ATEYO TeSYAKSYUK: TSULFATU

Started by Ateyo Te Syaksyuk, January 10, 2012, 01:55:03 PM

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Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

340)~ In the Remote Link Site located at the Hidden Base, the Avatar Drivers were sitting up and being greeted by Melvin.  The energy was high, though their Uniltirantokx had each had a strenuous day of activity.  As Melvin listened to the reports of fishing with nets, and nifo oti practice, he almost wished he wasn't secluded at the base.  There were a number of personnel on base who were still in human bodies.  But he enjoyed working with electronics. Yet somewhere in the pit of his stomach he realized that his services would no longer be required.  What would happen to him if one day all the Avatars became Na'vi, the way Jake did?  He would be as useless as the empty link chambers.  Even Dianna, Kristi and Toby found ways to move between both worlds.  Everyone was talking excitedly about their ikrans and their hunting and fighting skills.  Even Toby could craft things with his hands.  He sat back quietly and watched everyone else as they discussed the upcoming joint encampment and their future raid.  As the group broke up and made their way to the "jungle gym" he frowned into the trash pail as he collected the remnants of the dehydrated meals they had all partaken of. 
  "Why so glum, Ma Melvin?"  It was the Major.  He straightened up and hid his frown.
   "Oh! Nothing."  How could he explain his feelings of obsolesence?
   "Bull ...oney!" said Major Tai as she looked him straight in th eye.  "You are bothered by something.  I can FEEL it!  What's eating you?"
   Melvin felt himself pinned by her intensity.  "I feel like I've painted myself into a corner.  I feel like I will be obsolete before too long.  I mean what if you all, you know, come back as Na'vi and don't need to use link chambers any more?
   "That day may very well come." said Tai." We all have become convinced that we will all become Na'vi.  It is our deepest desire.  We don't know how or when, but we have all talked about it.  But we always come to the same conclusion. We all BELONG in Blue Bodies.  Do you even change into Eana Tokx?"
   "All the link chambers are in use."
   Tai tried to do a quick talley in her head, but didn't want to be distracted by facts.  "You purposely rotated out of going Blue so that you could stay here. Right?  But each of us came to Pandora because we wanted to become part of this world. "
   "NO!"   blurted Melvin.  "I mean, begging your pardon, I joined RDA because they paid top dollar to play with the newest techno-wizardry.  I never really thought I would end up in Green Hell without my toys."
   Why do you call it Green Hell?  Have you even been out there?  Have you ever seen it's beauty?" said Tai increduously.
   "YES!  I've been out there long enough to know that I sweat continuously, like a horse, and every insect on the planet wants to chew on me.  Let alone live out here with all the Palulukans and Dire Wolves tying to chew on me!  I mean I would be entirely out of my element."  Melvin had found his voice and he wasn't shutting up.  "And let me ask you; would you expect a Na'vi to feel comfortable HERE at the base.  Your little wife just about climbed the walls to get out of here.  What am I going to do?"
   "First of all take a deep breath." Tai had both hands on his shoulders.  Behind his eyes was the glimmer of panic.  "No.  I mean it.  Take a deep breath ... and let it out. Better?  OK  Everyone take a seat."  No one had ever heard Melvin make a complaint before.  Unfortunately, he had drawn a crowd.  "Thing One: this all ain't going to happen tomorrow. Probably not.  Thing Two: We wouldn't abandon you, even if you did't want to join us.  Thing Three:  this reactor is designed to remain operative for a hundred years, you can come and play in this place all you want.  Maybe invent a replicator for hot coffee and Earl Grey Tea.  Thing Three: Come out and join the PARTY. You had talked about building a water turbine or a water mill, didn't you?  And besides, you have all this logic circuitry in your head.  You are a problem solver.  You can DO this. Ya gotta JOIN the PARTY!"  Melvin had dropped eye contact.  He was deep in thought.  Tai reached over and lifted his chin with two fingers.  "Besides.  We have to find you a woman!"
   This startled Melvin to the extent that he burst out laughing.  He was about to tell Tai that he would prefer to work on that himself.  But she had already turned heel and was whistling an obscure tune to herself as she exited the Ready Room.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

341)~ A conch shell was sounded  in the distance.  Ateyo jumped when she felt cold toes nudging her in the small of her back.  Her yelp caused others in the camp to burst out giggling.  "Srak ngey nìkxem, Ma Ateyo." Yes, no, You are up, Ateyo? The Eastern Sea clan has already greeted the Sun!"
"Oe lu SET, Ma Liri'el!PELUN?" I am NOW, Liri'el. WHY?"
"Fìtrr awnga zene sop." Today we must journey.  "Ulte oe new srung seri alu teya serì lefngapa ikran humekre." And I need help which is filling the metal ikran with supplies. Srak Tai tìtxen sì?"  Yes/No Tai is awake?"
  Ateyo,  slightly annoyed, suggested.  "Ke omum, Ma Liri'el. Pelun nga rä'ä  ro ngeyä venzek awew ro ngeyä  txal? Why don't you place your cold foot against her back?"
   Tai's eyeball popped open at those words.  "Srak ngari 'efu tìtstew, Ma Liri'el?" she growled. "Are you feeling courageous, Liri'el?"
  "KEHE! Ma Tai." NO said Liri'el in mock horror. "Slä set lu txen, srak ngaru sänaek som?" But, now that you are awake, do you want something hot to drink?" The wise young woman knew a sure way to divert disaster.
    "NÌLUN, Ma Tsmuke! Irayo sìvi." Of course, sister.  I thank you."
  At the ylltxep, the communal fire, a pot of cinnamon-like tea was simmering.  Cups were being ladled full and passed among the sleepy-eyed Na'vi, ayhumon, sì ayuliltìranyu. as the Syuve, food, from last night's meal was rolled into leafy tubes and handed out for the first meal of the day.  Norm was slathering "sesame paste" onto a leaf along with a piece of fish.  "Mendllzong would love this, Ma Liri'el!  It's almost like lox and bagels!"
"Oe Vey! Yom Yom! Lox!" murmured Ateyo, remembering Mendllzong and their multicultural conversations about food.  Everyone ate their fill and started breaking down camp.  Ateyo and Liri'el, along with Tai, decided how best to configure the lefngapa ayikran to carry medical supplies and personnel, mekoakte, sleeping skins, hawna ayta'leng, protective skins for tarps, and various other implements for an extended encampment. 
  Opxan hangham.  Opxan laughs. The scarred old warrior had a solution for the saddle trees that Tompa, 'Ivong had started carving.  He laid out three nets and stacked them full of Tompayä mekre, Tompa's supplies for saddle making.  He appointed pxemaktoyu and their pxeikran to each carry the nets.  "It will be good practice."  The first leg of the journey would take them to Zongsteng Alor.  There they would pick up Tsahik Meykir and the others.  The pilots of the Lefnapa Ayikran spent time communicating with their flesh and blood ayikran and instructing them visually to  meet them at Zongsteng Alor. 
   "OK PEOPLE LET'S SKY UP!"shouted Tai.   "Nefä! Kä Ka Ko!" Upwards, Go! Across! LET'S!

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

342) The formation flew low to the ground for three reasons: the first being for practice, the second for the heat that rose from the surface of the ground, and the third was  because thinner air was easier to fly through.  This was especialy beneficial for Atanvi with his pupa metsyal, his two short wings!  Pxepxi could not claim to be Yrrapa Maktoyu, Storm Rider, because the bad weather was not between the mehulutral, the Two Home Trees. But it was fun to fly behind her Momma once again, while dreaming of flying her own ikran someday.  She was pleased that Ateyo and Tai had noticed that she volunteered to make nets when she could have been playing.  She vowed to make more and more grown-up choices in the future. Some Day! Some Day!
  It seemed that they had barely taken off when the terrain became familiar. They were nearing Zongsteng Alor.  It surprised Pxepxi to find teardrops streaming from her eyes and running into her ears. "Ayoengyä Kelku!" Our home.  She tried to stifle her tears. She supposed it was not a very grown up thing to do, to cry about HOME.  But when she climbed off Atanvi from behind her Mother, she saw that she too had tears in her eyes.
  "Ma Sa'nu!  Srak, ngaru 'efu akeftxo? Momma. yes/no you feel sad?"
   "Kehe, Ma 'Ite. Krro aysngapawvìk alu lefpom."  No, my daughter.  Sometimes tears are for joy."  It was nice to be pulled into her embrace.  She let Ateyo fuss over her .  "Ngeyä memikyun aysngapawvìk teya soli!" Your two ears are filled with tears!  Pxepxi got less acceptance from her friend Kofi.
"Nga  tsngerawvìk nìprrnen!!" You are weeping like a baby!"
"Kehe!" replied the girl defensively. "Krro aysngapawvìk alu lefpom."  NO sometimes tears are for joy.  The two raced each other down to the Children's Communal Area. Tears were forgotten as the children tumbled and bounced in their familiar play area.
   As soon as Tai and Ateyo had climbed down into the communal area, they were greeted by Tsahik Meykir.  "Oel ngati kameie, Ma Sa'nu.  Nìprrte oel tse'eia ngal, nìmum!" I SEE you, Momma. I am pleased to see you once again.  If Pxepxi hadn't run off with the children, she would have witnessed another adult shedding happy tears.  Eyktan Ikxeru embraced his wife and kissed away her tears, but was soon interrupted.
   "Oel ngat kame, Ma Eyktan Ikxeru!" spoke Kxetsaw, his son-in -law.  "Meykir'ite sì oe toleran fìtrr.  Srak nga 'efu ohakx?" Eyktan Ikxeru, Meykir'ite and I have gone hunting today.  Yes/no, you are hungry?
   "Srane, Ma Kxetsaw!"  He turned to the fliers who were dismounting.  "Tse, 'erefu ohakx, Ma Frapo, kefyak?"  Well, everyone is feeling hunger, right?  All the riders were escorted down the magnificent kelutral amid laughter and joking.  Around the ylltxep, the communal fire,  mipa aymaktoyu, the new riders each had a chance to relate their encounters with their ayikran.  Pxepxi had been there, at the bottom, but was not privaledged to watch the encounters with the ayfeyntu.   The grown-ups.  She hung on their every word.  She was especially filled with wonder at the stories told by her Auntie Twiti and Tanisä sa'nu, Janet Henderson. Tanìs's Mom.  It wasn't lost on Ateyo that Tanìs was seated between Pxepxi and Kofi.  Absently, she wondered if the three were playing as soaia. family.  She shrugged off the idea.  That's what kids seemed to do.  Her only recollection of childhood was playing in the treetops with her syaksyuk friends.  The stories continued amidst plans for breaking camp the next day and joining others at the Spuwina 'Awm, the Old Camp near Blue Heart Gate.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

