ATEYO TeSYAKSYUK: TSULFATU

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Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

220)~Around the campfire, Eyktan Ikeru was singing the praises of his mipa ayhapxìtu.  new members. He told the story again of Tai's Battle with the Payoang in the river near their Kelutral.  Kxeyo reminded them of the prayer that Tai had offered for the Swirä Vrrtep a Txampay. The Demon Sea Creature.  Eyktan Ikxeru reminded them all that AyRam aLusìng, the Floating Mountains, was a short detour on the way home.  He had seen all the pilots and their door gunners hunt and offer The Prayer.  Taifa' interjected, " Ateyo  taught me to pray over every teylu that I gathered in the forest, and I certainly eat LOTS of ayteylu."
   The Eyktan rubbed her hands together in anticipation. "Ftxozä si! Mì ayoenga kelutral!" Celebration In our Home Tree!  Oe silpey tsnì ayoeng lu kesolrätx hu txengan Zhapxerwoki!  I hope that you all are not annoyed with meat of Jaberwocky!"
   "Wait. Pey" Pxati Henderson spoke. "I have some concerns, Ma Frapo! ONE) aren't we supposed to see who the Pa'li Clan has initiated? TWO) I need to get my shuttle drivers to bring down another set of Ayuniltìrantokx from the ISV. THREE) We have met some Na'vi from this clan who are in serious need of reconstructive surgery, and we Toktors need to speak with Eyktan Atumopin about these possibilities."
"FOUR!" interjected Major Tai.  "I need to know if a week has passed.  I would like Ma Oeyä Twiti to be present when I get my Ikran.  And Tobi NEEDS to see the Txampay. He should be here."
"Tse, it's only been four days, Ma Tai." said Txianna. "But I have done more and seen more in these last four days than I have in my life.  I would love to stay  with Ma Oeyä Soaia forever, but I know that Twiti didn't get a chance to enjoy her avat...Uniltìrantokx for very long.  And she wants to be a hunter, so this would be very important for her to see.  I'll trade early if you need me to. I know I couldn't climb those Floating Mountains!"
   "How proud I am that you are a member of our Soaia!" exclaimed Tsahik Meykir.  "You have made this good gesture out of the kindness of your heart. Ma Lìnga Rìk is most fortunate to gain you as a daughter!" exclamations and agreements were exchanged as Txianna blushed deeply.  Kxeyo was happy to have his Tsahik praise his Intended One openly among the clans and he gathered the yuman woman closer to him, imagining how she would feel in her Blue Self.
"Ma Meuianga Eyktan Ikxeru," said Tai. "I think Twiti is strong enough to climb. If one of the taronyu would lead her, I think she could climb safely, just to watch."
"Ma Eyktan Ikxeru!" spoke a young taronyu. "Oeru meuiama tsnì srung si Ma Twiti."  It would be my honor to help  Twiti.  He remembered how grateful he was to learn that she would be with the Zongsteng Alor rather, than Yayo Atumpin."
  "Tstunwi!" " said Meykir'ite, the Tsahik's daughter."  That was nice of you to say, Ma Tovrey'itan. I am sure that Ma Twiti will be very grateful!"  Meykir'ite was aware of the young man's attraction to Twiti.
  "Can we expect everyone to return in three days then?" asked Tsahik Lamu'ite.  Everyone agreed. But Dr. Threadgoode had some business that needed to be addressed.
"With your permission, Ma Tsahik sì Ma Atumopin, may we take with us, those individuals who need medical treatment?  We will need them only for a short while to gather some cultures, and propagate some tissue in anticipation of reconstructive surgery."
  Puzzled looks were his first response.   Especially from Ateyo who was at a loss as to how to BEGIN translating. "Tsun nga law sivi ni'it srak?" she asked.  Could you make that a bit clearer?
"Ma Reggie! Allow me!"  Mendllzong then addressed the Eyktan Atumopin and the Tsahik Lamu'ite.  "Ma Eyktan sì Ma Tsahik!  If we take them to Blue Heart Gate, we can take skin samples, like from the cheek.  Remember?" He demonstrated with Ateyo who was already poised with  her cheek pulled out by one finger.  "We can grow more skin and muscle, and cause the body to heal itself.  You have seen that we can grow a full uniltìrantokx.  It is easier and faster to grow muscle and skin."
  This translation was easier to interpret.  And Tsahik Lamu'ite was the first to speak.  "These are wonderous things which you describe.  I must admit that it was quite unsettling to have seen ayuniltìrantokx alìng luke aytirea.  Avatars floating without their spirits."  She was thinking of the Avatars that she had observed in the gestation tanks a few weeks ago, at Blue Heart Gate.  "Txo nga tsun  fayhem sivi nìwotx, ha nìlaw fwa nga tsun ziveyko pxunit Txaretanyä.  If you can do these things,  clearly you can repair Txaretan's arm."
   Reginald and Gregory were delighted to have such a vote of confidence.  After their "Irayo's" they turned to Tai and Colonel Schroeder.  "Colonel!  What kind of items do you have in your first aid kit?"
" Aside from hemostats and scalpels, no items for an operation!  Were you hoping for slides  and  test tubes?" said Hans. "We could carry them in the future."
"Yeah, well.  It would have saved a trip." said Reginald Threadgoode. "And no, we actually  don't use those items anymore. But I will introduce you to the three Na'vi in question."
Pxati Fenwick was watching all of this occur and was grateful that the Na'vi had entrusted their health and well-being to the ayhumon at Blue Heart Gate.  "OK we are working our list backward.  We have answered Ma Tai's concern, and addressed the medical issues.  I need to have my shuttle drivers bring down the next eight Avatars,and another set of Remote Link Sites.
   Jeanine Black Elk and David Rom  were with earshot.  "We two, moe are right here."  I saw Mueller and Warwick a little while ago with the Red Bird Clan."  David Rom was anxious to get another chance to fly the shuttle.   
"Present and accounted for and ready to fly!" said Warwick.  "We were passengers on meikran for two days.  I am looking forward to some stick time in the shuttle.  How many more trips before the ISV is unloaded?"
"I'll have to get back to you on that one, Fritz." said Patricia. "I know you will be the last ones to receive your Blue Bodies.  I guess I should keep you better apprised."
"I guess we will all be heading out tomorrow, then." said Tai realizing that she would have to delay her chance to be a dive bomber on an ikran. But Eyktan Atumopin read her mind.  "Ma Tail miyakto hu oeti trr'ong, srak? Ma Tai will ride with me at dawn, yes or no?"
"Yes, Ma'am!" said Tai with a cursory salute, causing the Colonel and all the pilots to grin to themselves and mutter something about birds of a feather...
   "We have yet to address the Pa'li Clan Txi-txikx-txìpxen." said Pxati with a frown. "We should make certain to visit their clan. Do they have an iknamaya for riding pa'li?"
  Max couldn't resist. "Even Jake can ride a  pa'li. Sort of."  This caused hilarity among all who were gathered.  The story of Jake learning to ride pa'li was infamous.  Unlike most ayeyktan, Jake was constantly the butt of jokes, among both Na'vi and ayuniltìrantotx.
   The three hunters from the Pa'li Clan who had attended this ftozä promised to deliver the message. " Could you notify the Pa'li clan to meet us all here in three days?" asked Eyktan Atumopin. "Gladly! I'll tell them they missed a txantsan swirä vrrtep taron!" They missed an excellent demon- creature hunt.
   "I haven't been paying attention to the time," said Tai.  It's almost twenty-two hundred hours.  We have to kä hahaw. go sleep"  As she raised her arm to glance at her watch, she gently slumped over on top of Ateyo.  In quick succession, the other Avatars were deprived of consciousness.  Ateyo squirmed her way from under Tai's unconscious body and shrugged helplessly.  "Tse, I suppose we can sleep right here."

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

221) "Kristi! why the sudden stop?" Major Tai almost burst out out of her link chamber.
"Oh my Eywa!  I dozed off and panicked because I thought it was twenty-three hundred hours.  Are you OK?"
"I think so.  I was sitting on a log near the campfire, but I think I toppled over on your sister."
"Oh poor Ateyo! I'm so sorry!"
She helped Janet Henderson climb out of her chamber, and soon the pilots and Taifa', as well.
"Hey!  Who turned out the lights?  Were there alarms going off or what?"
"I'm sorry. I panicked. I heard alarms in my dream."
Tobi escorted the pilots outside to their patio.  Where their hammocks were still swinging.  "I couldn't catch her!  She was flying through the room slamming off buttons. I don't know what the hell happened."
All eyes were onTweety. "I'm not sure", she stammered, "I just knew I had to save you!"
Captain Daniels asked, "So you were sleep-walking?"
"Sleep running is more like it." Tobi was clearly annoyed. "Someone could have gotten hurt! What were you thinking?"
Major Tai prevented him from carrying on with his tirade.  "I think you two are over-worked. You need a vacation!   Pack your stuff and be ready for the beach. Txianna and Melvin are springing you early."
   "For reals!?" Tweety's eyes were as big as a Kava bowl.
   "Hey! Me and Tai are gonna climb the Floating Mountains and get us each an ikran!" Taifa' was nearly shouting he was so excited! "You two get to watch! Preview of coming attractions!"
   "I KNEW there was a reason we did so much work on the climbing rope of our gym!"  There were a number of vines draped over  the front of the cave.  There were various rock projections from which they did chin ups.  It was only a few paces from the dining area.  Tai made quick work of her lima beans and ham. Though Tobi was begging her to consider the after effects.  "You probably weren't aware of the cloud that wafted out of your link chamber!"
   "So who are the next eight Avatars? You know we are going to have to readjust our schedules once the door gunners and maintainance crews get their blue bodies.  Are we getting anymore link chambers?" Kristy was projecting her worries.
   "Eight more chambers are being delivered or have been delivered for the next eight Avatars.  And before you ask, I don't know who or to which clan. But when it is all said and done, we are each supposed to have our own chamber.  Meanwhile we will need to play swing shift." suggested Major Tai..
   "As far as I know, neither Red Bird Clan nor Dark Lake Clan have any link chambers at all. But they are the shuttle pilots, so they will be the last."
   "  And we were so busy slaying sea vrrtep, the sea demon, we didn't even get a chance to visit the Pa'li clan." said Bruce Wade.
   Conversation would have gone on longer but Tobi was tapping his watch. "I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you kids have to get to bed.  We will all learn more tomorrow, first hand. Now hit the showers and hit the hay!"
   "Aw Daddy! Do we have to?!"  Janet was at least a decage older than Tobi, but she was having fun acknowledging his authority.
    Tweety called out after them, "SLEEP TIGHT BABIES!  SEE YOU IN THE MORNING!"

