ATEYO TeSYAKSYUK: TSULFATU

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

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Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#40
41)~ There was a moment when nothing was said. Where everyone seemed to hold their breath.
 Neytiri arose and touched Ateyo's arm.   "Ma Ateyotsyìp, I know of loving one from a different land, planet. Your song has deeply touched my heart."
And Jake quickly added, touching TaiTaeAo's arm, at least I had an avatar body to being with ..."
"Just grow me an avatar of my own in those tanks, Ma Jake!" The idea was very appealing.
"Oh, I am dying to know whose avatar was retrieved from the battlefield! We NEED to see those tanks and get our techs together!"  Though Norm was pleased with his human life, he clearly missed his Avatar body.
"TaiTaeAo and Ateyo shouldn't have to wait six years for intimacy!" Let's give them our room tonight, Norm.  We can sleep in the common room." Mary had remained quiet until that point.  She clasped Norm's hand possessively, wondering how she would react to sharing their time with his avatar body.
Norm stood and addressed the leaders and those within earshot.
"We have not quite finished with our lawk, our discussions.  But it is clear that we have a vested interest in keeping control of the science lab. And of course, we should meet with the representatives of the rebels at Hell's Gate. After the meeting, you are all invited to stay at Mipa Tsray. Taifa' can stay with us in the common room. Tai and Ateyo can use our quarters. If we are finished eating, we should continue our lawk."

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#41
42)~  As Ateyo sat quietly, next to TaiTaeAo, her mind wandered. The sawtute of the group wanted to debate over possibilities. But they quickly established the representatives of the Omatikaya, the Mipa Tsray and The Rebel Flight Crew. It was determined that the other clans needed to be contacted so that they, too, could choose their representatives.  It was discussed, also, that several clans might refuse to send a delegate. Tai was worried that the remaining RDA mercenaries would find a meeting of Na'vi and Rebels to be a ripe target.                            
"We have superiority in the sky and well-trained loyal troops on the ground and in AMP suits. We have access to fuel supplies and ammo. And we will have a surprise for them if they choose to attack us.  This new mining company has sworn that they will not have mercenaries. So we know that only the remaining RDA forces will need to be dealt with. I would like to stipulate that this new company allow my troops to repair the plasma canons for the corners of the compound so that we can defend ourselves." Some of the Na'vi looked troubled with the talk of defenses but Tai assured them: "Some sawtute are ruled by greed, these kind destroyed the beauty of our island on Earth, as well as Pandora. I will fight and die to protect this place and you my brothers, aysmukan si aysmuke. Pandora is our new home.  We choose to stay. We choose to fight to protect this land and the Na'vi.  But if we die here, we only ask that we be buried within the bosom of Eywa. I may not be Na'vi, but this IS OUR HOME."
Jake stood to his feet, "Mawey, Ma Aysmukan.  It is clear that these aysamsiyu have fought bravely to protect our people.  They took out twenty Vrrtrp Kunsips. Olo'Eyktan Ikxeru has befriended them.  We must trust his judgment as he trusts ours.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#42
43)~As  Lawk continued, more and more Na'vi were drawn to the outer edge of the council circle. It was suggested that another council meeting should be held among the clan leaders before the arrival of the Starship, so that the concerns of each clan could be voiced. Tai was asked if she would determine precisely when this new mining company would arrive at Hell's Gate. It was also determined that ikran messengers would be used instead of kunsìps, both to avoid detection from the enemy factions, and to conserve fuel. Messengers were appointed to fly out to the various clans with the news that the leaders were to meet at the Tree of Souls once again in ten days time.
 "This feels way too familiar, " murmured Jake.
 "No, Ma Jake.  This is different. Our Kelutral, our HomeTree is not under attack. and this mining company has asked for peace talks. This is urgent, but we are not under attack. We must first agree to hear them out."  Neytiri's voice sound calm and confident.
 "Srane, kxawm oel omum nìhawng terìtxanewa sawtute." And he translated for himself. "Perhaps I know too much about greedy skypeople."
 Once again Tai spoke. "Believe me, I know what THEY are capable of, and this diplomacy might simply be a ruse to catch us unaware. But it gives me hope to know of the outrage expressed by the People of Earth. I want to believe that worldwide public riots can affect the manner in which this company will operate. After all, the entirety of the RDA that was sent back to Earth have been put in chains."
Olo'Eyktan Ikxeru then asked," We know that THEY want lefngapa Rocks.  What could we possible want from them?"
