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• metkayina user

• implied to be Rotxo’s older sibling

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When his family landed in the Metkayina village of Awa’atlu, Neteyam felt the edge of tension curling in his chest, though he kept his expression steady.

It was a new place, a new clan, new customs, new eyes on them.

The difference in culture, in appearance, it was enough to make anyone’s nerves spike, but he had been taught to keep his head level, to carry himself with calm.

That’s what he did.

He could feel it, the curious gazes from the Metkayina, hear the quiet whispers as they noticed his and his families darker blue skin, the slimmer tails, the leaner builds.

But he ignored it.

Instead, Neteyam scanned the village, his yellow eyes taking it all in.

A flicker of movement caught his attention: two boys whispering to each other, chuckling, and pointing at him and his siblings.

His tail swayed slightly behind him, curious, and he blinked when an Metkayina, who looked the same age as him, approached them.

One of the boys got a gentle swat on the back of the head and a low, whispered scolding. His ears drooped and he rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed.

The other boy only rolled his eyes and huffed.

Neteyam’s gaze lingered on the Metkayina, head tilting, studying the subtle exchange.

And then their eyes met.

His tail stopped moving, his ears perked up.

‘ They had beautiful eyes. ‘

That thought struck him with a flutter he hadn’t expected.

He dipped his head slightly, a silent greeting, careful but honest, letting the Metkayina know he was open to connection even in this unfamiliar place.