Post by Makto Fa'lihu on Apr 5, 2010 12:31:24 GMT -5
Neytiri awakened, cradled in her mate's arms. Mmm...she lingered in the loving aura of his presence for a few minutes, aware that this would be one of the few times they would have this luxury in the coming days. A quiet movement from him made her aware he was already awake, so she turned and snuggled closer, kissing him. "Your mind is no longer here, ma muntxatan. I know we must leave soon, but I take strength from our time here together. Thank you for this."
"Well, we will eat and drink then head back to Hometree to the others. I am certain that there was much celebration last night." Jake placed a hand on her shoulder. He put a finger under her chin and leaned in, kissing her softly.
She nodded, enjoying the comfort of his kiss. She would be happy to get back to her mother, with her many herbs and remedies to ease the increasing sense of fullness in her abdomen. In the meantime, her mate's care and concern, his gentle thoughtfulness, made her all the more sure she had made the right choice. Jake was her muntxatan, her mate for life.
The day's first meal was quick and light, and they found themselves at the cavern's entrance within a few minutes, Jake slipping his arm around her for a warm hug in the cool morning breeze.
"I will go call the ikran," he said. He walked from the cavern entrance to the other side of the pool. Their ikrans had taken a liking to the tree on the other side and were actually building a nest there. Jake's yip to Txur elicited louder cooing and chirring in reply before the ikrans flew down to the pool's edge, one after another. They made contented noises.
Neytiri stepped to her ikran and slowly eased herself up. Her mind felt slightly fuzzy as she commanded her ikran to fly to Hometree, slowly and cautiously. "Let's stay level, " she thought, not wanting any precipitous dives. She flew with Jake for a few hours before returning to Hometree to a very welcoming clan. Those that were still standing, anyway.
When they finally arrived, Jake led the ikrans to the base of the tree to drink and eat scraps from the last night's party. Things were rather quiet and it was well into morning. Some Omatikaya were asleep on the main commons floor inside the tree. "A very good celebration indeed," he thought to himself.
George was at the Tree of Voices. Attaching his queue, he listened for Grace's voice. When he located it, he called to her. "I am worried Grace that they will not like me, then what will I do?" Grace seemed to reassure him. "They are nice people, my old friend. I am sure they will like you." George spoke again."Ok Grace, I will go." He disconnected his queue and ventured off into the woods, hoping that he would find friends.
Walking through the woods, he noticed tracks he had never seen before. This doesn't look good, he said to himself. He pulled out his knife and continued walking. It started to rain and he started to worry. He had never been out in the field by himself without some type of security following him. He found shelter in a cave and waited for the rain to clear.
While they were being greeted by the Omatikaya who were still awake, Neytiri looked off into the forest. She had noticed something while they were flying, but had not pointed it out to Jake who was much farther ahead. Stealthily, she entered the forest. As she grew closer to the object of her attention, she grew even more cautious.
"Now where has my mate gone?" Jake looked around but she was not in sight. They were at Hometree, so he wasn't worried. He shrugged and then walked around for a bit on the main area within Hometree's columns. Many were asleep so late into morning they must have been up all night. "I will let them sleep." He thought to himself just how dangerous this could become if some commander other than Greg had taken over at Hell's Gate. A bunch of tired and groggy Na'vi probably would not fare well in a fight. He planned to take this up with his aysam'eyktan later.
Na'vi began to wake up. Mates that had curled up in each others' arms slowly peeled away from their partners. A lot of hands to heads. Women woke up, most retaining more clarity than the men. The cooking fires were re-stoked for a morning meal, though it was actually more of a brunch. Jake sat down on the dais under the new palulukan skull used as decoration in a well lit area.
He placed his mighty bow against the skull. The bow had been the first made from this tree ceremonially. It was very similar to the one Eytukan had given Neytiri as he died. He removed the torso portion of his olo'eyktan clothing and made himself comfortable as he waited for his People to clear their heads. He also waited for his mate, wondering where she had gone.
Half an hour later, George heard movement in the brush outside his cave. He jumped up from from a lying position. He poked his head out of the cave and saw another person, a female from the look of her. He was now more scared than ever. He went back into the cave and hoped she hadn't noticed him.
