neteyam a hesitant look, Naia rose to her feet and made her way past the rest of the gathered family, holding her breath as she passed the platters of seafood.
"Come, sit." Ronal said, patting the soft mat beside her.
Naia did as she was told, folding herself down alongside the woman. There was a cool sea breeze blowing through the marui entrance and she took a deep and languid breath of the fresh gust, gratefully letting it temper her queasiness.
"Better?" The tsahìk asked, and Naia turned puzzled eyes at her. Ronal chortled at her confusion and simply shook her head before gesturing to the ground before her, "I think you'll find these things a little more palatable for the time being also."
It was only then that Naia realised there were two small platters of food laid out in front of her. There was a colourful variety of sliced fruit on one and a range of plain, flat crusts on the other. There was also a small vessel of cool water. Before she could verbalise her thanks, her belly rumbled appreciatively.
"Thank you, tsahìk." There was little doubt now in Naia's mind that Ronal had likely surmised the truth of her condition for herself. Plucking a single crust from the platter before her, she took a tentative bite and was relieved to find that her body welcomed the crunchy plainness of it.
"So, you are the girl that Neteyam had to leave behind." Ronal's tone was affectionate and there was palpable warmth in her eyes as she regarded Naia, "Many years their family spent here as part of our people and yet Neteyam never truly considered staying for good."
Naia glanced up at Ronal, not really knowing what to say in response to her remarks. She helped herself to more fruit instead.
Ronal continued, "You know, once the family had integrated into our way of life and proven themselves despite their differences, both Neteyam and Lo'ak became somewhat sought after by the women. They were different, exotic. There were many good females here who wanted to gain Neteyam's affections, especially after Lo'ak and Tsireya made their romantic association known. But Neteyam refused them all."
"Well, I'm glad Neteyam came home. Our clan needed him. You should have seen the moron we had as our replacement successor." Naia snorted with a laugh.
"And you needed him too." Ronal added, and her face was pensive, "I see now why Neteyam never found a home here. There is a way about the two of you; a blessed connection forged by Eywa that existed long before he ever came to us at Awa'atlu. You are meant to be. I am happy for the both of you and I hope that your clan thrives in time to come under your leadership."
It was an odd conversation to have with someone she had never met until now, but Naia felt strangely at ease. She smiled at the older woman, feeling comfortable enough for the first time since she arrived to hold her piercing blue gaze, "Thank you for your kind words. I never forgot Neteyam, and every day I thank the Great Mother for bringing him back to me."
"Yet, you've not told him your news. You've not told anyone."
Naia swallowed her mouthful of fruit, and licked her lips uneasily, "It's only really become clear to me in the last few days, and I want to check with Mo'at first to be sure."
Ronal graced her with another warm smile, her voice quiet so their conversation would stay between the two of them, "Well, if you'll take confirmation from me as tsahìk, I am certain of your condition. I can scent it on you and you are displaying all the signs; nausea, food aversion, fatigue. You are with child, Manaia."
A bright feeling of joy burst in Naia's heart. She had been more or less certain of her pregnancy, but the confirmation from Ronal was a welcome assurance. "I don't want to tell anyone until after our visit here is done. This is Lo'ak and Tsireya's moment. Their son is beautiful and I don't want to take away from this celebration."
Ronal tilted her head slightly at her response and Naia thought she saw a flicker of respect in the woman's eyes.
"At least tell your husband." Ronal urged, gesturing with another tilt of her head towards Neteyam who had made his way over to Lo'ak and Tsireya to get to know his new nephew.
Naia watched with loving warmth swirling in her belly as Lo'ak carefully placed the little bundle of waving fists and chubby legs into Neteyam's arms. The baby was beautiful and Naia marvelled that she and Neteyam would soon have a little one of their own. Little Akahata had his father's darker cobalt colouring and bright amber eyes, but his other features were of his mother's Metkayina heritage. Softer, swirling stripes marked the baby's torso, complete with a tiny, paddle-shaped tail.
"Jake and Neytiri have raised their children and taught them well." Ronal affirmed favourably, "Neteyam and Lo'ak are strong husbands and they will be good fathers." She placed a gentle hand on Naia's shoulder and she urged again, "Tell Neteyam tonight, he should know. He's already concerned about your wellbeing and he will worry himself this entire visit unless you give him an explanation for your behaviour. I will keep your secret from the others until you are both ready to share it."
"I will, tsahìk. Thank you for the milder food." Naia breathed gratefully, already feeling much better than she had previously thanks to the suitable food in her belly.
"I will prepare your food for you for the duration of your stay here." Ronal declared kindly, holding a hand up when Naia was about to protest, "No arguments. You must eat what you can stomach, child. It is not trouble at all."
The cool seawater rippled about her thighs as Naia gingerly waded into the ocean after Neteyam. It was after eclipse now and if Naia had thought Awa'atlu was beautiful in the day time, it was absolutely breathtaking after dark. The fine sand was phosphorescent beneath her feet and shoals of bioluminescent fish darted and swam about in the water around them. In the distance, the coral reef was a spectacular display of life and colour, the gentle waves rippling in the evening zephyr that blew.
"Are you sure you want to go out to the cove tonight?" Neteyam queried, turning to face her, apprehension etched over his handsome face.
Naia was getting rather sick of his fretting and fussing over her, and a part of her felt relieved that he would soon know the truth.
"For the last time, I'm fine. I said I wanted to go, didn't I? Ronal told me it's beautiful after eclipse and encouraged me to go tonight."
"Yeah, but you got seasick this afternoon just swimming. I'll ride gently on the ilu but it might still be choppy on the way there and-"
Naia silenced him with a kiss, "Call the ilu, Neteyam."
