Chapter Text
Tired. That was the only way to describe how Teylan felt. The search for The Hollows was exhausting and confusing. He had only set out a few hours ago- but he was convinced that it’s been an eternity. He felt like he could get lost in the fog in which the forest was named after, something that felt increasingly more likely the longer he stayed out. The others back at HQ offered to help, saying it wouldn’t be any longer than an hour or two, but he insisted he do this alone. He wanted to show that he was capable, but he didn’t expect it to be so challenging.
There was a single driving force that kept him going throughout his journey, and it was simply his new friend Okul, the curious Kame’tire herbalist he had met during the great games. Next to Kìn, Okul was one of the few na’vi he actually managed to get along with at the games, being the first na’vi in general that he spoke with. The two spent most of their first meeting mixing paints while engaging in small talk… it felt nice. Teylan was glad to have made a friend. Especially since he didn’t leave the resistance base much like the other Sarentu.
it’s not like he hasn’t been trying or anything, he really has, it’s just been so difficult. When he tries to meet new Na’vi he can never hold a conversation with them, even the ones that stayed close to HQ. If they weren’t judging him for his human attire or mannerisms, the conversation would just be stale and awkward with no real direction.
Okul was different, though. They didn’t judge him at all. Infact, they were curious, and conversations with them were easy. They even seemed to like talking to him, something that made his chest flutter with a strange feeling. He thought back to when they asked about his hat- becoming instantly curious and fascinated with it to the point of repeating the word ‘hat’ several times in English. They were quite interesting, that was for sure, and he really wanted to get to know them better- finally having the chance.
Making his way through the forest, he began to recognize some of the landmarks he was instructed to follow, which got him excited knowing he was finally getting closer. After a few more minutes of searching, he found what he believed to be the hollows, a belief that was confirmed after seeing the abundance of Kame’tire clan members doing an assortment of things outside it’s entrance.
He walked past them cautiously, afraid they’ll see him as a stranger. Luckily, none of them did, which allowed him to easily walk into the hollows- finally being able to see it for himself. At that moment, Teylan was left starstruck. It was it nothing short of breathtaking. The way the Kame’tire constructed their home within the rocky gorge with such precision and talent made Teylan’s jaw drop. Sure, he had previously seen the work of the ke’awa Kame’tire, but their home built into a mountain felt completely different to what he was seeing infront of him. Everything was so beautiful, infact, that it was hard to believe that everything he was seeing once looked like it had seen better days.
without about it, he walked deeper into the hollows. The sound of whispering had reached his ears but he instinctively tuned it out. He was used to it, and he expected it here especially. He was more focused on trying to find Okul anyway, but he had no idea where to start looking. Everything was unfamiliar to him, he truly had no idea where to start. Even simply asking someone felt nerve wracking, so what could he do instead? As he was thinking about how he’d go about looking for them, he completely missed that someone had been standing beside him this whole time.
“You are here! It is good to see you.” They said excitedly, startling Teylan and causing him to jump. He quickly turned his head to look at the person who was now laughing heartily, finding himself face to face with who he now recognized as Okul. Instantly, he took notice to how their hair had been let down- no longer being tied up in 3 messy buns atop their head. It actually made them look incredibly pretty, Teylan thought.
“Oh, hey! Sorry, you surprised me,” he said nervously, feeling his voice crack just the slightest bit. Wonderful. Already off to a great start, he thought.
Okul grinned, raising their hand to their head in the standard na’vi greeting, “Oel ngati kameie, my friend. Welcome to the hollows!” They said happily, flinging their arms out as wide as possible to gesture to their surroundings. “I do hope that I was a pleasant surprise,” They added jokingly, tilting their head and staring with their ever-joyful eyes.
Teylan returned the gesture, getting better at it as the days passed, although the words themselves still came out a little awkward.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t come sooner…” he said regretfully. “So much happened, and it was hard to make time. I hope you can forgive me,” Even if it’s been less than a month, he still felt somewhat guilty for keeping them waiting, shrinking in on himself like a sad cat.