As Neytiri first entered the forest, she was too hasty, breaking twigs, acting almost like Jake, like a baby! Remembering how they'd first me, she smiled. Her mind returning to the present, she became more cautious, her taronyu skills automatically coming to the forefront. She hugged the ground using camouflaging with leaves and shadows, the gloom from the rain helping her do this.
George sensed her getting closer. He pulled out his knife and peeked around the rim of the cave. He had been trained well in martial arts and was not afraid to use them, but at the same time he didn't sense a threat from her. He was confused about how to react to her sudden presence.
She stood suddenly in front of him, bow raised and arrow nocked. "Who are you? You are not of my clan. Why are you invading our territory?" Her words were cold, her eyes like daggers. She eyed his knife and would make sure he couldn't get close enough to her. Jake would never forgive her if she let that happen.
He was startled by her, but he put away his knife and spoke to her in Na'vi "Oeru syaw fko Makto Fa'lihu" (I am called Rides with Horses) Who are you?" His words had the sound of fear in them but his anxiety began to subside.
She lowered her bow and stood firm before him, "I am Neytiri Dis'kahan Mo'at'itey, I am the future tsahìk of my clan. My mate is Toruk Makto, our olo'eyktan. Why have you come to our territory? Which clan do you belong to?"
He was puzzled by her second question, but answered, " I have come to learn your ways. I have lost everything that I called my own. I have lost my family, friends, my home, everything." He started to cry as he thought of all the bad memories of his past. "I do not belong to any clan, but I hope to be accepted somewhere. Somewhere warm and welcoming." He looked at her with tears in his eyes, begging for help.
Neytiri caught his scent. Ketuwong! Eyes flashing to his hands, she saw that he was clearly not Na'vi. He was like Jake, uniltìrantokx. This was disconcerting, but she also sensed no dishonesty in him. She smiled faintly as he opened up to her. He's just like us, she thought. Slinging her bow behind her back, she walked over to him. "My people are a very welcoming and kind clan." She did not touch him, but with a jerk of her head she indicated the direction she'd come from. "Come, I will take you to them." He followed, but not without misgivings. He wasn't sure where this would lead.
Making her way to her clan she recalled her first meeting with Jake, and this allowed her to ease her distrust a little. But only a bit. When she returned some of her friends came to greet her, then eyed the newcomer and backed away. Word spread of them quickly throughout the clan.
George stood at the bottom of Hometree in amazement. For the first time in almost ten years, he felt at peace. He looked around at all the people staring at him. He noticed he had his bandanna on still and he took it off. He also took off his black belt, letting it drop to the ground. He was still nervous but he relaxed slightly after a few moments.
Although Jake noticed a commotion at the edge of Hometree with many Na'vi gathering so thickly he could not see through them, he waited on the dais for the news to come to him.
"Stand here," she instructed him, pointing to a spot with her bow. "I must inform the olo'eyktan of your arrival." She headed towards the dais as a few aytsamsiyu sidled closer to him, alert for any attempt to escape. "Ma Jake, where are you?" she said trying to spot him over all the other clan members.
Jake remained on the dais, knowing that would be the first place she looked. As he watched, the crowd parted as she passed through. Standing some distance behind her, he saw an unfamiliar figure dressed in tawtute clothing, but much taller. An avatar. He frowned.
She appeared beside him and touched his arm. "Ma oeyä muntxatan, I found this uniltìrantokx in our na'ring. It is strange that our ayeyktan scouts did not notice him. I brought him to await your approval." She pulled him in the direction of the avatar.
"A new find then. Very well. I think I saw him a second ago. Was it wise to bring him here?" Jake took her hand and stood up, then walked with Neytiri.
Well you ended up being a good thing right?" she said with a sidelong glance. "Minus a few things, nevertheless I feel a good energy from him. We shall let Eywa decide whether he shall be accepted into the clan."
"Yes, ultimately this IS her decision. Take me to him."
