Family

Joey

It's been about a month since we joined the Metkayina. We're all pretty good swimmers now, and we ride the ilu with ease. Neteyam and I have even settled into helping with fishing. Between lessons from Tsireya, we help the clan. 

I'm netfishing now. I'm really not good at it. I prefer bow hunting, but this is what was required of me today. 

I toss the net, better than when I first started but not as good as other fishermen. I sigh heavily in frustration when it come sup empty. 

"You need to practice that more." I hadn't even noticed the chief had approached behind me. 

I greet him with an I see you respectfully. "Chief Tonowari."

"You are restless." He crosses his arms. "I can see it. You miss the jungle." 

"I do." I admit. I had gotten used to reef life, and I kind of like it, but my heart longs for the green and the trees. "But I like it here too."

"I know you do." He stares off at the water thoughtfully. "Your father, you miss him too, yes?"

My eyes immediately sting. I look down at my feet to hide the tears. 

"That is alright, girl." He tilts my head back up. "It would be wrong for you to not miss your father." 

I nod in agreement. 

"I came to ask you something." He stares deep into my eyes. "You are mated to that boy. Neteyam." 

I nod slowly. Where is this going?

"He is a very good kid. And I can tell he loves you greatly. Was he always the way he is?"

I chuckle. "Yeah, he was always very respectful and responsible."

"Why?"

"What do you mean?"

He shrugs. "Most children are not like that." 

I smile to myself. "He loves and admires his father very much. He does as he's told because he wants to make his father proud."

"He only does as his father wishes?"

I nod. 

"Well, what about what he wishes?"

"What do you mean?" I ask again. 

"Well, is there something he wants? Outside of what his father wants?"

I think for a moment. "He wanted to be chief of the Omatikaya. But that's not likely to happen anymore." I think for another moment. "He always wanted to fight with us. But Jake wouldn't let him. He wanted to know Neteyam was safe."

The chief nods slowly, thoughtfully. "You'd fight?"

I smile proudly to myself. "Yes, I was a warrior with the Omatikaya. I was quite good." 

Hee smiles down at me. "I don't doubt it. Like I said, I've seen how restless you are."

"That doesn't mean I am not happy here." I insist quickly. "I actually find it very peaceful not having to fear being discovered or being killed." 

He laughs. "Yes, I can imagine so."

I smile back. This is the first real conversation I'm having with the chief. 

He looks back down at me. "My son, Aonung, speaks very highly of you."

"He does?" I'm genuinely surprised. I thought Aonung hated us all. He's always teasing and whining. 

"He says you're quite intelligent. And strong." 

"Wow." I scoff. "I never would have imagined that. 

He smiles at that. "I know my son can be... difficult. But he is at heart a good boy." 

"I believe you, sir." I smile.