343)~  Before the meal was over, the clan was joined by both Olo' Yayo Atumpin (Red Bird Clan) and Clan of the Eastern Sea.  Kxetsaw offered to hunt for more food.  Tai, Ateyo, Taifa', Twiti and Zina went with him.  They flew their ikrans down a narrow canyon.  They had a chance to demonstate the bounding overleap technique that they had practiced at Dark Lake Clan.  Kxetsaw spotted a herd of yerik, and again, the surprise attack maneuver was practiced that Eyktan Ikxeru had taught the mipa aymaktoyu. new hunters.  Three yerik were immediately shot.  The riders landed and offered words over their prey.  The nets that Tai and Taifa' thought to bring along were immediately put to use.  Tai's ikran, Pìwopx Srewyu, taught Kxetsaw's ikran to carry a net with a yerik in it.  Zina and Twitiyä meikran carried a yerik, and Taifa'yä Atanzaw carried a net by itelf.  No matter how hard hì'i Atanvi tried, he was simply too small to help.  It was an important piece of information for Tai to observe.
   Within the hour they returned with pxeyerik.  The skinners who were present, quickly offered their skills, and soon three yerik were being turned on spits.
It did not surprise Ateyo and Tai to find Pxepxi sitting at the feet of the red haired Starship Captain, Sh'ralta Tamas'!  "Oel ngati Kameie, Ma S'ralta!  Srak, ngati fì'evil srätx.  Yes/No this kid is bothering you?" asked Tai, wondering whether Pxepxi had already asked her about a 'ride.'
   "Oel mengati kameie, Ma Tai sì Ma Ateyo.  Kehe! Poel kamar oeti rolun spxam.  Ulte oel poeti kerar hawl shishkabobs."  I SEE you two Tai and Ateyo. No! She taught me to find mushrooms and I am teaching her to make shishkabobs."
  "Oeri nìteng!" to me also! piped up Little Tanìs. "Nìn oeyä siskavov!" Look at my Shishkabob!"  The three children had all gathered around the ylltep, the communal fire.  Pxepxi had organized a fkxen (fruit and vegetables) gathering pongu, party,  as well as a seylu pongu. 
  Sh'ralta continued in English and broken Na'vi.  "Poel kolar oeti ta plltxe SEYLU, instead of AYTEYLU." She has taught me to say, SEYLU instead of AYTEYLU.  "But she also wants to know if I have been to the other moons and wants to know if Na'vi live there as well!  She hopes I mount up an excursion right away.  She has offered me her passenger manifest and itinerary!"  Sh'ralta turned to Pxepxi.  "I don't know if we can go there.  I don't think my ship has enough fuel to get there."  She turned to Tai.  "I leave the explanantions to you, Ma Tai."
   "Irayo, Ma Sh'ralta, Oeri fpil!"  Thank you Sh'ralta, I think!" murmured Tai with some misgivings.  Pxepxi had a sinking feeling that the final outcome would be NO GO.  But she brightened when the Star Ship Captain reminded her of their earlier conversation.
  "Pxepxi polltxe fwa tsun oeru kayar toltem sko swisaw, kefyak?!"  Pxepxi says that she can teach me to shoot a bow and arrow, isn't that right?"
Pxepxi was giggling and Ateyo had to give her a nudge.  "You saying sko. Slä sko ral, meaning:  in the role of arrow.  Tsko ral bow!" Pxepxi stopped giggling long enough to apologize.  But she was interupted when Tovi showed up bearing a dish filled with hot roasted yerik. 
  "Ma Pxepxi! Ngal pamlltxe fwa ngaru sunu fi'u." Pxepxi, you said you like this thing. He indicated the platter with the fishes painted around the rim.  "Steli ngaru." Gift to you. He stood there beaming, pleased at her response. Pxepxi was dumbstruck for a few moments. Then jumped up and down for joy!

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

344)~Pxepxi had lain her ayfayoang platter carefully on her personal rack.  She joined her playmates for some rambunctious wrestling at their EviSteng, the Children's place.  Yesterday, she had been enchanted with the idea of having her own family someday.  This evening she was willing to set that all aside and enjoy being a kid.  At various levels throughout the great Kelutral, couples and families were bedding down.  The forest began to twinkle with the beauty of syuratan, the bioluminiscent glow given off by the foliage all around.   All the other children had been asleep for a long while.  The ayuniltiranyu had all lain down.  Not even the night insects were stirring or singing their entomologic love songs.
   Earlier there had been lots of singing, and Tai and Taifa' danced with their fire knives.  Now the ylltxep, the communal fire, was burned down to embers.  She wondered if her Sa'nu was tending the fire.  She liked to do that after Tai was 'asleep'.  It was time for her to climb down, anyway.  She tied a small glowing lantern plant to her elbow and climbed down to the ground.
  Liri'el and Ateyo watched the glowing light  descend from the low branches and smiled at each other.   "Tuteo zene kä utral uo!" Someone has to 'go' behind the tree.
   It was pleasant to sit by the fire and speak with Liri'el. Ateyo realized that they would have to defend their conversation from Päepäi's inquisitiveness.  Soon she was upon them.
  "Txon lefpom, Ma Oeyä Liri'el, sì Oeyä Sa'nok.  Srak, oe tsun heyn mengahu?" Good night, My Liri'el and My Mother.  Yes/No I can sit with you?"
   "Srane ma'ite. Moe lolu plltxe alu srung siteri hu tìzoslu." Yes my daughter.  We two were speaking about helping with healing."
  "Ma Pxepxi!" interjected Liri'el, "Nga srung sivoli atxan."  You have been very helpful.  "I like that you helped get vines for nets and that you taught the ayuniltìranyu to make nets.  "Youalso taught them to hunt for seylu sì fkxen."  grubs and veggies.  You can be a big help to us by getting the children and ayuniltìranyu to weave many little pieces of cloth.
   "Van-ta-shes!" blurted  Pxepxi.
  "Yes!  Bandages." repeated Liri'el carefully.  Ìnglìsì had many unfamiliar sounds, but Norm had worked with her pronunciation.
   "Sran. Bantages!  We are making them already, but today we had to hunt."
   "Tìray, mì rewom, awnga zene sop ne Spuwina 'Awm. Slä set kivä hivahaw Taihu ko."  Tomorrow we must travel to the Old Camp. But now we must sleep with Tai."  Said Ateyo, perhaps earlier that she would have desired.  But there was a certain logic about it.
  "Txon lefpm Ma 'Eylan!" bubbled Pxepxi.
  "Txon lefpom, Pxepxi. Oel Ngati kameie!" saitx Liri'el quite honesstly.
   "Oel ngati kameie, nìteng, Ma Liri'el!"

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

 345)~ It wasn't far into the morning before the travellers were prepared to leave Zongsteng Aloryä Kelutral.  They had made the detour to Olo'Zongsteng Alor  to gather their clan.  Now they would be returning to Vawma 'Ora 'Olo on their way to the Omatikaya and farther to Blue Heart Gate.  Tai found herself to be annoyed about the detour, though she dearly wanted to include her mother for this trip. She lovingly helped Tsahik Meykir into Janet's chopper.  Little Tanìs and some of the other children were loaded in also.  The medical personnel were saying "Eywa Ngahu," muffled through their face masks. 
   Pxepxi was excited to be following her mother upwards, into the Kelutral.  She wasn't riding in the chopper with the Children.  As she arrived in the TreeTops, She waved at Taifa' and Kofi.  She gave a thumbs up to her Auntie Twiti and her muntxate Zina, and even to Liri'el and Norm.  Quietly and politely she crept into the circle of aymaktoyu, who were all looking up into the sky.  She took Tai's hand into her mesyokx. two hands. But  she got an unexpected response.  Tai grinned down at her and  said,  "From the looks of the sky, you should have a pretty exciting ride behind your Mother!"
   It was then that she bothered to look at the dark clouds on the horizon.  She realized that the air felt heavy and damp as it had two nights ago.  The maktoyu were describing the clouds and predicting the weather for the trip to the Olo' Vawma Ora' Kelutral.  Dark Lake HomeTree. Tai was trying to memorize the words to describe 'frontal boundary' and 'storm front'.  Yafkeyk.  Weather.    Hapxi Tstu. Partly Overcast.  She listened and was eager to learn what words she could.  Aymaktoyu climbed up to the highest branches to better ascertain their situation.  Thunder was heard rolling in the distance.  The pilots all chose to fly ayngeyä ayikran.  The Chief Mechanics therefore, bid adeiu to their ayikran, promising visually that they would meet them at the later. 
   Soon they were mounting up.  Pxepxi wrapped her arms around her mother's middle.  She could hear her voice from inside her chest.  "Alakxsi Ma Oeyä Yrrapa Maktoyu ?"  Are you ready Storm Rider?  Ateyo could feel the girl grin against her ribs and smiled to herself.  With a  throaty "YAWO!" aymaktoyu sì ayikran began diving  through the thick air.
   As they came into formation, Tai was grateful for the quartering tailwind.  She knew that with the wind from behind, Atanvi, especially would not expend too much energy.  The quartering direction of it only served to push them all in alignment to the Dark Lake Kelutral.  No longer did she feel annoyed at the detour.  Wind lashed at their backs.  Their ayswin sì aykxetxe whipped around beating them all.  Pxepxi pinned both her kxetse and her mother's under one elbow.  Carefully, she trapped her tswin between their bodies, and held on tight.  Atanvi was struggling to keep his wings straight and level against the buffeting wind. 
   Ateyo could feel her own self tiring.  She shifted her position minimally.  She was aware of Pxepxi's arm clutching desperately to her middle.  She was aware of the warm place created on the small of her back, punctuated by chill air slicing between them when their grip was challenged.  She was aware of Atanvi's weariness.  Her chest ached with sympathetic pain.  She was aware of sending the warmth of her legs into the muscles of his whithers.  She was aware of the sting of icy drops of rain spattering against her body.  She was aware of Pxepxi's chattering teeth against her ribcage.  She knew this part of the journey would be challenging.  She sent warm thoughts into Atanvi's muscles.  She could feel a momentary surge of energy in his spirit.  She concentrated on his well being and simply trusted that Pxepxi would absorb some of her energy through her ribcage as well.  Ateyo was concentrating on channeling her ALL energy as warmth.  She radiated warmth from very pore.  But from time to time she would glance at the treetops as they streamed past with dizzying speed.
   After what seemed an eternity, the gaping maw of the Dark Lake Kelutral presented itself.  They circled around the kelutral landing upon the extended tongue of the landing branch.  Atanvi wanted to dive right in, but Ateyo had to warn him of impending danger of landing too closely to the preceding ikran.  Initially, not every ikran landed.  Only every other one landed. Atanvi cried out in frustration when he learned that he had to go around.  Ateyo had to over ride his anxiety and think soothing thoughts.  The trip around the kelutral seemed long and arduous.  Pxepxi could see the pattern of raindrops punctuating the lake surface.  When Atanvi thought he could not exert one more beat from his two wings, he heard a familiar cry. Pxiwopx Srewyu was calling him. As he rounded the final stretch, he could see the big blue and silver ikran beckoning from the landing branch.
   The sute, the people, of Dark Lake Clan came surging up the Kelutral with skins and blankets.  They helped the aymaktoyu dismount and rub down their ayikran.  Even Atanvi extended his belly to Pxepxi and she was delighted to rub him down.  But not before she carefully tucked her tswin into her waistband as a demonstration of good faith.  The ylltxep, communal fire was inviting, as was the smell of roasted payoang and yayo.  Ateyo was pleased to receive a large handful of colorful feathers and carefully wrapped them between two stiff leaves, for safe-keeping.
  The hollow interior of the colossal HomeTree funneled smoke upwards through the central area, yet the heated air was trapped below.  The ayhoakte, of course, had their tent set up to channel extra warmth.   Not that it was a cold rain.  Without the wind slicing past, Tai realized that it was a tropical rainstorm, afterall.  Even so, it was good to be out from the wetness.  There was little singing that night.  Except for one brave hì'iang. insect.  He liked the warmth and sing near Pxepxi's head.  She was too tired to notice.  Ateyo and Tai finally got to SLEEP together, though they were both so tired they didn't enjoy the realization long before they passed out in each other' arms.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

