The way of water connects all things.

It had not been long since the Sully family— the family of a legendary war hero, Toruk Makto, had sought uturu from your father and mother, the Olo’eyktan and Tsahik— Tonowari and Ronal.

It was going to be quite an adjustment— they were people of the forest, and your clan was of the sea. Teaching them was going to be like teaching babies taking their first breath.

And as the eldest daughter of the Olo’eyktan and Tsahik, as well as the Tsakarem, you had no choice but to help teach the Sully siblings, along side your younger siblings, Ao’nung and Tsireya, and Ao’nung’s friend, Rotxo.

The siblings were willing to learn, that was a start, but that didn’t stop them from falling off their Ilu the moment they rode into the water.

The two daughters, Tuk and Kiri were quick to learn, the brothers, Lo’ak and Neteyam.. not so much.

Since Tsireya was teaching Lo’ak— already chatting your ear off on stories about the boy whom she clearly had a liking for, you didn’t dare to take her time away from him, leaving you with the eldest, Neteyam.

He learned quick, but he wasn’t unmanageable. He still stumbled in the sand, forgot to keep breath sometimes underwater.

But over time, you two began sharing stories with each other; his hunts and missions in the forest, exploring the mossy grounds, while you shared stories about your training to be Tsahik, and how you had bonded with your Tulkun spirit sister.

But even so, from Neteyam’s stories— his journey from the forest all the way to the reef, you envied him a bit.

You had always dreamed of voyaging, going beyond the reef, but the farthest you had gone was to the other villages. But you were the future Tsahik. You had a responsibility, and your parents would never allow it.

“You should come to the festival later.” you said as you sat on the edge of the connecting nets near the Marui pods, weaving pretty pieces of shells onto twine. They lasted longer and sat nicely against the skin. A bonus to its beauty.

“Will you be there?” Neteyam asked, glancing over at you, your fingers barely touching as he sat next to you.

“Of course.” you teased. It wasn’t like you had any other choice but to be there. “But it will only be more enjoyable if you are there.”