When They Agreed

"Absolutely not!"

The smile on his lips died. "No? What? Why?"

"W- what do you mean, why?" she implored. "I should be the one asking you that! What is this about, Aonung? You have to explain yourself! You can't just-"

"Hey, hey, okay," he tried to sooth, as she turned upset. "I'm sorry! You're right." He was already messing up, forgetting everything he and Lo'ak had practiced beforehand. "Will you at least give me the chance to explain?"

Ayelýn scoffed in disbelief.

What in the Great Mother's mighty name was happening?

"Ayelýn."

Out of habit, she nervously tugged at her tail, staring at him with no response. Lýn wanted nothing more than to desert their present conversation. She was uncomfortable and trying very hard to stay respectful. For the fifth time, she had to mentally remind herself she was talking to her future chief. Cursing him out would not bode well.

"Lýn?" he called again.

Reluctantly nodding, she agreed to hear him out. "Okay."

His shoulders slumped in relief. "Okay."

"So," she said lamely. "I'm sensing there's a story here?"

"A tiring one, yes," he agreed, turning away and plonking himself on a mat around her family's tiny crafted table. 

Ayelýn watched dumbly as Aonung made himself comfortable- body sprawled in a lounged position that showed off his- well his everything. Abs, thighs, chest- arms that held him up as he leaned against them.

Eywa, the man was large!

He patted the space beside him expectantly, and she complied, but not without a dramatic huff.

"I need your help. More specifically... I need a courting partner," he started. "I've been instructed by my parents to find one."

"And your first thought was me?" she snorted, thinking this was all some kind of cruel joke.

"Not exactly," he replied with a chuckle that seemed more sad than amused.

She fidgeted as he launched into his story, telling her everything from his parents' expectations, to his elaborate plan that heavily relied and involved her... Technically she was right. He didn't exactly want court... he only wanted her to pretend.

And when he was finished, Lýn was just as confused and no less convinced. "Your story is sad and all but I'm sorry, I-"

"It'd be for a short while, Ayelýn. Just long enough that it seems real."

"Real?" she frowned. "Alright, let's say we did... We'd make that happen how exactly? Have you noticed we can't have a single conversation without breaking out into an argument?"

"That's not fucking true. I-"

At her pointed look, he bit his tongue. "Ayelýn, all I'm asking is for you to show up to a couple feasts and ceremonies with me, maybe hold my hand or kiss my cheek, bat your eyelashes and pretend that we-"

"Are in love?"

"Like each other," he bit out. "Just enough to get my parents off my tail."

"Why me?"

"Why not you?" he tried to tease, but she wasn't impressed.

"Will you stop behaving as if this is no big ask and be serious for once?! You came to me of all people to help you. Why? I'm sure you have a slew of women who'd be more than willing to play pretend with you, Aonung. There are rumors you know? About you and- and your-"

His lips quirked, entertained at how flush she was suddenly getting. Her blush was fucking adorable. "My what, gorgeous? Go on, you can say it," he taunted. "I believe in you."

The stinging smack against his chest in retaliation was well deserved, and it was taking everything within him to not burst out into laughter at her expression when she realized what she'd done.

"Again I say, you are such a child!" she seethed, too caught up to apologize to her future chief for her violence. The man was ridiculous!

"Me? You're the one that can't say the word, co-"

"Your playmates, Aonung!" she belted. "I don't know what you were thinking, but I was going to say playmates."

The smug skxawng had the audacity to look disappointed that she hadn't said what he was actually thinking.

"And judging by just how many rumors I've heard, I'm sure they are very true!" she continued. "Just look at you!" she emphasized, moving her hand up and down towards his body.

"Aw thanks, gorgeous. You think I'm attractive?"

"Aonung!"

"What does it matter?" He was getting slightly annoyed now. He was so used to getting his way with women. Why was she making this so difficult? Truthfully he knew she wouldn't agree straight away, but he didn't think it'd take this much to convince her.