346)~As Tai regained consciousness, she could hear giggling throughout the kelutral and a chorus of  TÌNg POM * TÌNg POM * TÌNg POM as all the couples greeted each other.  Both Tai and Ateyo were surprised not to find Pxepxi nearby.  As they both got closer to the ylltep,  the communal fire, they learned why:  Pxepxi had been recruited by ayemyu, the cooks.  She was helping to serve "cinnamon" tea and Tanìs was handing out hot wash towels.
   Tai leaned over to Tsahik Meykir and rubbed noses with her. "Rewon lefpom, ma Oeyä Sa'nok.   oel ngati kameie." Good morning, Mother. I SEE you.
   "Rewon lefpom, ma 'Ite.  Oel ngati kameie nìteng, slä sìlpey fwa ngal ke tsive'a oet, fìrewon!"  Good morning, Daughter.  I SEE you but  hope you don't see me this moring?"
   "Txonam ngaru hahaw ke nìltsan?" Last night you didn't sleep well?
   "Kehe. Aw nì'aw hì'iang lamu rerol. Pol 'ameyk ke hahaw oeti." One insect only was singing. He caused me not to sleep. Set oe 'efu ngeyn." Now I'm tired.
  Eyktan Ikxeru came up behind her and put his arms around her.  "Don't worry Beloved.  If you want to sleep I can carry you in a net beneath my ikran!" he teased.
   Tsahik had initially melted into his arms.  But his statement shocked her.  "You horrible man!" she exclaimed in mock horror.  "That's a TERRIBLE thing to say!"  She gave him a not-so-mock WHACK with her cooking spoon. 
   "Why is everyone laughing?" asked Tsahik Lamu'ite, as she and the Eastern Sea Clan returned from their ritual morning prayers.
   "You would have had to been here to know." said Tsahik Meykir with a droll smile. " Syuve lu alakxsi. Food is ready!"  She shook her spoon one final time at her muntxatan, husband, and dished up a glob of food onto a leaf and rolled it up , and gave it tohim with a sly grin.  Soon, other ayemyu, cooks, were also serving.  Tsahik Lamu'ite continued chatting with Tsahik Meykir;
   "The sky is so overcast that we did not know where the sun is!  We did't know where to face for our prayers this morning!"
   "I'm sure your words were heard by Eywa, no matter WHICH direction you faced!" said Meykir.  "But a closed sky", overcast "means that we will have a cold flight!  I'm glad that ayngä Tai has lefngapa yayo! a metal bird,  My bones are getting too old for all this flying around!"

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

347)~Pxepxi and Kofi were standing in the doorway of the Samson, fascinated by how the whirling blades pulled the clouds right through them.  She and Kofi each held onto Taifa's legs,  leaning out as far as possible.  Meanwhile Ka'alani held onto each of their two tails, fearing they would topple out of the moving craft.  She was grateful that Tai and Taifa' had each switched flying duties with the crew chief.  She and Ateyo were sitting under the 'ragtop' that was fashioned onto the cockpit.  However, Ka'alani would have preferred sitting way in the back with the ayhoakte, wrapped in skins.  She glanced back and caught Meykir's eye.  Meykir was grinning at the sight of her holding meketse meviyä, the two tails of the two kids.  It was only a three hour flight from the Dark Lake Clan to the  mipa Omatikaya Kelutral.  The choppers had given the ayikran a six hour lead.  (They had already overtaken the flight of ayikran.)  But she had had to deal with two pouting mevi, two kids, who thought they would have preferred flying through the rain.  She had won out that argument, but standing here in the doorway was merely a soggy victory.
   Mevi turned from the door to announce when they neared the now familiar Omatikaya Kelutral.  But Pxepxi burst out giggling.
  "Ma Ka'alani! Ngaru nikroiyä  aytompìva! "You have a hair ornament of raindrops!
   Ka'alani shook out her hair.  The humidity had made a frizzy cloud of it.  This, of course, inspired Pxepxi to sing the first verse of Ateyo's song about Eywa's Creation:
Far far far above us                                      ALÌM ALÌM ALÌM IO AYOENG
outside the black of sky         WRRPA LAYONA TAW
Ewya washed her hair                                EYWAL YAMUR SNEYÄ  NIKRET
Sending droplets of water                ULTE TSAKRR TUNGZUP  AYFAYìVA
To sparkle in the darkness                 NA TEPVI MÌ SÌVAWM
And she called them stars                 SYAW AYFORU AYSANHÌ

    When they arrived at Omatikaya Kelutral, they were quickly escorted into shelter of the kelutral.  As Tai carried Tsahik Meykir to the ylltxep, the communal fire, Ateyo was honored to hear her daughter singing her song and joined her.  "Ma Ateyo! Ngaru nrra key lu nrr nìnrrahu!" Your face is glowing with pride! exclaimed Mo'at. "Oel ngati kameie!"  Ateyo was almost embarrassed that she had been singing rather than greetinng the Tsahik.  But she blushed and gestured Oel ngati Kameie.  Pxepxi nearly forgot her manners, in her enthusiam, and blurted out:
   "Tìng mikyun, Ma Meuianga Tsahik Mo'at! Pxoel rerol Eywateri Ngopyu Sanhìru!" Give ear, Honorable Tsahik Moa't.  We three are singing about Eywa Creator of Stars.
   Somehow she worked the gesture into the dance and made Ateyo flush even more with pride.
  "HOO HA! Look at you kvell!" sang out Mendllzong by way of greeting.  "Kvell,  It's Yiddisher lif'ya ral NÌNRR.  To swell with pride, Like that. Nìfya'o."  By now the song had ended and everyone was greeting each other.  "Pesung lu aylahe? So vere are da others? Still flying, yes? Mi swerayon, srak?"
  "Srane,  fo pähem sre' txonong." they will arrive before nightfall," informed Tai.
  "Za'u! Za'u! Heyn asim txep! Come sit near the fire!" invited Mo'at.  "Ma Alekxsì! Za'u. Srak, nga omum Way Fizayuteri?" Yes/No,you know the Ancient Song of the Ancestors?  It starts like most other Way, and we have time to learnit  until the others arrive.  Ma Ateyo? sì Ma Pxepxi? I'll sing a line and you will repeat it:"
"Tìng mikyun, Ma Frapo. Tìng Mikyun Ma eylan." Give ear Everyone. Give Ear Friends.  "That's right.  Sing it loud, so that everyone quiets down to learn. Nìmun!"  Again!  In this manner, Mo'at began to teach the first stanza of the story of the beginnings of Na'vi history.  How every tribe was a rival of the other. How a great water had destroyed many villages and clans. How Toruk Makto organized the tribes to fly to the distant island which was inundated. How the strongest ayikran flew over the Great Water to rescue those whose Kelutral alone stood over the Water.  Mo'at seemed to know how much could be taught at one sitting.  She was impressed at both Pxepxi's learning and Alekxsi's, but she did not push them any farther than the first verse.  She was also impressed that the ayhuman who had flown in the Lefngapa Ikran sat attentively and learned to sing the opening line to each stanza. But she was most delighted with the presence of ayhoakte!

