Show Me & Teach Me | Neteyam/Reader

Part II - I Like Your Stars Better

The lewd insinuation was scandalous and Seyla sucked in a harsh gasp, "How dare you!"

Vitani cackled in malicious glee at getting a rise out of her, "Is that how you repaid him for your lessons? In carnal favours?"

"I did no such thing!"

By Eywa, Seyla could not comprehend how Vitani ever thought herself worthy of being tsakarem with so much bitter animosity in her heart.

At first, Seyla had felt bad and she had understood that Vitani felt slighted. She had tolerated the woman's sour mood and astringent demeanour, believing that the storm would pass in time. However, it had been weeks now and Vitani only seemed to be getting more hostile.

With a scathing snort, Vitani flicked a stray fruit peel from her shin onto the mat and simpered, "Ah, there's no need for that level of affront, sister. There's no shame engaging in such activities. Men are all the same, no matter their station. All easily led around by what's behind their loincloths."

Seyla was about to retort that it was not the implication of sexual activities that angered her, but the insinuation that she had only got where she was by engaging in them that did, when the firm clearing of a throat stopped her in her tracks.

Neytiri appeared from around the cloth flaps of the hut's entrance and while she made no remark, the dark expression she wore and the impatient flick of her tail behind her was sign enough that she had overheard their heated exchange. Vitani blanched as if she had seen a ghost.

Padding into the hut on silent feet, Neytiri was the physical embodiment of grace, as always. Her critical eyes settled on Vitani who immediately dipped her head in respect. "Vitani, I believe the linen out at the washing grove is dry now. Can you please go and fetch it in. I think you need some air."

With a barely audible squeak of acknowledgement, Vitani shot to her feet and scurried out without a backward glance. Seyla allowed herself a scowl. Coward.

"Oel ngati kameie, Neytiri." Seyla greeted, her head still dipped sheepishly, embarrassed at the thought of the slanderous comments the woman had just overheard about her son. None of it was true, but the insinuation was no less mortifying for Seyla.

Neytiri returned the greeting warmly and folded herself down to sit by her. She peered over at the girl who had dutifully resumed her peeling work and was deliberately avoiding her gaze, "You are worthy, child. No matter what others might imply or assume."

"I never did anything like that. Nothing inappropriate happened while I was in training." The words burst from Seyla in a torrent and she was unsure of why she even felt like she needed to reiterate the facts to defend herself.

A husky chortle rang out from Neytiri who fixed her with a knowing expression, "I think you forget who I am. Your karyu is my son and the tsahìk who appointed you is my mother. I know them both like the backs of my own hands, and they both speak very highly of you. I'm the last person you need to convince of your honour."

Swallowing the tight lump in her throat, Seyla nodded mutely in acknowledgement. Neytiri's words were a soothing balm to her nerves. Vaguely, she wondered what Neteyam had told his mother of her. She felt Neytiri's warm hand settle on one of her wrists then and she instinctively glanced up to meet her kindly gaze.

"You have done well. The spirit of our Great Mother is strong in you." Neytiri breathed, heartening Seyla with a gentle squeeze of her wrist and an affectionate smile, "And one day, when you and Neteyam are both ready, I will be proud to welcome you into our soaia (family) as a daughter."

Seyla's answering grin was reserved, but her heart sang with elation at Neytiri's words. One day, when she and Neteyam were ready, they would seal their bond before Eywa.