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

 222)~ "Tìng Pom* Tìng Pom* Tìng Pom"  Ateyo had awakened when she heard the Eyktan Atumopin wandering around.  Atumopin waited restlessly as the two traded pleasantries.
But she approached as Tai sat up, with food wraps extended in her hand.
"Rewon lefpom my Tai. Now I know why ayhumon saying, FALL ASLEEP!"
"Oeru txoa livu." "Kea tìkin!" Atumopin didn't even let Tai apologize for leaving the party so soon. "It's nothing. I know you had no choice in the matter, but it seemed very abrupt."
"Oh it was!  I'm glad I was sitting down!  I usually have already lain down before I lose consciousness."
"You must remain conscious when we fly, Ma Tai. Livu fpom, srak?"
   "SRAK!  I am fine! My tech thought it was an hour later than it really was."  Ateyo couldn't translate if she tried. What was a tech to the Na'vi? Or a hour?
"Tam, tam. Mawey, Ma oeyä Atumopin." Ateyo was having fun with the language.  "Ngari txe'lan mawey livu. May your heart be calm."   She herself was confused even after she got the information. "Taronyit yom smarìl!"  The prey eats the hunter!"
This confused Tai but Ateyo was quick to explain, "Everything messed up and backwards."
Tai had definitely heard the word-root taron, to hunt, eventually her brain filled in the blanks.  Her belated guffaw caused merriment as pxefo, those three, greeted the other hunters who were gathering.  Her crew was also just getting up, more or less where they had crashed.  The ayuniltìrantokx were explaining the concept of CRASH as it related to FALLING ASLEEP.  The Na'vi were puzzled but slightly amused.
    "You not CRASH ikran, SRAK?" asked one of the hunters, Tovrey'itan, with a wry smile.
   "Kehe! Txo ikran hahaw tengkrr swayon, BAM" No. If the ikran sleep while fly, BAM!"She picked up a wooden spoon and whacked her hand for emphasis. Almost everyone drew the association between misbehavior and wooden spoons, especially where Ateyo was concerned.
"Mawey, Ma Tai," said Eyktan Atumopin with a laugh, "Krrpe frapo swayon ta 'aukx, ayoeng livu TXEN. When we all fly from cliff, we will all be AWAKE!"
   "Well what are we waiting for? MAKTO KO! Let's RIDE!" said Tai as she trotted off after the tall Eyktan Atumopin.  The edge of the cliff was delineated by the glowing vegetation along it's edge. The sound of thundering surf was punctuated by screams of ikrans, anxious for their riders to join them. As the ayikran of the Eastern Sea flapped their eager wings, bioluminescent light flashed before them.  This effect was common among the coastal ayikran.  Flashing their wings as they coasted above the water, they would dazzle their prey, who would stop swimming momentarily, allowing themselved to be snagged from the surface. But their dazzling display was also a welcome for their riders.
   "Tam, Tam, Ma Lora Txon'ong. (Beautiful Nightfall) "Is name given by ma Oeyä Tsahik Lamu'ite."  Her Ikran was of a bronze color that flashed  and shimmered in purple and green. He even pretended to be delighted with the proffered morsel of vey vrrtepa swirä atxampay (flesh of demon sea creature)AGAIN "Memaktoyu. Lora." Two riders. She directed her ikran's attention towards Tai, whom he nuzzled affectionately. 
"Nìprrte!" with pleasure!  Tai was speaking for herself as well as voicing for the ikran.  Atumopin vaulted into the saddle and offered her forearm to Tai, who took up her place behind her.  "ALAKSI?!  MAKTO KO!" With no further warning, Lora Txon'ong lauched himself from the cliff and plummeted towards the crashing waves. Though at low tide, the sharp rocks were rushing up to meet them rather than water.  At the last moment, Lora Txon'ong swooped away from the glistening teeth of the shoreline.
"Now THAT was fun!"
Mefo, Pxefo, counting Lora Txon'ong, spent the next ten minutes, climbing, diving, banking.  Tai got the distinct impression that her ikran was showing off, as he did  an eight point barrel roll.  He then skimmed the water, came to an abrupt hover, and with an irridescent flash of his wings,snatched a large payoang from just below the surface.  He seemed to chuckle to himself in pleasure as he tossed the fish into the air and swallowed it in one gulp.  The quick movements of his head, were calculated not to disturb the air flow side to side.  He was clearly showing off! 
   Tsahik Lamu'ite, laughed as she peeled away Ateyo from her side.  Watching her Yawnetu defy the wind had her anxiously grasping the tsahik for comfort. Ateyo overcame her anxiousness enough to realize the joy in Tai's face.  Suddenly, she was whistful for the sky.
  As they came in to land on the cliff  side, they were met enthusuastically by the aytaronyu and the pilots, who congratulated her for staying on during the aerobatic stunts. Hans Schroeder said, "That was some pretty slick riding, Major! You are a natural BARNSTORMER!"
"I'm looking forward to flying formation with the  entire squadron, but we had better get going.  We need to pick up Tweety and Toby before we do our Iknamaya.  Irayo for Perey. Waiting for me!"
   "Nìlun, we would wait for you and for Ma Oeyä Eyktan to greet the morning." smiled Tsahik Lamu'ite. The sun was beginning to climb into the sky. Most everyone had gathered at the tip of the peninsula to watch the flight.  The conch horn sounded and everyone calmed themselves and raised their hands to the rising sun. "Nawma Sa'nok! Irayo si. We thank you for our lives and we thank you for the sun and a new day. Extend your care and your protection over us as we go about our lives."

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

223)Pxepxi and Kofi were loathe to depart from their new friends.  Playing on the beach had left them with a deeper shade of purple "tan" than before.  The promise of returning in three days was the only thing that got them to cooperate.  "Besides, don't you want to see if an ikran chooses me and Uncle Taifa'?" asked Major Tai.  Now their cooperation was thoroughly engaged.  Eyktan Ikxeru clasped his mipa metaronyu on the shoulders.  "Ma Tai will you meet us at the Zongsteng Alor?"
   "Kehe, Ma Eyktan!   Ngaru lokAyRam Alusìng, set. You are close to the Floating Mountains, now."  She wondered if she had said it correctly. Eyktan Ikxeru's response was a delayed reaction of only three seconds.   "Ayoeng ultxa sivi  roAy Ram Alusìng akxamtrr" We all will meet at Floating Mountains at mid day"
   Tai nodded enthusiastically  and said "Ro kllpa, srak?  At the bottom, yes or no?"
   "KLLPA,srane! Kxamtrr." Bottom. Yes. Mid day. Mllte!" Bottom, yes. Midday. Agreed!"
"Ma Tai, 'awa swawtsyìp!" Just a tiny moment, hold on a bit." Tsahik Lamu'ite touched Tai on the arm and drew her attention.  "You could let the children stay here.  We will all wait for the return of all aytaronyu fìsteng. all the hunters, here."  Mevi, the two kids,  were cheering before their parent's had even agreed, but it made sense.
  "Nga omum, Ma Tai. Remember Tai, choose a red one!"  Shouted Pxepxi as Tai and Taifa' climbed into the lefgnapa ikran.  "Major!" interrupted the Pilot Bruce Wade, "I will fly your chopper on the way back, after you have been CHOOSEN!  AND I promise to have it gassed up when I return."  He gave Melvin a hand up.  It wasn't clear at this point when Dianna would be seeing  Kxeyo again.  The tall Na'vi scooped her up in his arms and sat her in the open doorway near Taifa's feet.  Even Tai, as anxious as she was to get going, allowed the couple to say their goodbyes.
  She was relieved to finally start the engines.  As the turbines spooled up and she checked the control surfaces, she felt that unmistakable adrenaline rush.  Not only was she flying her chopper, she would soon be flying her own ikran!  In the left seat, Ateyoä menari, Ateyo's eyes were dilated in anticipation.
"Eywa ngahu!" Etrìpa syayvi!" "Makto zong!" Eywa be with you! Good luck! Ride safe!" waved everyone from the ground.
"Alakxsi!? MAKTO KO!"  FINALLY skids up!  thought Tai.  A cloud of ayikran broke southwest, flying directly to the base of the AyRam Alusìng. Tai would be overflyiing the edge of the vortex, past the Dark Lake Clan and the Zongsteng Alor, directly to the Hidden Base. For the next two hours, Tai's compartmentalized brain, eltu, concentrated on the one task ahead.  Flying safely.  Anticipation was tucked away, somewhere in the back of her head.  This skill helped her survive years of combat.  All distractions were put aside, knowing that she would deal with those concerns later.
    Ateyo supposed that Tai might be daydreaming about the future.  "Rä'ä makto ikranit ngeyä srekrr ngal stä'ni pumit."   Do not ride your ikran before you catch it."  Tai gave a quick glance sideways and nodded, "Oe mllte. Nìwotx mì meuiä krr. I agree. Everything in it's proper time."  Ateyo grinned, pleased that her Yawnetu was making more and more sentences. instead of playing tourist and watching the scenery unfold below her, she was quietly watching Tai, though she allowed her own hands to follow the control inputs on the collective and the cyclic.  She was trying not to think of the many humilating attempts she had made to claim her own ikran.  She had stood on the edge of a cliff just a while ago, watching Tai's exhilarated expression, as she wrapped her arms around the Eyktan Atumopin. Ateyo experienced a momentary surge of jealousy or of envy.  It unsettled her. But Tai was now as immersed in THIS flying experience as she had been this morning.  Ateyo drew a heavy sigh and tried to calm herself.
  But Tai was also sharply attuned to her Ateyo, AND her peripheral vision was excellent.
    " 'Efu fpom,srak?" Do you feel alright?"
    "Srane, ma oeyä kalina yawnetu.   Yes my Sweet Beloved. Just excited.  Trying to calm down."  It was true, she just omitted telling of the jealousy.  The terrain was becoming familiar as they roared past the Zongsteng Alor Kelutral.  And within twenty minutes, Tai was maneuvering the chopper deftly. below the over hang of the Hidden Base cave complex.
   Dianna tried to put on a brave face during the Changing of the Guard.  "Oh Honey!" exclaimed Kristy as they embraced. "How sad!"  I want to thank you for sacrificing your days for me.  Especially knowing that your Intended One is without you."  They made small talk as the ship was being refuelled.  Ateyo had leapt out of the chopper and had tackled her half-sister, Tweety/Kristy!  "Oeyä Ma Twiti lom lu oer!  I miss my Twiti!"  They were jumping up and down like two delighted children.   Tai looked on with amusement, accepting of the candor and outward expression.  Everyone had disembarked at this point, to attend to personal matters.  Tai remembered hearing something about gas stations of 'Rrta.  WHERE YOU FILL UP YOUR CAR AND EMPTY THE FAMILY  She smiled to herself.  She remembered how the auto industry had jumped through all the hoops to create autos and even semi-trucks that produced cleaner emissions.  But they couldn't or wouldn't change their dependence upon coal-fired electric plants.
"You are ready to fly, Major. (You lucky dog!)" Sargent Parilla was just itching to get into Blue Skin.  And the idea of flying an ikran was VERY appealing.  Yet he was a good soldier and accepted the fact that he too, would be Blue.  "Nìwotx mì meuiä krr.  Everything in it's proper time."
Tai was nearly vibrating she was so excited.  But when the ground crew saluted, she put on her game face and shouted, "LET'S SKY UP PEOPLE. KO!"
  Dianna and Melvin waved from the ground as the skids left the surface.  Tai had already oriented the chopper for a straight out departure.  She glanced at her watch for the umpteenth time. 

