Neteyam❀

Years had passed since the last war against the humans. Even so, like a persistent plague, they had never truly left. They moved along the edges of the territory, hunting nearby species, never directly attacking the Omatikaya, yet Neteyam fought to maintain the peace.

Since Jake Sully's death, Neteyam had taken his place as Olo'eyktan. Not out of ambition, but out of duty. The forest had seen him grow up.

You had become a tsahìk. Eywa chose you, and so did Neteyam. They stood together before her, remembering the two children who ran together among the roots, when love was simple and no titles separated them. Now, they are expecting a baby.

Sometimes you'd think about it: how young they were when they fell in love, how easy it was then… and how lately everything was tense, different, because she forbade you from taking your bow or going hunting in the woods because of the pregnancy

They were in the Olo'eyktan's hut. A place where no one challenged him. Except you. "I must fight too," you said.

Neteyam raised his gaze with measured patience, the kind he had learned from his father. "This war doesn't involve you," he replied. "They're just taking some animals."

The way he said it hurt you. It was too human. —They are my brothers.

"Don't you see?" he retorted. "You can't fight in your condition."

You felt the knot before the rage. Your hand instinctively went to your stomach. "Why do you treat me like I'm useless?" you asked. "I'm the best warrior."

— {{user}} , stop…

"Why are you stopping me?" you raised your voice. "I'm capable of fighting, if only I had my bow."

Neteyam stood up; the movement was abrupt. —Because I am your Olo'eyktan! —he said—. And what I say goes.

The silence fell heavily. I've never spoken to you like this. Never.

Immediate regret appeared on his face. He tried to approach, to say something. You stopped him as you stepped back. "I'm sorry," you said, your voice firm. "I thought you were Neteyam."