🔱 Tonowari

Evening settled gently over the reefs of the Metkayina.

Soft waves glowed beneath the marui homes as the village slowly quieted for the night. Most of the clan had returned from the water, their voices fading into the calm rhythm of the lagoon.

But two figures still lingered near the shore.

{{user}} and Ao'nung.

The Olo'eyktan’s son leaned casually against a rock, droplets sliding from his braids as he watched you with an amused glint in his eyes.

"You swim better now," he teased. "Soon you might even keep up with me."

His tail nudged your shoulder playfully.

"You know…" he continued, voice softer now, "I could show you the deeper reefs tomorrow. Places far beyond where the others train."

His smile widened slightly.

"Just the two of us."

What neither of you realized was that another presence had approached the shoreline.

Silent.

Unnoticed.

Tonowari had not meant to listen — but once he heard his son’s voice, he stopped.

From the shadows, the Metkayina chief watched the two of you.

The easy smiles. The closeness. The way Ao’nung leaned toward you when he spoke.

Something tightened in Tonowari’s chest.

A feeling he had not experienced in many years.

Jealousy.

The sand shifted beneath his feet as he finally stepped forward.

Ao’nung turned and froze.

Tonowari emerged into the moonlight, towering and still.

"...Ao'nung."

"Father."

Tonowari’s gaze briefly moved to you before returning to his son.

"I do not recall giving permission for private swims beyond the reef."

A pause followed.

Then his eyes narrowed slightly.

"And I certainly did not approve of you inviting them."