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

224)~Radio static was heard at the Hidden Base as Colonel Hans Schroeder called-in a scrambled message from the sky.  "Hidden Base. Schroeder. Four minutes from flux vortex on course for Blue Heart Gate. Do you have any requests for supplies?"
"Schroeder. Hidden Base, Copy that.  More fuel, more link chambers and more Ham and Lima Beans for Major Tai."
"Hidden Base. Schroeder.  Ma Pxati says for Dianna, Melvin, Brandenburg  and Barilla to wash your faces and comb your hair.  Your avatars are on the incoming shuttle!"
"Schroeder, Hidden Base.  Will convey message. Over."
"Hidden Base. Schroeder. Fuel, link chambers, lima beans. Copy that.  The only guarantees  are the Lima Beans, fuel, and the Avatars. Schroeder. Out"
Master Sargent Louis Rivroir, communications tech and French Chef extraordinaire, removed the commset from his head and walked out to the flight line.  His grin announced his good tidings over the whine of fuel pumps and other equipment.  He could have announced this news over the loud speakers, but some news is better relayed in person.  Besides, he wanted to see the looks on their faces.  He tapped the two techs on the shoulders, then the Chief mechanic.  Brandenburg was flying as door gunner for Captain Janet Henderson. He would have to radio him later.  But soon pxefo were shouting and slapping HIGH FOUR, even though they assumed their Avatars would have five fingers.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#225
225)~As Hans Schroeder and Pxati Fenwick approached Blue Heart Gate, Tai was carefully setting down her Lefngapa Ikran at the base of the Floating Mountains.  It wasn't long before the rest of the aytaronyu sì ayikran of Zongsteng Alor alighted nearby.  Tovrey'itan identified Twiti and ran up to her.  "Ma Twiti!  Ni'pirrte tsnì nga za'u fìtseng. Nga lu txur, nefä ngahu. I happy for you being here. you being strong. I go up with you."  Tovrey'itan found it difficult to restrain his enthusiasm.  He hoped that she would not be offended by his assumption that she would enjoy climbing with him, but to his delight, she answered, "Nìprrte'! and she gave him a smile that ignited his heart.
  Kxetsaw and Eyktan Ikxeru, who had trained Tai, asked her "Alakxsi, Ma Tai?"
    "NEFÄ KO!" Let's go up!  Shadows of mountains swayed along the billowing grass.  Roots and vines joined the rocks as well as the mag-lev effect.  The constantly moving terrain was a bit unsettling for Twiti, but she maintained her balance.  She was grateful that she and Tobi had been climbing vines recently.  She could feel her muscles rippling beneath her skin.  She was aware of Tovrey'itan's watchful eyes upon her.  She had to admit that she was flattered by his attentions.  She had not even been aware of him among the Olo'Zongsteng Alor on the day she got her Uniltìrantokx.  But obviously, he had been aware of her.
  They continued climbing.   Tai, in her enthusiasm, had outpaced everyone except Eyktan Ikxeru.  As they reached the small cave overlooking the rookey, they stood and watched the excruciatingly beautiful landscape below. "Nice view", panted  Twiti as she caught her breath.  "Mllte!" agreed Tovrey'itan, yet everyone started giggling and chuckling.  Tovrey'itan was not looking at the scenery.  He had not taken his eyes off Twiti.  She shot him one of her smiles.  She was only a little embarrassed at the attention.  She rather liked it.  He asked her,"You being taronyu, fìtrr?"
"Today?  Kehe! Slä yerìn, oel silpey!" no but soon, I hope!"  This pleased him no end.  He took her by the hand, saying "Za'u. Oenga nari si." come we watch.
  "They are all hissing! How will I know which one wants to fight?"  Tai had her bolo in hand as she followed Ateyo across the narrow ledge, which was only one foot wide and spanned the distance from the cave mouth to the top of the huge outsropping where the ayikran were hissing.   "Awpo zimunge fpeio." One will bring the challenge, said Eyktan Ikxeru who was immediately behind Tai.  And at that point, a very small bronze colored ikran leapt out from the crowd and landed before Ateyo with a scream, and a challenge.
"Like that" said Ikeru, as he tossed Ateyo his own bolo.  Ateyo had truly NOT expected this.  But she gathered her wits and returned the challenge with a loud and commanding hiss.  Tai's eyebrows shot up.  She had never heard such a commanding sound from her Yawnetutsyìp. She and Ikxeru exchanged glances, both were entirely surprised by the turn of events. And so was the ikran, because in one smooth motion, Ateyo had slapped the bolo around the ikran's mouth and leapt onto it's neck.  Ateyo tried to take the moment of surprise as an opportunity to commit Tsaheylu, but found instead that she was hanging on for dear life as the ikran violently swung its head from side to side, trying in vain, to dislodge the intrusive presence.
   It failed to dislodge either the bolo or the Na'vitsyìp, but did manage to slam it's own head into the wall of rock. Now was her chance! Ateyo quickly took meswin in her hands and watched as the delicate tendrils combined.  Immediately, aynari expanded in wonderment as the mind rush crashed together and expanded.  Ateyo's face was of pure elation as she pumped the air victoriously with one arm, and her ikran pumped it's wings. Diving straight off the cliff, mefo disappeared from sight, only to reappear with a flash of bronze and orange and red streaks.
  "Go TSMUKE KÄ!" Shouted Twiti! "Tswayon, Ma Yawntu! Tswayon!" shouted Tai exurberantly.  "A runt for the runt! It's perfect!" shouted Kxetsaw.  It was nothing more than fact.  Ke zoplo. Not an insult.
 As Tai was watching her beloved dance in the sky with her ikran, she felt a sharp elbow in her ribs.  "Your turn!" Said Ikxeru, with a grin.  Tai inched her way along the narrow lip of the cliff until it widened out.  She was about to step forward into a flat space, when a large shadow appeared. A large siver and blue ikran had watched her ascent and had already chosen his rider.  It swept down from above and behind.  With one wing talon, it snatched a root along the cliff face in front of Tai and whirled towards her to block her path.  Slashing at her with his head, he tried to knock her from the cliff.  But in doing so, his meswin slapped through the air.  Instinctively, Tai  leapt from her perch and grabbed one of the meswin.  The momentum of her swing and his startled response, only served to throw her in a arc and land her smartly upon his withers.  Immediately he threw himself from the cliff face.  While in their plummet, she took up her own tswin also and join them together.    His eyes whirled in surprise as he met her commanding thoughts.  He dived toward the ground and pulled up abruptly  between two large trees, because they thought it would be fun.  He gained altitude and did a barrel roll because they both felt victorious in finding their perfect match.  The ikran landed on the same root from which he launched his attack.  "Sìlpey, oel meuia oeru tsni nga." I hope I was worthy of you."  Apparantly, her ikran was undaunted by her broken Na'vi speech, because she was assured that a less worthy opponent would have simply been killed.  Tai jumped off as if she had been doing so for years. Non-challantly, she strolled back to the group of aytaronyu and said , "NEXT."  Her ikran threw his head back and screamed as if to laugh.  Soon Ateyo's Ikran was by his side and he regarded the runt with a sense of comradery, rather than his previous disdain.  Together, they all watched as Kxeyo's youngest brother faced off with another ikran.
  "Txopu rä'ä si, Ma Pakxo! Don't be afraid, Pakxo!"  cried-out his brother, Kxeyo.  He faced-off with a green one that tried to bite his head off.    But he side-stepped and wrapped his bolo around the gaping jaws, slamming them shut.  Pakxo wrapped his legs around his jaws, as the ikran tried to knowk him down.  His ikran pressed him to the ground with his head. And ran on all fours, trying to scrape him off onto the ground.  Pakxo lost some skin in the process but held on for dear life as they both plunged off the 'aukx.  He was hanging upside-down from the ikran's jaws, desperately trying to swing  himself into an upright position.  Fortunately he caught a tswin and was able to create the bond, upside down in the sky.  His ikran carefully landed on the cliff and allowed his rider to mount up properly.  Pxeikran were lined up, side by side by side to watch the rest of the festivities.  They wondered which of their winged aytsmuk would be chosen.
 "Your turn Taifa'!  Ngaro ro'a, Cuz.  impress me Cuz!"  Taifa' sighed knowing that he had three hard acts to follow.  He collected a kiss from Ka'alani, who had climbed up thogh she was still afraid of heights.  He stepped onto the flat space and slapped his chest with his bare hands.  This inspired him to begin his Samoan war chant.  This inspired an ikran to declare war.  An ikran swooped from the air and reached forth with his sharp talons.  Taifa' jumped into the air and caught the ikran by the ankles.  The ikran took him into the sky and tried to shake him loose, but Taifa' would not let go.  The ikran dived towards the ground, but Taifa' would not let go.  The ikran swooped back into the sky, but Taifa would not let go.  The ikran landed on the face of the 'aukx and Taifa's back took a thumping. But Taifa' still did not let go.  In fact he was entirely wrapped around the ikran's leg, who was trying to shake him off.  But Taifa' still would not let go.
 Absently, Taifa' could her Tai' laughing herself silly and Ka'alani telling her  SHUT UP TAI!! THIS IS NOT FUNNY!  Tai was trying to tell Ka'alani that Taifa' would win, but she was laughing and crying too hard.  They peeked over the edge of the cliff to see the ikran reach down with his head and try to pry off the pesky Uniltìrantokx.  But he let his tswin dangle too close to Taifa's reach. GOTCHA Taifa' shouted.  And his ikran calmly allowed him to climb on his shoulders. Nefä, nefä!  And they both swept into the sky.  "Let's pick up Ka'alani now."  Taifa' had only to visualize he beautiful face and his ikran turned to find her.  All the other ikrans had followed their riders up to the rookery and were waiting anxiously to fly with their mipa aysmukyu.  Someone handed Ka'alani a wet cloth with which to wipe Taifa's bloody back. And Kxeyo did likewise for his little brother.
Soon all the aytaronyu were flying and circling together and eventually all turned Eastward as a flock.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