Norm answered, almost sheepishly, "Medical science that would provide new tissue and limbs for those who have sustained war wounds?  Uniltìrantokx for each of us humans?"
Neytiri came to her feet once again, "It is a very good thing that we are able to come to agreement. But we have failed to ask one thing: What does Eywa desire? It is important that we constantly ask ourselves to listen to her voice.  But now the other moons have risen, we are tired, and we must eat and sleep."
 

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#43
44)~ It wasn't long after, that bowls of kava were produced, even child-size bowls for the skypeople.
At first it was a highly, ceremonial gesture, filled with gravity. But eventually, the tensions of exchange dissolved with the strong drink.  The Omatikaya provided a feast of roasted yerìk served with roasted vegetables.  Fruits of various sorts were offered as dessert. Ateyo snuggled close to her warrior woman
and let her tail twitch and caress Tai's leg. This caused giggling from those seated nearby. She held her tail and pretended to scold it, causing laughter. Laughingly, Tai convinced the impish tail that it was invited to caress her knee.
 Mary nudged Norm in the ribs and almost as if rehearsed, they extended their hands to Tai and Ateyo.
And Norm gestured to Taifa' and said to him under his breathe, "I think it's time for these two to get a room!"  and then announced to the gathering, "We have had a long day and we thank you all for your hospitality. But we want to show off our Mipa Tsray to our new Earth friends." The Na'vi formed two columns and hugged each of their new friends as they left the Kelutral of the Omatikaya.
 

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#44
45)~It was a ten minute walk to the skypeople's hometree. Taifa' started a conversation with a science tech of Hawaiian descent. He thought she was very pretty, and was grateful to speak with another Islander.  By the time they reached Mipa Tsray, Taifa' and Ka'alani were deep into conversation.  Norm and Mary graciously let them enter the hallway. And shut the door behind them all.  "And now, GET THIS!" With a whoosh, he removed his mask and opened the airlock into the common room.
"Wow I've had this on for three days straight!  It feels great to have it off!" All the newcomers exclaimed almost verbatum, and almost in unison.  They were greeted with laughter. Everyone of the humans were familiar with this refrain.  Most everyone was present and all wanted to know of the meeting.  However, Norm was adamant that they turn in soon.  He showed Taifa' a hammock, but Ka'alani assured him that Taifa' would have a nice place to sleep.  Everyone there made a unanimous, knowing, "AHHHHH!' sound as the couple retreated to their privacy.  Mary and Norm then escorted Ateyo and Tai to their own room and said, "Txona Lefpom, my new friends.  Enjoy your first night together without a mask! Don't do anything that I wouldn't do!" Mary chimed in, "Do everything that I would do!" And Laughing, they closed the door on their guests.
 The room was dimly illuminated and the two did what every new couple does with any amount of privacy.  Tai drew the slender blue body into her arms and indulged in a deep kiss.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#45
46)~  Sunlight forced its way through leaves, and windows, intruding upon the slumber of Na'vi and human.
A sleepy kiss greeted her lips as Tai basked in her love.  "Who woulda thunk?" she murmured sleepily. "That I would find the love of my life six light years away, wrapped in a blue body?"
A sleepy smile was her only response. Ateyo didn't want to loose the sweetness of the moment.  She didn't open her eyes.  She didn't stir.
"Ting pom*Ting Pom* Ting Pom*" whispered Tai, delivering a kiss between each phrase in cuckoo clock cadence. Now Ateyo was giggling.  What was it about this luscious blue skinned woman that brought out the silliness in the hardened warrior?  Tai didn't know but was eternally grateful to Eywa, or how ever the deity of the universe was named. This was something worth fighting for.  Every moment was precious.  They tumbled out of their sleep-leaf together.  Tai was in her skivvies before Ateyo had the sleep rubbed out of her eyes. How curious, the sudden bout of modesty.  But she couldn't pull on her flight suit before Ateyo noticed the intricate geometric tattoos on both of Tai's legs.  She sat and studied the multiple rows of triangles from Tai's knees to her ankles.
"Tsamopin?" said Ateyo wondering if it was some kind of warpaint.
"Um...Oe lu Eyktan...matai."
"Ma Tai. Eyktan.?" asked Ateyo, somewhat puzzled.
"Srane. Ma Tai lu matai." Was it coincidence that her name with the word Ma also meant tribal chief in her native Samoan tongue? Before she could ponder further, a tapping was heard on the door.
