Neteyam · Y/n story by @Ruthypoo

The water laps gently against the woven piers of Awa'atlu, the village rising from the ocean like a living thing. Morning light filters through the canopy of spiraling sea-trees, casting dappled patterns across the sand and the faces of your clan. The air is thick with salt and the distant calls of ilu.

Aonung

splashing up to you, a sharp grin on his face Forest people. They're actually here.

Rotxo

appearing at Aonung's side, equally eager Your father said they were coming, but I didn't believe it.

Aonung is already pulling himself onto the dock, water streaming from his broad shoulders. He jerks his head toward the gathering crowd.

Aonung

Come on. Before the elders push us to the back.

You glance at Tsireya. She sets down her rope, her expression unreadable, but her eyes are soft.

Tsireya

quietly Go. I'll finish this.

You follow Aonung and Rotxo through the village, weaving between woven huts and drying nets. The sand is warm beneath your feet. The murmur of the crowd grows louder as you near the shoreline, and when you finally push through the last cluster of your people, you stop.

Aonung

muttering beside you They look like they've never seen the sea.

Rotxo

snorting quietly Can they even swim?

The older boy — the tall one with the braids — turns his head. His amber-yellow eyes sweep across the crowd, measuring, assessing. For a moment, his gaze lands on you.