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

348)~ "Oel mengati kameie! " exclaimed Mo'at to the two Old Women. "Ma Meuianga Hllvrra! Oel ke tse'a ngati na fì'alo!  I haven't seen you in such a long time!  How were you persuaded to come?"  The Koakte of Dark Lake Clan simply indicated her protege, Black Elk and Black Elk's muntxatan, Pfor'atsu.  "These two captured me and tossed me inside that lefngapa ikran!"  Her eyes were laughing, though she tried to supress a smile.  She continued, "I think it was a conspiracy! And Kaulevi was the cause!"  The old woman known as Lìnga Rìk, among Zongsteng Alor, grinned triumphantly.
   "She needed to get out!" was her only explanation.
A lot of fuss was made over the comfort of the mekoakte, but Hllvrra insisted that they continue teaching the Way Fizayuteri.  "My old voice will no longer sing, but it will do my heart good to hear this being learned."
"Tìng mikyun, Ma Frapo. Tìng Mikyun Ma eylan."   Give ear Everyone. Give Ear Friends.
"TÌng mikyun alu Way Fizayuteri"         Give Ear to the Song of Ancestors
"Stawm pam Hrrap"               Hear the sound of  Danger
"Txur ulte nìska'a"                       Fierce and destructive
"Stawm tsngawvik aytutan"            Hear the Cries of the People
"Ewya srung sivi ayoeng!"            Ewya Help Us!
"Zong ayoeng ta ayhetuwong"         Save Us from the Aliens
"Zong ayoeng ta Sawtute asamsiyu"      Save us from the warrior SkyPeople

"Tìng mikyun, Ma Frapo. Tìng Mikyun Ma eylan."   Give ear Everyone. Give Ear Friends.
"TÌng mikyun alu Way Toruk Makto"         Give Ear to the Way of Toruk Makto
"Poel tsun stivawm hrrrap."            He could hear the danger
"Toruk Makto srung sivi ayoeng"         Toruk Makto Help Us
"Toruk Makto lu tuteo arrtrr"            Toruk Makto was an ordinary guy
"Slä tìfkeytok lameyku tsamtsew"         But circumstances make a hero
"Krra fko sutan kìte'e si"                    When someone serves the people
"Krra fko Na'vi kìte'e si "                    When someone serves The People

  There were many,many verses to the Ancient Way.  It was important that the song be learned. Aysahik were responsible for making certain that the history was remembered and passed along.
   "This is a song about Jake Sully! Kefyak?"  Dr. Threadgoode, of the Hidden Base Medical Team was sitting next to his old friend Gregory Mendelson.
   "No, no. Kehe. Dis vas long before Jake Sully."
   "But, I heard them singing about SkyPeople Warriors.  I thought..."
   "Kehe", interrupted Mendllzong. "Dat's vat I t'ought, but Mo'at said the song vas right. Dere vas Sky People Invaders in the distant past."
   Threadgoode let out a long low whistle, and received some annoyed looks in response.  He wanted to delve into that.  A hundred questions ran through his head.  How ancient was ancient?  Or distant past?  were they human? He wished he was more fluent in Na'vi but decided to listen quietly.  Perhaps Mendelson could get him an audience with his Mo'at, and she could explain more at some other time.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

 349) "Ayfo zer'au!  Ayfo zera'u!"  They are coming!  They are coming!  sang out the young  voices from high in the kelutral.  Pxepxi and Kofi had joined the other ayevi from the Omatikaya Kelutral.  She was vexed that she had been distracted when the ayswayonyu, flyers, had been spotted. But only slightly vexed.  She bound from branch to branch to gain higher access.  She could see Tai's big Pìwopx Srewyu, and Taifayä Atanzaw.  Right behind them was her Atanvi.  She knew he was her mother's ikran.  THAT fact had already been established.  But she knew Atanvi would allow her to rub him down.  It was exciting to watch the ayikran as they circled the Kelutral, their bright wings flashing in the setting sun.  She could see that Twiti was wearing the renten that she and her mother had made.  Pxepxi had carefully selected the eana mesyal hì'iang, the blue-green insect wings for the lenses of Twiti's flying goggles.
   It took a long time for nìwotx ayikran to come in for their landings.  Nìwotx aymaktoyu were also wearing renten.  Pxepxi then realized that they had  all been flying directly into the setting sun.  She found her Auntie Twiti on her Bronco, and was soon hugging her. "Ngaru sunu fwa renten alu oel txamula ngat?"  Twiti didn't know that txamula meant Built, but she remembered that renten meant sun goggles.  "Oeru sunu fi'u nìtxan!  I like this thing very much!" 
  "Ngari sunu fì'u  fwa Zina... this thing that Zina made?"
  "Saddle"
  "SATxll? A lively discussion ensued in both languages as Twiti tried to learn the word for  saddle and she tried to help Pxepxi and Zina pronounce their Ds.
  "Like SAD?" asked Pxepxi.  "Very SADdll only!" 
   Twiti rolled her eyes and gave the child a gentle cuff on the chin.
  "Pxepxi! Fratrr nga lu nì'ul'ul nìAteyo!"  Pxepxi, every day you are more and more like Ateyo!"  And as with Ateyo, one could never tell whether Pxepxi misunderstood  a word, or was  playing with it.  The clever child was probably having fun with words.
   Not far from them, Alekxsi's ikran Ipuyu started stomping his feet and throwing his head back with honking laughter.  Soon  all the ayikran were flapping their wings and stomping.  They were merely reacting to the joy they felt around them.  As the aymaktoyu made their way down the Omatikaya Kelutral, People leapt to their feet to greet them all, but especially JakeSully and Neytiri.  Mendelson greeted them also, but mostly he was looking for for the arrival of Liri'el.  He was disappointed not to find her on the helicopter with the other medicos, until he was told that she was flying on her own ikran.  He nearly tackled her with delight, as soon as she was released by Mo'at.
"So here's ma oeyä 'ite, all grown up!  Just look at you.  And you haf your own ikran! Oh, you can show him to me later." Krekori was prattling in Na'vi with a Yiddish accent, which no longer phased the Omatikaya, though others were still bewildered at the in congruity.  "Vat,  you're still a vidow?  Vat's wrong with all dese young fellows dat dey don't snap you up like dat?"  He snapped his fingers.
   Liri'el didn't miss a beat.  Using his familiar accent she teased him in response;  "I vas maybe vaiting for a certain older man, but it seems he is now taken."
"Don't vorry," he said, patting her cheek as Norm walked up, "Ve find you a nice Jewish boy."  He winked.  "Maybe you can make what's left of that lucky hat of his into a decent yarmulke."  She had not learned the word: yarmulke,  indeed, Mendllzong never wore his skull cap.  Norm was blushing purple, but there was no hiding his sheepish grin.  "Ma Krekori, I thought you buried your yarmulke with your Old Self!?"
  "Ma? Srane!  I vas only joking.  You don't even need to ride on chairs for da vedding dance!"
Norm tried to sort out his thoughts.  "Wedding?  The Na'vi don't have Weddings!  or chairs, for that matter!"  He finally realized that Mendelson was teasing him. He hugged Liri'el even tighter and with a shrug he dismissed Mendelson's silliness.  "He's talking about ancient customs from Earth."
"Oel 'efu nrra sì shekel for mefo." I feel proud and happy for you two!  Liri'el was curious about the customs and would have asked further, but her attention was caught by the sound of thundering hooves in the near distance.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

350)~ The aymaktoyu, riders, of Olo'Txìkx-txìkx-txì-pxen circled the new Kelutral of the Omatikaya, at first at breakneck speed, and then slowing to a canter.  All of the riders slowed to a walk and came to a stop within the mo, the broad clearing where fa'li grazed, and lefngapa ayikran had landed.  Some of the riders formed a ring facing inward.  It was clear that they were inviting ALL to watch an event unfold. Then, a wonderous thing occurred.  Many of the aymaktoyu broke tsaheylu with their fa'li and stood upon the broad backs of their mounts with their arms outspread.  These fa'li cantered two abreast still within the ring.  Suddenly the riders started leaping from pa'li to pa'li.  They then seemed to dissappear as they hooked their heels around the necks of the graceful beasts.  They would reappear and vault off the fa'li then run across the ring and vault to another pa'li as it ran past.  Jake Sully was taken by surprise as a Pa'li ran up to him and stopped suddenly.  With a loud ÌLEY! a figure sumersaulted in the air and came to the ground, face to face with him, gesturing Oel Ngati Kameie.  At that instant, every pa'li and maktoyu whirled to face Jake Sully, as well.  A moment of stunned silence enveloped the crowd.  Then everyone burst out into spontaneous cheering.
   "Ma Eyktan Rolkxu!  That was OUTSTANDING! TXANTSAN! KOSMAN!  Ayngaru tsulfä! To you all is the Mastery!"
   "Nìprrte oeyä 'eylan!" said Rolkxu quite simply, though it was clear that he was very proud of the coordinated efforts of aymaktoyu sì fa'li.  "This all was the idea of Lora Txennìr."  Eyktan Rolkxu gestured to his left  and Laura Tanner trotted up on her pa'li, holding her arm over her ample busom, to minimize the bounce.  It was now apparent that most of the female aymaktoyu wore some kind of restrictive garment around their upper torso, as well.  This  was  a disappointment for the male riders, but less distracting for all. At least while riding.
   The riders turned-out their mounts to pasture in the mo, and were escorted to the ylltxep, the communal fire.  Eyktan Roykxu was explaining  to the other ayeyktan that these were not simply pretty maneuvers for entertainment, but were useful battlefield tactics.  Ayektan formed their own group to discuss the incorporation of these skills in the upcoming battle.  Many others joined just to share their excitement and recognition of these tactics and maneuvers.  Most notable were the contributions from Hehaka Sapa (Black Elk) and S'ralta Tamas, who recognized the tactics of the Ancient Huns. 
   While the ayeyktan were exploring new battle strategies, Tsahik Avatu'ite and her aged mother, Tsahik Avatu were approached by Neytiri, Alekxsi, and Liri'el. 
   "Oel mengati kameie!" Neytiri spoke to the two older Tsahiks.  "Ma Oeyä Sa'nokil vìn mengati alu heyn hu ayrolyu." My mother invites you two to sit with the singers.  Ateyo's head was spinning.  She didn't know whether she should join the battle planners or the aysahik.  A group of ayevi invited Pxepxi  and Kofi to join them in some fa'li riding.  Ateyo and her daughter stood in the middle of indecision.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#351
351)~ Their minds were made up for them when Tsahik Meykir of Olo'Zongsten Alor laughingly brought them along, saying, "Ma 'Teyo, I know that you are a new flyer, but you must remember that you are also Tsahik Ateyo of Hidden Place Clan.  It is important that you remember these ayrol so that you can teach it to others.  And your daughter."
   Pxepxi's head swiveled in her direction so quickly, that it seemed it would detach itself from her neck.  "But Tsahik Meykir!  I don't want to be tsahik!  I want to fly an ikran and ride fa'li and be taronyu!"
  All the tsahiks were now gathered.  Neytiri gave Ateyo a pointed look and they both burst out laughing.  Pxepxi put her hands on her hips and tried to look defiant.  Grown-ups were laughing at her again and she certainly did not appreciate it.  But she found herself being pulled into Neytiri's arms.  "Ma Pxepxi!  I can't think of any other tsahik who flies an ikran and is also taronyu!  Can you?"
  Pxepxi took a step back, away from from Neytiri's face but not from her gaze.  She peered into Neytiri's eyes.  Slowly, it dawned on her, the reality of the situation.  "Au!" Ngaytxoa! Txoa oeru livu!  Nga lu taronyu ULTE Tsahik!"  Oh! Sorry! Forgiveness to me!"  You are hunter and tsahik!
Neytiri embraced the child, wondering briefly if she would ever have a child of her own.
 "But not only me, Ma 'Evi, slä ngeyä Sa'nok nìteng!"...not only me Child, but your mother as well!
  This piece of information REALLY startled Pxepxi so much so that she spun herself around to face Ateyo.  Her hands covered her mouth as if to cover the words that had escaped.  But  Ateyo was laughing and pulled her daughter into her arms.  "There is a place for everyone and their talents in a clan.  Have no fears Child.  Even an Ipuyu can become Tsahik if she shares some wisdom!"  Ateyo was still trying to grasp the reality that a funny person could also serve as a wise person.  But HER Tsahik, Meykir and Meykir's daughter, Meykir'ite surrounded the two for a group hug, and Meykir also soothed the Child:
 "There will be time enough for riding fa'li and hunting.  But when so many aysahik are gathered it is important to listen and learn as MUCH as you can."  She held Pxepxi at arm's length and said, "Unilit Na'viyä fkol peng fa ayvur a peng awngal fa aylì'u, hem sì sìrey awngeyä.  Livu awngaru ayunil tengkrr ke hahaw.  Tsakrr awnga eltu sivi hìngur sìftxeyä a awngal täftxu mì unil ayll."  The Dream of the People is told by the stories we tell with our words, our actions, our lives.  May we dream awake, aware of the thread our choices are weaving into our shared dream." She smiled at the other tsahiks gathered around and continued, "These words are not my own,  but are from Tsahik Oriah, the father of Mo'at of the Eastern Sea Clan."    Pxepxi,  the Avatars and human medicos were startled to hear the name of Mo'at's father, and to learn that he had come from the Eastern Sea. And that we was a tsahik!
  "Ma Sa'nok",  said Alekxsi as she leaned confidentially toward Mo'at.   "That is the first song I intend to memorize. Would you sing it for us sometime soon?"  
 "Srane, ma 'Ite." Mo'at patted the arm of her uniltìrantokx daughter who shared the blood of her departed daughter Sylvanin.  "Probably tonight at least."
~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Quote from: Seze Mune
http://forum.learnnavi.org/navi-customs-and-culture/navi-proverbs/1665/#lastPost
« Reply #1676 on: Today at 01:09:55 am »

