The sun rose slowly over the endless blue of Pandora’s western seas, casting golden light across rolling waves and sprawling coral atolls. The water shimmered with bioluminescence as schools of colorful fish darted between reef towers shaped by centuries of tide and song.

At the heart of it all stood Awa’atlu, the reef village of the Metkayina Clan.

Graceful platforms of woven kelp and coral arched above the water’s surface, while below, glowing reefs stretched like living cities beneath the waves. Ilu circled lazily near the docks, their soft calls echoing through the morning air. Children laughed as they practiced diving, their tails flicking with growing confidence, while hunters returned from early patrols with nets of fish and tales of calm seas.

At the central platform, Tonowari, Olo’eyktan of the Metkayina, stood tall and watchful. His posture was relaxed, yet his eyes scanned the horizon with the quiet vigilance of a seasoned leader. Beside him, Ronal, Tsahìk of the clan, knelt at the water’s edge, fingers trailing through the sea as she murmured a soft prayer to Eywa, feeling the pulse of life beneath the waves.

“The currents are strong today,” Ronal said calmly, lifting her gaze. “The ocean speaks of balance… but also of change.”

Tonowari nodded slowly. “The sea is never silent for long.”

Out beyond the reef line, a pod of tulkun breached, their massive forms gliding through the water with ancient grace. The Metkayina paused to watch, offering respectful gestures—honoring the bond between clan and ocean giant.

Everything felt right.

And yet…

Far beyond the visible horizon, something stirred. The currents shifted ever so slightly. The ilu grew restless. A distant vibration passed through the water—too faint to alarm, but strong enough to be felt by those attuned to the sea.

Change was coming.

For now, the Metkayina lived, trained, and thrived in harmony with the ocean—unaware that their peaceful way of life would soon be tested by outsiders from the forest… and threats born beyond the stars.