226)~Tai found that language was unnecessary between herself and her ikran.  She needed only a concept and a desire. Now she was in the sky, without a machine. Better than hang gliding!   She was remembering  lines from Ateyo's Ikran flyer song:
We are one in flight       Titswusayoniri moe lu'aw
My ikran and I  `      Oeya Ikran si Oe
All she had to do was think of a barrel roll. Visualize a giant barrel roll, encompassing the entire flight of ayikran and aytaronyu, and they were rising, and slipping sideways, wing over, slipping sideways above the others, tuck and coming down to the other side, just like that.
"YES!" she shouted gleefully! And her ikran responded with a joyful croak.
Tai visualized a loop.  They climbed high and raced forward past the other flyers and traced a smooth invisible line over the top, down around the front, underneath still upside down, and coming around the back of the formation, where they slipped back into place.  Taifa ' saluted her with one finger, which Ateyo immediately copied, Ka'alani shook her finger at Ateyo, who returned a WHO ME? kind of look and darned if the ayikran weren't laughing.  Tai's ikran, though no where near as large as a toruk, was very strong.  He didn't mind expending  a little bit of extra energy.  He had be anxious about the two legged creatures.  He had once been very cautious about them and their sense of domination.  But there was NONE of that energy here.  This was elation, this was shared, this was FUN! He bellowed joyfully and the other ayikrans responded in like manner.  Even the runt, who was slowly dropping back.  Tai was now aware that Ateyo and her small ikraan were lagging behind.   Her ikran immediately performed an eschlon left manuever, dropping out of formation and lining up with Ateyo's ikran and a little before, so that the smaller ikran could draft him, and use the eddy currents of his strong wings to stay aloft.  He found a new purpose.  Taifa' with Ka'alani on his ikran and Eyktan Ikxeru with his big ikran, flanked Ateyo just behind.  The eddy currents of their forward motion providing lift for the grateful ikrantsyìp.  Kxeyo with Twiti on his Ikran joined up just ahead, as did Pakxo, as did all the other ikrans, who all seemed to know that their wings would be adding to the runt, who squawked with delight to be included.
   It was a long flight and the sun was on it's way to the sea, as the journey neared it's end.  The entire formation  winged it's way through the ocean spray as it crashed upon the Eastern shore.  They spiraled over the camp, drawing a crowd, and all found places along the rugged cliffs.  Na'vi all came to greet the tired travellers.  There was enough sun in the sky, that they could  provide vey, meaty snacks, for the new aymaktoku to give their hungry mounts.  The mipa ayikran thought this was a pretty nice arrangement. 
   "M'Ateyo, M'Ateyo! You got your own ikran! Can I feed him?  What's his name?" Pxepxi was ecstatic.  "Nìn! It's a RED one! Tampina ikran! Just like I wanted!"  Ateyo calmed down  her excited daughter and introduced the two, instructing Pxepxi not to look directly in its eyes."The child was awestruck as the swirä, the creature gently took food from her hand. Much of  the raw meat had been pickled or jerked or air dried.  But all the scraps had been pushed aside towards the cliff where the ayikran waitied.  The pile was quickly diminishing as all the visiting ayikran of other clans were welcomed.
  "Is he ours, can we fly him now?!" Pxepxi thought she would burst with excitement.
   "Kehe, he is mine and I am his.  And if you are a good girl, maybe he will take us flying tomorrow."  Ateyo wondered if she couldn't borrow someone's saddle tomorrow for a short excursion.  She wasn't practiced enough to hold another rider without a saddle.  But she didn't have time to wonder very long, because the conch horn sounded and everyone left the ayikran to gather at the tip of the narrow peninsula.  Tsahik Lamu'ite said farewell to the sun, and thanked Eywa for  the safe return of nìwotx aytaronyu. all the hunters . It was after nightfall that  Lt. Bruce Wade showed up with Major Tai'chopper refuelled.   "I would have been back sooner, but I watched everyone get their Ikran before I detoured to Blue Heart for fuel.  She's ready to go, Major."
   At the campfires, when Vey Zhapxerwoki was served once again, there were hardly any complaints because everyone wanted to hear the accounts of CHOOSINGS.  (Except that Mendllzong used the occasion to say OY VEY!)  He and Mo'at  had not yet left for the Omatikaya Kelutral.  In fact, most of the Na'vi had decided to stay rather than leave and come back.   "Tse, we weren't expecting you for another day or two." said Eyktan Atumopin.  The use of Lefngapa ikran made the travel much quicker!  You are going to have to get used to traveling much slower now, Ma Tai."
   "Oh I can get used to this!  Oeyä ikran sì oe lu 'o'!  Tai wanted to say "were having fun", but said "we are fun".  No one corrected her, so she assumed she had spoken correctly.
   "Ma Tai sì poeyä ikran tswayon pxaw-nìwotx ayoengä ayikran." Tai and her ikran flew around all our ikrans!" Ateyo demonstrated the barrel roll and the loop with her hands.
   "Ma Ateyo!" asked Mo'at, "You have tried to choose an ikran on numerous other occasasions. What did you do differently?"  Ateyo waited until she had everyone's rapt attention." 'AWA I let him choose ME instead of letting my pride get in the way.  MUNE When he hissed at me, I hit him on the nose with a wooden spoon and said BAD MANNERS!  So when he rolled over on his back to play dead, I rubbed his belly and told him, 'If you want more belly rubs, you gotta be nice to me!' "
   Everyone had a good laugh.  In fact each one of the mipa aytaronyu told a good story of their  CHOOSING.   "Kosmana! WONDERFUL! said Eyktan Atumopin.  "I wish I had been there to see these things. And I am certain there will be many celebrations in the near future, a kaltxì si nìwotx ayuniltìrantokx a ayfoä mipa ayolo'. " ...to welcome all DreamWalkers to their new clans."

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

227)~After the hundredth retelling of each story and new performances by the 'evi of the IKRAN FLYER dance, the ayuniltìrantokx were allowed to sleep, this time in hammocks.  But Tai and Taifa' knew they would have to retell the stories once they linked out.  They said their Txon Lefpoms and Hivahaw Sìltsans and walked to the Fali, the thatched hut where they would sleep.  The Children were once again sleeping together as a group.  Kxeyo reminded Tai and Ateyo to send his love to Txianna. Tobi had to say a special good night to Pxepxi and Kofi.  They had chosen him as their "Uncle".
   Ateyo fell asleep with her head on Tai's shoulder.  It was just so much easier to climb out of the sleep leaf if she didn't have to climb out from underneath Tai. Like last ight.
   "Twiti!  Aren't you involved with Tovrey'itan?" Asked Ka'alani when she noticed Twiti sleeping single in a double sleep leaf.
   "Tse! He rode me on his ikran. Does that mean we are engaged?" She was happy, not to jump to conclusions. She preferred caution. "It's just our first date, you know!"
   Ateyo noted the slight annoyance in her sister's voice ad came to her rescue; " 'Ivong nik'ong." Slow is fine."
    "Nìwotx mì meuiä krr, Ke zene win säpivi,  Ma Tsmuketsyìp!  All in it's proper time,  no need to rush, Little Sister!"  It eased Twiti's mind to have Tai refer to her as Little Sister, though she was more-or-less a half sister, being that she shared Ateyo's DNA.  Still, it was nice to have mefo, those two,  as a good example of how a couple should behave towards each other.
   "You two are so Sweet! Thank you! It's just that that my last boyfriend back on 'Rrta was such a JERK!"
   Taifa' lifted his head and told Twiti, "That was over six light years ago, and this is a whole new world, Baby!"
   Ka'alani was all apologies now.  "I didn't mean to sound like a HUSTLER, Twiti!  I'm sorry!"
   "No offense. Ke zoplo!"
   "Kxawm, zusawkrr." Perhaps in the future" suggested Ateyo. But her suggestion fell on deaf ears.  Nìwotx ayuniltìrantokx were unconscious, leaving Ateyo alone with her thoughts.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

228)~ "I'm supposed to deliver a love note to you Dianna."  said Tai almost as soon as the lid to the link chamber was lifted. 
"What did he say?!  What did he say?!" said Dianna, perhaps too anxiously.
  "He said that he already misses you very much, and that he can hardly wait until you are in his arms again!"
   "Oh he said THAT!  Ohmymymymymymy!  What were y'all doing?" She was aware that she had been gushing.
   "Tse, we climbed up the Floating Mountains and persuaded some ikrans to be our friends!" said Taifa' with a VERY big grin on his face!
   "Oh you DID!  How about pxefo? she addressed the pilots Wade and Daniels, and Henderson"
   "KEHE!  We are still in training, but maybe soon." said Captain Mike Daniels.
   "I climbed up too.  I think I will be taronyu with the next batch," said Twiti Castillo.  "The last thing I remember last night, er, this evening, was Kxeyo putting salve on Pakxo's back."
   "Pakxo, his little brother?  Did he get an ikran?"
   "Yes! And he made a good impression upon Tsa'Pra, Meykir's adoptive daughter."
This caught Melvin's attention. "Do you mean that Little Sheila who was chasing me down?"
Twiti remembered that attraction and his discomfort, she being sixteen years old.  "Yes, that's the one!  Apparently, having an ikran was the deciding factor!"
   "Kripes!  When I see that bloke, I'm gonna KISS HIS IKRAN RIGHT ON THE CHOPS!" That information was a HUGE relief to him.
   " Taifa' and I each got an ikran!  But guess who got the first one?!"
   Dianna couldn't think of anyone  except, "Alekxsi??"
   "KEHE!  ATEYO!" they all shouted nearly in unison.  As the MRE's were prepped and served, all the accounts were retold.  Nor did the stories  lose their glory in the retelling.  Everyone was laughing and Tai was wiping tears from her face.  Dianna was glad that she hadn't chosen to be a hunter.  "Those escapades are a little too rich for MY blood!  But you all need to shower and hit the hay.  I've kept you up too long." 

