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The Clouded Forest, Resistance Hideout
Tamtey physically vibrated from excitement as she packed her things. Nesim had visited early that day to invite her and the rest of the Resistance to The Great Games. The Zakru had already begun to migrate and Nesim had said the preparations for the Games would be begining as soon as they arrived in the Heart of the Plains. She had recommended all the clans prepare to make the journey that day, chuckling at the excited expression on Tamtey's face.
The Olo'eykte's boisterous laughter had echoed into the Resistance's Hideout as she watched Tamtey sprint back inside, calling for everyone to start packing so they could leave as soon as possible. That had of course, caused widespread panic among the resistance members, since they had been given no context at all to what Tamtey had even been yelling about.
She hadn't even seemed to notice the panic until Ri'nela had pulled her to the side, asking her what she was talking about. Teylan hovered anxiously nearby and it was obvious So'lek was listening in to the conversation as well, even if he pretended to be focused on cleaning his rifle. When Tamtey broke the news to Ri'nela, the new Tsahik had immediately gathered everyone over, telling them to pack whatever they would need and that they would be leaving for the Heart of the Plains at once.
For once, Tamtey easily matched Priya's energy. Both woman scrambling to grab everything they would need, even if everyone else around them weren't as eager as they were.
So'lek had attempted to get out of going before Tamtey had begged for him to come along. Of course, it hadn't take much convincing, especially not with the pleading look she had given him. Relunctantly, he began gathering his things to take along to the Great Games.
Ìley seemed to much more eager than his rider. The ikran patiently waited along with Nimun outside of the Resistance Hideout.
''Hurry up! The Games will be over by the time we get going!'' Tamtey yelled at them all before disappearing outside with her things, dragging a much less enthusastic So'lek by the hand along with her. He shot Ri'nela an exasperated look before vanishing around the corner. She giggled, still being able to hear Tamtey's excited ranting coming from outside. Not once did she hear So'lek trying to put a stop to it, even if he had appeared run off his feet by it all. She knew he was enjoying it, even if he tried to act otherwise.
Heart of the Plains, The Stone Herd
Tamtey and Nimun flew ahead, gliding close to the ground and weaving between the migrating Zakru as they made their way into the plains. So'lek and Ìley followed behind at a much calmer, pace. Happy to watch from a distance. So'lek felt his heart leap into his throat as Nimun narrowly avoided flying into the zakru, followed by Tamtey letting out a surprised laugh. He felt Ìley's own heart jump at the scene, the ikran letting out a shriek, obviously yelling at Nimun to be careful. The other ikran shrieked back and So'lek couldn't help but chuckle at the offence Ìley took to it through the bond. ''I see she stresses you out as well, ma'eylan.'' He hummed, Ìley rumbled beneath him.
''Kin! Over here!'' Tamtey's voice caught his attention. He looked over to see her waving as Nimun slowed down, circling around to land. Kin laughed loudly over the wind and the thundering steps of the zakru passing by.
''Look who has come! The zakru will be glad to have their friend walk among them.'' Kin commented.
Ìley followed close behind, landing next to Nimun. He nipped at the smaller ikran while So'lek climbed off, following Tamtey who rushed to meet Kin with a wide smile on her face.
''The migration...it's incredible!'' She told him as she watched the zakru walk past. So'lek was sure she hadn't even noticed he was there. Kin shot a grin his way in greeting before turning his attention back to Tamtey.
''And as the zakru move, so do we.'' He told her. ''It is a good sign for our Great Games, indeed. You will compete, yes?''
Her happy expression dropped slightly, concern immediately rushed through So'lek at the sight. ''I don't really know anything about the games.'' She admitted quietly.
Kin waved off her worry. ''Many your age do not. It has been some time since the last Games were held. Before the sky people first spoiled these parts.'' He sighed. ''But now? Peace has returned to the Plains. So why not joy as well?'' He grinned at her. ''And a little friendly competition between clans?'' Kin laughed. ''Come. It is Zeswa tradition to ride alongside the zakru by direhorse. Join them, my friend. See the mighty beasts up close, feel the earth tremor as they move with such heavy grace...Trust me, you will not want to miss this.'' He gestured over to the zakru.
Tamtey glanced back at Nimun, who was nipping at Ìley, the two ikrans hissing playfully at each other. Kin seemed to notice her hesitation. ''Your ikran is clever. She will find her own way to our camp as you ride.''
Kin's attention landed on So'lek as Tamtey wandered off to attract a direhorse to ride. ''You will compete too, yes?''
So'lek shook his head, keeping an eye on Tamtey out of the corner of his vision. ''No, I am merely here to watch.''