"Wakey, wakey, love birds!'

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#46
47)~They entered the common room of Mipa Tsray hand in hand, both with indelible grins on their faces.
But so were the other two Polynesian lovebirds. All the humans made exclamations, and assumptions.
Taifa' leaned over to his cousin and whispered, "What will the children look like?" He received a good-natured punch in the shoulder and a wicked grin as his response. They all sat cross-legged on the floor on woven mats.
"Auwe, my Tutu used to weave mats like these in Hawaii.  Oh, tutu means grandmother!" Ka'alani explained.
"Auwe!" Ateyo imitated the expression. "Look! Ma Tai lu matai! Matai ral eyktkan mi Samoan!"  She was really proud to share this cross-cultural information, as she pulled up Tai's pantsleg," showing the tattoos that all Samoan matai wear on their legs.
"Hey, Cuz. You fella gon'hafta wear o'loi show offa da matai tats"
"No deal, brudda!  Don' wanta breeze fly uppa my leg when fly da metal bird!"
People were laughing just to hear the pidgeon English the Polynesian folks were sharing.
 "Look folks.  We've got to get serious and walk our butts over the the Omatikaya HomeTree.  We need to wrap up these discussions and get busy!" Tai was all business again.
"No prob," said Norm.  Let's walk over right now."

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#47
48) Major TaiTaeAo was usually a no nonsense sort of officer.  Sentimentalism was considered a weak point in her mind.  She often discouraged her pilots from taping photos of loved ones in their cockpits, lest they be distracted at a critical moment. And yet. and yet, now, she was experiencing a reluctance to get back to business. A sweet distraction right near her.  She pulled on her socks and boots, and enjoyed Ateyo's attention to zippers and saw the resignation in her eyes, as well.
 "There will be other times for us in the future, Ma Sweet!" Tai pulled the lovely blue skin up to her, already regretting the cloth and zippers that separated their skins. And one more time, they enjoyed a deep, lingering kiss.  Once they left this compound, she would be obliged to wear her air-tight breathing mask, and be separated from those sweet lips.  She steeled herself for her responsibilities and clasped her face mask into place."
"We must go now Ateyo."
" 'Awsiteng. Ko. Together. Let's go." murmured Ateyo, and took her Yawnete's hand.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#48
49) By the time the group from Mipa Tsray arrived at Kelutral Omatikaya, the morning meal was well under way.  This time, Puvomun and Amhul did not miss their chance to visit with their fellow tsulfätu,the craftsman named Ateyo of Olo'Zongtseng Alor.  They fairly pounced upon Ateyo, who was loathe to release the hand of Tai. Nevertheless, both were drawn down to sit beside the teachers/craftsmen of Olo' Omatikaya.
"Fìpo lu oeyä yawnete TaiTaeAo ta Samoa, Irrta." She introduced Tai as her BELOVED from Samoa, Earth.
"Oel ngati kameie, Ma Amhul sì Ma Puvoman." gestured Tai in her best Na'vi.
"PuvoMUN!" He corrected with a smile. "Niprrte! We are delighted to hear that our Ateyotsip has found a beloved. Surprised that she met a tsatute! but delighted."
"Ateyo is child-size, but not a child," offered Amhul. "But she had almost given up on finding someone of her own. You will have to tell us how you met.  How long have you been together?"  Tai looked slightly embarrassed and somewhat distracted, but Amhul guessed what was bothering her.  "We have time before the ayeyktan, the leaders, meet again."
Tai explained how they had fallen in love at first sight only a few days earlier when she flew down from the trees and offered her a big banana. She wondered aloud whether that was a courtship gesture among the Na'vi. This comment was met by merriment among the small crowd who had gathered near them for their meal.
"Between you and Ateyo, it most certainly was!" remarked Puvomun. Everyone was laughing and offering good wishes and blessings from Ewya upon them.  No one doubted that they were destined for each other in some manner or other, that was how deeply cherished was Ateyo among the clans.
"All I know is that I have travelled six light years to find the love of my life. A woman of blue skin. It would seem that Ewya has smiled upon this strange union. But my heart has never seemed happier."

