Will of Eywa.

6. 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵

It had been some time since Ti'riye had seen Neteyam. She had been busy helping the local community, her mind preoccupied with tasks at hand. Though she thought of him often, her reality kept her distracted. Her hands were dirty from wrapping ornaments, her face expression calm, almost devoid of emotion. It was only when he was around that she truly felt alive.

But now, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss. Had she really fallen in love with Neteyam? Why did these feelings suddenly surface? She had met many people in her life, but no one like him. Perhaps it was time for her to listen to her heart and try to understand it.

Her thoughts consumed her, distracting her from her work. She wrapped the ornaments quickly, regretting her decision to help. She needed to find Neteyam, to make sure he was safe. She couldn't shake off the feeling that something bad had happened.

Ti'riye completed her task of wrapping the ornaments and rose to her feet, her mind set on finding Neteyam. She scoured the village, inquiring with anyone she came across in search of any information of his whereabouts. However, her efforts proved futile as she couldn't find any trace of him. She then decided to pay a visit to his family's current residence, hoping to gain some insight on his whereabouts from his sister, Kiri.

She decided to visit his place. Where his family lived at the moment. Maybe she could ask Kiri to help find him. As she was making her way towards the Sullys, she heard voices. One of them was a man's voice, scolding someone. She walked closer to investigate. As she neared the marui, she could hear the voice more clearly.

" Now go apologize to the chief's son," the man's voice commanded. Ti'riye saw Lo'ak walk out of the entrance, and her curiosity piqued, she cautiously peeked from beside. There, she saw Neteyam, his back covered in bruises. Her hand moved up to her mouth in concern and fear. The father, Jake, noticed her and directed his attention towards her, making her eyes widen in shock. Making her prepared to turn around and walk away. She was worried about Neteyam, but this was not her business. She would ask him later what had happened to him.

Neteyam abruptly turned his back towards what his father was looking at and looked at Ti'riye. She was walking away. Without hesitation, he jumped down from the marui and ran after her, leaving his father behind.

" Ti'riye, wait up! "

She turns back at the sound. Her eyes falling on his face. All bruised up. As she walks quickly up to him.  

" Neteyam! " Ti'riye exclaimed, her face contorting into a look of concern as she saw his bruises. Her hands delicately touched his wounds, trying to be as gentle as possible. "What happened to you? Are you okay?"

" I'm fine, Ti'riye, " he replied, trying to assure her.

" We need to treat this! " she insisted.

" Really, I'm fine, " he protested.

" Shut up, it's decided. You're coming with me! " Ti'riye said determinedly as she began to pull him along, not allowing him to refuse.

She was confidently giving him commands and it was a thrilling experience for him. Ti'riye's assertive attitude was a complete contrast to the gentle and peaceful person he was used to. Neteyam found himself unable to resist the allure of her dominant behavior. He was becoming increasingly drawn to her and couldn't help but submit to her leadership. The change in dynamic excited him, and he eagerly followed her lead. His thoughts were turning increasingly mischievous as he envisioned himself lying beneath her, with her fully in control. The mere thought of it sent shivers down his spine, and he couldn't suppress the small sigh of pleasure that escaped his lips. 

He suddenly realized how inappropriate his thoughts were. He had been considering Tiriye in a way that was not acceptable for a friend. His face began to turn red with embarrassment and guilt. He knew he needed to put a stop to these kinds of thoughts and focus on maintaining a healthy, respectful friendship with Tiriye. He took a deep breath, trying to push these thoughts out of his mind and refocus on the present moment. He knew he had to put these feelings aside and remember that Tiriye was just a friend and nothing more. Just a friend, he repeated in his mind. What a lie.