George stared around the dais mindlessly, like a lost puppy. The people stared at him like eagles after their prey. He still felt a little nervousness, but also at the same time he tried to relax. He had been brought up by the finest instructor in the world. He looked at one area of the tree where people began to retreat, creating an opening. He saw what he believed to be the clan leader. He looked over there for a second and then sat down, weary from a long day of traveling. His feet were tired and his eyes were sore, but already he felt at home here.
Neytiri continued to pull Jake through the mob of other Omatikaya, ignoring their heightened interest and increasing anxiety at this new presence in their environs. She stopped in front of George and gestured to him to stand. She glanced to her right and noticed her mother keeping a watchful eye on the whole situation.
As a leader would, quietly so as not to humiliate his mate, Jake stepped forward and addressed Neytiri in what sounded like an angry tone, though he wasn't angry at all. "Where was he? You were not gone long. Why have you brought him here, my mate?" He circled the new avatar and came back to her side. He offered Neytiri his hand as he glanced at the new avatar. "Is he like me? Or a soldier?"
She grew unhappy with the interrogation, almost as if not trusted. "I thought I saw him as we flew over the na'ring. I don't know what made me bring him here, but then again you were an outsider and look what happened. He is different from my people, just like you were."
In Na'vi, Jake said, "Well, we will see his worth." He turned and addressed the new avatar as he looked him over one last time. "I know you. Don't I? From months ago, I recognize you. I don't recall your name though. Where have you been these four months?"
As George removed his jacket, he screamed in agony as the right sleeve peeled off. He had a long bloody slice on his shoulder and it caused him a lot of pain. He pulled out the bandanna he had been wearing and wrapped it tightly around the wound. He then stood up, next to Neytiri.
"You are injured, nantang most likely. We will get that healed soon. Where do you come from?" Jake said, motioning for one of the clan's young warriors to get some dressings for the wound.
"Mawey, ma Toruk Makto. Oeru syaw fko Makto Fa'lihu (Calm Toruk Makto, I am called Rides with Horses). Yes, I recognize you. I used to work with Grace Augustine, and I must say, it is nice to be standing here amongst the People. I hope I can serve well here. He bowed respectfully to Jake and felt calm. He spoke again in Na'vi...'awve ultxari ohengenä, nawma sa'nok lrrtok sivieyi (May the Great Mother Smile upon our first meeting).
"Srane, we will see your worth after you go through the training that I and all of the other Omatikaya avatars have. I am sure you will. You survived a very long journey to get here after all, in wild lands."
Jake turned to Neytiri. "Choose his teacher, my mate," he said, taking her hand. "You are great at choosing." He remembered Norm's face as he was assigned to Peyral. Norm knew just how much of a warrior Peyral was and he was actually scared. If he had to admit it, Jake himself was scared for a little while at first too. Nevertheless, he passed all tests with flying colors. "Your wounds will be treated and you will be given..." Jake looked him up and down once more, "...proper attire. Your training starts this evening with the Na'vi Neytiri chooses, and tomorrow you will join us at Hell's Gate."
George bowed his head to Jake, and then said, Oeru txoa livu (Please Forgive me) on my appearance. If she had not found me, I would probably be dead now." He looked at her and bowed his head respectfully.
Neytiri eyed the newcomer, smiling slightly. He reminded her of Jake's arrival. "Skxawng," she muttered, recalling their first encounter. She glanced to her right she noticed Peyral being stiff and defensive as usual. "This man means us no harm Peyral, you may relax. "
Embarrassed, Peyral avoided eye contact with Neytiri, though she acknowledged her words. She turned and walked off in search of Norm. Neytiri chirped at her good friend Ts'akrrtep, who then approached them.
Ts'akrrtep had trained with Neytiri whilst preparing for their trip to Iknimaya. Ts'akrrtep had her hair tightly braided but only down the center of her head, the rest of her hair lay flat. She was slightly taller than Neytiri, and had better muscle tone. She wore a feather piece to cover her bare athletic breasts and a cloth covered her loins.
She eyed the newcomer and her ears dropped. She pulled Neytiri aside and began to protest until Neytiri smacked the side of her head, like she did whilst training Jake. Ts'akrrtep groaned in response; but she had a very tough exterior and her attitude matched it perfectly as she glared at the newcomer.
