Chapter Text
Sotari could feel irritation bubbling within her as the joyous laughter of the youngest Sully child echoed through the air. The little girl was carelessly skipping her way through the village, a large grin on her face as she gasped at the ocean and its creatures. Tsireya beckoned for the forest family to continue following in their footsteps. Since they had been forced to show the newcomers where they would be staying, Sotari hadn't spoken a word.
She had the intention of going out to hunt, and leaving the tour up to Tsireya, but one hard look from mother quickly changed her plans.
"Just up here," Tyseria smiled, momentarily glancing at her sister and noting the way her lips fell into a scowl. It wasn't long before they reached an empty Marui. It hung like a woven basket that hovered over the crystal water, and the walls were threaded with vines that allowed the sun to poke through.
"This is for you, your new home."
Sotari watched as the forest family skeptically eyed the area, basic necessities clutched in their grasp. Jake Sully sighed and gave a curt nod, his broad shoulders dropping in exhaustion.
"Yeah, this'll work. This is great." He swallowed hard before turning to stare at his wife.
"It's nice, right?" He tried. The woman was silent, but her lips parted in disbelief, and her yellow eyes narrowed into slits before she carelessly dropped the rolled hammock in her arms. It hit the ground with a loud thud.
A bit of anger flared within Sotari, and she felt the need to defend her home harder than necessary. She bit her tongue, but she was sure that the expression on her face said it all.
"If you need anything, my sister and i will be happy to help." Tsireya said. Sotari heard someone mutter a small thank you, but she had already turned and strode away, and didn't care enough to find out who had said it. Her arms swung by her side as she moved between the villagers and made her way towards the shore, picking up her pace as she neared the water. She dove head first, a smooth gust of wind blowing against her skin before she crashed in the chilled water. It made her tense for a moment, but her tail pulsed behind her and allowed her to weave against the current.
A few stumps of coral were glowing faintly, small fishes swarming them. She pushed onward, nearing the edge of the reef. There was a rule to never go past the reef and out into the open ocean alone. It was far too dangerous. Especially for the children.
Thankfully, there was a natural barrier that protected many against the currents or large predators that wondered close, but still, it wasn't impossible to maneuver around it. Because of that, there were markers made of thin wood and dyed wire to warn the people of where the rough waters began.
Sotari's eyes fixed on a column of mangroves, noting the marker that had been tied around it had loosened. She reached forward, wrapping the wire around her fingers and yanking hard to keep it secure.
She located the next marker and did the same, making sure they were tight enough and wouldn't float away. She eventually lost track of time, and the sun was beginning to tuck itself behind the horizon. Hearing a splash against the surface, she craned her neck to see the silhouette of two Na'vi on their Ilu. The Metkayina girl pushed herself off the sandy floor to reach the surface.
"What are you doing?" Ao'nung asked, tilting his head. She immediately rolled her eyes.
"I am doing the task that father asked of you three days ago."
Rotxo snickered, and she shot him a glare as well, though it held no real anger behind it.
"You are not supposed to work this deep all alone." Ao'nung continued. She paused, why was he lecturing her? As if she didn't know how to handle herself? She knew he was just teasing her and trying to get under her skin.
Unfortunately for her, she was very easy to rile up.
"I know where i am and the currents are weak. The marker was falling and i fixed it. Besides, i've finished now, so it does not matter."
"It is mealtime, anyways." Rotxo reminded, and her eyes flicked back to the shore. She could make out the families headed to the shared eating area. Suddenly, her stomach began to ache, and she was reminded of how hungry she was.
"Better hurry before those forest freaks eat everything." Ao'nung snickered. Sotari's jaw tightened and a weak hiss left her mouth.
"They do not belong here."
"Of course not. . . What do you suggest we do about it? We can always make sure that they do not get comfortable." He gave a shrug. Rotxo snorted and shook his head, and Sotari smacked him on the arm.
"Skxawng. We are not here to play games with them. Do not make my job harder than it already is." She said disapprovingly. Though she wasn't opposed to the idea, she wasn't exactly wanting to deal with the consequences given by their parents. Ao'nung was always causing trouble, but for some reason— she was always being scolded for it.
"And what is your job exactly?" Rotxo pressed.
"To keep you all out of trouble." She sneered before clicking her tongue and smacking her palm against the surface of the water. It wasn't long before an Ilu swam up to meet her, and she was quick to mount the creature and mend her Kuru with his.
"Now, come. Before they realize we have been gone."
๑
The air was thick with the sound of chatter and the smell of cooked fish and seaweed. By the time they reached the communal area, her head was pounding and her stomach was aching. She was quick to slide off of her Ilu and make her way to the gathering. She wove through the different families, noting that food had already been passed around. Sotari could feel numerous pairs of eyes burning into her, but she ignored them and made her way to her usual seat, beside her mother and father. Seeing the leaf plate that had already been made for her, she frowned.
"You are late." The Tsahik did not meet her daughters eyes. Sotari quickly sat down, a deep sigh leaving her lips.
"I know." She picked at the meal in front of her. "I lost track of time."
Tonowari shook his head and spared her a glance. "We will talk later. But for now, eat."
She did as told, shoveling the food into her mouth and curing her appetite. When she glanced at the empty seat beside her, she frowned and realized that Tsireya was no where to be seen. Her ears flicked back, and she scanned the area.
"Where is Tsireya?"
She followed her mothers gaze to small group of Na'vi, who were teasing and laughing with each other. Tsireya sat with them, her smile so big that dimples pressed against her cheeks.
It wasn't entirely unusual that the younger girl would eat with other families. She was far more social than Sotari, who always preferred to take place beside her mother and father. The elder sister didn't have many friends. Maybe it was because she fit in better with the adults. Or maybe it was just the desire to feel depended on if needed.
Either way, she always took place beside them, and she wasn't planning on changing that.
Sotari said nothing, taking another mouthful of food and savoring the flavor. It wasn't long before she finished her serving, and she was craving more, but knew there wasn't enough leftover. Seeing her parents were still eating, she stayed put, her hands in her lap as her gaze casually flicked across the dining area.
Suddenly, she froze as she felt a sharp gaze cutting holes into the side of her head. She felt her chest tighten, and craned her neck to find the Na'vi.
Her eyes met with the eldest forest boy, Neteyam. He sat with his head hung low, forearms resting on his knees. His expression was unreadable, and Sotari narrowed her eyes. He looked away almost immediately— now engaging in conversation with his brother, Lo'ak.
How long had he been staring?
No. It didn't matter because she didn't care. She didn't care about him, or his family, or the war that they fled from. All that mattered was her staying focused and doing what was asked of her.
Her jaw tightened and she turned away.
By the time the chatter started to fade, Sotari had excused herself and left the gathering without looking back.
Never realizing that Neteyam Sully was watching her every step.