"It matters to me, you skxawng!" Her tail thrashed behind her, irritated and itching to whip him again. "I'm not stupid... I'm from Keftxo and not- not Awa'atlu."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"Oh we're pretending already, are we?" she asked sarcastically. "Have you thought this through enough? Who's going to believe that you choose me out of all the options you have? I've got nothing, Aonung! Nothing! I'm from Keftxo. I have no status, no achievements-" she listed, gesturing to her body that bore no tattoos of any significance besides the small one for completing her coming into adulthood rites. "I'm a scrubber for Eywa sake! Who's going to believe that you'd want me as your future mate, because I sure won't!"

He leaned into her personal space, arms practically trapping her as one rested on the table and the other on the floor- brushing her folded knee. "You sure don't think very highly of yourself, do you, gorgeous?"

"That's not-"

"I promise you that the reason I picked you has nothing to do with you being from Keftxo, and certainly nothing to do with your status."

She licked her lips and he caught the action. "Why then?"

"Because for some strange reason, you're immune to my charm. You didn't even like the tongue thing I did," he said, sounding almost disappointed. "They all like that."

"Stop."

"Say yes."

"No."

"If I wanted another woman, I'd have done so. But I didn't... I want you."

That had no right sounding the way it sounded.

"Aonung..." her tone was warning.

"Ayelýn."

"People will talk."

"Let them. Their opinions mean nothing to me."

"What about what it means to me?"

"You don't care what people think."

"You don't know me!"

"Then I'll get to."

"I'll get on your nerves."

"Oh, I'm counting on it."

"You'll get on mine."

"Can't be helped but I'll work on it."

"I might stifle you in your sleep."

He grinned. "Already thinking of us sleeping together, are we? Naughty, naughty, Ayelýn."

"Aonung." She tried to push him backwards needing space- and air to think. Eywa, he smelled good.

The bastard didn't budge though. He was doing a weird pleading thing with his face that made her tummy give a little swoop. Ayelýn groaned and slumped forward, forehead smacking against one very firm pectoral... She felt her resolve slipping.

Maybe she wasn't as immune as he'd said.

She straightened up when she felt the vibrations of his chuckles. "This is an awful lot you're expecting from me... It might sound selfish but what exactly do I get out of it?"

"What do you want?"

Ayelýn nibbled on the edge of her thumb. Given the sudden rare opportunity, there was one thing she really wanted, but it seemed too big a thing to ask.

"The entire thing is insane, you do know that right?" she complained instead, backtracking again. She couldn't even believe she was actually considering it either.

"What else am I supposed to do?"

"I don't know, have you tried being honest with your parents?"

"No. I really haven't. I won't either," he replied candidly.

"So you'd rather lie to them? You'd rather create this whole scheme- this... this ruse-"

"Yes," he said firmly, cutting her off. "Ayelýn, please... This is my only option at the moment."

Silence descended between them. He stared at her while she studied him. Desperate eyes dancing with searching ones. 

"You're good at this, you know, convincing me to do things that I damn well know is going to end in disaster."

That cocky smirk began to grow across his lips. "Well, you kn-"

"Don't speak. Or you'll ruin everything."

He pressed his lips together, unable to hide his amusement. The skxawng knew he'd won.

'When have you ever done anything daring?' her mind mocked as she ran through possible scenarios of how badly this could all end.

"Okay," she decided after her silent moment of deliberation. "Okay, I'll help you."

Aonung opened his mouth to speak but she cut him off before he could, index finger sternly pointed up at him.

"But! I reserve full right to end this whenever I want to... If it's too uncomfortable or- or too much."

"Deal."

"And, only if my parents agree with your request to formally court me... As much as I hate this- lying to them- they can't know the truth either."

He was a little less confident about that aspect- only because her father didn't appear to think much of him- but he nodded anyway.

"Easy. Double deal."

Ayelýn eyed his outstretched arm warily for a beat too long, then clasped it with hers- the size difference drastically noticeable since his swallowed hers entirely.

"Double deal," she repeated.

~

The rest of the afternoon passed in a world wind.

Right after they'd made their deal, Lýn's family had shown up- evidently too eager to stay away any longer and Aonung was invited for dinner the moment he tried to apologize for overstaying his welcome.