''We have never had a member of the Trr'ong take part in the Games.'' He grinned. ''For you to be the first would be such a great honour.''
He frowned. ''I do not think myself worthy of such an honour.'' He sighed. Tamtey had successfully attracted a pa'li, making the bond with the animal as Nimun screeched with jealously behind So'lek and Kin.
''Do not sell yourself so short, my friend.'' Kin patted his shoulder. ''You are one of the reasons why peace has returned to the Plains, at last. Join in on the Games, you deserve to have some fun.'' He said, pointing over at another pa'li that had approached. ''Now go, your ikran will join you at camp.'' He pushed So'lek forward with a wide grin.
''Come on, So'lek!'' Tamtey called over to him, sitting on the back of the pa'li as she waited. Ìley and Nimun took to the sky as So'lek bonded with another pa'li and climbed on.
Tamtey and So'lek stuck close to each other as they galloped alongside the zakru, their ikrans following above them. ''It's so beautiful here.'' Tamtey commented, gasping in delight when she caught sight of the kites being raised above the camp in the distance.
''Yes, it is.'' So'lek agreed, urging his pa'li to speed up to keep up with her. ''Tonight will be a night of celebration before the Games begin tomorrow. It will give you time to take in the camp and have fun.''
''I hope you'll join me?'' She glanced over at him, that same, pleading expression on her face that always made him give in to her.
He sighed, rolling his eyes. ''Yes, Sarentu. I will join you.'' He gave in quickly, as usual.
The smile on her face was worth it. ''Good! I've always wanted to see what you're like after drinking some zangke.'' Her pa'li galloped away quickly before he could argue, Nimun speeding up in the air to follow.
Heart of the Plains, The Great Games Camp
So'lek sat alone, atop The Lone Zakru. He had spent the day with Tamtey. Watching her join in with the festivities, with the celebrations. He had watched he reunite with the many faces she had come across on her journey so far. To see her so happy, so carefree for the first time in a while. It made his chest feel tight, his legs weak. Numerous times she had shot that excited grin his way, and every time So'lek felt himself grow a touch warmer, relief flooding through his veins. Too many times had he seen that face tight with worry, with fear and occasionally, with shame. To see her fully embracing her life as it was supposed to be from the beginning, made him devote himself to ensuring she would never be any other way. He never wanted to see her any less happy than she had been today.
A part of him believed that with him gone, Tamtey would always be like this. Wherever So'lek seemed to go, war followed, death never far behind. He feared the day that it would catch Tamtey. As skilled as she was, as fearless as she was, death did not care about this. It hadn't cared when took even the mightest warriors from the Trr'ong. It hadn't cared when it had taken Wawen right before his very eyes. It had no problem taking Mamante or the rest of his clan either.
That familiar rage. The feeling that had clawed its way into him many years ago, settled into his chest once again. He gripped the small knife tightly, staring down at the wooden carving of an ikran he had been whittling since he had settled down up here. Everything had gotten too much for him to handle. Tamtey had been swept away by Itu to dance along with some others, giving So'lek the chance to slip away without anyone noticing. Only Ri'nela had caught his gaze, she opened her mouth to protest his exit but he firmly shook his head, disappearing a moment later.
Ìley lay next to him, his massive head resting next to So'lek who would occasionally put down his knife to run his hand over Ìley's skin, smiling when the ikran trilled happily. The wooden ikran carving was supposed to be Nimun, he had planned to give it to Tamtey as a gift. But after watching her be caught up in the celebrations back at camp, he didn't want to interrupt such a happy occasion for her. To dampen the mood with his depressing presence.
His ears flicked at the sound of an ikran approaching. He lifted his head to see Nimun soar over him and Ìley. His ikran immediately got up, taking off a moment later to join her in the air. So'lek rolled his eyes at the way Ìley was quick to abandon him to go after Nimun.
He stiffened when someone appeared behind him, settling down to sit next to him. Tamtey's face had concern written all over it. Guilt settled in his chest for being the reason that smile had disappeared. ''Hey.'' She said softly. ''Are you okay? What are you doing up here by yourself?''
He hesitated, his mouth opened then closed. Tamtey waited patiently, resting her hand on his leg. ''I just needed somewhere quiet.'' He finally answered.
Her concerned expression melted away into an understanding on. ''Oh. That's fair enough. It's quite...loud, down there.'' She glanced back at the camp. ''What's that?'' She asked, noticing the object in his hands.
He hesitated on giving it to her for a moment. He glanced between her and the carving before setting his small knife to the side and holding up the wooden ikran carving for her to take. ''It...it is a gift...for you.'' He said quietly.
