Chapter Text
When his mother chose Ronal to be tsakarem, Tonowari could not deny that he was a little scared. He knew Ronal, of course, they were training together to be warriors. She would be an incredible warrior, sharp-tongued and self assured. For the first time in his life, he doubted his capability in his future role. If someone like that was to be his Tsahik, then he had to be a truly great Olo’eyktan to stand by her side. He tried to keep some distance from her in the coming years, even though they both acknowledged the agreement to mate and lead together.
Then the tulkun returned, and he watched Ronal reunite with her spirit sister, Roa. He had never seen her that happy, singing with her sister and laughing with the others as they greeted their own tulkun. In that moment, floating in the water next to his spirit brother, he realized that he loved her. His spirit brother laughed in the way the Tulkun can, joking about the dumbstruck look on his face. He couldn’t find it in himself to deny it, choosing to watch his future mate instead.
Several years later, after they had mated, Ronal told him that he was like the ocean. Steady and gentle during good days, but powerful and mighty in times of storms. He had laughed, responding that if he was the ocean then she was the tides, guiding and protective but capable of great strength and ferocity. She looked so beautiful that night, her eyes warm and honest. She didn’t smile much anymore, but when she did it was as though they were back in that quiet moment together.
After she had fallen asleep, Tonowari thought back on her comment. He didn’t feel like the ocean, and certainly didn’t feel mighty. As the new Olo’eyktan, he thought of himself as the physical manifestation of Awa’atlu. He was the roots of the trees that held up their home from the water, the nets that they walked on, the fires that kept them warm and prepared their food. If he stayed strong, then their home would be strong and their people would be safe. And they were. They weathered storms and seasons of bad luck, and with Ronal by his side as Tsahik, they led their people and raised two children.
The fear still remained in his heart, and when a storm ravaged the edges of the village he wondered if it was a sign. He walked past the cracked wood and broken nets, seeing the people who trusted him working diligently to repair their homes. Though he knew that Eywa did not work that way, part of him took the storm as a warning from the Great Mother that change was coming that would challenge his strength.
Three weeks later, five ikran descended from the sky carrying the Sully family.
A few weeks into the Sully family’s stay at Awa’atlu, Tonowari could say that they were acclimating. They still lacked the skills of Metkayina warriors, but he could see the effort they were putting toward being useful. Jake Sully had become a familiar figure on hunts and helping around the village. Tonowari had heard of Toruk Makto, knew that he betrayed his own people and became Olo’eyktan of the Omatikaya. It did not stop him being impressed with Jake’s determination to tame a tsurak, nor from feeling that Jake was growing into a friend.
Ronal was… less impressed by their guests. She was trying, trusting in the Great Mother and the word of the Sully family that they were doing their best. He knew that her hesitation came from her fear of the war reaching their home and harming their children, only increased with the news of a new child on the way.
Tonowari stood outside of their marui, taking a moment to admire his mate. She was clearly frustrated with something, pacing about the marui grabbing medicinal supplies and muttering to herself. He wasn’t sure if it was possible to love her more than he already did, but he would try. He moved into the marui to intercept her movements, holding her by the shoulders and trying to meet her eyes.
“Is everything alright?”
Ronal huffed, forcing herself to relax before answering.
“Siye was fishing beyond the reef and was injured. She will be fine, but she is a terrible patient, and the older Sully girl is interfering.”
Tonowari hummed, pulling her into a hug until she relaxes against him, tucking her head under his chin.
“Have Tsireya call Kiri away for a lesson, then remind Siye that you are the Tsahik and she has to listen to you.”
Ronal seemed to consider this, before nodding slightly.
“Perhaps we should go on a dive tonight, take some time away from the children. You have been doing so much for this clan, and you deserve a break.”
Ronal leans back, raising a brow at him.
“I have been doing what I must to keep this clan running while you teach our guests.”
“And I am grateful for that, which is why I suggest a break. Our guests can survive without supervision for a few hours.”
Ronal looked even more skeptical at this. He tried not to be amused, aware that she dealt with the worst of their antics as the clan healer. He had a fairly easy time teaching Jake their style of hunting, as he seemed open to learning. Ronal had to teach more delicate arts, and deal with Neytiri, whose similarities caused them to butt heads. As for the Sully kids, Ao’nung had complained about their lack of skills, but Tsireya had confided in him that they were doing the best they could. He loved his son dearly, but in this matter found that he was listening to his mother and his friends too much. His daughter took after him, often reminding Tonowari of his own mother. Ao’nung was more like Ronal than either of them would admit.
Tonowari moved to place his hand against Ronal’s stomach, taking a moment to think of their children and their future.
“How are you feeling? I remember when you were at this point with Tsireya you spoke of fatigue.”
“I am fine. The child is growing well. They will be strong.”
“They are your child, of course they will be strong. Our older children are growing into fine warriors. I know Tsireya is excited for a younger sibling.”
Ronal was avoiding eye contact, focusing her gaze over his shoulder. Tonowari frowned, waiting to see if she would respond. He knew something was bothering her, but she was never one to hide her thoughts, not when it was just the two of them.
“My love, what is bothering you?”
She placed her hand over his on her stomach, her eyes tracing the tattoos on his face like she was committing every detail of the moment to memory. She has the same look in her eye as the day the Sky People returned.
“I know that we have been safe here. Our children have grown up happy, adn the war has never reached us. I felt confident in our ability to raise another child. But now I fear that we are running out of time.”
She looks away, clearly holding back tears.
“I fear that this child will never know the peace and freedom that Ao’nung and Tsireya have.”
Tonowari cupped her face, gently brushing his thumb over her cheek. He thinks again of the storm, and the fears he had hidden from her.
“I do not know what will happen in our future, but I do know that we are strong, and our people will do what it takes to protect our way of life.”
“Violence is not the tulkun way.”
“We both know the story of how Jake Sully drove away the Sky People the first time. We believed we knew how Eywa would act, but she chose to protect her children. I don’t wish to lose the beliefs we have had for generations, but those were the beliefs of peace time. We are at war.”
“I wish we were not.” Ronal’s voice was quiet, hesitant.
“I know my love. I see you, I see your strength and your kindness and the love you carry for our family.”
Ronal smiled, leaning up to press their foreheads together. She took a breath, feeling her lungs expand and the way it moved their overlaid hands.
“I see you, Tonowari.” She kisses him, then leans back to look at his face. “You are right. We will find a way to survive this, and our children will be safer for it.”
She steps fully out of his arms, bending down to grab her supplies. He watches as she moves around the marui, no longer frantic.
“I will send Tsireya to you. Let her handle Kiri. When you are done with Siye, we will go for a dive. It has been too long since we were alone, my love.”
Tonowari stroked her jaw, smiling at her. The tears had cleared from her eyes, she seemed more settled and determined. The set of her jaw was the same as the day he met her. She had only grown more beautiful. He would be strong for her. He would be the nets beneath their feet and the fire that kept their children warm, and he would fight with everything he had when the time came. They would weather any storm.