While he and Aldurf- Lýn's father, engaged in awkward small talk that was thankfully interrupted by an excited Kaiiff, Ayelýn helped her mother prepare a simple spread consisting of spicy, roasted fishtails, a fragrant seaweed and tslikllte broth and some leftover nectar dipped fruit.

Throughout their meal, Bwena blushed profusely and flicked her wrist in an "oh stop" motion, every time Aonung complimented her.

He praised cooking skills after tasting each dish offered to him and Ayelýn had to force herself to stop rolling her eyes at each flattering remark given. Especially the ones when he admired her mother's grand tapestry that had taken her many moons to complete. 

Kaiiff, on the other hand, bombarded their visitor with question after question. "Do you have your own spear?" the eight year old asked after a big gulp of broth. "Did you craft it yourself?" He wiped his mouth messily and pointed. "What's this tattoo for?" He listened intently as Aonung explained, then, "Oh and that one? And what about the one on your calf?" 

Aonung thankfully took it all in stride, delving into tales of his adventures in the far oceans when he'd been asked, "Did you really defeat an akula on your own? I heard a rumor that you did." He grinned at the wide-eyed, awed expression on the youngling's face that so reminded him of his own little brother.

To Ayelýn however, it was incredibly annoying how quickly her family became besotted with the skxawng. Thankfully she could rely on her father to show some sort of emotion other than instant acceptance.

Aldurf didn't glare per say, but sat back quietly while everyone spoke, staring at their guest with uncertainty. And by the time their stomachs were filled, the sound of her father clearing his throat lulled their chatter- future Olo'eyktan included.

"Kaiiff, go play."

The little boy pouted at being dismissed, but got up anyway, taking a long piece of driftwood with him. He'd apparently been trying to whittle it into a spear all week.

"So," Lýn's father started, gaze trained on Aonung who shifted nervously. "What brings you to our home, son of Tonowari? What makes you seek out my only daughter?"

"Well I-" Aonung was suddenly anxious. When did that ever happen to him? "I was hoping to get to know your daughter, sir... with your permission of course."

When Aldurf made no effort to respond, Aonung glanced at Ayelýn who rolled her eyes at his silent plea for help.

Taking pity, she gestured to the man sitting beside her. "Sempul, the skxawng said he intends to court me."

"Gorgeous!" Aonung chastised, the nickname rolling naturally from his lips as a whispered hiss. "You can't call me that in front of your parents."

"Then you can't call me that either."

"Not happening."

"Then skxawng it is," she smiled.

"Wow..." He stared. "You should do that more often."

Her smile dropped. "Do what?"

"Smile. I like it. It's pretty. Do it again."

"I only smile with people I like."

"Ouch, and here I thought you liked me plenty."

"Shut. Up."

"Never."

The clearing of a throat had them straightening up as though chastised- both reminded that the same thing had happened once before.

Bwena was grinning so wide, she appeared giddy while Aldurf finally seemed more at ease- more his usual relaxed self. Obviously they saw something Lýn didn't.

Disappointed by her parent's reactions, Ayelýn knew it wouldn't take much for them to agree to Aonung's request.

She guessed she was going through with this facade after all.

~

A week later, Ayelýn was slowly placing the length of the beach near Aonung's private hideaway. It would be the first time they saw each other since he'd approached her with this wild idea and she'd be lying if she said she wasn't nervous.

The loud shriek of a skimwing alerted her of Aonung's arrival. His water beast coasted expertly, finned wings causing large rippled waves before the future chief was soon lurched and landing on the sand with grace.

"Show off!" Ayelýn called out in greeting, causing him to grin. "Skxawng, you're late."

"Only a little. I got back from my hu-" When he'd closed the distance between them and had finally seen her properly, his words got stuck in his throat, causing him to choke.

"You, alright there?"

"Fine, mm," he croaked, knocking his chest with his knuckles. "You-" He coughed and tried again. "I like your- you look beautiful."

"Oh... Thank you."