With a resigned sigh, Neteyam emitted several whistles and clicks to summon an ilu.
Naia had succumbed to her nausea and vomited earlier in the day after a swim out into the reef, but it was not due to seasickness. She chortled at the memory.
Neteyam had been right about the beauty of the sea. They had not ventured beyond the safety of the reef and Naia had not dived under, content to just swim at the surface, but the myriad of the Great Mother's undersea life had been stunning. It was an experience Naia would never forget.
An ilu responded to Neteyam's call almost immediately, the friendly creature swimming up to the pair of them with a series of clicks and trills. Rewarding it with several fillets of fish, Neteyam patted the creature's head and was about to mount it when it gave a low, burbling trill at Naia.
The ilu cocked its head to the side, regarding her with its set of four eyes. Its mouth was ajar as it emitted more squeaks and clicks and Naia thought it looked like it was grinning toothily at her. It dipped its head then to softly press its snout against her belly with another low burble, rubbing its head gently against her abdomen before raising its head to meet her eyes again.
No words were spoken, but no words were needed. Naia understood the ilu just fine and she stroked its smooth, muscular neck in thanks.
Neteyam mounted the ilu and deftly pulled Naia up to sit on its back in front of him, "What was that about?"
Naia shrugged nonchalantly, taking hold of his forearms and grinning shrewdly to herself, "No idea."
They rode at the ocean's surface, submerged only up to their waists on the ilu's back. The creature certainly understood the assignment to swim gently and their journey to the Cove of the Ancestors was a smooth glide. Naia relaxed against Neteyam as they rode, one of his muscled forearms secured firmly about her waist to keep her from sliding off.
The glow of the Spirit Tree in the sacred cove could be seen under the water from a distance away. Naia straightened with a gasp as they approached the formations of floating rocks that hovered over the cove, which reminded her so much of Iknimaya back home in the forest.
"This is it. The Spirit Tree." Neteyam whispered by her ear, both of them ducking their heads under a low-hovering rock formation to enter the sacred cove.
Sheltered from the currents out in the reef, the seawater in the cove was calm and clear, affording them an unimpeded view of the hallowed underwater tree that was the Metkayina's gateway to Eywa.
Naia pressed the fingers of one hand to her lips, filled with emotion in the presence of their Great Mother. There were no words of adequacy to describe the magnificent tree beneath her. It blazed and pulsed with the essence of Eywa, its large, feathery fronds lilac and luminous.
"Not often you're speechless." Neteyam joked quietly with a nuzzle and kiss to her cheek.
Naia's eyes were watering and her emotion was a lump in her throat. Her skin prickled in the nighttime air and she swore she heard the whispers of the Metkayina ancestors swirling about the points of her ears. Though she was not connected to the Spirit Tree, she could feel Eywa all around her and a pleasant heat filled her lower belly.
It was time to tell him.
"This place is so beautiful. I have no words for it." Naia murmured wetly with a delicate sniffle.
Neteyam embraced her from behind, wrapping both of his strong arms around her. He pressed his cheek to hers and breathed, "I came here often during the Long War. I thought of you, prayed to Eywa to keep you safe. I always wondered how you were and what you were doing. Part of me wished I could speak to you through the Spirit Tree, to bridge the distance between us and communicate."
Naia giggled and turned to kiss him, her lips finding his warm ones and instinctively slotting against them, "I did too, at the Tree of Souls. But that feels like a horrible lifetime ago."
"Do you want to swim down there?"
"No, that's not why I wanted to come here."
Neteyam's forehead wrinkled in question and he waited for Naia to continue.
Flutters of nerves sprouted in Naia's gut and she mentally chastised herself for being nervous. It was silly to feel so when she knew it was good news she had to share.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, Naia began, "I wanted to come here to thank Eywa for the blessing she's given us." She clasped hold of Neteyam's forearms and gently pried them from her waist. Taking his right hand in hers, she settled it over her still-flat belly, just below her navel, "Neteyam, you're going to be a father."
"What?" Neteyam gawped.
Laughing wetly, she turned her head to look at him again, "I'm not unwell and I'm not seasick. I'm pregnant."
Neteyam still appeared dumbstruck, his mouth agape and his eyes wide with surprise. Naia giggled at the sight. It was not an expression that he often wore at all. But his lips stretched into a beaming grin then, teeth all on display and a warm laugh of elation followed. Still bonded to his ilu, the creature expressed his joy too, squawking and clicking and flapping its flippers against the water's surface.
"We're having a baby?" He asked, absolutely brimming with excitement.
"Yes, Ronal confirmed it to me this morning."
Neteyam's arms encircled her again in a tight squeeze, his lips repeating prayers of gratitude to Eywa in-between the kisses he was showering over Naia's face while she squealed with laughter. Remembering moments later, amid his delight that Naia was pregnant, he loosened his crushing embrace and settled one of his palms on her lower belly with an apology, "Sorry."
"We'll have our own little one soon." Naia beamed, her tanhì twinkling bright against her skin, "A perfect little half of you and half of me."
"You have made me the happiest man alive, yawntu." Neteyam said, twisting his head down so he could kiss her again, "I love you so much, Naia, always."
"I love you too. From now until forever."
Author's Note:
THE END! Thank you so, so much to all of you who are still with me here at the finishing line. I'm sorry again that this last part took so long. I really thought I'd lost my drive to write over the last few weeks, but it came back to me this past week and I was able to churn this out.
This is Neteyam and Naia's happy ending, and I hope that it brought warm fuzzies to you. I'm thirsty for your thoughts and comments as always, so please do not be afraid to share them with me. Reblogs and likes are massively appreciated too. 3