Having settled the matter, Neytiri returned to Jake, laughing slightly as she grabbed his hand, "If you thought Peyral or I were tough, Ts'akrrtep is a whole other story," she whispered to him. UAH!
"Well, we will eat and drink then head back to Hometree to the others. I am certain that there was much celebration last night." Jake placed a hand on her shoulder. He put a finger under her chin and leaned in, kissing her softly.
She nodded, enjoying the comfort of his kiss. She would be happy to get back to her mother, with her many herbs and remedies to ease the increasing sense of fullness in her abdomen. In the meantime, her mate's care and concern, his gentle thoughtfulness, made her all the more sure she had made the right choice. Jake was her muntxatan, her mate for life.
The day's first meal was quick and light, and they found themselves at the cavern's entrance within a few minutes, Jake slipping his arm around her for a warm hug in the cool morning breeze.
"I will go call the ikran," he said. He walked from the cavern entrance to the other side of the pool. Their ikrans had taken a liking to the tree on the other side and were actually building a nest there. Jake's yip to Txur elicited louder cooing and chirring in reply before the ikrans flew down to the pool's edge, one after another. They made contented noises.
Neytiri stepped to her ikran and slowly eased herself up. Her mind felt slightly fuzzy as she commanded her ikran to fly to Hometree, slowly and cautiously. "Let's stay level, " she thought, not wanting any precipitous dives. She flew with Jake for a few hours before returning to Hometree to a very welcoming clan. Those that were still standing, anyway.
When they finally arrived, Jake led the ikrans to the base of the tree to drink and eat scraps from the last night's party. Things were rather quiet and it was well into morning. Some Omatikaya were asleep on the main commons floor inside the tree. "A very good celebration indeed," he thought to himself.
Elsewhere on Pandora...
George was at the Tree of Voices. Attaching his queue, he listened for Grace's voice. When he located it, he called to her. "I am worried Grace that they will not like me, then what will I do?" Grace seemed to reassure him. "They are nice people, my old friend. I am sure they will like you." George spoke again."Ok Grace, I will go." He disconnected his queue and ventured off into the woods, hoping that he would find friends.
Walking through the woods, he noticed tracks he had never seen before. This doesn't look good, he said to himself. He pulled out his knife and continued walking. It started to rain and he started to worry. He had never been out in the field by himself without some type of security following him. He found shelter in a cave and waited for the rain to clear.
* * * * * * * * * *
While they were being greeted by the Omatikaya who were still awake, Neytiri looked off into the forest. She had noticed something while they were flying, but had not pointed it out to Jake who was much farther ahead. Stealthily, she entered the forest. As she grew closer to the object of her attention, she grew even more cautious.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Now where has my mate gone?" Jake looked around but she was not in sight. They were at Hometree, so he wasn't worried. He shrugged and then walked around for a bit on the main area within Hometree's columns. Many were asleep so late into morning they must have been up all night. "I will let them sleep." He thought to himself just how dangerous this could become if some commander other than Greg had taken over at Hell's Gate. A bunch of tired and groggy Na'vi probably would not fare well in a fight. He planned to take this up with his aysam'eyktan later.
Na'vi began to wake up. Mates that had curled up in each others' arms slowly peeled away from their partners. A lot of hands to heads. Women woke up, most retaining more clarity than the men. The cooking fires were re-stoked for a morning meal, though it was actually more of a brunch. Jake sat down on the dais under the new palulukan skull used as decoration in a well lit area.
He placed his mighty bow against the skull. The bow had been the first made from this tree ceremonially. It was very similar to the one Eytukan had given Neytiri as he died. He removed the torso portion of his olo'eyktan clothing and made himself comfortable as he waited for his People to clear their heads. He also waited for his mate, wondering where she had gone.
* * * * * * * * * *
Half an hour later, George heard movement in the brush outside his cave. He jumped up from from a lying position. He poked his head out of the cave and saw another person, a female from the look of her. He was now more scared than ever. He went back into the cave and hoped she hadn't noticed him.