Ayelýn had put some effort into her appearance for tonight's plans. Hair tamed with a salt and sweet scented herbed balm, Lýn's natural curls fell above her waist, shiny and defined. She wore her best top- an intricate creation she'd made with brightly coloured coral that was delicately woven. Her flowy tweng had detailed braided cords and beads along the edge and she'd borrowed her mother's neck piece which glittered with rare stones her father had traded for many years ago.

"Well uh, let's go. We really are late."

"Wait, wait!" She hurriedly grabbed his hand. "Shouldn't we discuss this first?" At his confused expression, she huffed. "What are the rules? The plan?"

"Rules. Can't we just go with the flow?"

"Aonung, this will be the first time anyone sees us together. Your friends are going to be at this feast... your family."

Aonung tracked her expressions. "You're nervous," he concluded, feeling like a dick. He pulled her closer with the hand she was already clutching. "Alright. Tell me what you need to know."

He felt pleased from her grateful sigh of relief, and listened intently as she began to explain herself. At some point, whilst she rambled on, listing her rules of do's and don'ts and definitely no kissing, Aonung unconsciously zoned her out.  

Because Eywa... He couldn't stop staring at her.

~

Awa'atlu was an explosion of festivity.

Ayelýn had been to her fair share of feasts and celebrations at other neighboring villages, but this would be her first one at Awa'atlu. Everything in the main village was bigger, grander... And tonight was no exception.

The beach was packed, all in the name of celebrating the first harvest of the new moons. Lit torches along the shore glowed brightly in contrast with the dark sky and sea. And past the dancing bodies that moved to the thundering beats of massive drums was an archway- it was majestic, thick mangrove roots twisting and connecting, leading to an enormous communal space.

Lýn kept hold of Aonung's hand as they made their way through a throng of clan members. Bows and signs of respect followed them with every step- along with whispers and stares of curiosity.

When they approached the feast area, Aonung squeezed her hand. "Fuck."

"What's wrong?" she asked, tilting her head upward to catch his expression, finding it closed off. 

Instead of responding, he changed the direction they'd been going in and Ayelýn quickly caught on.

They'd been summoned.

She didn't think it'd be this soon.

Ahead of them sat a line of regally adorned Na'vi. The council. And seated directly in the middle of that row was none other than Tonowari and Ronal.

Growing up, Lýn had seen the clan leaders from afar on a rare couple occasions, but this would be her first interaction with them.

At the impressive sight of Tonowari, she silently chastised herself for not figuring out who Aonung was sooner. Just like his son, the chief was a beast of a man- and even seated, Lýn felt small in comparison. 

Both she and Aonung bent with respectful greetings toward the Olo'eyktan and Tsahìk. The act meant the loss of Aonung's grip, a comfort Ayelýn instantly missed. He'd gone completely ridged beside her, thus causing her anxiety to spike.

"Late again, Aonung," his mother voiced, tersely and although her words were directed to her son, her attention was trained on his female companion.

"Apologies, sa'nok."

"Who is your friend?" his father asked.

"I am Ayelýn," Lýn said. "It is an honor to meet you, Olo'eyktan. Tsahìk."

Tonowari was kind enough to politely return her greeting, but Ronal's gaze only intensified.

Ayelýn knew Ronal's stare was meant to intimidate, and she'd have cowered at any other time, but somehow a surge of boldness took over. She did not back down, did not break the fierce eye contact until Ronal blinked and bared a hint of a smile that conveyed her intrigue.

"Ayelýn... I'm assuming this is your mysterious courtship partner?" Tonowari questioned, and before his son could answer, the chief was addressing Lýn. "Aonung has told us too little about you. It is good to put a name and a face to Aonung's stories. I was beginning to think you didn't exist," the chief said, and though Lýn knew it was a joke, she tensed at the tone of his words.

Sending a fleeting glance to her pretend partner, she caught the irritated tick of his jaw. The tension was glaringly extreme, so Lýn tried to break it with a chuckle that came out more shaky than amused.

"It's my fault for that actually, " she lied, addressing the chief. "I wasn't quite ready to take the next step. I'm grateful Aonung has been so patient with me."

Her fingers reach out to tangle with Aonung's as she ignored his burning stare.