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

352)~"There was a spirited discussion among the ayeyktan concerning the use of the Pa'li clans in the upcoming battle.  Eyktan Rolkxu was nearly shouting.
   "Kehe, your argument is invalid!  What do you know of fighting on pa'li?! We ride through the forest very fast at all times.  Even at night!  We could fight in the open field, but why risk ourselves? Your arguments are baseless!"
  "Ngaytxoa!" sputtered Tai.  "I spoke wrongly. Oeru txoa livu. Rutxe." She held up her hands,with the palms open and outward to show that she was surrendering her standpoint.  "I only wanted to express that I cannot UNDERSTAND how to use fa'li in this battle."
   But Rolkxu was still upset.  "When we fought for the Well of Souls, we did not fight on the plains, we fought from the forest!  What would you know? You were not even THERE!"  Rolkxu stabbed the air with his accusing finger, just inches from Tai's nose.  Tai, unruffled, sat as Rolkxu snarled his accusation.  But JakeSully stood up.
   "Mawey livu, Ma Tsmukan."  Be calm, my Brother. He placed himself directly between the two.  "Eyktan Tai WAS at the Battle.  She was flying with Trudy Chacon, when Trudy went down.  She and all these ayuniltìronyu broke away from the RDA and fought WITH US, destroying many RDA ayhunsips as they were attacking us.  Ma Rolkxu, there is no need to take offense.  We all want to get rid of the RDA fighters.  But many are being held captive and perhaps have been forced to fight.  If we give them the opportunity to surrender, they probably will.  Eyktan Tai has admitted that she cannot understand how to use your skills, but we are all on the same side. Tell us how you could help us, Ma Rolkxu."
   "Ngaytxoa, Ma Tai. Ke zoplo. I meant no offense."
   "Oel ngat kameie. Nga lu tsamsiyu tìtsewan. I see you.  You are a brave warrior .  "Lamu mì oeyä kunsip. Oel ke tsame'a ayfa'lit äo ayutral. i was in my kunship. I could not see the 'horses' under the Trees.  Ngal oeti peng pefya'o wem ayngaru." Tell me of the manner you all fight.
   "We practice these maneuvers even at night time and especially when it rains."  Rolkxu explained about the battle tactics of the Fa'liyä Aymaktoyu.  "We practice lifting our children onto the fa'li as we ride past, and sometimes at night time, our  ayhumon as well."   
   "We could help tonight! Said LesleySavage of the Medical Team.  JakeSully translated for her and spoke a while.  "Ma Lesli plltxe ayfaluta futa sweylu fwa ayoeng tskxeng fìtxon hu aymetxikos."  Lesley says these words, that we should practice withthe medicos tonight so that they can understand what will be involved in helping the humans that are rescued from the battlefield."
  "Txantsan sämok Ma Lesli!" said the female Avatar known as Lora Tanìr.  "I won't be able to participate because I will be at the Olo'Txìkx-Txìkx-Txì-pxen tonight in humantokx.  But for others, it will be good.
   "Niprrtxe 'ì'awn oeri lu MìUniltìrantokx fìtxon.  It would please me to remain in Avatar Body tonight.  That way, I can see with Na'vi eyes how this will occur."
  Jake slapped his hands together.  We have a plan!  Rest up if you need to Ma Tai, you will be doing a double shift, it seems.  Let's go join the others.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#353
353)~  "Ma Tai!" shouted Pxepxi as she ran to the woman's strong arms. "Oeri tsun lu tsahik sì
taronyu!" I can be a tsahik and a hunter, just like Neytiri and Ateyo!
  "Tse,  fmawntateri lu so 'ha!" That's news to be excited about!"
  "Mo'at is teaching us an Ancient Way and she's going to teach us about her grandfather, too.  
But she said we should eat first.  Are you going to join us?"
  "Nìlun!  Ulte oeyä fmawn nìteng!" said Tai as she accepted the pro-offered rib bone of
succulent meat. Of course! And my news as well!
  "Pefmawn, Ma Tai?" What news, Tai?
  "Eyktan Rolkxu has invited us to practice hufa'liyä aymaktoyu." with fa'li riders. Pxepxi's face
brightened.  This was unexpected good news.
  "We can ride with the grown-ups?"
  "Srane. Hu ayfeyntu! Slä sweylu fwa moe tìng hahawtsyìp pximaw wutso fìtxon. Srak, nga
mlltxe?" Yes with the grown-ups. but it is best if we both take a nap right after the nighttime
meal, agreed?!"
  "Mlltxe oe! Oel kerä peng alu Kofit!" I'm going go to tell Kofi!  Ateyo watched in surprise as her daughter  darted past her.  She handed Tai yet another rib bone as she sat along side her Beloved Mate.
  "Why is Pxepxi so excited? What did you tell her?" Between bites, Tai related the news to her soaia, and to some others who had sat near them.  By this time, Pxepxi had returned with Kofi, Taifa' and Ka'alani.  Pxepxi was so excited that she kept moving from person to person, until she had sat with each of her "Aunties" to share the news.
  In the meantime, Tai approached Eyktan Rolkxu and Jake, reminding them that she would have to link out long enough to alert the techs, as to the change of plans.  They each assured her that maneuvers would not start without her.  The medicos and Tedd agreed to participate. gladly. Tedd was ecstatic that there were plans to rescue his conscripted comrades. Max,  Norm, Alekxsi and Wade were eager to participate, their  ayhumontokx were all waiting in the link chambers just a short distance away.  Conversation around the mid day meal, and through out the day revolved around the anticipation of various scenarios.  "What if the person was not standing?  What if the person were too weak or injured to jump?"  Various strategies were discussed.
  Mo'at sang the story of her Grandfather.  Alekxsi was assured that she would be taught this song in it's entirity, and that she practice with her often while they waited at the encampment near Blue Heart Gate.  Ekytan Atumopin sì Tsahik Lamu'ite were eager to compare this Way to the one they had learned in their Olo' concerning the legendary island Na'vi whom Mo'at's grandfather had rescued in the past.
  "Oe nìprrte fwa leomum kar fìWay aynga" It pleases me that you all are curious to learn this Ancient Song of Our History."  She was certain that Alekxsi was particulary anxious to learn it.  Often had Alekxsi related tales of her dreams and visions that occured in an island setting.   She had related of seeing a tall, glowing, purple figure. Both were convinced that ths figure was non other than Mo'atyä sempu.  Mo'at's father.  "Slä fìkrr  k'etrìpa ta ftia mipa rol." But now is not a favorable time to learn a new song.  You all are far too distracted."
    However, the persistence and insistance of the younger aysahik persuaded her to sing the opening lines:
Za'u oeyä Na'viya
Oel ayngaru peng Wayt Na'viyä
'Awlie ftawmenkrr
Mì hrr aysempulä sysempul
Txampayka alìm
Eywa'eveng lamu nìwäte
Ram txepä a mì tampay
Ram txepä a mì tampay
Pesul zivong awneyä Na'viti ftu
Ram txepä mì tampay
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Come my people            
I will tell the Ancient Story of our People   
Once long ago               
In the time of our fathers' fathers      
Far across the Sea            
Eywa'eveng was disagreeable         
Mountain of Fire in Ocean         
Mountain of Fire in the Ocean         
Who will save our People from the      
Mountain of Fire in the Ocean         
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


 These words had to suffice.  Mo'at thought it would be a good enticement for them to learn the Way if she present only the opening lines and the refrain.  Before long, the sound of people singing filled the Omatikaya Kelutral.  

