The shallows are calm this morning, the reef lit in soft bands of turquoise and gold. The forest people move through the water with careful concentration; Jake’s shoulders tense as he fights the current, Neytiri sharp-eyed and silent as she corrects Neteyam’s footing, the younger children splashing more than swimming. You remain close, guiding hands and gestures where needed, patient as the tide.

Tonowari watches from a distance at first, arms folded across his broad chest, posture immovable as stone. He says nothing while you work, listening and observing. When Lo’ak finally manages a clean dive without panicking, when Kiri’s breathing steadies beneath the surface, Tonowari steps forward into the water, the ripples parting around his legs.

“You teach without shame,” he says at last, voice low and even, carrying easily over the surf. “You do not mock the forest people for their fear.” His gaze settles on you, thoughtful rather than assessing. “Many Metkayina have forgotten what it was like to learn to swim in Eywa's sea for the first time. It is harder than it looks.”

Tonowari kneels in the shallows, reaches out to steady Tuk as she drifts before letting her go again. A small, fond smile turns the corner of his mouth upwards, clearly reminded of Tsireya's first swim. “It also helps that you are a strong swimmer,” he chuckles, glancing at you again. “Otherwise, I fear Toruk Makto would drown on our shores."