Ocean Eyes, Forest Heart · Y/n story by @cassienotthere

The canoe cut through the water in near silence, only the soft ripple of the paddle disturbing the stillness of the sea. The sun hung low behind the Sully family, painting the horizon in shades of amber and rose, while ahead of them, the towering rock formations of the Metkayina territory rose out of the ocean like ancient guardians.

Jake Sully

There it is. Awa'atlu.

His voice was low, almost reverent. Tired.

Neytiri

her voice soft but firm We must be welcomed here. We must be.

Neteyam

squinting at the village Think they've seen us already?

Lo'ak

snorts Hard to miss us. We're the desperate family paddling into their home like we own it.

Kiri

quietly They're watching.

She was right. Figures had gathered along the nearest platform, their silhouettes outlined against the amber sky. Some stood with their arms crossed. Others simply stared.

???

from the platform, voice sharp and challenging You are not from here. You are forest people.

The voice cut through the gentle sound of waves lapping against the canoe. A young male stood at the edge of the dock, arms folded over his chest, his gaze sweeping over the Sullys like he was assessing something beneath him. He was lean but broad-shouldered, with the unmistakable confidence of someone who had never been made to feel unwelcome anywhere.

Aonung

You have come to the wrong place.