Chapter Text
Mau’oa often watched Teynari swim with the Ilu, and she had known her daughter had an unusually long dive time, but this was ridiculous. Teynari had been down there for well over 10 minutes now, and the weaver was becoming more and more agitated.
She was about to go look for her daughter when she heard the Tsahìk approach. Mau’oa smiled to her friend and brought her fingers to her forehead. “I see you, Tsahìk.”
“No need for formalities. To you, I am Ronal,” The woman said, sitting down and picking up an end of the fishing net Mau’oa had been working on. “Sadly, I am not here just for pleasantries. I have a proposal for you and your daughter.”
Mau’oa’s ears pricked at that, and she stopped tying knots in her net. “What about her?”
My eldest son and your daughter are about the same age, and I need to start thinking for the future on who will become the next Tsahìk when I am gone.” Ronal paused, looking out to the water.
“I am suggesting that I will train her to be the guide for our clan, and when they are old enough, my son and your daughter will be mated before Eywa.”
Mau’oa’s eyes widened, but she thought about it. Her daughter hated fighting, and always liked helping the Ilu mothers with their calves. She certainly would be a good healer, and Ronal was there to guide her with connecting to the Great Mother.
But then again, there was the issue of the betrothal. She didn’t know how her daughter would react to being told she would have to be wed to someone she hadn’t even met.
“I accept. When Teynari gets back I will tell her.”
“Good, shall you bring her over tomorrow for last meal? My son will be there, and we can tell them both at the same time.”
———————
Teynari giggled as small glowing payoang (fish) swam around her, brushing against her sides and legs. She dodged around the corals, using her tail to propel herself forward.
She dove deeper, touching the large fronds of seaweed that grew near the coast. It was softer, lighter material that was used to weave things like clothing and headdresses, unlike the thicker stuff used on the maori pods and fishing nets.
Murmuring a silent prayer of thanks, she pulled a clump of seaweed out and made her way to the surface. She took slow breaths, evening her heart rate before swimming to the shore.
She saw someone walking in the distance, recognizing her by her ornate jewelry as the clan’s Tsahìk. “Mama! What did the Tsahìk want, mama?” Teynari clambered to her mother’s lap, grasping for her weaving.
Mau’oa chuckled, moving the net away from her daughter's hands. “She wanted to ask about you, we are going to join the Olo’eyktan’s family for last meal.”
“But why? Did I do something wrong?” Teynari’s eyes went wide, filling with tears.
“Oh, no yawne (beloved)!” Mau’oa comforted her daughter, brushing a stray curl out of her face. She picked up the bundle of seaweed Teynari had brought back, standing up. “Let me show you how to make jewelry.”
———————
Aonung was anxiously pacing the marui, tail swishing back and forth. His mother had told him that someone was coming for last meal, and not knowing who was killing him. Was it his uncle, his father’s brother? Or was it one of his sister Tsireya’s friends?
“Aonung,” his father called. “Stop pacing. You will wear holes into the floor.” The boy sighed, walking over to help prepare the meal. The Olo’eyktan handed him a bowl with spices to mix and a stir stick.
“Tonowari, Aonung, they are here!” Ronal called, striding into the marui. Little Tsireya bounded quickly after. “Mau’oa, Teynari, this is my son, Aonung.”
The pair stepped forwards, raising their hands to their foreheads and splaying their fingers out. “I see you, Olo’eyktan,” Mau’oa said, nudging her daughter to do the same.
“I see you, Olo’eyktan!” She chirped, stepping closer to her mother.
Aonung looked to the girl. She had long wavy hair that was tinted silver, and her skin and eyes were pale as an oyster. He turned to the rug where they ate, motioning for the pair to follow him.
He showed them where their places were, then took his own seat between his father and sister. Teynari was seated on the other side of Tsireya, and they were happily chatting back and forth.
“Father, why are they here?” Aonung leaned in, whispering to Tonowari.
“Aonung, do not bother your Olo’eyktan,” Ronal scolded harshly. “I will tell you why they are here.” She raised her voice slightly, addressing everyone. “As you know, Teynari is about your age, and you are to be Olo’eyktan one day. I have offered to Mau’oa for her to train to be Tsahìk, and she has accepted.”
His mother kept calmly eating as if she had not just dropped the biggest news of Aonung’s short life, but Aonung knew better than to argue. He dipped his head politely, but ignored his food.
“What? Mama, why didn’t you ask me?” Teynari looked in shock to her mother, eyes wide with confusion.
Mau’oa smiled thinly, rising and bringing her daughter with her. “We best leave. Thank you, Tsahìk and Olo’eyktan for the meal.” The pair left quickly into the growing darkness of eclipse.