strong - neteyam x oc

truth

Kireyi returned to her pod, quietly walking in, it didn't seem to help as her mother had been making more teas and ointments.

"Where were you Reyi?" She never looked up, continuing to grind the tea leaves.

"I went on a walk...."

Finally, her mother looked up, "That is where you got the flower?"

Kireyi shuffled, responding, "Yes," Her cheeks heated up, thinking about the night.

"Hmm.... from a certain someone?" Her mother raised her brow, looking at her daughter.

"Well-"

"Neteyam, right?" Ronal interrupted.

Kireyi tried not to show her shock, but before she could speak, her mother called her to sit, "It is him, isn't it...."

Looking down in shame, Kireyi nodded. She hadn't been ashamed of Neteyam, the girl was more ashamed that she kept it from her mother; she didn't know how everything would work out. She messed with her fingers, "I'm sorry, I should've told you."

Her mother handed her a bowl of herbs for the girl to grind, "Why are you sorry, my girl?"

"I know I shouldn't like him- it will cause problems with the clans and-"

"Is that it?" Kireyi looked at her mother in confusion, "I am not mad, I show no signs, so why apologize? If you like him then...." She paused, contemplating, "I will support you."

"What? Really?" The girl's hand stopped grinding the herbs, and her eyes widened. Her mother placed her hand on her daughter's, taking a deep breath.

"I have known for a while, your spirit sister told me, it has also been quite obvious Ma Reyi," Kireyi's shoulders dropped in embarrassment, "Eleu taught me something that day, and I listened. How could I not? I've gone through everything possible, and this is the conclusion I've come to."

Kireyi's mouth was agape. She couldn't think of any words, she couldn't even think right. Her brows scrunched, and a bubble filled her throat; her mind couldn't figure out if she should smile or cry. Her mother noticed placing both of their bowls down and pulling her daughter towards her, "I know Reyi." She squeezed her little girl softly, brushing her fingers through her hair.

"Thank you mother," Kireyi whispered, Ronal continued brushing her daughter's hair and decided to ease the tension.

"Did he find the shells for you that time?"

Nodding, Kireyi spoke, "Yes...."

"Hmm, I knew it," Kireyi's eyes shot up to her mother before it clicked.

"Eleu told you, didn't she?" With a nod, Kireyi groaned, "She tricked me mother!"

"Is that so?" Handing the bowl back to her daughter Kireyi nodded, "And white shells, hm?"

Kireyi's mouth dropped, immediately running to defense, "He didn't know the meaning of white shells.... he still doesn't," Her eyes dropped as she turned red.

"So where were you tonight, my girl?"

"Well.... we went flying on his Ikran," The floral smell became strong as she focused on the herbs, this time, she didn't know if her mom would be mad she went out. Especially with her hurt leg, yet instead- her reaction was the opposite.

Her mother's face filled with a pleasant surprise, "And how was that?" She questioned.

"It was amazing mother, our village is so pretty from the sky, and his Ikran is so sweet," Kireyi rambled for a second or two more before silencing.