Okul hummed, shaking their head, “Nonsense. There is no need to fret, I have been informed about all that transpired during your absence. What matters to me now is that you are here.”
“And it feels great to finally be with you!” he responded cheerfully. Teylan couldn’t help the large, toothy grin that formed on his face. Their voice was so effortlessly comforting and it really helped to ease his mind. He thought about how they always seemed to be able to do that, even back to when they had first met. it felt good. His tail wagged at the memory, face flushing a slight purple.
“The hollows truly are beautiful,” he commented. “I heard stories from Tamtey that just a while ago it had looked a bit worse for wear. It’s hard to believe seeing it now.” He looked around at all the bustling energy and life, the songs and giggles. When he turned back to Okul, they were simply nodding.
“With the truth of our past finally coming to light, our Tsahik had returned, allowing our home a chance to heal. There is still much to be done, but I am proud to be able to witness it.” They said, beaming with confidence and pure love for their people.
“Now, come,” They said suddenly, wasting absolutely no time. “There is something I have been waiting to do for you.” They added eagerly, and without waiting for a response, they took Teylan by the arm and lead him through the hollows. It wasn’t long until the whispering from earlier had come back, or maybe Teylan had finally registered it after tuning it out for so long, but now he could make out the sound of people questioning what he and Okul could have been up to. Questioning why Okul was with him. He frowned at their words, even if he didn’t fully understand what was being said.
“Here we are!” Okul said excitedly, bringing Teylan back to reality and out of his thoughts. He didn’t even realize that they had stopped moving, but they seemed to have arrived at the clan’s hearth. An array of spices, fruits, and meats were neatly arranged across the room while a large stove sat on the left side. It smelt incredible, just as good as the cooking station at the great games, causing Teylan’s mouth to water. When he looked at Okul, he found that they were simply staring at him with a cheeky grin.
“Enjoying what you smell? I can assure you, the food tastes even better!” They said proudly, placing a hand on their stomach as they laughed softly to themself. “Let me cook for you.” They said suddenly, catching Teylan off guard.
The surprise on his face was apparent, Okul could tell so easily. “it is the least I can do for you coming all the way here.” They stated, not really searching for an answer, something made more obvious with how they instantly got to work preparing the necessary ingredients for their food of choice.
Teylan didn’t do anything but stare, still standing just outside the hearth unsure of what to do while he waited. “You can cook?” He asked, bluntly. Okul paused what they had been doing and turned their head to look at him eyes with a slight bit of confusion. His eyes grew wide realizing how that could be interpreted, did he seriously say that out of all things? He quickly followed it up, “ah, I mean, I always assumed you were more into herbs and healing, I never expected that you could cook too,”
That earned a laugh from Okul, who turned back to focus on preparing the food, “A fair assumption. But I am one of many talents, cooking being one of them. It is something I have practiced for many years, far longer than herbalism,”
And Teylan could easily believe it. When he watched them walk over to collect an assortment of ingredients, their movements were instinctive, showing an immense amount of knowledge and confidence. He took note of every move they made, never taking his eyes off of them no matter what. Their movements had this almost hypnotizing effect, he felt like he could watch them for hours. At one point, he watched them as they worked directly next to the fire, its glow bathing their face in a beautiful orange tint that highlighted all of their features.
Their expression was focused, but also relaxed, their hair tucked behind their ear in order for it not to get in the way. Teylan’s heart started to beat faster, he felt his face flush upon realizing that he was staring for who knows how long. He shook his head to focus himself, praying that Okul didn’t notice.
Thankfully, it seemed they didn’t. He relaxed, taking a look around his surroundings just to pass some time. The room was rather silent, only the sounds of a crackling fire and Okul’s work could be heard, but he didn’t mind it. He just really enjoyed Okul’s company, and honestly enjoyed the calming atmosphere.