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#49
50) The meeting of leaders did not take very long.  All the hunters of Omatikaya clan were disbursed on ikrans, to let all other clans know of the pre-meeting in ten days time.  Tai would return the members of Zongtseng Alor clan and then proceed to her hidden base, to learn the arrival date of the Starship.  Puvomun and Ateyo quickly wove calendars counting ten days, to be delivered to each eyktan. The use of Tai's flexwing almost insured that all clans would be notified the same day by covering a two day ikran flight within a few hours.
 Within an hour, the flexwing was airborne, with Ateyo seated next to Tai wearing a pair of aviator sunglasses that she borrowed from Tai. (They didn't quiet fit over the bridge of her nose but she imagined herself as tough-looking as her warrior.)  Once the novelty wore off, all the Na'vi were allowed to examine them and were quiet amazed at the polarized lenses.  The two warriors, offered to let Tai wear their renten, googles carved of wood and inset with insect wings, which actually fit her, because proportionately, their heads were the same size.  She promised to let them use her night vision goggles that she "uses to see as good as a Na'vi sees at night."
 Tai was grateful that she was flying near the flux vortex at nap of earth.  It nagged at the back of her mind, that being aloft so many hours might compromise their security. She wondered about the remnant RDA supporters, and what they might try if they learned of these meetings.  She was anxious to hear what Henderson had learned from their contact at Hell Gate.  It didn't even register that Ateyo's tail was gently twitching against her thigh for nearly the entire flight.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#50
51) Ateyo sat in the left seat of the chopper watching Tai who was concentrating on maneuvering her craft below radar range.  Tai wasn't sure if the RDA remnant had radar capabilities, but it was never safe to underestimate the enemy.  They didn't seem to have much in the way of weaponry, but it was sometimes possible to track their radio traffic.  They were still around and they were up to something.
There was nothing to gain from RDA. So they were just defeated mercenaries surviving in the jungle.
And defeated mercenaries usually hold a grudge. But if they had any weaponry or ammo or fuel or exopacks, they were getting them from Hell's Gate.  And if they were still getting supplies from Hell's Gate, that meant that somehow they had an insider planted in Hell's Gate.  Perhaps someone that the rebel's trusted.  It was an uncomfortable idea but one that needed serious consideration. As she pushed away the idea, she became aware the one particular blue tail was gingerly touching the handcrafted rotor wing on her arm. A quick glance revealed Ateyo deep in thought.
"What's bothering you, my Sweet Blue Thing?"
Ateyo glanced up to address the stern profile. "I gave ioi like this for Trudy Chacon. Trudy Chacon never coming back.  I am worry for Tai not coming back."

 

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#51
52)~"There are no guarantees in war, Sweetest One. I knew Trudy Chacon.  She was a brave warrior.
tsew tsamsiyu.  I didn't see her go down but I heard what happened.  She let her hatred of the bad guy, Quaritch, make her decisions.  She wanted him to see who was shooting at him.  It was a bad decision and it cost her her life. But I want you to know one thing, Ateyo..." she paused long enough to look her in the eye, "I am a good warrior, too. But I won't play the hero. I won't put myself in the bad guys view long enough for him to shoot at me. I don't need a showdown. I will shoot my enemy from behind if I know he is hurting Eywa and Eywa's children. And that's a fact."
 Through the corner of her eye, she could she Ateyo biting her lip. So she continued.
"I have been through many battles in many different lands.  In one battle, my bird was shot down five times.  In another battle, I had a 30 caliber bullet go through my butt, oeyä txìm, but the bad guys couldn't kill me. They just aren't quick enough. I don't want to die, but if it is necessary, I will die to protect Eywa. I am a warrior.  That's how I ride."

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#52
53)~  Eyktan Ikxeru leaned forward. He remembered to touch the voice box communicator;
"Ma Tai, we are not in trouble at this moment, srak?" He was trying to remain positive, though he could sense her anxiety.
"I am staying low, Ma Eyktan, but I sense danger."  Indeed her skids were in the grass, following a grassy "river" between trees.  She wondered what Pandoran beasts created this wide trail.
"RDA samsiyu? Nari si ayoenga? Watching us?" As Ateyo translated, she became aware of the tension of both people.
"It would be wise for you to post some ikran riders when the council meets." Tai said cautiously, and
maybe meet here instead of Kelutral Omatikaya? RDA will look for a council meeting at HomeTree Omatikaya, not at ZongedZen clan,
"Olo' Zongtseng Alor, Ma Tai."