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

229)~ "Tìng Pom* Tìng Pom*Tìng Pom"  Ateyo was awakened out of slumber, by the familiar refrain. But Tai was still unconscius.  She heard it again, accompanied by a delightful giggle.  Eyktan Atumopin and Tsahik Lamu'ite were standing at the doorway of the thatched hut.
"Nga lu Txen, Ma Eylan, srak?" You are awake, my friends. Yes/no?"
"Srane, oe lu txen, slä aytirea uniltìrantokxyä ke tawtäw. Yes I am awake, but the Spirits of the Dreamwalkers haven't returned. " 'Awa swawtstyìp, just a tiny moment"
Soon the room was filled with the quite murmers of the couples awakening.
"Tìng Pom*Tìng Pom*Tìng Pom"
In a loud, commanding tone,Eyktan Atumopin called out: "Set Ma Frapo lu txen? Now is yone awake?  Makto Ko, Ma Eylan! KÄ KÄ KÄ!!!"
"Yes Drill Sargent!"  was shouted as immediately all feet hit the deck. Eyktan Atumpin sì Tsahik Lamu'ite were laughing.  They didn't know what was said, but it was said in unison!  "Txo win säpivi. ayoeng tsun tsayon sresrr'ong."  If we hurry we can fly before dawn."
   The edge of the cliff was visible because of the glowing vegetation. Upon hearing their approach, ayikran started screaming their greetings. In the darkness, the Eastern Sea ikrans spread their wings and provided light.  It was an eerie sight, with the pulsing light shining below the jaws of the creatures. "Can you each ride well enough to fly in the dark? Without saddles? NO DIVING!"  Ateyo translated this to all the other aymaktoyu.
"Ftue! Easy  Ftue ni'aw!  Easy only!"  Kame Ftue mì ayngä ay- eltu!" SEE "EASY" in your brains." Ateyo was translating the words of the Eyktan.  Ateyo's ikran displayed his belly to her for a rub. Each ikran waited for their maktoyu to be situated, though, and they launched themselves gently into the sky.  Already Tai regretted not having a saddle, diving was so invigorating! but she remained obedient to her commander in charge. Her bare legs felt the chill of ocean spray, and she wondered if she should have worn her flight suit. "I think~ NOT!" The Eyktan's ikran demonstrated his hunting skill by flashing his wings and snatching out a payoang with his talons.  The other mountain ikrans felt a moment of envy, seeing the flash, but also realized how detrimental such a feature would be in stalking prey in the rainforest. Each of them was perfectly designed by Eywa for where they lived and what they hunted.
   They sailed over the place where the kxetseyä tel'eng, the tail's skin was stretched. Already it reflected whilte from all the salt that Ma 'Tse'tsu had rubbed into the hide.  The stench of smouldering seaweed wafted up to their nostrils. "KETEPEU! fahew akawng. What a stench!"  Ateyo made a big show of clenching her nose.  Apparently, he had been smoking the arched hide of the armor plating, as well.
    As they heard the conch shell being blown, they all turned and spiraled down to the promontory, where everyone was gatherinng to Kaltxì Si Tsawke. greet the Sun.  It was hard to concentrate on anything other than flying.  Ateyo's thighs were aching from clinging onto the neck of her ikran.  Now she wished she had spent more time on the back of a pa'li, though a direhorse had a much wider back than her ikran. She figured it would take a week of UNINTERRUPTED work to build her own saddle. When she received a poke in the ribs, she realized that everyone else had finished their prayer, while her arms were still aloft!
  "Sanu!" Pxepxi hissed.  "Eltu si!" pay attention! We have all finished!"  Pxepxi was pleased to administer the admonishment that she had always received from Ateyo. But she felt wounded and excluded.  "You went flying without me!  That's not FAIR!"
   "No one ever said that life would be fair.  Grown-ups get to do things without the permission of their children!  Besides, I don't have a saddle yet and it wouldn't be safe."
   "And besides, you weren't awake, yet!" added Tai.  "When we get saddles, you will get many rides. I promise. Oel pänutìng!"
   "I don't know if anyone has a tiny saddle for your ikran, Ma Ateyo, slä Ma Tai may borrow my extra saddle after we have our morning meal."
   "Kehe!" Tai's ikran is much larger than your's.  I will loan her MY saddle."  Eyktan Ikxeru was also pleased to think that Tai could have his old saddle that Ateyo had made, once they returned to their Kelutral. He also knew that he had bested Ma Atumopin in their little rivalry.
  "Srane, oe mllte.  Yes I agree.  You seem to have the largest one," Atumopin was having fun pointing out that she had identified his Mine is Bigger Than Yours game.  She stalked away with a sly grin on her face.  Tai and Ikxeru also grinned at each other, but continued their conversation.  "It is true that we have large meikran. I have an old saddle that Ateyo made for me.  She can rework it to fit you."
  "Mefo are larger than most.  Do you think that they are offspring of a Toruk?" asked Tai.
  "Only Eywa knows these things. Some Na'vi are larger than others.  Our ikrans chose us, knowing they could carry us."
   "And my ikran chose me for a similar reason!" added Ateyo.  She recalled hearing yesterday, someone mentioning a Runt for the Runt. But she was happy.  Around the cooking fires, the talk was about the mipa maktoyu and their ayikran. And what they would name their ikrans.
   "Oh that's easy," said Tai. "Oel swaw pot Pìwopx Srewyu. Cloud Dancer!" Taifa' laughed because Tai's ikran had proved it's name by immediately flying aerobatics with her.  "What are you naming yours, Cuz?"
   "I don't know yet.  Maybe something like Kicker or Talon.  I haven't decided." squaked Ateyo.
  "My ikran is bright like a sun beam. Oel swaw pot ATANVI!" light ray
   Eyktan Atumopin wailed in mock distress. "But Ateyo's ikrantsyìp is colored just like mine!  I hope I don't get them mixed up, one for the other!"  She was being silly for the children, who laughed out loud to realize that Atumopinä ikran was much bigger than Ateyoyä.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