As Neytiri first entered the forest, she was too hasty, breaking twigs, acting almost like Jake, like a baby! Remembering how they'd first me, she smiled. Her mind returning to the present, she became more cautious, her taronyu skills automatically coming to the forefront. She hugged the ground using camouflaging with leaves and shadows, the gloom from the rain helping her do this.
George sensed her getting closer. He pulled out his knife and peeked around the rim of the cave. He had been trained well in martial arts and was not afraid to use them, but at the same time he didn't sense a threat from her. He was confused about how to react to her sudden presence.
She stood suddenly in front of him, bow raised and arrow nocked. "Who are you? You are not of my clan. Why are you invading our territory?" Her words were cold, her eyes like daggers. She eyed his knife and would make sure he couldn't get close enough to her. Jake would never forgive her if she let that happen.
He was startled by her, but he put away his knife and spoke to her in Na'vi "Oeru syaw fko Makto Fa'lihu" (I am called Rides with Horses) Who are you?" His words had the sound of fear in them but his anxiety began to subside.
She lowered her bow and stood firm before him, "I am Neytiri Dis'kahan Mo'at'itey, I am the future tsahìk of my clan. My mate is Toruk Makto, our olo'eyktan. Why have you come to our territory? Which clan do you belong to?"
He was puzzled by her second question, but answered, " I have come to learn your ways. I have lost everything that I called my own. I have lost my family, friends, my home, everything." He started to cry as he thought of all the bad memories of his past. "I do not belong to any clan, but I hope to be accepted somewhere. Somewhere warm and welcoming." He looked at her with tears in his eyes, begging for help.
Neytiri caught his scent. Ketuwong! Eyes flashing to his hands, she saw that he was clearly not Na'vi. He was like Jake, uniltìrantokx. This was disconcerting, but she also sensed no dishonesty in him. She smiled faintly as he opened up to her. He's just like us, she thought. Slinging her bow behind her back, she walked over to him. "My people are a very welcoming and kind clan." She did not touch him, but with a jerk of her head she indicated the direction she'd come from. "Come, I will take you to them." He followed, but not without misgivings. He wasn't sure where this would lead.
Making her way to her clan she recalled her first meeting with Jake, and this allowed her to ease her distrust a little. But only a bit. When she returned some of her friends came to greet her, then eyed the newcomer and backed away. Word spread of them quickly throughout the clan.
George stood at the bottom of Hometree in amazement. For the first time in almost ten years, he felt at peace. He looked around at all the people staring at him. He noticed he had his bandanna on still and he took it off. He also took off his black belt, letting it drop to the ground. He was still nervous but he relaxed slightly after a few moments.
* * * * * * * * * *
Although Jake noticed a commotion at the edge of Hometree with many Na'vi gathering so thickly he could not see through them, he waited on the dais for the news to come to him.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Stand here," she instructed him, pointing to a spot with her bow. "I must inform the olo'eyktan of your arrival." She headed towards the dais as a few aytsamsiyu sidled closer to him, alert for any attempt to escape. "Ma Jake, where are you?" she said trying to spot him over all the other clan members.
Jake remained on the dais, knowing that would be the first place she looked. As he watched, the crowd parted as she passed through. Standing some distance behind her, he saw an unfamiliar figure dressed in tawtute clothing, but much taller. An avatar. He frowned.
She appeared beside him and touched his arm. "Ma oeyä muntxatan, I found this uniltìrantokx in our na'ring. It is strange that our ayeyktan scouts did not notice him. I brought him to await your approval." She pulled him in the direction of the avatar.
"A new find then. Very well. I think I saw him a second ago. Was it wise to bring him here?" Jake took her hand and stood up, then walked with Neytiri.
Well you ended up being a good thing right?" she said with a sidelong glance. "Minus a few things, nevertheless I feel a good energy from him. We shall let Eywa decide whether he shall be accepted into the clan."
"Yes, ultimately this IS her decision. Take me to him."
George stared around the dais mindlessly, like a lost puppy. The people stared at him like eagles after their prey. He still felt a little nervousness, but also at the same time he tried to relax. He had been brought up by the finest instructor in the world. He looked at one area of the tree where people began to retreat, creating an opening. He saw what he believed to be the clan leader. He looked over there for a second and then sat down, weary from a long day of traveling. His feet were tired and his eyes were sore, but already he felt at home here.