“Thank you, by the way.” He said simply, breaking the quaint silence as he fidgeted with his hands. “Sorry for saying that so late, I didn’t want to seem ungrateful,” He added.
Okul chuckled softly in response. “You are most welcome, my friend.”
The room had returned to silence, and it was like that for a few minutes longer. Teylan continued to occupy himself as Okul worked hard to make a wonderful ‘first’ impression.
“Almost done now, just give it a few moments more,” They said cheerfully, which made Teylan smile. He was rather hungry from his walk to the hollows, so he was more than excited to eat something, especially if Okul was making it.
“So, tell me, is it true that you met another Sarentu?” Okul asked suddenly, attempting some form of small talk while they waited. Teylan’s ears perked up at the question, excited at the topic.
“Oh, yes! Her name is Rasi, she’s amazing. We’ve only been with her for a few weeks but she’s taught us so much, even some of our old songs!” The enthusiasm in his voice was endearing, the love and respect he had for Rasi evident in his praise.
“Rasi, hm? She sounds wonderful! I am delighted to hear the good news. I couldn’t be happier for you and the other Sarentu.” They answered genuinely, a pause filling the room for a brief moment. “Do you think you could sing me your songs sometime?” They asked curiously, never turning their back.
Teylan was slightly taken back, he hadn’t expected that question. “Well, sure. But I’m still not great with the words,” he replied, tilting his head down like he always did when he felt upset. Except this time, the feeling was mostly shame. He Na’vi after all, how could he not be great with his own language? That feeling tore at him inside and made him extremely self conscious.
“Even so, I am confident that it would come out beautiful regardless. After all, it would be coming from you.” Okul said bluntly, causing Teylan’s head to shoot back up in utter shock. He didn’t know what to say in response, he felt like his brain had shut down. The only thing he managed to do was softly mutter his thanks while he truly processed what they said to him.
When Okul finally turned around, bowl in hand, they were their regular happy self— as if they hadn’t just short circuited Teylan’s brain. “Are you doing alright, Ma Teylan?” They asked with a slightly worried tone, looking at him with a face of concern and confusion.
“Y-Yeah. I’m… alright.” He managed to say, taking a sharp breath which helped him relax. Once calmed down enough, he turned his full attention to both Okul and the food they had presented him. Their once concerned expression turning into one of relief and happiness, raising the bowl ever so slightly to give Teylan a better view.
He found himself deeply interested in what he was seeing. It looked like a kind of soup, but at the same time appeared to be similar to oatmeal. It was topped with an assortment of seeds and little pieces of fruit. It looked amazing. Teylan was glad it seemed to be something more plant-based than meat-based. After all, he was still getting used to the taste of meat and preferred more vegetarian options. He had told Okul that before, and they remembered after all this time.
“Wow! It looks amazing!” He exclaimed with a large, happy smile. He took the bowl from Okul’s hands and resisted the urge to devour it right then and there.
“This is my renowned grain soup, loved by all Kame’tire, and a delicacy of my own creation,” Okul added, beaming with a sense of pride in the face of Teylan’s enthusiasm. They smiled warmly at Teylan and subtly gestured for him to eat.
Teylan thought for a moment, looking down at the bowl and then to Okul. “You didn’t make some for yourself?” He asked, feeling some sort of guilt that they spent all that time only making something for him and nothing for themselves.
Okul shook their head, “No, this is a gift to celebrate your arrival. After all, I am the one being honored with the company of a Sarentu.” They replied sincerely, genuinely unbothered and excited to share this with him. Teylan understood, even if he’d like for them to have something aswell.
“Okay, if you say so,” he replied hesitantly, picking up the spoon and taking his first bite.