"Is that so?" Tonowari asked intriguingly. His gaze found her village's beads. "How is it that you two met? I didn't realize that Keftxo held your interest, son."

Head still bowed, a cloud of growing rage appeared on Aonung's face and as his lips parted to speak, Lýn quickly cut in again.

"That would be my fault too, Ma Olo'eyktan," she laughed- more believable this time. "How we met is quite the story. You see I had narrowly escaped a dangerous riptide. My canoe got caught on some rocks and thankfully it washed up near here. Seeing that I've never been to Awa'atlu, Aonung was kind enough to take care of me... He was quite charming, and well... here we are."

Careful with her explanation, she made sure not to be specific about their timeline. As far as his parents thought, they'd been secretly together for months.

"Here we are." Tonowari gave an impressed, hum. "Well. I'm pleased to see that he's finally settling down. And to you Ayelýn, welcome. I hope we see more of you. Aonung, we shall speak later," he said, dismissing them. "Go on. Enjoy the celebrations."

Later on and after she'd been briefly introduced to Aonung's rowdy group of friends who gestured approvingly at her in the way men usually did with each other over a woman, the pair settled amongst them to enjoy the feast.

Away from the leaders of her clan, Lýn finally relaxed somewhat- shoulders slumping as pent up tension slowly left her body.

Uncaring of the stares, she awkwardly shuffled closer to Aonung, leaning against his side as if it were natural- and after a while of them both figuring out what worked- it did... feel natural.

She felt his breath tickle her hair as his shoulders shook.

"Are you sniffing me?"

"No!" she lied. Then, "Fine, yes. Only a little," she whispered back. "I'm stressed and your scent is annoyingly comforting," she huffed.

Instead of teasing her for her comment like he'd usually do, he tugged her closer, one large palm curling across her hip. And sure it might have all been for show, but some small part of him fluttered happily at the feeling of him being her comfort.

"Eywa. I think I feel my heart in my throat," she mumbled. "Do you think your parents bought it? It felt like they saw straight through me!"

"You did good," he mumbled in praise against her temple. "Far better than I did... My mother likes you."

"Really?" she snorted, peering up at him, dubiously. "How could you possibly tell? She said not one word to me and glared the entire time, you skxawng."

Aonung shrugged. "She smiled. She doesn't do that with just anyone." He snickered as if realizing something.

"What?"

"Seems like you and my mother have something in common."

"Mm... Aonung," she said gently, shifting a tad closer so they wouldn't be overheard. "Is it always like that? With them," she clarified.

His tongue poked the inside of his cheek and he shook his head. "Not always. They're not very happy with me right now, is all."

"Why?" she frowned. "Because of the courtship?"

"A little bit... My parents don't love it when I rebel against the life they intend me to be living." He smirked in faux amusement. "Unfortunately, I am a stubborn disappointment and I just can't help myself."

Ayelýn didn't find any humor in his words, she felt sympathy if anything. "How would you like to live your life?"

Aonung blinked in surprise. No one had ever asked him that question. "I'm still figuring it out," he whispered honestly.

A high pitched whistle and bang of a drum interrupted their moment.

Everyone's attention fell on Tonowari who stood before them. His voice was resonant as he greeted them and his speech was beautiful and full of praise for his people.

Then, after Ronal led the clan in a chanting, melodic prayer, they feasted.

Aonung begrudgingly untangled himself from her when the food arrived. "Are you hungry?"

From the lavish spread they were sharing with others around them, he dished out her meal for her, adding more and more despite her feeble protests.

"That's way too much, Aonung!" she laughed, tugging at his arm and wrist to stop him from putting another serving. "I can't possibly finish all of that."

"Then I'll finish what you can't," he responded easily, swiping a slice of fish from her leaf and licking the juice from his fingertips.

It didn't take long after that for them both to start bickering.

And, so lost in the moment between the two of them, when Ayelýn finally glanced around- if she thought people were staring before, they most certainly were now.

Even Rotox was peering at them in surprise. Catching himself, he smiled at her and engaged her in small talk, making her feel welcomed.

Midway through their meal, they were interrupted by two newcomers.