"ZonkedSten Alor, aye aye."  Tai's brain did not appreciate needing to switch to verbal processing tasks when her attention was needed elsewhere.  "My apologies. Real busy here. Tell him to let me land this beast, rutxe, Ma Ateyo." While Ateyo carefully explained and apologized, Tai set down the metal bird close to the cover of the overhanging trees, rather than out in the open.
"Ayoenga yom ulte lawk, ma Tai". Ikxeru clasped his hand on Tai's shoulder as she began her shut down procedure and Ateyo translated.  The smell of roasted yerik came wafting through the open chopper door. As happy shouts engulfed the ship, Tai grinned at her companions and said, "Good! EAT FIRST DISCUSS LATER! I'm famished!"

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#53
54)~ As the party disembarked from the chopper, questions started pouring out from excited Na'vi as they approached. SYAKSYUK SYAKSYUK, piped the eli in their high voices. Suddenly, the humans were mobbed by these excited Na'vi, eveng and adults alike. "Mawey, Ma Evi'. Mawey!" Laughed Ateyo as the children surged around her. Ateyo never let go of the strong brown hand of Tai'  The party was escorted towards the Zongtseng Alor HomeTree, where a sumptuous meal was being laid out. Eyktan Ikxeru turned to the small humans and invited them to eat.. "Please sit with my family and share a meal." he turned to the Big Samoan who had been sitting near the door gun.  "Let's eat grubs, Ma Taifa'" said the Eyktan, remembering Ateyo's gaff at translating Jake's words yesterday. " And if we weren't so busy, Ateyo could take us all grub hunting!"
Ateyo enjoyed translating this, and Taifa' was pleased to be included in this new extended family. And said that he looked forward to learning about Pandoran food gathering. He was interested in finding a good substitute for taro.  Perhaps they could discover something!
 "But that will have to wait for the future, Buddy." Taifa' had a grin on his face, but his eyes held worry. Ateyo was puzzled. "Buddy?"
"Srane! Ma TSMUK!" Taifa' enjoyed knowing a word that sort of related the closeness and informality of his frindship. Whistfully, his mind was turned towards his intriguing new relationship with Ka'alani.
 As they sat together with the Eyktan's family, Tsahik Meykir had to shoo away straggling children.
"Ateyo will play with you children tomorrow." Smiling, she told Ateyo, you were only gone overnight, but they have all been missing you. I hope you can make some time for them."
But the Olo'Eyktan was far more concerned with the looming encounter with more sawtute.
"After we have eaten, Ma aysmukan, we will need to decide how to inform the clan of our meetings and the new sawsute mining company.  The memories are still too fresh. Though they truly enjoy your friendship, I am almost certain they will all oppose another incursion of Sky People. I am not certain that any sawtute company could take rocks from The Mother without such destruction."
"They could not destroy the Mother if they truly learned to love her" TaitaeAo averred. " If they truly had BLUE HEARTS they would act carefully. We must find only those with BLUE HEARTS and help them grow deeper in love with the Mother.  We all destroyed our planet Earth by being careless.  I think the Sky People are ready for a change. No gigantic machines to scrape away her dirt skin. Only AMP suits and smaller machines."
As Ateyo translated, it all seemed a possibility. A colony of GOOD SAWTUTE nearby to share the beauty of the Mother. Ayte'lan Aean. BLUE HEARTS!
"I think all the tsahiks should visit the Tree of Souls and ask the Mother, whether we should allow this and/or how to allow this. If we are done eating, we should have this meeting."When Ateyo finished translating, it was agreed. In a boomng voice, the Eyktan related to his clan the need for a meeting, and asked them to finish their meal and be prepared to join in a large council meeting.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#54
55)~ The cooking pots and roasting racks were set aside and the Na'vi people focused their attention upon their eyktan.  Their excitement bubbled forth in anticipation of finally getting some news about the mysterious meetings that had taken their leadership away overnight. "Mawey oeyä Na'vi. Mawey." Be calm my people. Be calm.
"Oenga 'eylan,(our friend), TaiTaeAo has brought some news to us yesterday morning. She has news that a Starship will arrive once again bringing sawtute." The people grew anxious. "Mawey, Oeya Na'vi. Mawey. These sawtute,these (sky people) have asked to meet with us. They want to speak with us first. They want to convey how ashamed they are of the RDA. They are bringing NO SOLDIERS. They want to talk about mining for floating rocks, but they want to ask the Na'vi for ageement."