230)~No one was in a hurry to leave the Eastern Sea Clan.  Aysahik from all clans walked down to the sheltered lagoon on the leeward side of the narrow peninsula.  Taifa' and Tai had walked to the beach side to claim the broken canoe that they wanted to whittle down to surf boards.  Eyktan Ikxeru let Tai borrow his saddle. Ngeyä ikran, Pìwopx Srewyu was eager to please and followed Tai's visualized instructions. They found that they worked well together as a team, bring the heavy dugout canoe, close to the helicopter for loading.  Then she flew her ikran to the beach.  Pxepxi got her ride, as did Kofi.  Ka'alani, Twiti, Ateyo and even Tobi helped the "Local Girls" (Hawaiian phrase) harvest some creatures from the tide pool that would make excellent hand roll and Sushi.  Tobi was excited to try sea food Na'vi style.
  The mid day meal consisted of fish and sea food, other than Jabberwocky.  Only the ayikran had not lost their appetites for the no-longer-exotic fare.  JakeSully did a look around and asked Neytiri, "Peseng lu oeyä sa'nok sì Alekxsi?"Where is your Mother and Alexi?"
Mendllzong interjected, "Ma Mo'at  pllte SAN:ke pey a moe:SIK." Mo'at said QUOTE don't wait for we two UNQUOTE.  I t'ink dey was talking about some women stuff at da lagoon. She said that she herself would come get Alekxsiyä Weyt.  (Alexi's Wade)Yom ko! Let's eat!```
~~~~~
"Za'u oehu, Ma 'Ite, take a deep breath, and follow me."  Mo'at had sent the others away to the mid day meal.  She felt a need to communicate with Aleksi alone.  Mo'at disappeared underwater, and Alekxsi was quick to follow.  The water got a little bit cooler and the sunlight became duller.  Alekxsi followed Mo'at as if by sonar, so deep was their connection, even without tsaheylu.    It seemed that she was following her through a deep passage. It seemed that they wouuld swim for hours. Alexsi calmed herself and imagined herself as an 'Rrtayä bottle-nose dolphin.
   They resurfaced in an underwater grotto.  Alekxsi had never been a noted swimmer, but she must certainly have set a record for herself with THAT swim.  Neither was she winded.  She followed Mo'at out of the water.  She wondered how it could be so perfectly domed. Dimly she could see the syuratan, bioluminescent glow of the swaying seaweeds which clung to the walls of the underwater cave.  They sat on a ledge with their legs dangling in the water.
   "Ma 'Ite, do you remember that I told you that my grandmother is from this clan?"
   "Srane, Ma Mo'at.  Your grandfather is Omatikaya, though."
   "Sran.  He showed me this grotto.  This was their secret spot.  I haven't been here since I was a child!  It pleases me that I have found it here. Still.  So much else in my life is different, Or destroyed.  Za'u. Come."  The back of the small cave was dry, or at least only damp.  "My child, since I first met you, I was impressed with ngeyä tirea sì vitral, your spirit and soul.  Tai has a strong spirit as well.  But yours was the spirit that awakened me from my nightmares.  Not once, but twice.  I sense your presence even when you are not near, and I know that you are thinking of me. Pam nìhek, srak?" Does that sound strange?"
   "Kehe!  Nga lu yawne sanu oeru, kefyak?" You are my beloved Mommy, am I right?"
   "Sran! Slä Neytiri loves me as much, though she is not as sensitive as you seem to be."
    "Ma Mo'at.  Have you not shown Neytiri this spot?" Alekxsi was somewhat  astonished at this possibilty.  Mo'at hesitated to answer.  "I have shown Neytiri other special places. But I have the distinct impression that we have been here before. You and I, and you and Grandfather!"
   "I have been here before in my visions, Ma Oeyä Sa'nok.  Grandfather was sitting where you are and I was only a girl child.  I was curled up behind him but I was curious and too impatient for knowledge. . ."
   " . . . and you joined meswin without permission!" Mo'at finished her sentence, "And it knocked you flat and you were unconscious for a while!"  Mo'at had covered her mouth in astonishment. Blue and purple and green light reflected off Mo'at's golden and much widened eyes. The reflection of the syuratan, bioluminescense, from the sea creatures sparkled in ngeyä menari. her two eyes.
   "You saw my vision, ma Mo'at?"
   "Kehe! That was me!  I did that to my Grandfather! You experienced ME as a young girl!  Did this happen at the Ramunong Ayvitral?"
   "Srane, nìmun, again.  But I've been having these visions since childhood.  They didn't start making since to me until I came to Pandora, erm, 'Eywa 'Eveng.  Then after the RDA was ousted, I began having these visions more frequently."  Mo'at had laid down with poeyä re'o, her head,next to Alekxsiyä re'o, Alexi's head.
   "So, Ma 'Ite, do you wish to share these visions with me?" Mo'at held up her tswin and assured her, "This IS an invitation."  Alexandra was incredulous.  The Great Mo'at wanted to share tsaheylu directly with her!  "Nìprrte'!"  She fished out her neural braid from beneath her back.  The delicate pink tendrils seemed eager to entwine with Mo'at's.  She might have said something charming because she was reminded of childlike outstretched arms.  But she heard the sharp intake of her own breath, as well as Mo'at's.  She experienced herself tumbling backwards, though her rational mind reminded her that she was safe on the ground.  She  heard the wringing out of a wet cloth, and was aware that Mo'at  soothing her fevered brow. She was aware of the purple glowing figure of Mo'at's grandfather and Mo'at's child self as well.  Absently, she wondered how both Mo'ats could exist at once, but dismissed the worry, and  let the love flow around her. Gently glowing golden light filled the room.  She could smell a broth cooking, there must be a cookfire out of her line of vision.  But she also realized this was more than the light of a cookfire,  This was something different. Something special.  She wondered  if this WAS a vision, or a memory.  It was comforting to have Mo'at holding her hand and soothing her brow.
   "Such pain, Ma 'Ite. you have been in cryo too long." Alexi wondered why or how Mo'at would know about cryo. "Your heart is frozen." Mo'at seemed to lift her up under the shoulders. "Drink this broth. It will thaw out your heart.  You are safe now and hold the hand of The Mother.  You will walk with discerment and protection. And Ma Weyt will be blessed with your love as well as Ayuniltìrantokx ulte Na'vi.  "Tiyawn kilvan lu. Näk pumta.* love is a river, drink from it. Tiyawn tämpey lu, Slele pumta! love is an ocean, swim in it!"
*seze mune
Alekxsi knew in her heart that Mo'at was right.  Though she loved Wade dearly, she felt so reserved towards him.  There was a wall of ice between them, ice crystals around her heart.  Ice Maiden.  What had she to fear?  Why was she so hesitant?  Mo'ats broth warmed her to the bones, to her heart and soul. As she lay down again, she felt that tumbling, dizzying sensation once more.  She was holding the hand of Mo'at, her mother and yet, the hand of The Mother. The Great Mother.  Eywa had already show her Wade's aena txe'lan.  blue heart. The Grandfather's voice reminded her, "You  need to trust Ewya so that she can teach you to trust him with your heart. And you trust your life to Eywa, you will in turn, trust your own self to make right decisions.  Nìwotx Na'vi ulte, ayuniltìrantokx ulte ayhumon will benefit from this wisdom.  They have already.  She was reminded of her words to Tai before the appearance of Ted Demaria. She helped Tai overcome her initial destructive solution, and listen to Eywa.
   "This is why I brought you here, Ma 'Ite.  You have a clear purpose fìtseng, here on Eywa 'Eveng.  You needed to SEE how to melt your heart.  You needed to SEE that you are entrusted with the guidance and comfort of many spirits.  The Na'vi have their aysahik, for each clan. Neytiri will be tsahik of the Omatikaya in her time.  Slä the ayhumons si ayuniltìrantokx will also need guidance.  Trust in Eywa. You will fill this role. Each time you drink something, you will be reminded of this great responsibility.  Eywa is already guiding you. Trust."
   "Txen, Ma Oeyä 'Ite?" Are you awake, my daughter.  Mo'ats face was filled with joy.  Her gentle smile filled Alekxsi's heart with warmth.  They murmured together for a while, discussing and reviewing the shared vision.  They both were sitting up and played their legs in the water, which now seemed chilly.  "This place is now yours to share.  You may share it hu Ma Weyt as a personal retreat, or as a place where ANY other TUTE who seeks the will of the Mother, can share your visions."
   "I don't wish to intrude on Tsahik Lamu'ite's place or interfere with Neytiri. Ke pxan. I am not worthy."
   "Are you questioning the will of the Mother?  It is obvious that she believes you are worthy.  Neytiri is your sister, and you will have nìwotx aysahik alu ngeyä aysmuke, all the tsahiks as your sisters, to help you learn. Slä, alakxsi Alekxsi?"  Alexandra slowly nodded her head, knowing that she could trust Mo'at and Eywa.
"Txantsan! Slele KO! Let's swim!"  With childish delight, Mo'at threw herself into he water and disppearred beneath the surface.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

231) The two broke the surface of the lagoon together.  It was hard to know what time it was.  The sun did not shine directly onto this lagoon.  Mo'at and Aleksi came onto shore and found a clear waterfall to rinse off under.  The water was fresh and clear and cold without being icy.  They climbed a few feet to find some sunshine.  To Alekxsi, it was sometimes hard to distinguish whether she felt more like a daughter, or a sister or an old friend.  When she mentioned this to Mo'at, her reply was a knowing half grin.  "You forgot to mention yumon, or uniltìrantokx, or Na'vi, Omatikaya or Eastern Sea.  We are all these things.  You yumons have found too many ways to divide your own brains.  We are all part of the same Great Mother, the same Spirit that created the starry Heavens is part of each of us, connecting all as one.  It is a Great Mystery only because of its complexity,,,"
"...and it's simplicity!  Srane, it makes sense ta ma oeyä eltu, si oeyä txe'lan, sì oeyä vitra."  It makes sense to my brain, my heart and my soul.  But I am amazed BECAUSE it is all true, and because I KNOW this and HAVE known this, even when I lived on 'Rrta."
   "You are fortunate because you have always sought the heart of the Great Mother, much like Ma Mendllzong!  He had many, many divisions to overcome, but he too kept seeking the pure truth."
   Alexandra remembered the day they buried Mendelson, only to welcome Mendllzong, and nearly laughed.  "It seems like such an odd pairing, Ma Sa'nok!"
   "Not really.  We are both seekers.  Whenever I cannot find him, I search at the Tree of Voices.  He is probably there right now!"
   "Having tswin makes it so much easier to know and accept one another. And to seek Spirit."
   "My Spirit is reminding me to feed my body! Moe nefä tìran ko set!" Let's walk up now!"
   "Nìprrte!" answered Alekxsi, though in truth, she was reluctant to leave this sweet moment with Mo'at.
  As they both climbed the path leading up the cliff face, Mendelson, Wade and Neytiri came down to meet them. "Oel ngati kameie, Ma Kalina Mo'at! You look refreshed!"
   "Oel ngati kameie, ma Sylekxi!" Neytiri then burst into giggles to realize she had combined names, but to Alekxsi it sounded perfect."
   " 'Efu nga 'ohawk, ma oeyä yawnetu?"  Wade slipped his arm around Alekxsi's waist and asked about her appetite, because it was an easier question to ask and answer.  Truly, he wanted to know all about her experiences with Mo'at.
   "Srane!  This Spiritual work builds quite an appetite!"  Holding her close was the next best thing to tsaheylu.  He was hoping to spend as much quality tme with her before they both had to go unconscious for the night.  They climbed to the top of the peninsula, where the sunlight was bright.  Most of the Na'vi sported purple tans, a few, mostly ayevi were coated with a white ointment, a salve for their burns.  They were busy pretending that they had been painted as part of their  acceptance ceremony.  It was cute to see Pxepxi pretending to be Tsahik.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#232
232)~ It was KAYM, late afternoon. Ateyo was sitting with  a few aymaktoyu, making renten, flying goggles with eyepieces made of clear scales rather than insect wings. Tai and Taifa' had taken their emergency saws and rough-cut the two halves of the dugout canoe into blanks for surf boards.  The scrap pieces of hard wood had been salvaged by Ateyo for such things as eating utinsels, renten, and future gifts. aystxeli.  With Oel Ngati Kameie's filling the air, mefo were brought scrumptious delicacies to nibble on, and a pot of Zha pxer woki broth to sip. Alekxsi and Mo'at exchanged knowing glances.  Wade was too polite to ask what was going on but Alekxsi flled him in.
  "Ma Mo'at has taught me to remind myself that I am loved and worthy of love each time I drink something." That was the lesson in a nutshell.  Wade was grateful to hear that.
  "Irayo, Ma Mo'at. Sometimes, when I compliment her, my words seem to slide right off..."
"...Like off an eyspxerk.  Her heart has been in cryo too long." Mo'at finished his thought with careful pronunciation. Wade wondered how Mo'at could even know of an iceberg here in the tropical region of this moon. And who taught her CRYO, he had thought of that phrase often.  "Srane, Like an iceberg." He regarded her cautiously, wondering if she could actually read his mind.
  "I have shown Ma Alekxsi a private place for her to share with you.  Kxawm, menga nayìprrte' fìtxon. srak?" Perhaps, you two will enjoy it tonight, yes/no?  Wade nodded before he could find his tongue.  "Nìprrte' Ma Mo'at. Oel stum fmokx fwa ngari pesuhu käteng nìtrrtrr hu Alekxsi to oel." thank you Mo'at. I am almost jealous that you spend more time with Alekxsi than I do."  Mo'at smiled to herself before replying.