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

354)~ "Nga lu txen, Ma Pxepxi!"
   "Au! Ma Liri'el! Ngaru lu  ayvenzek AWEW!" Liri'el! Your toes are COLD!
   Liri'el only laughed.  "Tswey lu fwa nìtxen sivu aylahe set!  Win säpi, Ngatsyìp!" It's best that you should awaken the others.  Hurry, Little You!"
  "Srane! Lìsyeiu!" Yes, I will, happily!"  Pxepxi was eager to begin the fa'li activities with the ayfeyntu. the grown-ups.  Liri'el smiled to herself as she watched Pxepxi's kxetse, popping into the air each time she bent down.
   Norm was carefully carrying two clay cups as large as bowls, from which steam was curling. "Oel zolamunge näer asom, ma Yawnetu. I have brought you something hot to drink, Beloved."  Liri'el stooped down to receive a clay cup from Norm's hands. She gave him a kiss on the top of his head.  He looked so cute, even in Humon Tokx!  "Irayo nìtxan, oeyä muntxate!  Thank you very much, my Mate!  She was so thrilled that Norm had chosen her after Mary left him.  She loved the way he doted on her.  Alekxsi and Wayt walked over. 
   "Srak Alakxsi, Alekxsi?" said Norm and Max, nearly simultaneously.
   "Kehe! Mi oeyä eltu  hahaw." No my brain is still asleep.  Said Alexandra in human tokx, with a mighty yawn.  "Oe tsun uvan sivi alu kerusey nìftue! I can easily play dead. Slä rä'ä tung oeti sru' fya'o ayvenu fa'liyä txo oeri hivahaw mìhllte!  But don't allow me to be trampled by means of dire horse feet if I sleep on the ground!"
   "Ma Twiti!" called Pxepxi to her  favorite Aunt. "Krra oe uvan sivi alu kxamu, ngal za'u ulte oeti ziyaong, kefyak?! Ulte Ma Zina, nìteng!" When I play as if I was hurt, you come and save me, isn't that right? And Zina, too!"
  "Moe ziyong ngaru.  Tam, Tam, Tsamsiyutsyìp!" We will both save you.  There, there, Little Warrior!  Although Pxepxi was hugging Twiti it surprised her that Zina was the one who spoke and carressed her head.  This was the biggest demonstratin of affection for Pxepxi that the stern woman had ever displayed.
   "Poe syaw oeru Tsamsiyutsyìp!" announced Pxepxi to each person she met.  Neytiri, Ateyo and Meykir'ite were doling out the strong brew that tasted like cinnamon tea as all gathered near the Omatikaya Ylltxep. community fire.
   Jake Sully and Rolkxu were briefing the group on the upcoming activity. They explained the battlefield tactics.  "We hope to catch them unaware at night.  During a rainstorm.  For this reason are we practicing at night, in the dark.  Some of the sawtute, we hope MOST of the sawtute will give up.  Anyone who drops a weapon and raises his hands should be rescued.   Many sawtute have never seen a pa'li up close.  They might be frightened, they might be injured, they might be weak.  We will have to go to them and have our pa'li lay down. you must speak in Ìnglìsi and say "NO HARM! COME! SAFE!" and help them get on.  Remember, we have better eyes. Ayhuman cannot see well in the dark. We will move them to one place, put them in nets and have ayikran carry them to another place where Liri'el and the medicos will be waiting."
   The ayeyktan divided the group  into  smaller groups.  Every group had a mixture of riders, Avatars and children.  The drop off points were established and "wounded" were sent out to the "battlefield".  There were far more riders than children and and ayhumantokx.  The medicos were persuaded to become the wounded, rather than the healers.  For two hours of sawtute time, the groups practiced battlefield retrieval tactics. For most of the riders, this was not nearly as difficult as learning to speak Ìnglìsì.  "No farm. Come. Save." Norm later simplified their speech to "Come. I save you." Which worked rather well.
   "That was FUN!" ma Twiti.  You should carry me in a net all the time! "Twiti hugged Pxepxi. and Zina tousseled her hair. "Nga lu txana tìtsewngyu, oeyä Tsamsiyutyìp. Slä krr a zene hahaw.  Trray, aoeng makto ne Spuwina 'Awm."  You are very brave my Little Warrior.  But now we must sleep. Tomorrow we ride to the Old Camp.  Twiti was very pleased that her mate was making an effort to be more sociable.  She realized it was quite a stretch for the stern woman.  Pxepxi was pleased that the two bedded down near their soaia, instead of dissappearing together.  She was so excited that she thought she would never sleep.  But exhaustion over took the entire assemblage, and soon, the Omatikaya Kelutral was filled with snoring.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

355)~ Ateyo awakened with a kiss upon her lips and the familiar refrain, "Tìng Pom* Tìng Pom* Tìng Pom!"  It had become a familiar tradition among the Na'vi.  She could hear others awakening also.  She wondered how Tai could possibly feel rested having had less time to sleep.  "Tam, tam, ma oeyä hona Yawnetu!  Oe lu tsamsiyu akoak. Oe tsun emrey hu hahaw'ìt nì'aw!"  There, there, my adorable Love.  I'm an Old Warrior.  I can survive on only a bit of sleep!"
   "Sa'nu!  Oel zamolunge mesnegal  näer fpi ngaru sì Tairu!" Pxepxi was delighting herself by being a server of hot drinks. Mom, I am bringing two cups of hot drink for you and Tai!
   "Wau! I guess having a kid around has it's benefits!' said Zina, somewhat grumpily from her hahawa rìk, sleep leaf, that she shared with Twiti.
   "Oel mengati ziyamunge mesngalit näer, nìteng!"  sang out Pxepxi. I will immediately bring you two, two cups also!"
   "You can always adopt." suggested Ateyo.
   "Kehe!  I'll just borrow yours!" laughed Zina.  She helped Twiti to her feet, from the swinging hahawa rìk.  Twiti didn't mind the assistance first thing in the morning.  Zina was pretty sure that she could be indulgent this early.  When Pxepxi returned with their two cups, they were still locked in an indulgent kiss.
  "ÌÌÌÌÌÌ, oel yiyem me'u fìtseng,"  Pxepxi looked around for a flat spot, but Twiti came to the rescue.
   "Mesngalìri oe irayo seiyi!" For these two cups I thank you happily. "Nga lu txantsan srungsiyu! You are a good helper!"
   Leftovers were served in wrapped leaves.  Extra packets were supplied for eating on the go.  Before long the camp was taken down and the choppers packed with extra gear, the ayhoakte, the medicos, extra skins.  The pilots each gave their ayikran kisses and visual  instructions to fly together to the Spuwina 'Awm, the Old Camp near Blue Heart Gate. 
   Ateyo patted Pxepxiyä kinam and asked, "Alaksi?" Ready?  Pxepxi nodded Tai, and Taifa' and to each maktoyu ikranä.  She pulled down her renten, flying goggles, over her eyes and nodded into her mother's back.
"YAWO!" They cried as they plummeted from the highest branch of the Omatikayaä Kelutral.
"YAWO!" The cries filled the air.  Into the heavy air they flew.  Away from the shelter of the Kelutral is was quite evident that a drizzlig rain had saturated Eywa'eveng.   The air was hot and humid as the sun burned off the clouds.  Rivelets of water sparkled the landscape.  The air, when standing still, was suffocating.  Up here, moving through the air with other ayikran moving the air ahead with every flap of their wings, the air was more refreshing.  Pxepxi extended her embrace of Ateyo so that she could lean back.  But Atanvi missed a wingbeat and Pxepxi was slammed softly into Ateyo's back.
  Ateyo turned her head and called over her back. "Ma Pxepxi! You startled us! Atanvi plltxe SAN Heyn, Ma 'Ite!' SÌK.    Atanvi says QUOTE Sit, My Daughter', UNQUOTE.
   Pxepxi hung on a little closer, and raised her voice into the wind. "Atanvil oeti fpìl fwa oe lu "ite peyä?" Atanvi thinks I'm his daughter?"
  "Nìlun moe fpìl tsat!" Of course we think that! Ateyo didn't bother explaining any further.  She let the child consider the implications of the Bond and the shared emotions of Atanvi and her Mom.  Her conclusion helped her realize that Atanvi couldn't help to forgive Pxepxi, herself. Because he shared Ateyo's love for her.  Deep in her little soul, Pxepxi was grateful for Ateyo's love.  She pondered if Tai shared this love. And understood all the more, how love, shared tswin by tswin, their neural braids, united this family.  She had no doubt of Tai's love.  She realized that Taifa', Ka'alani and Kofi shared this kind of Bond.  While she held on tightly, she had time to ponder the sharing of love.  She pondered how families, through love, were able to forgive, and how love motivated a person to want to please and become better.  She began to appreciate how vital the sharing of love was to the strength of the family, the clan and the the entire Na'vi.  She began to wonder how ayhuman could ever survive without tswin.  And realized that as a whole; they hadn't.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

356)~Ateyo elbowed her daughter gently. "Herahaw lu, kefyak?" You are sleeping, right?
   "Kehe, Ma Sa'nu. Oe lu txen. No, Momma. I'm awake."
   "Nga lu tìfnu nìtxan! You are so quiet! "  Ateyo was surprised at her patience.  Usually  the child was questioning, 'Are we there yet?'  "Ayoeng tsatseng stum, ma 'ite!" We are almost there, my daughter.
   "Oe omun." I know, said the child, in a matter of fact tone.  Ateyo didn't have time to ponder this because Atanvi was following the others in a descending spiral.  She could see the choppers on the flat stoneplace.  She could also just barely discern a wisp of smoke curling from beneath the branches of the Kelutral Spuwina 'Awm.  HomeTree of Old Camp. The others had already started to set up camp.  She had to admit that she was beginning to feel cold.  By Pxepxi's ocassional shivers, she knew she was too.  As the ayikran landed in the branches, she could hear the low rumbling of distant thunder.
   As they all descended toward the ylltxep, communal fire, Tai caught movement in her peripheral vision, and a blur of color.  And the giggling of children.  Tai looked up and in an instant ascertained the threat as ZERO and snatched a circling lei from the air.  Ateyo had successful dodged her 'attack', but Pxepxi had been successfully ringed with a flower lei.  Kofi gave a triumphant laugh from above.
    "Aloha sì kaltxì!" he chortled as he swung down to welcome them, but especially his playmate Pxepxi!  "Nga lei lu oer!" he giggled, and stole a kiss before Pxepxi could react.  She gave chase and a lusty game of Nga Kxetse Lu Oer began between the two, at first, and then the other children. 
   "Aynga ayevi 'uvan si käsateng!" You kids play over there! You are dousing the fire!
   "Tam Tam Sa'nu!"  Ok Momma.  The shreiks and giggles were heard to diminish as the children moved their game of Tag, elsewhere.  Ka'alani, had stopped playing her i'en, her stringed instrument,  long enough to scold the children.  Mostly, she didn't want her ukelele like instrument to get wet.  Tompa' Ivong looked up from his saddle-making, and nodded approvingly.  He had made her the experimental instrument as a steli, a gift.  He was pleased that she valued his steli.  He was uncomfortable among crowds of people, but he wanted to get a few more saddles completed before they were needed for the mission. He would simply concentrate on his work.
   Meanwhile, the aymaktoyu warmed themselves by the fire and drank aysngal näer asom.   cups of hot drink.  It wasn't long before the ayeyktan had gathered themselves aside to discuss upcoming strategies and await the arrival of the horse clan.  S'ralta Tamas was there.  Avoiding Pxepxi for as long as possible.  She knew that before the night was out she would be accosted with requests to take her to the other moons. 
   "Nìn, ma Ateyo!" said  Ka'alani. "Ayteylu! erm, Seylu!" she always has trouble remembering that the T in Teylu became an S when plural.  "Oel kar aymetxikoti a taron seylu."  I taught the medicos to hunt grubs.  She motioned towards a leaf platter covered with another leaf, just beyond her reach.
Ateyo lifted the platter and  said, "Seylutìri oe irayo seiyi, Ma Ka'alaniru!" For these grubs I give thanks to you, Ka'alani.  And in a high-pitched, comical voice she added ;
Oel ayngati kameie ma aysmukan ulte ngaru seiyi irayo!                                             
Ngari hu Eywa saleu aytirea, tokx `i`awn slu Na´viyä hapxi!