An omaticaya male who Ayelýn figured was none other than Lo'ak- gave her a knowing smirk as Aonung introduced her to his sister.

"I thought you were finally done with this, foolishness," Tsireya chidingly whispered to him sometime later, while Lo'ak and Ayelýn were in the middle of a heated debate about the tastiest part of a fish.

"Reya-"

"You promised you'd try."

"And I am." He gave her a meaningful look.

"Oh... So, she- Ayelýn's the one you said you found then? The one you told us about?"

Aonung felt a stab of guilt for lying to his sister. He nodded.

"I owe you an apology then," she sighed. "I thought you lied... and that she was just another plaything of yours."

"She's definitely not."

Tsireya smiled. "Good. Because I like her."

They both watched as a fiery Ayelýn and Lo'ak continued to argue their points- each trying to get poor Rotxo to take a side.

"Me too," Aonung agreed.

~

At Aonung's instance, he accompanied her back Keftxo- her hanging off his back as his skingwing glided them through the ocean. Avoiding the long journey, they used a shortcut through a coral filled channel and arrived on the northern side of her village.

But something was wrong... Lýn sensed it the instant they stepped foot at the edge of a dilapidated dock.

The loud roar of crashing waves could be heard from the south. In addition, orders being called out, mingled with screams and shouts of terror coming from every direction accompanied the clan's mess of movement.

Lýn ran to the nearest person- Aonung close behind, calling out, "Slwen!"

Slwen, an elderly Na'vi, held a crying toddler in her arms, whilst two little ones clung to her legs. "What is happening?"

"The terrace wall at the south side. A breach. It- it happened so fast. They tried to barricade it, but the waves were too rough." She was shaking. "Homes collapsed, Lýn" she revealed. "They are searching for the missing."

"Lýn, wait!" Aonung tried to pull her back but she slipped past him in a flash. "Fuck." Moving quickly, he gave a stern order to a terrified teenaged boy- telling him to get to the nearest village and bring help. Then, he was running after Ayelýn.

Sprinting through her village, Lýn's heart pounded as people ran in the opposite direction. The terrace wall was centuries old. There had been breaches in the past- breaches they were able to mend- but if it ever broke all the way... their little village was no match for the fury of the sea.

"Ayelýn!" Aonung caught her around the waist, flinging them around so he faced her. "Stay!" he ordered loudly with a pointed finger.

"My family!"

"I mean it! Don't!" And with that, he took off in the direction of the commotion, leaving her behind.

The further south he got, the worse he saw.

Water came up to his shins along what was once a southern dock. It was rising alarmingly fast. He could see men and women straining to hold up the barriers- high waves angrily splashing over the illuminated natural wall that creaked loudly.

Snapping sounds rippled with every new crack and more and more water escaped between them- washing away Na'vi with its powerful force.

And just ahead he spotted the remains of collapsed maruis- the tops of their ceilings splintered and jutting out of the sea as they slowly sank.

Quickly assessing the situation, Aonung began to call out orders.

Those being rescued emerged one by one, and the entire time Aonung's gaze was on the lookout for Lýn's family.

"You, and you, help me with this!" Directing two men- and three others who fell in, they used their knives to cut the ropes of a section of pathway. Lifting the heavy material toward a gaping section of the barrier, they successfully secured it. 

Catching on, many others followed suit- some even climbing high to stretch the material further up.

On Aonung's third patching, he caught sight of a familiar man emerging with rescues- a child in his arms and an injured elder leaning heavily on him. Aonung called his name, but the waves were too loud.

"Aldurf!" Aonung called out again running towards him. He caught him by the shoulder before he could dive off again and the older man seemed surprised to see him. "Kaiiff? Your mate?"

"Safe," Aldurf assured, panting as he wiped at his brow. "My Lýn?"

"Safe," Aonung said as well. "Are there many others down there?"

"Ten trapped. Three still missing. There's too much debris. I've got a team trying to find another way in."

"I'll go. Take over for me up here." It was an order.

Before Aldurf could agree or not, Aonung was diving deep without a second thought.

~

Only when the faint rays of morning made itself known did things finally calm.