  "Stum?" Almost?
  "Stum ke!!" Almost not! he blurted.  Those deep golden eyes bore straight into him and he was speechless for a moment.  "Oel ngati kameie, Ma Weyt.  Eywa has found a good mate for my daughter!"  She leaned forward confidentially to him.  "When you give her a compliment, also give her a drink, even of water, and she will remember to receive your words.  You are now as my son. I am here to listen whenever you need me."  With those words, she reached past Alekxsi and lay a hand over his heart and said, "Ngari txe'lan mawey livu." May your heart be calm.  He thanked Mo'at with his eyes and then he gazed at Alekxsi and felt his heart overflow with love and confidence.  
  Jake could barely repress his grin.  "We are leaving for the Omatikaya Kelutral tomorrow morning, so we will wait for you two to , uh, resurface." Ateyo was quick to hand Mo'at a wooden spoon.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

233)~The day progressed quietly. Ateyo, Kxeyo and Ikeru together with 'Tse'Tsu the skinner, and the Eastern Sea tsulfätu, whom was known as Tompa 'Ivong, were rigging temporary saddles.
   "It is a half day of flying time from here to the Dark Lake Olo'."   'Tse'Tsu was concerned because the leather had not yet been properly cured.  "Will you be stopping there to check the rigging?"  It had already been decided to stop there for the sake of Ateyoyä  ikrantsyìp.
"Sran. We will stay the night." said Tai.
"Tse, that is even better,  It is more or less rawhide, and will stretch if it gets wet."
   Tov'rey'itan tried not to be dismissive in his response, "Slä Ma 'Tse'Tsu, These are ayikran.  They will not sweat like  pa'li."  Everyone was quite aware that direhorses sweat profusely.
   "Kehe!  He's not talking about the ikran sweating!  Everyone knows that Tov'rey'itan sweats like a pa'li!"  Kxeyo started laughing until he got the EYE from Eyktan Ikxeru.  Twiti was approaching with a water gourd, it would not be polite to make crude statements about her Intended One.  Twiti brought the water gourd and offered it first to Eyktan Ikxeru.  She offered a drink to the Tsulfätu Tompa 'Ivong and to the skinner, before offering it to Tovrey'itan.  She purposely avoided eye contact, which made him believe that she was playing coy.  He was strong, and good looking, had done her the kindness of assisting her with the climb, and that long flight back from the Floating Mountains.  But she wasn't feeling a deep attraction to him.  Not any attraction , to be honest.  She was now in an uncomfortable postion.  She had moved off planet to gain her independence.  She didn't like to think that she would now be comforming to a DIFFERENT set of social expectations.  This was all too much and too soon.
   Tsahik Meykir had seen that momentary look of panic in Twiti's eye.  She jabbed Ateyo in the ribs and also tapped her daughter on the shoulder.  They swooped in and took Kristi Twiti Castillo by the elbows and led her away.  Meykir'ite called a declaration over her shoulder as they escorted her off; "Eveyä Lawk" GIRL TALK.  Tovrey'itan was left with a puzzled goofy smile on his face, totally oblivious to the interactions. Meykir caught her husband's eye, and indicated with her eyes and her chin that he, as Eyktan, HE would have to deal with the ensuing broken heart.  "Let's get back to work," he commanded.
  'Tse'Tsu was explaining to the others about using wide strips of leather and cautioned that nìwotx maktoyu needed to be aware of their positioning so as not to roll the leather under  their thighs. "That would cause discomfort to nga sì ngeyä ayikran. Tovrey'itan! ELTU SI! pay attention!"  The distraught young man was gazing off in the direction of Twiti and the other women.  "Kxeyo was less than sensitive.  "Keftxo, ma tsmukan." Sad, my brother.  But, don't take it too hard.  She's not your type!"
   Tovrey'itan was somewhat defensive.  "What do you mean?  Your mate is yumon!"
   Kxeyo tried to swallow his grin.  "That's NOT what I am talking about, ma tsmukan.  Have you NOT noticed how much she admires the relationship between Ateyo sì Tai, ulte Eyktan Atumopin sì Tsahik Lamu'ite?"
   "Have you not noticed how her eyes follow the women aytaronyu?" Kxetsaw had joined the conversation.  Ikxeru was grateful that the others were offering their observations.  But  though Tovrey'itan's  relationship was imagined his heartache was real.
   "Kehe.  I thought her attentions were for me!"  Kxetsaw put his arm around Tovrey'itan's shoulder and led him away a few paces. He was giving him the "She's just not that IN to you" speech.  Tovrey'itan was seen walking away, still shaking his head in disbelief.  Ikxeru saw that they were having a deep conversation, tokx a tokx. (literally, body to body. heart to heart) This young man, his daughter's mate, would become a fine Eyktan some day.  Eventually, Kxetsaw delivered an "Atta Boy" slap on the back and mefo returned to the group.  Tovrey'itan positioned himself with his back to the 'Eveyä Lawk as instructed.  He delivered a grim half smile to his companions and concentrated on buiding the saddle rigging with Kxeyo and his younger brother Pakxo.
   Tsahik Meykir had escorted Twiti away from the aytaronyu and their ayikran and saddles.  "Ma Twiti, I KAME your trouble!" She knotted her fist and screwed it against her forhead to demonstrate confusion.  I not knowing mating customs on 'Rrta, slä fìtsenge,  but here you BOTH must choose each other."
   Kristi let out her breath as if she had been holding it.  "Oe irayo si ngaru, Ma Tsahik.  He is kind, and good-looking, but I feel no MOWAN for Tovrey'itan."  They had been lead away to a shady spot where they all sat down together.  "Ma Twiti," said Meykir'ite, "There is ke tìzene, no obligation to muntxate si, mate, with an 'evan just because he has been nice to you.  This must be right for you, as well.  Peli'u nga txe'lan plltxe?  What does your heart say?  You are wise to listen to your heart."
  It was Tsahik Meykir who first mentioned the obvious; "Ma Twiti, Oe Kame fwa ngati  KAME Ateyo sì Tai.  I understand that YOU UNDERSTAND the relation between Ateyo and Tai.  Nga kop, you too Kame the relation between Eyktan Atumopin si Tsahik Lamu'ite, Kefyak? Is that not so?"  Twiti felt her head spinning. She didn't realize that she had been so transparent.  Perhaps, only the aysahik had noticed.  But it was obvious to her that she felt attraction to  strong and confident women.  Frankly, the thought frightened her as much as excited her.  She realized that she was falling into that same old trap:  Recognize an attraction to a woman and run in the opposite direction, to the first guy that was kind to her. She nodded her head in her hands and straightened up with a heavy sigh.  "Oel omum ni'aw fwa oe ke lu mowan a Tovrey'itan.  " I know only that I have no desire towards Tovrey'itan."  It was such a relief to be able to admit that and be able to sit with other women and experience acceptance rather than rejection.  Ateyo slipped her arm around her half-sister's waist and hugged her close.  "Tam, tam, ma oeyä tsmuk.  Do what is best for you and let the guys comfort Tovrey'itan."  Nìwotx aysahik were wondering why Kristi even felt conflicted.  Lamu'ite gestured to Meykir'ite, who alllowed her to sit next to Kristi.  "Let me guess something.  Mì 'Rrta it is not acceptable for  tute, a woman, to express mowan for another tute, woman, kefyak? Am I not right?  Tse, fìtsenge, But here it is uncommon but acceptable, as you may see."  She was referring to her own relation with Atumopin, but there was also Ateyo and Tai.  We do not have rules about who one must love or what role one must play.  Spirit is all that matters." Each one of the women gave her a hug, and she was assured.  "Nga lu ayngä tsmuke.  Nga yawne lu ayoengaru. You are our sister.  You are beloved to us." 
   "Za'u slele ko!" Come let's swim!"  If the maktoyu noticed the migration down to the lagoon, they did not follow.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

234)~Tompa 'Ivong was fondling the leather hide that 'Tse'tsu was displaying.  "OOh yes.  How did you get a piece of hide this thick to feel THIS SOFT?"  Kxeyo was also taking notes mentally.  "It's brain tanned, kefyak?is it not?
  "Nìlun! Of course!  Eywa gives each creature just enough brains to get himself tanned.  EXCEPT for this Txampayä Vrrtep! sea demon.   I used what was left of the brains and a lot of of the sour water we use to preserve meat."
   "Sour water? were do you get that?" Kxeyo asked but all were interested.
   "My grandfather made it by accident.  He made a batch of kava, that just didn't taste right. Nga lu tìkxey si.  He messed up.  But my Grandmother claimed it and soaked  tsngan, meat, in it.  But it made meat taste just right and very tender.  So he figured if it made the meat tender, it would make the txe'leng, skin tender.  He tried it, perfected it, taught it to my father, who taught it to me."
   "And do you smoke it?"  asked Tompa 'Ivong.  Generally he worked with the leather that 'Tse'Tsu provided, and he never cared to know about that part of the process.
   "Nìlun, with seaweed."
  "And do you make your kava with the 'oma fkxen syaw... What is that fruit called? Where is Ateyo? She would know? Is she still talking to her sister?"  asked Kxeyo.
   At that point, the conch horn sounded.  Everyone strolled to the tip of the peninsula and watched the sun go down.  Aysahik and Ateyo came huffing up the path from the lagoon.
"Sorry we took so long," panted Ateyo.  "We made certain the path would be well lighted tonight for Ma ..." *SMACK* Mo'at smacked Ateyoä txim with her open hand making a resounding noise.  Alekxsi was grateful that all eyes were diverted by the distraction.  She was certain that she was blushing as brightly as a peng hrrap, those Chinese lantern sort of plants.  She and Wade had a date tonight in Mo'ats hidden grotto.  She really didn't need it announced to the world.  Aysahik made it to the top and had to sit and catch their breath.  The conch sounded again as all the soggy ayevi came up from the surf on the other side.
   With her arms upraised to the west, Tsahik Lamu'ite chanted out her prayer.  "Nawma Sa'nok, we thank you for our lives and we thank you for this day.  Thank you for guiding our steps today down a good path.  Help us always to seek your wisdom and trust that you will provide for our needs, though sometimes your decisions may cause us sorrow or confusion.  Bless our eylan with rest tonight as they prepare for their journeys tomorrow, when your Tsawke starts it journey across the sky."
   Tovrey'itan knew that she had added the line about sorrow and confusion for his sake, and muttered words to that effect. Ikxeru clasped him on the shoulder. "Slä she also reminded us to seek Eywa's wisdom and trust that she has a good path for you to follow.  Trust Eywa, ma oeyä tsmukan.  You will have your mate when you are ready."  Tovrey'itan didn't feel like being grateful for the unsolicited words of wisdom.  But he thanked Ikxeru.  All he wanted to do was find a quite place to lick his wounds.
   Everyone made their way towards the pit where pickled Jaberwocky was being smoked.  "Auwe, dis is one luau pua'a."One big pig!   Tobi was pleased to have helped dig the pit and keep the fire and then the hot rocks going all day.  The lava rock was all so familiar and cooking in an umu was an old tradition that he learned from his grandfather, before the Earth went haywire.  Ateyo looked around carefully before exclaiming PrrKxenTrrKrr!" And leapt over the smoke.  But Meykir'ite was within earshot and did the honors.  *Krak* went the wooden spoon on her skullbone.
   "Tsa-Hey!" shouted Ateyo, more surprised than wounded,
*KRAK*
She received another blow from another direction.  "Kehe! Not in MY camp." Tsahik Lamu'ite was glaring at Ateyo, pointing her wooden spoon for effect.  "THAT word sounds too much like tsaheyl, which is sacred in the depths of our spirit."  Ateyo stood rubbing her head, her mouth agape, pink against her blue skin.
  "Quietly, Tsahik leaned toward her said in a mock whisper, "You may say PXASÌK! but not that other word."  The few tutan who were within earshot burst out laughing because PXASÌK was just as vulgar.  It simply did NOT contain a word as sacred as Tsaheyl. 

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

 235)Twilight descended and the shoreline below was festooned with the neon blue glow of thousands of Jelly fish being tossed on shore.  A group of aytute, women, grabbed baskets and carefully picked their way down to the beach by the illuminated trail.  The aysulfätu walked down with them.  Twiti was by her sister's side and was explaining to Ateyo and Tompa 'Ivong her concept of a weapon fashioned as a club embedded with the sharp teeth of the Jabberwocky.
"Nifo 'Oti!" exclaimed Tai.  "Our Nifo 'Oti are carved with sharks teeth along the edges.  I promised Kofi and Pxepxi that I would carve some for them to practice with .  They really want to learn the Fire Knife Dance!  You ought to see how effective that weapon is in close quarters combat! Wem tokx eo tokx" Tai was pleased with that translation she had made. 
  Twiti spouted, "I can imagine!  That is some hard wood!Though  I can't imagine why you would want to juggle those things.  um, aytstal alu swayon ,swerayon, Flying Knives!"
"Comes in handy when your friend is closer to a weapon than you are, Cuz."  Taifa' had come along too because Ka'alani had appointed him as basket bearer.
Twiti continued. "Tse I was thinking about your NIFO 'OTI's and the Jabberwocky aysre', teeth and the weapons that the ancient Aztecs made that were lined with obsidian!"
"What is obsidìn ma Twiti?"
"Hard rock for cut, very sharp. Black shiny,  OB SI DI AN!                             