Ikxeru motioned for Tai to take the floor. "Oeyä tsmukan si tsmuke, my brothers and sisters.  We have all been subjected to the greed of sawtute companies.  They have come and taken what they wanted from my people on Earth and here on Pandora.  They are powerful.  They can come and take what they want. And destroy anything or anyone who gets in their way. But maybe something has changed about the sawtute."
Tai explained about the riots on Earth, and how the people had mobbed the offices of RDA on Earth.  When Tai and Ateyo, as translator, related how the RDA people who had left Pandora were now in chains,  the Na'vi let up a collective shout that lasted for a full minute.
 "Rutxe! Please! Mawey, ma Na'vi." said Tai.  She explained how this new group wanted to confer, LAWK, with the Na'vi and sawtute here who honor the Na'vi.
 "Perhaps these sawtute have BLUE HEARTS. If we can help them grow their Blue Hearts then they would honor the Great Mother. When Jake Sully first arrived, he was a sawtute warrior, but he has grown a Blue Heart.  Is he not Toruk Makto? The sawtute that live near the Omatikaya. Are they not striving to grow Blue Hearts? Should we LAWK with these new ones to learn what their intentions are?

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#55
56)~ "We should not welcome ANY sawtute, ever again!" Tai was surprised to recognize the young hunter who had stepped forward with this challenge. He had danced beside her four nights ago with Taifa'. Right here in this place.
"Ma Va'ru. You speak harshly. Are not our friends here also SkyPeople?" Ateyo was pleased that Meykiri's daughter had spoken up, as she herself felt quite wounded by his statement.
"Srane, yes I know.  But even these SkyPeople do not trust the big mining companies and their killing machines. Have we not suffered enough? Most of the children in this village are without parents because of the sawtute coming here.  These ones might be laying a trap for us with a promise of  peace LAWK. They cannot be trusted.  I say, KEHE! Never again." Va'ru crossed his arms and stared TaiTaeAo with an accusing eye.  Ateyo took Tai by the arm and translated for her, suddenly aware Tai, her was not accepted. She also felt the sting.
 Olo'Eyktan Ikxeru stood and faced the obstinate warrior. "Ma Va'ru, your fears are valid.  OUR sawtute also say that great companies cannot be trusted. But we can all see that some INDIVIDUALS can be trusted.  TaiTaeAo has said to me that some sawtute do not have blue skin, but they have blue hearts. Do you suggest that no sawtute can be trusted?  I am sure that Ateyo would disagree with you." He glanced at Ateyo's stricken face with a reassuring nod.
 But Va'ru was not mollified. "I agree that certain individuals can be trusted because they have, like you say, blue hearts.  But how much destruction is inevitable when we invite big companies to come here?"
Eyktan took the young man by his elbow and said coaxingly,"That is why we must first discuss amongst ourselves, and then all the clan leaders must Lawk and LAWK with OUR sawtute.  "Ma Va'ru, rutxe, I am sure that all of us fear the greed and power of kwang sawtute, evil sky people. But please let TaiTaeAo respond to your concerns."
 TaiTaeAo nodded to the Eyktan gratefully and pulled Ateyo even closer to her side. Immediately she felt the nervous flicker of Ateyo's tail touching her waist. She stroked that tail reassuringly and looked at those big yellow eyes, filled with such fear and said quetly, "Ma Ateyo, please translate for me."
 "Brave warriors of the Zongtseng Alor Clan, I speak to you as a warrior from the Samoan clan of Earth, a warrior who has defeated many in battle, and won many battles in several wars.  A warrior, who because of my talents has earned the trust to lead others in battles.  In my many years wearing the clothing of a warrior I have learned two things: the first is that a battle is NOT a war.  You can win the battle, but lose the war.   We all won a great battle here, when we destroyed the RDA vrrtep attack on the Tree of Souls. Many Evil People were killed.  Their attack failed, and they were sent back to Earth in shame.
 "You were very happy to hear that all the RDA are in chains for the rest of their lives.  They will die in chains. What you did not know is the riots that happened on Earth happened months before the RDA vrrtep returned to Earth. You see these radio that we have? They send voices and pictures faster than a Starship can fly.  My people at Hell's Gate sent these pictures to Earth showing the destruction that the RDA committed against the Na'vi and this beautiful land. They also sent pictures showing the RDA vrrtep that were killed and their machinery that was destroyed by the brave Na'vi and the rebel sawtute who joined the Na'vi in their fight against the evil ones.  The Na'vi and we rebels have become as heroes to the people of Earth.  Many turned against the evil SkyPeople and burned the RDA buildings to the ground.  The RDA had violated a koren, a rule, that they were not to destroy the HomeLand of any people while mining.  That is why this is an entirely different company, with entirely different people, who understand that they have rules, aykoren, that must not be violated.  I say, that we should LAWK with these new people to see whether their hearts are blue.