She gasped softly, taking the carving from his hands. Her grip was delicate, handling it as if it were a newborn. ''You made this?'' She asked. He nodded slowly, watching closely for her reaction. ''It's beautiful.'' She whispered.''Looks like Nimun.'' She shot him a grin. ''How did you make this?''
He cleared his throat. ''It is a skill, mastered by the Trr'ong.'' She ran her fingers over the wood, inspecting every little detail. ''Traditionally, we would carve pa'li, to honour their grace and speed. But you have the spirit of an ikran, it suit you better than a pa'li.'' His tail curled around his ankle.
''Irayo, So'lek.'' She smiled gently. ''What else did your clan carve?''
He paused, thinking. ''We would carve ornate carvings into palulukan bones to decorate our homes and also craft small trinkets in the shape of the lortsyawll plant from wood. The lortsyawll has a special meaning to my clan. It was once held by the founder of the Trr'ong when he began on the Path of the Promiser.'' He explained.
Tamtey listened closely, watching him get lost in the memory of his clan. A small smile tugged at his lips as he continued. ''It was also tradition to make woven necklaces from wood to show your success as a hunter.''
''Did you make one?'' She shuffled forward a little, curious to hear more.
''I did.'' He nodded.
''Do you still have it?'' She queried, frowning when he shook his head.
''I do not.'' He felt a little bad at the way she seemed disappointed. ''I have my mentor's...if you would like to see it one day?'' He offered.
The smile immediately returned. ''I would love to! I have so much to learn about other clans. I know about the Aranahe, the Zeswa, the Kame'tire but...I know so little about my own...or about yours.''
''I will admit. I do not know much about the Sarentu clan.'' He said quietly. ''But...'' He placed a hand over hers. ''I can teach you about the Trr'ong. If that is something you want.''
So'lek couldn't help but smile at the eager nod. Tamtey stood up, ikran carving clutched in one hand, her other hand held out to So'lek. ''Now come on. Come back to camp. I want to see what you're like after some zangke.'' She cackled.
Tamtey and So'lek headed back down to the camp together, still hand in hand. Neither of them had even seemed to noticed or were pretending not to. Not even letting go when Tamtey had went into her tent to put the wooden ikran carving that So'lek had gifted to her somewhere safe. She then dragged him back down to where everyone was gathered.
They settled off to the side, Tamtey being wary that So'lek didn't enjoy being part of the noiser crowd of people who were cheering for the dance- fighters. Itu had taken notice of their arrival, grinning ear to ear as he supplied them both with a bowl of zangke. ''Might loosen you up a bit, So'lek!'' He cackled loudly, patting the other man on the back. So'lek huffed, shoving him away. Itu took no offence and just continued to chuckle, turning his attention to a more friendly face while So'lek sipped the zangke he had been given.
''I see you finally managed to get him to join back in.'' He commented to Tamtey, settling down next to her. So'lek watched from the corner of his eye, tail thrashing at how close Itu was to the Sarentu woman.
For her credit, Tamtey either didn't even notice or was too polite to say anything about it. She shuffled a little closer to So'lek, her knee brushing against his. ''We all need a break from the noise every once in a while. The Zeswa are quite the hosts.'' She shrugged. ''I see you have had no problem taking some zangke off their hands.'' She chuckled.
''Why would I? The Zeswa know how to celebrate! I am simply respecting that!'' He cheered.
''By drinking all their zangke?'' So'lek piped up, his brow raised.
''Exactly!'' Itu replied without hesitation. So'lek snorted as Tamtey giggled, drinking the zangke he had given to her. ''And you.'' He pointed at So'lek. ''Are going to join.''
He blinked. ''No I-''
Itu shushed him by slapping a hand over his mouth. So'lek glared at him while Tamtey couldn't help but laugh at the sight. ''I will return in a moment.'' He said, taking his hand off So'lek's mouth before running off to go retrieve more zangke for them to drink.
''I am not drinking all that zangke with him.'' He grumbled.
Tamtey nudged him, a smirk on her face. ''Yes you will.''
His ears flew back, eyes narrowed. ''No, I will not.'' He said firmly.
''Sure, whatever you say.'' She shrugged.
''Sarentu.'' He growled.
''What? I'm agreeing with you.'' A sly grin spread across her face.
''Stop that.'' He huffed, tail thrashing.
She tilted her head, pretending to be oblivious. ''Stop what?''
He shoved her away, muttering under his breath as she cackled loudly. He had to turn his head to hide his own, amused smile.