His eyes widened, his face froze, he had to process what he just tasted. It was one of the best things he had ever eaten. He didn’t know how to describe it. It was sweet and earthy. It had a thick texture to it that felt satisfying when in his mouth. He genuinely felt a shiver go down his spine after swallowing. Without a doubt, this was his favorite dish he’s ever tried, and that’s saying something considering he had previously visited the great games and the spires. In his eyes, the simplicity of the dish was greater than anything extravagant, so naturally he ate the rest of the soup as fast as possible.
Okul stood back and chuckled, face full of pride, “I take it that you enjoyed your meal?”
Teylan nodded quickly, a huge smile on his face, “It was great! Thank you so much,” he beamed, tail wagging in joy.
”Haha, Wonderful! I am honored to have my food beloved by a Sarentu.” They chirped, beaming at Teylan with a wide smile. At that same moment, they paused. Face changing to one of focus. They simply stared at Teylan, intently focusing on his face, which really confused him. He wondered what could’ve happened for the sudden, dramatic change in the mood.
Without a word, they walked up to him and cupped his cheek. Teylan froze at the unfamiliar touch, but at the same time it gave him a warm, comforting feeling in his chest, causing his heart to speed up rapidly. Their thumb caressed the area around his mouth, they seemed to be wiping away some residue from the soup. They backed away after they were done, but Teylan’s heart was still racing, and he could’ve sworn that Okul themselves looked slightly nervous and even… flustered? He could make out a faint purple on the side of their face uncovered by their green paint.
The two locked eyes, nothing said between them. The only reason their focus broke was because of how they realized the sun had started to set- signaling to Teylan that he had to leave if he wanted to get home before dark.
“Oh, I-… I should probably get going,” he said nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.
Okul nodded in response, “Let me walk you out. I’d be happy to see you off,” they offered, Teylan agreeing without saying a word.
Once the two found themselves a little ways from the hollows, they faced each other once more.
“Thank you for seeing me today.” Okul said genuinely. Staring at Teylan with their largest smile yet.
“I enjoyed your visit greatly. You brought a new light to this seemingly ordinary day. Thank you for allowing me to cook for you.” They continued, putting their hand over their heart to truly thank him.
He smiled back at them, although it looked a bit more nervous and even a little sad. “I hope I’ll be able to see you again soon. I… I had fun being with you today,” somehow that last bit was harder to say outloud.
“Let it be known that The Hollows will always welcome you back with open arms. You can come whenever you’d like, and I will always be here waiting,” They said reassuringly, now placing their hand on his chest. Teylan breathed into their touch, relaxing.
He was unsure on what to say. He never really had to say bye to someone like this before, especially not someone who consistently said such kind and inspiring things. “I’m sorry. I’m not really good at this whole… goodbye thing. I don’t even know what to say,” He finally managed to blurt out, nervously rubbing the back of his neck to occupy his hands.
Okul looked at him curiously. “Goodbye? No. Our paths may be going separate ways for now, but they will surely cross again. You mustn’t fret over our current separation, and instead focus on the eventual reunion.”
And they were right. No matter how many times Okul would reassure him, say the right thing at the right time, it always surprised him. They truly were something special. He smiled to them, nodding his head with full understanding.
“You’re right. Thank you. You… You always know what to say. You’re so wise.” He commented, Okul seemed to be a little surprised at his words- ears flicking up after he finished.
“Hah, I still have much to learn myself. But it brings me comfort knowing my words are able to ease your mind.” Their tone was earnest, as always.
When Teylan looked at the sky he became a tad bit frantic, “I really should get going now- sorry-“ he said quickly, almost running off into the forest without hesitation. He turned around for a brief moment to lock eyes with Okul, who stared with a soft grin. “I appreciate your hospitality! I can’t wait to see you again,” he shouted, finally disappearing within the forest.
“Mmm, ‘hospitality’, huh? I like that word.” They commented to themselves.
Okul was left there for a few minutes, simply staring off to where they had last seen Teylan. Admittedly, they still felt a tinge of sadness even after reassuring Teylan that it would be alright.
That’s when they thought, maybe they’ll see each other sooner than expected.