The River Tree (Neteyam x Metkayina OC)

Chapter 19: The Teal Ones

*Play the music for a more immersive experience*

"Ugh they always start these things so late." Father grumbled as he limped on the bouncy path "Bet you that old fart Tonowari makes them so late on purpose."

"Take slower steps, Father." I warned, growing concerned at overconfident steps he was taking past the bustling crowd, all holding various dishes covered in intricately weaved baskets.

The diverse scent of fresh, steamed, spicy and salted dishes filled my nose as we grew closer and closer to the open circle of teal colored families and warriors eager to stuff their faces.

We missed quite a few village events due to Father's condition over the years but the one he always made an effort of going to was the monthly village eating circle. Father said it was important to mingle with those we don't see often, to remind them we are still here for them, no matter what. In the past, I could only be coaxed into going at the reminder that their would be an abundance of jelly sauce ripe for the taking and extra since Tsireya always gave me hers.

It always played out the same.

We'd arrive. We'd go to the food corner and take our pick of cuisine, I'd get three cups of northern rice we received from the wind traders clan with what was to me a gallon of orange jelly sauce. It resembled a soup at that point but that's what I enjoyed. No one else seems to like the jelly sauce so there is always plenty. Father gets seven helping of morpa shell core stew and sautéed water beetle, he'd give me the gooey bits to eat. We'd sit next to Tonowari and Ronal and hear the Olo'eyktan boast about his days as a young man and then father would get excited and Ronal would tell him to shut up and after three hours Father would get sleepy and we'd leave six hours before it'd even really began and done.

I was quite content with this arrangement for a long time. It meant coming home early to practice more in a mostly quiet atmosphere.

But tonight would be different.

I did not know how this specific evening would play out or when it would end.

After a few more near misses of Father's balance on the path, we reached the source of all the delectable smells. Bright but scattered firelights all around the grove the sound of overheard ocean Avarians chirping loudly at the nights embrace. The soft hum of water beetles overtook the loud chattering and laughing of the village of my youth.

Idle gossip, giggling children and the splashing of Ilu's beneath us garnished the bustling atmosphere and would usually catch my eye,

but I was scanning for something else.

"Now then, where are Tonowari and Ronal sitting this time?" Father asked, searching trhough the clearing "They change their spots every time."

Before I could break the news, a certain shade of blue caught my eye.

Neteyam, making the 'I see you' motion, was mingling with a group of smitten young girls around Tuk's age. From here, I could sense their giddiness and Neteyam's tender and playful remarks. I stared long enough to eventually catch his gaze and as he held his. Smoothly, he made his departure from the lovesick girls waving goodbye to all of them as they loudly squealed, and made his way towards me, completely bathed in the soft firelight.

I gulped.

"Actually father...I have plans to...s-sit with...someone else tonight." I sputtered, quickly turning my gaze back to Father.