''I am sorry, my friend. I thought he would be a much more...exciting zangke drinker.'' Itu hummed, brows rasied in surprise as he and Tamtey stood over So'lek who was fast asleep. He had given in to Itu's offer and the two of them had steadily drank into the night as the celebrations continued. While Itu only grew more boisterous, So'lek had grown calmer, content, settling close to Tamtey as he drank, watching Itu wander away to try convince Teylan to have some.
''I don't think you would ever let him live it down if he were as wild as you after drinking zangke.'' She snorted. ''I should probably get him to his tent.'' She sighed.
''Yes, I think that is a wise idea.'' Itu nodded in agreement, stepping away. Tamtey rolled her eyes fondly as she heard him loudly ask if someone else wanted to be his new drinking partner.
She crouched down, admiring So'lek's sleeping face for a moment. ''So'lek? So'lek, it's time to wake up.'' She nudged him, snickering when he woke and blinked blearily at her. ''Come on, let's get you to your tent.'' She took his arm, helping him sit up.
''Why?'' He asked as she pulled him to his feet, catching him when he stumbled.
She paused. ''Because it's time to sleep and you'll thank me for it later.'' She guided him away, waving back when Itu yelled goodbye to them from where he was now sat with Kin. Now that she thought about it, that was probably who was supplying him with all the zangke he had been drinking and also giving to So'lek in the first place.
So'lek hummed, leaning against her as they walked. ''Oh...thank you.'' He nodded slowly.
Tamtey chuckled. ''You're welcome.''
It took her a while to get him to his tent. On a few occasions she had just barely managed to stop him from following over, every time he nearly did, he would laugh then thank her loudly before promptly tripping over his own feet again. It also didn't help with how slow they had to walk to ensure he didn't hurt himself and so Tamtey could keep a firm grip on him. ''I'm never letting Itu give you that much zangke ever again.'' She said when they finally made it to his tent. He had sat it up a little further away from the rest of the resistance's campsite. Far away enough to get peace but close enough should something happen. Ri'nela, Tamtey and Teylan all shared their own tent, having grown used to sleeping near each other over the years that they found it hard to sleep alone.
''I am never letting Itu near you again.'' He huffed, his words slurred slightly.
Tamtey paused. ''What do you mean?''
''He was too close.'' So'lek grumbled, still swaying even as they stopped walking. Tamtey debated how she would manage this. She couldn't exactly leave him to sleep in his metal vest. It would be uncomfortable and difficult to sleep in. Not that this version of So'lek seemed to mind. But her So'lek definitely wouldn't appreciate it when he woke up in the morning.
''Too close to what?'' She asked as she started with his knife, pulling it from his loincloth and sitting it to the side with the rest of his weapons. She hesitated with his vest, he would no doubt feel uncomfortable about her being the one to take it off of him but she didn't have much of a choice.
''You.'' He growled, watching Tamtey fiddle with the straps of his vest, the dog tags around his neck clinking as they hit each other.
She looked up at him. ''Why would that bother you?''
So'lek blinked slowly, staring down at her. ''Tamtey...'' He breathed, she gasped, caught of guard by his use of her name. ''When did you get here?''
She gently pulled the vest off, trying not to stare when his bare chest was revealed from underneath and set it neatly to the side. The jagged scars buried in his skin caught her eyes but she forced herself to look up at his, still flustered by everything he had just said. ''''I helped you get here, So'lek.'' She said, guding him back toward his hammock.
''Oh.'' He muttered. ''Irayo, Ma Tamtey.''
She could feel her face growing warmer by the second. ''Come on, lie down.'' She said instead, watching him clumsily fall back into the hammock. He stared at her the whole time, an unreadable look in his gaze. ''I'll see you in the morning.''
''Good.'' He hummed, her face flushed again as she backed out the tent once he had quickly fallen asleep.
Tamtey's mind was racing as she strolled back to her own tent. This feeling had been growing in her chest since she had first met So'lek. She always just assumed it was admiration, generosity. So'lek had been the one to teach them what it meant to be Na'vi. He had been there for all the big moments, the accomplishments. He had been there from the very beginning, carving his way into their life. He hadn't forced them into who they were today. He hadn't tried to control them, not like how Alma or Mercer did. He merely offered advice, answered any questions they had, offered them help if he felt they needed it.
The mere thought of him now had her cheeks growing warm, her stomach churning with nerves...or was it with excitement. He had started off a stranger then a mentor and now a friend.
But Tamtey felt like there was more, felt that she wanted more. Now it was becoming clear there could be more.
One thing was clear enough.
He had carved his place into her heart forever and Tamtey found that she didn't mind at all.