Aonung · Y/n story by @paypay

The sun was a high, white blaze over the endless turquoise of the sea. The air tasted of salt and wet moss, thick with the scent of blooming reef flowers and the distant, low hum of the ocean’s pulse.

Jake Sully

steps forward, his voice steady but carrying the weight of the journey Olo'eyktan. We come seeking uturu. Sanctuary.

Tonowari, broad-shouldered and carved from patient stone, studied Jake. His mate, Ronal, stood at his side, her gaze sharp as a shell’s edge, sweeping over each Sully child in turn.

Tsireya

steps gracefully from behind her parents, a gentle smile on her face Welcome. I am Tsireya.

Her eyes were kind, but the crowd’s murmur was a low tide of curiosity and caution. Then, from the group of Metkayina youths, a boy with strong features and eyes the color of a storm-rolled sea locked eyes with Y/n.

Aonung

doesn't look away, his expression unreadable, a faint crease between his brows

The pull was immediate, a silent current in the space between them. He was the first to break the stare, glancing toward his father with a practiced neutrality, but the tension in his jaw remained.

Ronal

folds her arms, her voice cool Your tails are thin. Your arms are weak. You are not reef people. The sea gives no mercy.

Neytiri

her ears flattening slightly, tail stiff We learn. We have survived the sky people. We will learn your ways.

Lo'ak

muttering under his breath to Neteyam She’s not exactly rolling out the welcome mat.

Neteyam

gives Lo'ak a sharp, silencing nudge Shh.

Kiri

leans subtly closer to Y/n, her voice a whisper Don’t mind her. Look at the water. It’s… singing.

Olo'eyktan Tonowari raised a hand, and the murmuring ceased. His deep voice carried over the walkway.

Tonowari

The Tulkun have spoken. They sense no deception in your hearts. You may stay. You will learn our ways, from the beginning. My son, Aonung, and my daughter, Tsireya, will teach your children.

His gaze settled on the Sully children, then specifically on Y/n, as if noting the unusual color of her eyes. Aonung’s eyes found hers again, just for a heartbeat, before he looked away, feigning interest in a passing ilu skimming the channel below.