What If? (P1) || Jake / Reader || Draft

N'deh

"Land in down here." Jake informs from below as he waves out, with you standing by his side. "They don't want the Samson too close."

"Understood." Trudy calls back, and with ease she sticks the landing.

Everyone in their respective Avatar forms, except for her of course.

It's a bit of a hike out, but she doesn't mind. Norm eventually picks her up and unlike you, she favors the heights - especially watching how big of steps Norm takes in this form.

The sun is still coming up for the day, a little bit of the bioluminescence still showing as they venture on and through.

Grace is a bit behind everyone, but only because she wants to take it all in. She's far beyond thrilled to be back here after all this time.

Forever thankful for the chance to come back.

Mo'at shows first as you all arrive in the center of Hometree, and it's beautiful the way she and Grace fall into a hug.
 
Some kids happen to come by as she's being shown around - and she takes each of them in with a warm smile as she catches up with them.
As if no time had passed at all, the greatest of feelings.

"That's so sweet." You remark as you and Jake watch her with them.

Norm is, of course, speaking with Mo'at and Eytukan - accepting their praise of how much he knows, following graces footsteps for sure.

"It wasn't easy." Jake remarks. "Neytiri said she missed her, but it would be difficult. I had to convince her it was for the better, since we can get the upper hand next time Parker tries to come out here."

"Next time?" You ask.

"Apparently they have a huge grudge against him for not respecting their rules like Grace does.
  — Surprising, I know."

"Wait, who's that?" You point out gently as you watch a larger Na'vi male come into view - and Grace stands as they embrace one another. "I.. haven't seen him before."

"Whoever he is, they sure know one another." Jake mumbles.

Grace looks around before spotting you both, and next thing you know she's headed your way with him shortly behind.

You share the usual greeting and sentiments as they both come forward and stand a few feet away.

Grace has a certain twinkle in her eye you've not noticed before.

"I am N'deh." He explains, and before he can continue on—

"He is from a neighboring clan." Grace beats him to it.    Explaining that he's a respected warrior, and how he came to be her guide all those years ago when first arriving.
  It seems many Na'vi were hesitant, but he bore a curiosity the others wouldn't even try to fill.

He doesn't look much older than Grace's Avatar, to be honest.

The two almost resemble the way you and Jake looked just before you ..  traveled? Back here?

———

It seems they're having a large gathering tonight, with Mo'at helping prepare a few odd drinks or portioning foods.

It's similar to the hunters festival, except done in preparation to welcome the new hunters as they've obtained their Ikran, and are making their way into the dream hunt.

Jake would be ready for his Ikran soon, something you've held out on doing so you could accompany him on the same level.

"Careful with that." You tell Jake as he comes over, and hands out a few different drinks.