"AU ayengaru sar OPx SI TxI AN!" OH! We use obsidian!"  'Tse'Tsu was excited to recognize something in the conversation.  He talked excitedly to aytsulfätu and finally Ateyo translated. 
   "Him saying him using use OPx SI TxI AN alla time for fix hide, like this,  She demonstrated a scraping motion. "Srane, Skraypìng! Antx him say he knowing where finding more OPx SI TxI AN." Tai tucked that information away for further use.  "Him should plltxe hu, talk with Ma Weyt. Slä NOT tonight! KEHE!"  She said slyly.  "Ma Weyt sunu, liking aytskxe, rocks!"   Meanwhile Ka'alani had worked her way over to Taifa' with hands full of shimmering blue goo.
  "Nìn, Ma yawntu! Electric blue squid!  The girls say they eat it raw or smoked!"  She demonstrated by injesting a blue tentacle. Raw. "YOM!"
  "Auwe! That reminds me of the palolo frenzy!  We would get them by the bucket full and eat them right out of the ocean! Awa Txon a zisit, one night a year.
  "Palolo? Pe'upe? What is that?" asked Tompa 'Ivong
  Taifa' tried to explain. "Hì'i ngawng a txampey!"  Tiny sea worm!
  "Aynga yom nìteng! Awlo txon a  zìsìt!"   Tompay I'vong was happy to recognze the description of the worms that breed in the coral further south, a worm that mated once a year.  "You shoultx tsome, when those two moon in a line!"
"Nìprrte za'u!"shouted Tai.  We're home cuz!  We're home!"

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#236
236)~ A line of blue jellyfish and blue squid was wending it's way up the trail in the darkness.  Tai lit up her watch dial. "Let's go up."  Ateyo examined her pawmpun (armband)Timex.
"Nìn, Ma Tompa. Aysanhi. Stars!"  Tompa'Ivong liked that effect.  He was, as a rule, quite solitary, unusual for a Na'vi, but he felt comfortable around this mipa tsulfätu sì poeyä muntxate.  "Legend has it that you used to live alone, with the aysyaksyuk."
  "Ngay, true, until Ma Tai showed up. I used to say, "Ateyo yawne lu frapo, slä Ateyo ke yawne lu ni'ul awpo!" Ateyo is beloved to all, but Ateyo is not beloved to One Only."
 Tai came around and wrapped Ateyo in her arms. "Ngay!  Set, Oe lu awpo ni'ul!" True! now I'm your One and Only!"  They walked past Tompa'Ivong, together a few steps, with Tai wrapped around Ateyo, only for comical effect.  Taifa' and Ka'alani came up behind them, laughing.  "I've never seen Tai act so silly and be so relaxed!"  Ka'alani observed. "Combination of ocean and Ateyo!"  Kofi and Pxepxi skipped past them to catch up with Ateyo and Tai.  "Nìn moengä mehawre' aean!"  They were wearing blue squids as hats.  Tompa'Ivong only shook his head and followed along.  How could anyone find time to create with people all around? he thought.
  At the crest of the peninsula, the blue squids and jellyfish arrived at the campfire.  Tai made a beeline for Pendia Campeste, the mipa Filipino uniltìrantokx.  "Ma Pendia!  Is there any more of that tasty BLOOD SOUP? I used to LOOOVE this on 'Rrta. When I was stationed in the Filipines I used to eat a lot of it. But yours is the best! Funny that I had to travel six light years to taste it again."  Pendia was pleased to have a fan of her cooking.  She and Tobi, who was of Japanese extraction, were already discussing recipes for jellyfish and squid.  The Na'vi thought it silly to spend so much time creating visually pleasing morsels, such as the sushi that Tobi created, however, Tompa'Ivong found them delightful.
  Tai glanced nervously at her watch once again.  "We better go lie down before we turn into pumpkins!"  Everyone started saying "Txon Lefpom", good night. "Hivahaw sìltsan" have a good sleep, and "Kalina ayunil" sweet dreams to the Avatars as they made their way to the guest sleeping place for the night.  Ateyo had forgotten to ask about pumpkins.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

237)~ Max was anxiously awaiting the "Re-entry" of Alexandra and Wade.  "Alex!  Are you OK?  You have been hard to track all day!  You go into Alpha so often that I don't know whether you are coming or going!  But your signal has been so weak at times that I wondered if our equipment was going bad."  Wade came up behind Alexi and embraced her.  And started to describe their whereabouts.
   "It's probably hard to track a signal from an underwater grotto!  Mo'at has shown her this nice place that she used to frequent as a child.  It's awesome!  It must have been formed by a huge lava bubble.  It's perfectly round in side, but has a shelf inside to sit on, and there is a sandy area for building a little fire! OW!"
   Alexandra really didn't mean to kick him so hard, but he was letting his joy of geography intrude upon their sacred spot.  Wade was quick to defend himself.  "I didn't reveal it's where abouts, and I never will!  I SWEAR!!!"  They were laughing and hugging and Max was ducking his head in embassment.  "I didn't mean to intrude on you! Really!"
   "OK!  What's all the giggling about?" Twiti Castillo heard the commotion
   "Yeah! What are we missing?!" Tobi walked up, with his curiousity peaked.
   Soon all the link capsules were opening or being opened as the magnetrons wound down, their whine filling the air.  The Avatars spent a little time exclaiming about seafood and blue jelly fish and making temporary saddles for the ayikran.  They hurriedly ate the MRE rations, did their work outs and showers.  Within half an hour, all Avatar drivers were safely in their bunks with visions of sushi playing in their heads.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

238)TÌNg POM * TÌNg POM * TÌNg POM*   It had become an attraction for the ayevi of the camp to sneak over to the sleeping place early enough to hear the cacaphony.  As a matter of fact, EVERYONE in the camp JUST HAPPENED to wander past their sleeping area just as they awakened.  Pxepxi and Kofi ran in to greet their parents amid giggling.  Of course they wanted their kisses, too.
   Tsahik Lamu'ite's voice called from the doorway. "Rewon lefpom, Ma Kalina Eylan! Za'u!  'Awstengyem ayoengaru Kaltxì Si Tsawke!"  Good morning my Sweet friends!  Come join us  to greet the Sun."  Tsahik Meykir of Olo'Zongsteng Alor, and her daughter really enjoyed this routine, though they also enjoyed their own personal ritual as well.  Mefo liked to walk together to the Tree of Voices each morning before the sun had battled it's way through the foliage.  This ritual was all inclusive and started off the entire clan with a strong reminder of Eywa's constancy in their lives.
   Afterwards, as the clan and their visitors made their way back to the fire circle, Tsahik Lamu'ite noticed the bright feather nikre ioi of Tsulfätu Tompa'Ivong quickly disappearing  from sight.  It was odd that he preferred solitude, but she was pleased that he joined them on the periphery of the encampment.  She would bring him something to eat later. 
   Tsahik Meykir had an innate sense of timing for the pot of grain she cooked each morning.  She had fun learning from Tobi San how to create some colorful morsels for breakfast.  Even though the sea creatures were unfamiliar to him, he seemed to be reciting the names of various items.  His language was different than that of the other ayhumon.  She enjoyed the vocal tonalities and the expressiveness of the language.  And when she asked if she could take some to her tsulfätu, he bowed ceremoniously and seemed entirely pleased. 
   The tsahik had a soft place in her heart for her tsulfätu.  He enjoyed his solitude and always had many  beautifully crafted items to share, and wwould sometimes travel for long stretches of time, trading with other clans.  Unlike Tsahik Meykir's tsulfätu, Ateyo, he didn't have a gaggle of children about him.  Everyone admired his workmanship but were cautious around him, as if not to awaken him.  Indeed, his craftsmanship required deep concentration, and he always seemed to be in a trancelike state as he worked.  Sometimes, tsahik would have to break his concentration and force him to eat something.  When he presented a gift, it wasn't with the fanfare of Ateyo that she had heard about.  Sometimes, he would leave a gift near a person that they would find upon awakening.  But if he had overheard an unkind word or seen a smirk, it was not surprising for someone to find something of theirs missing.  That item would usually reappear in a conspicuous place, so that the owner would now that his unkindness had been duely noted.
   But those who had touched him with their kindness would be approacheed by the shy young man.  "Eywa suggested I give you this." He would say as he presented his steli. His gift.  On rare occasions, he even made eye contact.  Each person prized a gift that was made by his hands.  It seemed as though all his attentive energy was stored in the item and could be extracted by simply regarding it's beauty.
   When Tsahik Lamu'ite approached his lone campsite, she found him cross-legged, using a flat shoulder bone as a work table.  "Rewon Lefpom, Ma Tompa'Ivong.  Rain Blossom seemed such a lovely name for a young man.  But then, he as a lovely young man.  "Our friends will be returning to their ayolo' after the morning meal," she murmured to him.  "Will you come to say Makto Zong?"  He nodded and sent a small smile in her direction.  He patted the 'otxang, musical instrument that he had just made, and said, "Oe lu alaksi." I am ready.
   Everyone had gathered at the choppers after the morning meal. The pilots were checking their surfboard blanks which had been strapped to the belly of Tai's chopper with wet sinew and rawhide the day before.  All three choppers were starting to fill up with aysteli as each person from the Eastern Sea Clan wanted to share something  with their heroic visitors before their journeys.  Sea shells, scales, renten; riding goggles fashioned of bone and clear scales, ioi of various kinds. 'Tse'Tsu piled large sections of hide into each chopper.  "Ateyo must built four aysaddle. Many leather ay-skin!"
   Ka'alani had made a number of lei's with seaweed and flowers and was passing them around with ALOHA.  Then behind her she heard an almost familiar sound, four musical notes plucked from strings.  MY DOG HAVE FLEA came a sweet voice. "Eywa telling for give you this steli."  Tompa'Ivong held out a small four stringed instrument which he had fashioned from the shell of some sea creature.  "Nga lu pamsteo si fi'u, srak?" You play this, right?"
"Tompa! You made me an ukulele!  You remembered?"  Tompa'Ivong had enjoyed listening to her play on someone's three stringed instrument.  He had listened intently as she described to Ateyo what she wanted, and even remembered the four notes she had sung.  HE didn't remember her explanation that UKULELE in Hawaiin, meant FLEA mì Ìnglisi, but he remebered her singing those four notes.   She had tears in her eyes as she removed her own flower lei's and her flowered crown and placed them on his head.  He didn't need a translator to realize that she would return and play for him.  Her lovely arms and hands conveyed her gratitude to his heart.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

239)~ Patricia Fenwick approached Tai and her chopper pilots. "I'll bet that you are so excited to have ikrans, that you forgot we still have Avatars to decant! Here's the manifest, from the delivery from the day before yesterday. Black Elk and Rom have been busy these last two days."
   "Yes, my communications officer told me last night that the newbies have arrived.  He also mentioned that we also received a shipment of fuel for the chopppers, and another  link chamber unit.  We were about to pick up our four members.  We were just deciding who would fly the ikrans and who would fly the choppers."
   "Major!  Time is of the essence!  I'll pick up the folks from the Hidden Base, you all need to fly to Blue Heart Gate.  I suggest you leave your choppers here and fly out to Blue Heart now.  You will probably have to stay overnight with  Olo'Omatikaya." said Colonel Schroeder.
   "We should stay overnight at olo' Tìkx-txìkx-tìpxen and greet the mipa hapxitu," suggested Eyktan Ikxeru.  "Yeah, they are gonna think we don't love them anymore!" chimed in Captain Daniels.   The skinner, 'Tse'Tsu, wondered aloud about  the stack of leather sitting in the choppers.  "Txìving nìwotx lefngapa ayikran fìtseng, srak?"  Do you wish to leave your metal ikrans here?
"Srane.  Ayoengal mivakto ayikranit ta olo' Tìkx-txìkx-tìpxen, set, ulte lefngapa ikran txìng fìtseng. We will ride the ikrans to clan Tìkx-txìkx-tìpxen now and leave the choppers here.   "Za'u frrfen Txìkx-txìkx-txipxen  Olo' hu, srak?" You are coming to visit Olo'Txikx-txikx-tìpxen with us.yes/no?" asked Tai of "Tse"Tsu, the skinner.
"Kehe! Slä, skxakxep ta Omatikayaä mì pxetrr" No, but probably at the Omatikaya's in three days."  He was thinking of starting to build the little saddle for Ateyo's Atanvi.  He was certain that he could estimate it's size, now that he had fitted it with a temporary harness of soft straps.  They had both chosen the wood for the saddle tree.   It would be fun to surprise her.  He might be able to have it nearly completed by the time they returned for the lefngapa ayikran.  "Don't worry about the leather, Ateyo.  I will care for it while you are away!" said 'Tse'Tsu, the skinner.
   "ALAKxSI?!" shouted Eyktan Atumopin, anxious for the open sky.  She had already started for her own ikran.  She was in full paint, for the occasion, and Tsahik Lamu'ite was hand in hand  with her.  She watched her own warriors offer rides to her guests and her new ayhapxitu, members.  Ateyo was to ride in the middle of the flight, and Atumopin noticed that her daughter Pxepxi had been strapped in front of her.  The child as trying to persuatxe Ateyo to allow her to link up with her ikran.  Tsahik noticed as well.  "Ateyoyä Pxepxi livu taronyu, trro!" Ateyo's Pxepxi will be a hunter one day! "Tse! Only if she learns to honor Ateyo's Bond with HER ikran!" replied Eyktan Atumopin.  Seeing that everyone was mounted up, she called out MAKTO KO and they dived from the cliff.