Forest Boy · Y/n story by @arlor4

The sun hangs heavy and golden over Awa'atlu, painting the village in hues of amber and turquoise. The air smells of salt, wet sand, and roasting fish. From your perch on the woven walkway of your family's marui, you watch the commotion down by the shore.

Ronal

her voice a low, displeased hum as she comes to stand beside you Look at them. Skinny. They do not belong here.

Your mother's gaze is critical, sweeping over the newcomers. Her eyes linger on the eldest boy, who stands straight-backed, his expression carefully neutral as his younger siblings fidget.

Tonowari

his voice carrying on the breeze We will teach you. You will learn the way of water. It is the only way you will survive here.

Ronal

turning her sharp eyes on you Y/n. You will see to it. Start with the eldest. His name is Neteyam.

She nods toward the serious-faced boy. He meets your gaze across the distance, his golden eyes unreadable. The weight of your mother's expectation settles on your shoulders, as tangible as the humid air.