30. temptations

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A loud thud sounded as Katiya placed the dead prolemuris on a flat rock under a canopy in the communal area.

Several villagers gathered around her to inspect the creature and praise her. In the wake of her conversation with Aonung, she stormed off after the prolemuris.

Having caught it, she hauled it back to the village on her own, no thanks to him.

Wherever he was now, she had no idea.

And she couldn't care less.

"Wow... you're amazing, Kati."

Katiya turned around, coming face to face with none other than the Metkayina boy's betrothed.

Narini flashed a smile. "I've heard many stories about Toruk Makto. You're an exceptional warrior just like your father. No girl from Awa'atlu has caught a prolemuris before, much less on her own."

She paused, looking around. "Although Aonung must've lent a hand. I don't see him though?"

"Yeah, he was about as helpful as a rock." Katiya scoffed.

"Oh." Narini blushed, embarrassed. "I'm sorry. I just assumed since Ronal said you were hunting partners."

"It's fine," Katiya shook her head. "I'll see you around."

Before she could take off, Narini stopped her.

"Wait! Have you seen Aonung? I actually came here to find him. I thought he would be with you."

Katiya paused and turned around.

"No," she replied. "Don't worry though. He's probably just stuck in a bush somewhere getting chased by a thanator."

"What?" Narini's eyes widened. "My Eywa! Shouldn't we get help—"

"I'm kidding." Katiya's eyebrows furrowed, her lips pressed together.

Narini looked away, her face flushed red. With Katiya's intimidating aura, she had difficulty discerning whether Katiya was serious or not.

She was embarrassed that she had taken the joke seriously.

Meanwhile, Katiya thought the Ta'unui girl was too pure for her own good.

Narini chuckled nervously, hoping to ease the awkwardness with her laughter. "Um, I'll leave you alone now then. Thank you."

She expected a reaction or a small smile from Katiya, but she remained stoic. Perhaps Katiya does not like her. If that's the case, she wouldn't be the first.

Narini got the impression that some village girls didn't like her after learning she was Aonung's betrothed.

Making friends was difficult.

Nevertheless, she was thankful for Tsireya and Kiri's kindness.

"No problem." Katiya threw the girl one last glance and walked away.

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

There was a lively atmosphere of laughter and conversation on the shore of Awa'atlu as torches and bioluminescent lights illuminated the surroundings.

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