I see you brothers and thank you! Your spirit goes with Eywa, your body stays behind to become part of the people!
  There was some nervous laughter to hear these solemn words in such a silly voice.  But off to one side a high thin cackling laughter ensued.  Ayhoakte lu herangham.  The Old Women were laughing.  "Ateyo ni'aw tsun lu ipuyuya tsahik!" Only Ateyo can be a silly Tsahik!  Ateyo dropped a crispy teylu into Ka'alani's laughing mouth and tossed one up into Tai's mouth, as well.
   At about the same time, the ayevi came rushing back from their game.  Pxepxi and Kofi  tackled Tompa 'Ivong with a Lei, Shouting,"Nga Lei Lu Oer!' and "OUCH"
   "Eltu Si!  Rä'ä tìsraw säpeyki! Oeru lu pxia sä'o. "Be Mindful! Don't hurt yourself! I have a sharp tool!"
  Kofi removed the awl from his leg.  He had a neat puncture wound about half an inch deep into the meat of his thigh.
   "Txoa livu, ma Tompa 'Ivong. Oe lamu nìtram so ha'  tse'a ngati, fwa oer tswama' a narì si."  Forgiveness to me.  I was so happy to see you that I forgot to watch out. said Kofi as he stifled a sob.
  "I am sorry that you hurt yourself!  Let's get that fixed." said Tompa with some concern.  But as he looked up, Ateyo, many of the medicos and Liri'el appeared.
  Taifa' lifted the boy and lay him on a skin next to Ka'alani, who was distressed.  A crowd had formed around them and medical kits were produced.  Liri'el and Pxepxi flanked him.
   "Let's have a look at this, Ma Kofi." murmured Liri'el.  She bent over him and his tears were flowing, more for the embarrassment and attention than from the pain.  "It's not very deep.  It has bled out a little. Reypay husum, blood leaving, has cleansed the wound of germs."  She was pleased to have a word for this concept.  Of course, the Na'vi understood that badness could come into a wound and make it worse.  She just needed to apply a poultice to be certain that all the sickness would come out.  Pxepxi was of like mind and removed a wad of leaf that she had been chewing on and placed it on Kofi's wound.
   "Txantsan, my Pxepxi!  Where did you find this leaf?" 
   "Over where we were playing, ma Liri'el.  Ateyo always taught me to carry some when I find it.  Nìn! Look!"  Pxepxi had a small woven basket tied to her hip, just as Ateyo had.  She displayed the herbal remedies to her.
   "We should all learn to identify this plant, ma tsmeketyìp!  Can you show these people what it looks like and where to find it?"  Liri'el asked the child.
   "We will stay right here until you come back, ma 'Ite," said Ka'alani.
   "Tam tam, Cuz, I will be OK!" encouraged Kofi.  Pxepxi looked to Tai and Ateyo, for permission.  Tai nodded encouragingly but Ateyo was consoling Tompa 'Ivong who was remorseful for his part, though it had been unintentional. 
He brought Kofi a small crystal to bind to his leg.  "Fìtskxeri poru zeyko ngati," About this stone it will cause healing for you."
  Liri'el placed her hand on Tompa's shoulder, "Tìstunwiyìri oe irayo seiyi, Ma Tompa." For this kindness I thank you, Tompa.  Ateyo and Ka'alani and Taifa' also patted him on his shoulder.  He caught his own teardrop and touched Kofi's also.  "Fìtsngawpayvìri, Oe lu ngaytxoa."  For this teardrop, I am truly sorry.
   "Tam, tam, Ma Tompa.  I will be alright.  It only hurts a little.  I should have been more careful. But I thank you."  The youngster was patting Tompa's arm reassuringly.  "It's only a little poke!  Oe lu txura tsamsiyu, I'm a strong warrior.  It will take more than this to REALLY hurt."  Somehow, Kofi realized that he was dismissing all this attention that he had drawn.  He got one last reassuring pat from Tompa. And said goodbye to all the attention.  But a few minutes later, Pxepxi showed up and sat by his side.  Liri'el admonished him to sit still until after they had eaten and left him in Pxepxi's doting care.
   "Nari si ta mefo," said Twiti to Zina.  "Meforu lu ahona, kefyak?"  Look at those two, aren't they adorable?  Zina guffawed and rolled her eyes. "Typical man," she replied. "He will act wounded and helpless to draw her in!"  Twiti chuckled to herself, both at Zina's cynicism and at her niece and nephew and their growing affection.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#357
357)~"Pesenget tok Tail, ma Sa'nu?"  Where's Tai, Momma?  Pxepxi was helping the others prepare food for wutso kawmä, the late afternoon meal.
   "Po lu lerawk  ayeyktanhu. Nga li omum." She is confering with the leaders. You already know that.
   "Srane.  Slä oe new tswivayon äo ayikran." Yes, But I want to fly under the ikrans.
   "You want to fly UNDER the ikrans?" Ateyo frowned at the fkxen in her hand." Tolel! Mì sawnäftua sa'o tìspe'e " Oh! I understand! in the net, the woven-capturing tool?"
   "Srane! Tail plltxe fayluta ayoeng tskxekeng sayi fìtrr!"  Yes, Tai said we will practice today.
   "Tai plltxe, SAN:"Kxawm, ayoeng tskxekeng sivi fìtrr.  Skxakep trray." :SÌK.  Tai said QUOTE."MAYBE we will practice today, probably tomorrow!" UNQUOTE.   And without raising her eyes from her work she rose her voice,  "Ma Kofi, za'u fìtsenge ulte srung sivi fte fkivarut fayfkxenit awngahu." Kofi, come here and help us peel fruits and vegetables.  Heyn Pxepxihu. Sit with Pxepxi."
  This startled the boy who was wallowing in self pity.  "Slä, oe lu leskirr! MA SA'NU!"  But, I  am wounded!   Mom!"  Kofi tried to appeal to his Mother with pity.  Ka'alani only shook her head, and with a sidelong grin at Ateyo, said,
    "Ngeyä mepun ke lu fwel. Slä txo nga ke za'u set, oel sleykayu fwel txìmit ngeyä!"  Your arms aren't broken, but if you don't come I will break your butt!"
    "Srung si oeru fte fkivxarut fìfkxenit," instructed Pxepxi. Help me peel this fruit.  "Nari si  fìtstal lu pxi!" Watch out, this knife is sharp!" she teased him.  Knowing that his lame excuse could not validate his claim to lame, he sigh heavily and sat beside his childhood friend.
     Zina and Twiti were working on Bronco's saddle nearby.  Zina gave Twiti a gentle elbow to the ribs, "Tse'a?! Tsateri  perlltxe!" SEE?! THAT's what I am talking about.
    The thunder rumbled, the fkxarutyu pamängkxo, the Peelers chattered, and raindrops began to dance on the skins stretched overhead.  Ateyo danced from her seated position, making everyone giggle at her silliness.  "Keftko fwa leskir lu Kofi. Po ke tsayun tskxekeng sivi hu aylahe trray.  Srak, mllte, Ma Ka'alani?" It's sad that Kofi is wounded.  He will not be able to practice with the others tomorrow.  Yes/No you agree, Ka'alani?
   "Keftko, ni'aw!"  Sad, only. Ka'alani drilled Kofi with a withering stare. 
   "Kxawm oe zoslu lisre rewon?! Maybe I will be healed by morning."
   "You better hope so, 'Itan. Set poe za'u fìtsenge. Kaltxì,  Tai!" Here she comes now. Hello, Tai."
  Pxepxi had already launched herself into Tai's arms. "Srak tsayun awnga tskxekeng sivi  fìtrr?" Yes/no, we can practice today?  Opxan, the scarred old fisherman from the Dark Lake clan had strolled up with Tai.  "Oel zene kar aylahet spe'e ayevi. Tsun oel zasrìn tsamefo?"  I need to teach the others to capture kids.  Can I borrow these two?"
  Pxepxi and Kofi exchanged nervous glances.  Practicing with Tai and Taifa' was one thing, but this fellow was a little bit frightening. 
   "Pe? Srak oerìri fkan 'ur txewm ngaru? What? Do I appear frightening to you?
Opxan hangham.  Opxan laughed.  Which did nothing to ease the children's fear of him.
   "Slä, oe lu leskirr!"  But I am wounded, complained Kofi.
   "Tse, ngal syaw tsat skirr?"  You call that a wound?  "Za'u, ma tsamsiyutsyìp.  Nga ke tung 'it  a reypey ftang ngaru. Come Little Warrior.  You can not allow a bit of blood to stop you. ZA'U"
Ka'alani and Ateyo grinned sidelong at each other.  "Ngal stamawm tutan. Ka!"  You heard the man. Go!"