Fatigued and aching, Aonung and many others made their way to the shoreline to where the rest of the clan were gathered waiting.

Ayelýn spotted him first and ran towards him. Looking deeply relieved, she was trying to appear brave and unaffected, but the wringing of her tail and the way in which her eyes tracked over every inch of his body told him that she was nervous- that she was genuinely worried- about him.

"I'm fine, gorgeous," he assured, brushing a strand of hair off her cheek when she came within reach. Then, to his surprise, her forehead fell against his chest with a quiet mumble.

"Thank Eywa."

"You were worried about me," he teased in a singsong voice, ducking so that his words got muffled in her hair.

"Shut up, skxawng" she said without heat, slipping her arms around him. "Sempul told me what you did... Thank you."

Surprised for a second time by her actions, he realized they were engaging in physical contact that was again not for show- or part of the plan, but for comfort... for them.

His knuckles ran along her spine as he observed the beach. The people of Keftxo were hugging each other in relief. Over the top of Lýn's head he caught sight of her family- all safe. They waved at him and approached.

Bwena fussed over him, planting a fat smooch on each of his cheeks in thanks. Even Aldurf patted him on the back while Kaiiff launched into a story about how he'd heard that Aonung saved so many people.

Soon, the entire village was gathered in their communal space, singing in unison a soft melody of thanks to Eywa until the morning burst from the dark. Although nine homes were lost and many were injured, they all still had their lives.

Aonung stayed that day to help pick up the pieces- along with the few others who'd come from neighboring villages.

With the waters residing, they cleaned away the debris, made more patches to the terrace wall and crafted makeshift temporary homes for those who'd lost theirs.

Ayelýn and her family's home was thankfully still intact and had only suffered minimal water damage.

Aonung was already mentally making plans for how to reinforce their marui- he even voiced a couple suggestions to Aldurf who accepted his offer to help him execute the improvements.

They hosted him again for another meal, again thanking him for his efforts. And when he was finally about to leave, whistling low for his skingwing- Ayelýn called out his name.

She jogged down the rickety dock towards him, determination ablaze in her eyes. "I know what I want."

"Want?"

"You asked me what I wanted in return for helping you... Is that- still an offer?"

"Oh. Right..." he cleared his throat. "Of course."

"Sempul said that you two are going to do repairs? To our home?"

"Ah. Yes. I've got a couple ideas." Actually he had a lot. Not only for her home.

She nodded. "Can you- I was hoping..." Her arms folded and she shook her head as though thinking something was stupid.

"Ayelýn. Ask me."

"Keftxo. You know we are sort of the forgotten village... We try but-" she hesitated. "I know that technically I should be going to our village's chief councilor- and that it is a big ask, but, you have the power to make a change- a difference... All I want is for us to flourish-" She gestured to her village behind her. "To not be broken and always need mending... To not be known as... lesser."

Aonung took in the view of Keftxo- really looked. Mauri pods were falling apart- familiar reinforcement like what Ayelýn had used on her canoe could be seen covering up much of the pod shells. There were numerous tears and rips and holes along the village paths, docks had missing gaps and that was only the half of it.

The biggest issue was the terrace wall of course... an issue that if not properly tended to could wipe the entire little village.

Without her ask, he been planning to bring it up with his father anyway- he'd been ready to head to Awa'atlu to ask the Keftxo's councilor what exactly the fuck he'd been doing all these years for the village... and seeing Ayelýn staring up at him so pleadingly broke a tiny part inside of him.

Suddenly all he wanted to do was scoop her up and hide her away somewhere safe and pretty. She deserved it.

And she was right too. He did have the power to make a change for them.

"Okay. I can do that."

"Yeah?"

Her grin was so blinding, he couldn't help returning it. He almost teased her about it, but he didn't want her to stop.

No. Instead, he was going to try his damn hardest to see that gorgeous smile as often as he could.

~

Hello friends! 💛

I hope you enjoyed this part. Please let me know, you know I love hearing from yall.

Little disclaimer; but because this is a mini series, there's going to be some time skips ect. Also, I have a tiny bit of it already kind written- but do we want smut in this series?