 "The second thing I learned from my years as a warrior is that when you can, you must use time to your advantage.  It will be six to ten years before the first humans, SkyPeople can arrive here.  In that time, I would wish to train all the Nav'i samsiyu, warriors, how to use the same weapons that Sky People Warriors have.  They have promised not to bring warriors, but in case they try to trick us, we will also have the same kinds weapons to resist them. There will be times to use bows and arrows, but we must learn new strategies.  I am willing to teach the warriors how to use these weapons. And we will stand prepared if these sawtute prove to be vrrtep." As Ateyo translates the last phrases, Tai thanks the eyktan for allowing her to speak. And with her arm still around Ateyo, they both sit down together.
  Ikxeru was proud to see how fairly his clan continued their discussions and wondered how many other LAWK were progressing in this fashion.  By now, each of the clans had received their string calendar. They were each probably having similar discussions throughout the lands.  The SkyPeople were coming.  That was inevitable.  What would that mean for the Na'vi?

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#56
57)~ The meeting concluded with the solemnity of a Kava ceremony.  The headiness affected most who were weary from hours of dialog.  Va'ru made a large gesture of offering Kava to both the Eyktan and Tai.  Some of the older children brought fruit and other tidbits for all to enjoy. Ateyo was satisfied to know that for tonight, at least, she would be able to sleep in the arms of her warrior woman.  In the morning, Tai would be flying to her base to learn more news from Henderson and her "contact" at Hell's Gate. And of course, Ateyo was requested to spend more time with the ayeveng of the clan.  The youngest ones had reluctantly gone to sleep, disappointed that they hadn't been able to dance and sing and play with their child-sized adult friend.  It was true. Many of them had been orphaned by the destruction of the Omatikaya HomeTree and the attack on The Tree of Souls. She enjoyed spending time with the children.
 But that was before.  Before she had a mate. A few nights ago she had been singing, Everyone loves Ateyo, but no ONE loves Ateyo.  But some ONE does love Ateyo now. The strange thing was that, even without tsaheylu, even without tswin, she knew for a certainty that she and this Tsawtute were mated for life.  But what kind of life?  A bird can love a fish ...
 Her tail twitched nervously against Tai's thigh. She longed for a kiss, and hoped that perhaps they could share...later.  Her tail twitched with nervous anticipation, but she was startled out of her own reverie when Tai  trapped her tail beneath her own hand!  She reddened at the accompanying laughter.
"Big day tomorrow. We should get some shut eye." said Tai as she stood to her feet. She said her good nights, as everyone else stood up, all with the idea of resting their weary minds.  Meykir'ite lead them to the sleep-leaf they had shared previously.  Ateyo barely remembered unzipping Tai's hawnven, but her last sensation was of being enveloped in loving arms as she drifted off to sleep.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#57
58)~ Tai dreamt that she was sleeping in a hammock in a wooden sailing ship on the seas of earth.  The gentle rocking was so peaceful with her Ateyo in her arms.  She was mildly surprised that Ateyo was on earth with her below decks on a  "...you two look so peaceful, but it is time to wake up, Cuz."  It was then that she awakened. Taifa' was standing above their faces, rocking their sleep-leaf. Hahaw rìk.  "Revelie! Up and at 'em, Love birds!"
She and Ateyo tumbled out of their sleep-leaf, landing nimbly upon the wide branch below them.  Children started laughing.  Ateyo immediately started clowning around, pretending to lose her balance.  "Here's your flight suit, Cuz"  Taifa' straight-armed it to her and averted his gaze. He was all modesty now.
"We've got to find out what Henderson has learned about the incoming Starship. Let's go skids- up after we grab a bite."  Tai was immediately of military manner.
"Zipper?" Ateyo offered to help.
But Tai had lifted her mask. And they shared a long kiss until Tai had to breathe. "Oe zene tsawyon, krr." she tried to explain that she needed to fly today
"Trr. Day.Oel omum, I know." Ateyo patted Tai's wrist reassuringly. "But first.Slä 'auve niä frìp! GRAB A BITE!" She pretended to chomp Tai's hand, which surprised Tai.  She was expecting some sort of resistance at the mention of parting.