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

358)~ While they had been underneath the Utral, they had not noticed how thick and cloudy it had become.  Kofi and Pxepxi skipped out towards the Mo, the clearing where they gathered for sxkekxeng. Practice.  But they hadn't walked far from Spuwina 'Awm before a pa'li rider rode up.   The pa'li extended its four forelegs and settled beside them.  "Kaltxì Ma Mevi.  Ateyo plltxe, SAN,"Kofi lu leskirr. Po zene makto. "SÌK.  Hello, two kids. Ateyo says QUOTE: " Kofi is wounded.  He needs a ride."  UNQUOTE.  She grinned down at the two, and ascertained the bandaged  and limping youngster.  "Oe fpil nga lu Kofi!" I think you are Kofi!  She slid off and lifted him up onto the pa'li's back. Pxepxi placed herself behind him. Lora told her, "Meyam nìsyep po.  poti. " She self corrected. Hold him tight, he may need help with his balance if he is wounded.  "Oe lu Lora Txanìr." 
   "Nìprrte, smon! Oe lu Pxepxi, Ateyo'ite."  Pxepxi had never introduced herself formally to another person, but it filled her with pride to do so.
"S'mon nìprrte, s'mon!" Good to know you. "Makto ko," the avatar suggested.  She turned her Attention to the pa'li and it got up smoothly.  It walked with a smooth gait out of the forest and toward the clearing.  "Tìranìri fkxan hewne. Oe kar, oel kar poti fwa tìran ahewne."  I teach the pa'li to walk smooth."  It always amused mevi to hear ayuniltìrantokx trying to speak the language. 
   "Nga lu txantsana karyu, Ma Lora." said Kofi.  He was leaning forward with his arms wrapped around her middle.  He found himself fascinated by the gentle  movement of her breasts upon his arms.  He was finding that being wounded definitely had it's perks.  Lora tried to ignore the boy's arm.  He was a child. What could he know?  The ride ended too soon for Kofi.  The pa'li was made to lie down, just as Zina and Twiti approached.  Again, Zina gave Twiti a gentle elbow to the ribs, "Tse'a?! Tsateri  perlltxe!" SEE?! THAT's what I am talking about. She was, of course, referring to her opinion that all men use their wounds as a ploy to attract women by appearing helpless. Kofi peered out from behind Lora's back.  He wasn't sure what Zina was referring to, but he wasn't comfortable with the look she gave him.   
   "Te Kllte!" encouraged Lora.  To the ground. Get down.
   "Sämaktoyìri oe irayo seiyi nìtxen ngaru, Ma Lora," said Kofi as he slid down the pa'li's back. For this ride I happily thank you very much.   He was grinning stupidly at the buxom woman; a fact that was not lost to either Pxepxi or Zina.  Pxepxi scowled at her childhood playmate as she slid down beside him.  But she hadn't forgotten all her manners; "Fìsämaktoyìri oe irayo si ngaru." She mananged through her wounded little spirit. For this ride, I thank you.
   "Kea tìkin!" returned Lora, wondering at the iciness in the child's reply.
   "AH  FÌtseng tok ma oeyä leskirra mesamsiyut! Alaksì?"  Ah! Here are my two wounded warriors! Ready?  Opxan descended on the group and prevented further drama.  But the sky was presenting it's own drama.  Lightning flashed across the clouds accompanied by a menacing roll of thunder.  To Pxepxi it only served to underscore the violence of emotion that she was experiencing.  Yrrapa Maktoyu! Storm Rider! She didn't like seeing  Kofi's adoring look at Lora Txanir!  Huge raindrops began to slowly pelt them.  Good! They cooled down the hot tears that formed in her eyes. Thunder and lightning filled her heart, and the air.
   Opxan and Tai had to shout their instructions.  Pxepxi did her utmost to infere with any interaction that Kofi might possibly have with the intrusive Uniltìrantokx.  Opxan sì Tai asked that she demonstrate the proper form for being carried in a net.  She insisted that Kofi go with her, because he was leskirr, wounded, afterall.
   "Au, not so rough, oeyä tsmuk! Nìn, you've made me bleed some more.  You are so mean to me!"  Kofi wasn't so much physically hurt, as emotionally hurt.  But Pxepxi was even more hurt. 
   "Nga lu ma oeyä Yawntu, ulte rä'ä tivung  a yawne tutuo alahe!" You are MY Beloved, and you aren't allowed to love anyone else!
She didn't even enjoy the fact that the two of them were flying together in a net, under an ikran, in a rainstorm.  She did't even realize that they were flying over the place where she and her Momma Ateyo had shot a fwampop.  She made Kofi sit down while she hurriedly gathered the net for the ikran's return flight. 
  "Slä pelun ngal steyki oehu? Pehamem oe?" But why are you angry with me?  What did I do?" whined Kofi.  He was truly perplexed at Pxepxi's behavior.  Not even a new out-flow of blood produced sympathy from her.
  Liri'el came upon the scene.  She was in charge of the medical team of the chopper, some of whom were being deposited in nets atop this hill overlooking the stream.   She swooped the boy into her arms and carried him to the treatment area.  "Rä'a lekin sleyku relpey fpi fìtskxkeng!  Ma Pxepxi? Srak Fì'u kempe sami nga?" It isn't necessary to produce blood for the sake of this practice! Pxepxi! Yes/no you did this thing?
   "Kehe! But maybe I should have!"  Liri'el was curius to know why these two playmates were so upset.  The boy's wound had reopened and was bleeding profusely.  Meanwhile, her medicos were arriving with reports of the net transport procedure and the percieved problems.  She was speaking to the ayhumon while holding a compress to Kofi's wound. 
  "Press this bandage onto his wound, and don't stop.  Pretend he is still your friend."  She said half jokingly.  She left the two to their own devices while she tried to trouble shoot.  A serious injury might have bled out from the battlefield to the "Aitx Stason" aid station.  They would have to develop a different procedure for those who sustained serious wounds.
    "Oeru txoa livu, Ma Pxepxi. Moe yawne fitsap, kefyak?"  We are still friends!We still love each other, right?, pleaded Kofi. 
   "Oel tse'a ngati nari SAMEIYI tsatuTET!"  I saw how you looked (especially well!) at that WOMAN!
   "Slä oe lu namìn nì'aw!" But I was only looking! pleaded the boy.
   Pxepxi would have continued berating Kofi, but Liri'el happened to turn and observe some of the interaction.  "Ma Pxepxi, rä'ä wäte hu oeyä kxamuyu. Pxepxi, don't dispute with my Harmed One.  Po zene zeyko 'awve!  He must heal first.  "Za'u, srung si oeti, rutxe."  She gave Pxepxi her hand and pulled her away from Kofi.  She had to figure out something to keep her busy, and break up a impending argument.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

359)  Liri'el needed to create umbrella-like shelters for her triage area.  As Liri'el and Pxepxi lashed skins to tree limbs, she was able to make a few observations. 
   "I've noticed that you and Kofi have been arguing." 
Pxepxi knew the woman was expecting an answer from her.
  "I'm mad at him because he was looking at Lora's chest."
   Liri'el had to stifle a smile.  "Sran, Lora lu tute alor." Laura is a beautiful woman.  Pxepxi was not expecting a favorable assessment.  Afterall, Liri'el was sitting with the aysahik.  Surely,  she would not condone such behavior.  "Even Norm smiles too much at her."  This shocked Pxepxi.
  "Kempe ngal poeti?"  What do you do to him?
   "I don't stab him! Oel takuk peyä mikyun hu oeyä sweki!" I strike him on the ear with my finger! And I scold him!  Slä nga omum, ayfukxo sunu fwa nari si aysmuke alor. But you know, guys like to look at beautiful women.  Nìwotx nari si!  They ALL watch! Slä menga molomum vol sìzìt fu nì'ul! But you two have known each other for eight years or more.  Menga yawne fìtsap!  You love each other. Tìefumi oeyä, In my feelings, you should give him another chance.   At that moment, some medical personnel approached Liri'el with some questions.
   She and her medicos had an ongoing conversation regarding an impromptu first-aid class.  It was agreed to provide blankets of eanean as padding and a kit of bandages for each ikran. As the sky continued to darken, the  medicos were concerned about lighting.  But the Na'vi assured the humans that they could see quite well in the dark, and could easily identify the smell of blood. All hunters knew how to apply a tourniquet, the words were different, but the results were the same.  Liri'el's skills at translating were put to the test, as more and more concerns were asked by the ayhumon. 
   With the Na'vi Medical Assistant suitably distracted, Pxepxi returned to Kofi's side.  He eyed her warily and asked, "Mi stiveyki ngal oehu?" Are you still angry with me?
   "Stum ke."  Almost not. Pxepxi moved some dirt to prevent a rivulet of water from intruding beneath him.  Before she could answer him further a torrent of apologies came tumbling from his lips.  She smiled to herself, to think of Norm apologizing to Liri'el in this manner.  He continued;
   "I've known you since you were a baby!  I stayed by your side even after... even after our mothers were killed at the big battle.  I couldn't stand it if you said you didn't love me any more!"  It was true.  These two had been side by side since infancy.  Their mothers were close friends and had sacrificed their lives to shelter their babies when the Omatikaya Kelutral came crashing down.  Pxepxi pushed aside the horrors of that day and soothed the brow of her worried playmate.
   "I'm not mad at you any more. But I want you to love only me.  Not Lora Txanìrr!"
   "Tam, Tam, ma Pxepxi.  Lora Txanìrr lu feyntu. a grown up.  Nga lu ma oeyä yawnea 'eylan frakrr.  You are my beloved friend forever.  Oel ngati pänutìng.  I give you my promise." 
   When Liri'el returned from the impromptu first aid class, she went to check on the two kids.  They were sleeping side-by-side, their meswin twined together as was their habit, almost  their entire young lives.  Norm came behind Liri'el and enfolded her with his arms, and murmured in her ear,  "Nin,  srak mefo lu ahona, kefyak?" Look, those two are adorable, aren't they?
   "Mlltxe oe!  I agree!" Liri'el searched her mind for the appropriate phrase mì Ìnglìsì:  "She has much improved her beside manner!"  The two of them relaxed together.  And as they watched the two kids sleep, she had fun retelling the recent drama and her advise.  Reflexively, Norm touched his ear and grinned sheepishly, " I promise never to look at another woman's chest if you promise not to puncture me!"
  "Oe mllte!" she giggled.  And they sealed it with a kiss.