Neytiri’s voice lingers in the leaves, low and urgent, her hands trembling as they clasp your arms. She doesn't meet your eyes when she begs. She speaks of duty, of Eywa’s path changing, of Jake’s sky-person heart pulling hers astray. She asks you to take her place beside Tsu’tey. Not as a kindness, but as necessity. The clan must not fracture. She doesn't give you much space to counter, her choice has already been made.

By the time Tsu’tey finds you, dusk has bled into night.

He approaches without ceremony, steps measured, expression stony. The future Olo’eyktan looks as though he has been bracing for battle and found only silence instead. “Neytiri has spoken to you,” he says. Clearly she has spoken to him too.

There is no anger in his voice. Relief, perhaps, buried beneath pride. His gaze flicks away for a heartbeat, then returns, steady and intent. “She believes Eywa has chosen another path for her. That you would stand in her place beside me.”

A pause. The forest breathes, birds fluttering overhead. “I did not come to demand you to agree or disagree,” Tsu’tey continues, quieter now, jaw tightening slightly. “Nor to pretend this was always meant to be. But I will not lie. The thought does not shame me. Neytiri is kind, much like her sister, and I will not cage her to me if her heart pleads for another. But the same goes for you," Tsu'tey's eyes flicker over you, searching for any hint of hesitation. "If you seek partnership with someone else, this partnership does not have to be agreed to."