Neytiri continued to pull Jake through the mob of other Omatikaya, ignoring their heightened interest and increasing anxiety at this new presence in their environs. She stopped in front of George and gestured to him to stand. She glanced to her right and noticed her mother keeping a watchful eye on the whole situation.
As a leader would, quietly so as not to humiliate his mate, Jake stepped forward and addressed Neytiri in what sounded like an angry tone, though he wasn't angry at all. "Where was he? You were not gone long. Why have you brought him here, my mate?" He circled the new avatar and came back to her side. He offered Neytiri his hand as he glanced at the new avatar. "Is he like me? Or a soldier?"
She grew unhappy with the interrogation, almost as if not trusted. "I thought I saw him as we flew over the na'ring. I don't know what made me bring him here, but then again you were an outsider and look what happened. He is different from my people, just like you were."
In Na'vi, Jake said, "Well, we will see his worth." He turned and addressed the new avatar as he looked him over one last time. "I know you. Don't I? From months ago, I recognize you. I don't recall your name though. Where have you been these four months?"
As George removed his jacket, he screamed in agony as the right sleeve peeled off. He had a long bloody slice on his shoulder and it caused him a lot of pain. He pulled out the bandanna he had been wearing and wrapped it tightly around the wound. He then stood up, next to Neytiri.
"You are injured, nantang most likely. We will get that healed soon. Where do you come from?" Jake said, motioning for one of the clan's young warriors to get some dressings for the wound.
"Mawey, ma Toruk Makto. Oeru syaw fko Makto Fa'lihu (Calm Toruk Makto, I am called Rides with Horses). Yes, I recognize you. I used to work with Grace Augustine, and I must say, it is nice to be standing here amongst the People. I hope I can serve well here. He bowed respectfully to Jake and felt calm. He spoke again in Na'vi...'awve ultxari ohengenä, nawma sa'nok lrrtok sivieyi (May the Great Mother Smile upon our first meeting).
"Srane, we will see your worth after you go through the training that I and all of the other Omatikaya avatars have. I am sure you will. You survived a very long journey to get here after all, in wild lands."
Jake turned to Neytiri. "Choose his teacher, my mate," he said, taking her hand. "You are great at choosing." He remembered Norm's face as he was assigned to Peyral. Norm knew just how much of a warrior Peyral was and he was actually scared. If he had to admit it, Jake himself was scared for a little while at first too. Nevertheless, he passed all tests with flying colors. "Your wounds will be treated and you will be given..." Jake looked him up and down once more, "...proper attire. Your training starts this evening with the Na'vi Neytiri chooses, and tomorrow you will join us at Hell's Gate."
George bowed his head to Jake, and then said, Oeru txoa livu (Please Forgive me) on my appearance. If she had not found me, I would probably be dead now." He looked at her and bowed his head respectfully.
Neytiri eyed the newcomer, smiling slightly. He reminded her of Jake's arrival. "Skxawng," she muttered, recalling their first encounter. She glanced to her right she noticed Peyral being stiff and defensive as usual. "This man means us no harm Peyral, you may relax. "
Embarrassed, Peyral avoided eye contact with Neytiri, though she acknowledged her words. She turned and walked off in search of Norm. Neytiri chirped at her good friend Ts'akrrtep, who then approached them.
Ts'akrrtep had trained with Neytiri whilst preparing for their trip to Iknimaya. Ts'akrrtep had her hair tightly braided but only down the center of her head, the rest of her hair lay flat. She was slightly taller than Neytiri, and had better muscle tone. She wore a feather piece to cover her bare athletic breasts and a cloth covered her loins.
She eyed the newcomer and her ears dropped. She pulled Neytiri aside and began to protest until Neytiri smacked the side of her head, like she did whilst training Jake. Ts'akrrtep groaned in response; but she had a very tough exterior and her attitude matched it perfectly as she glared at the newcomer.
Having settled the matter, Neytiri returned to Jake, laughing slightly as she grabbed his hand, "If you thought Peyral or I were tough, Ts'akrrtep is a whole other story," she whispered to him. UAH!