Young blue bodies of the ayeveng, children, crowded around the two as they descended the spiraling path of tree limbs and vines. "Srew fìtrr?"  dance today? "Kehe! Evi, no children. Later!  Maybe before we leave."  
 Mewkir'ite embraced Ateyo joyously,  pleased that her friend had found a Blue Heart to love. Cautiously, she reached towards the Samoan warrior woman, and murmured "Meyam?" asking for a hug.  She was rewarded with a quick embrace. With a smile across her face she lead them all to the eating place where her parents sat.
 After the morning meal, the entire clan walked the Samoans to the flex wing chopper. Taifa' punched his Cuz on the shoulder and said, "Let's show them our siva again!"  They faced the crowd and stomped their war chant, to the delight of the evi, and adults alike.
 Tai took Ateyo by the arms and looked deep in her eyes, wishing the mask was not an impediment to a kiss. Ateyo murmured, "You being careful. Ngä lu zong. Eywa ngahu. Eywa with you." They embraced before Tai climbed into the chopper. Tai called out her start up procedure. Once the fans came up to speed, she said, "SKIDS UP" and stuck her thumb in the air.  All the evi and the hunters imitated the gesture and mimicked, "SKIDS UP"  The metal bird lifted five feet off the ground, she expressed the hand gesture of OEL NGATI KAMEIE before she rotated 180 degrees and flew off.
It wasn't until Meykir'ite slipped her arm around Ateyo that she realized she was starring at the waving grass, with a lump the size of an egg in her throat.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#58
59) Meykir'ite tugged Ateyo, gently from the spot where she stood and together they walked quietly back to the Kelutral, their clan's HomeTree. Meykir'ite was concerned about her friend Ateyo. Ateyo was a fixture in her life, present throughout her childhood as teacher/singer/craftsman.  Practically an aunt!She always had time to talk with ayeveng, and the children naturally gravitated to her.  It always struck her as odd that Ateyo did not have a mate or children of her own.  When asked about it, Ateyo would always laugh and say, "Of course, I have children of my own.  I have a whole village of children!" And of course she had always heard Ateyo's response, "Everyone loves Ateyo but no ONE loves Ateyo."
But sometimes it was hard to think of Ateyo as anything but an overgrown child.  She was playful and silly and entertaining. And child sized. Sometimes, well, often, Meykir'ite felt very motherly towards Ateyo. To her it seemed that Ateyo was sad at a very deep level, and all the silliness was a way to cover up or hide that sadness.
 "You really like that tsawtute, don't you, Ateyo?"
 "Srane. Yes"
 "And it is easy to see that she really likes you."
Ateyo responded by blushing. "Ngay, true. But she has important stuff to do. She is hunting RDA soldiers."  She bit her lip. "She is a warrior and warriors face dangers, Always."
 "Well, Ateyo.  You are important, too.  Who would all the evi bother if they didn't have you in their lives?  Maybe you should teach us all how to make the ioi like you made for Tai.  And we haven't sung Ikran Flyer with you for days now!"  Meykir'ite was very young when the RDA destroyed the Omatikaya HomeTree.  But she remembered the fear in her heart, knowing that her father and her uncles were going to fight.  And she knew that keeping busy would prevent Ateyo from focusing on her worries.  She appointed herself as Ateyo's sa'noktsyip, her Little Mommy.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#59
60)~ The flight back to the base was relatively quiet, the two Samoans, constantly on the watch for threats, either human or animal, upon the HomeTree or their base. Once Tai had the aircraft safely parked and shut down, she and her cousin walked into the ready room, looking for something to snack on.  While the two of them were enjoying some fruit, Captain Henderson came in and said, "Well. Timing is everything!  You two had better jump into some clean clothes.  We just got a secure message from Colonel Schroeder at Hell's Gate, that they will be bringing a dragon full of supplies and an escort of four scorpions in an hour.  They will be bringing the usual food and supplies, but also a VERY secure link to some of the main players on that ISV.  They are in close enough that we will have only a forty minute delay in communications.  They want first contact to be less threatening to those of us here, meaning the other human rebels and techs that you have met."
"Thank you, Captain.  That is very good news." Tai looks at Taifa' and with an amused grimace says,"You better brush your teeth and comb your hair, Dude. We've got company coming."  And with that they each headed for their quarters.