Mysteries Live in the Mountains

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The adults left me and my sister in the care of three teens and a child. I stood awkwardly not knowing what to do in this situation waiting for the kids to say something.

"Come on! We can show you the Ikran!"

Suddenly the youngest child jumped at the opportunity and grabbed my little sisters hand. My eyes widened at the sudden burst of energy and movement towards my sister. I flinched and quickly pulled my sister back ever slightly, and she as well moved further to now hide behind me. Läi was always shy with other kids even back at home. I wasn't very surprised by her reaction.

"Tuk we should bring them to where they will be staying first. We must allow them to settle in."

The boy who seemed to be the oldest spoke up. He was wearing the same thing his father was across his stomach, and some strange looking fabric around his lower legs. I could only assume it was the clothing of the warriors here. The little girl seemed a little disappointed and pouted.

"You can show us the Ikran right after.. How does that sound Tuk?"

I smiled sweetly at the girl who immediately shot her head up with a smile at me.

"Okay!! Come on let's hurry then!"

She grabbed my arm and pulled me enthusiastically. I stumbled at the suddenness of it and held on to my little sister as well. The other forest children looked surprised and followed their little sister quickly. I heard a couple chuckles coming from behind me but I couldn't be bothered from it.

We were led to a tent that was much smaller then the one we had been healed at. I entered rather cautiously behind both the children who were now speaking about what an Ikran was. I've never heard of one and neither has Läi.

"This is where you two will sleep in the hammocks. We will give you some space and our families tent is right across from here if you need us."

The oldest spoke plainly. He seemed to still not be very open to the idea of us being here.

"But Teyam I wanna show Läi the Ikran!!"

The little girl pouted to her brother. I couldn't help but smile as she was holding my little sisters wrist who was also excited at this idea. I could tell that he didn't seem to be very interested in the idea. I couldn't help but laugh a little at their eagerness. How much I miss being that young and excited.

"Sister can I please go with Tuk?"

Läi came to me and shook my shoulders with a begging voice. Oh my Eywa how difficult it is to tell her no.

"If and only if her brother is okay with it, and make sure to be on your bestest behavior."

She smiled brightly and quickly ran back to Tuk who was giving her older brother the same begging puppy eyes.

"Fine.. Only if Kiri and Lo'ak take you."

A small smile spread across my face as the two girl jumped up and down cheering small thank yous to the eldest brother. They both went running out of the tent across the way to find Kiri and Lo'ak.

"I am sorry for my sister. I just want her to have a good time after all she has endured."

He barely acknowledged my words. I was given a glance and a slight nod before he walked back to his families tent. I sighed knowing that he wasn't very happy with our arrival. I did not really blame him, but it made me feel a little guilt knowing that some did not what us here.

"Hey Santanhí... Do you want to come with us? The Ikran are pretty cool."

Another boy from the family appeared at the entrance of my tent. Lo'ak his name was. I shook my head with a small smile.

"Maybe another time.. Thank you though Lo'ak."

He smiled back as I spoke his name.

"Promise you'll come next time?"

I giggled a little at him. He seemed rather persistent. Maybe a little stubborn.

"I promise. Just keep my sister safe will you?"

I stood and walked next to him peaking out of the tent. Läi and Tuk stood next to the girl they called Kiri, and they were obviously struggling to withhold their excitement.

"Of course. I'll see you around..?"

I nodded with a smile as he ran off with the other three.

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Finally after I was left alone I deeply sighed and flopped down onto the ground. My body still continuously ached from the things it had been put through the past couple of weeks. If I was being honest I did not know how long we were out there, but I do know that I never want to do it again. There were many nights one of us almost didn't survive. The scariest of them all haunt me every night I try to get a little rest.

It was early in our trip. Probably just about the 5th night. Me and Läinyu had been asleep tucked in the roots of a large tree. Some large predators came at us, and they almost got ahold of Läi as I was sleeping. We tried to climb and escape the predators, but they followed us easily. Thankfully my sister came out almost fully unscathed, but I did not. I was covered in wounds from my legs to my face. Some were bigger than others It was so long ago that the wounds had basically healed, but they still stood out greatly compared to my ashy colored skin.

After a little while of sitting in silence I became bored. It wouldn't hurt to adventure a little would it? I would stay close to the Omatikaya's home. I would not be out past the eclipse. It is unlikely to be attacked in the middle of the day right?

I decided why not. The forest was never very scary when the sun was up. What's the worse that could happen?

I was very slow and cautious as I left the tent. I went towards and exit that did not seem to heavily populated and I began to just go where my legs would carry me.

Now that I was alone not worried about the survival of my sister for once, I was able to truly admire the forest. My guard was up don't get me wrong. I had a feeling I wasn't alone, but I did not sense any type of danger so I chose to ignore it.

I traced my hand across the beautiful large plants. There were so many colors. So much life everywhere around me. It was like nothing I had ever seen. The mountains had nothing on the beauty in front of me. I wanted to see more of it. I wanted the best view possible. My eyes immediately found the tallest tree near me. It looked difficult to climb, with very little to hold onto, but nothing as challenging as the mountains I have climbed before.

I assented quickly and swiftly. I felt warmth fill my body having even the slightest reminder of home. My home which I missed greatly. My parents and my friends. The people I loved. I only had my sister left. I can't believe I left her in the care of strangers so soon, but I wanted her to think happily of the forest knowing that it would likely be our home for a while. Finally I stopped climbing and sat myself on a thick branch leaning on the base of the tree for support. I looked down to the ground admiring how small everything looked from how high I was. My eyes stopped wondering as they landing on something or rather someone I was surprised to see.

The eldest of the children assigned to look after us. His name rang in my head.

Neteyam.

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Helpful Translations!

Ikran- Also known as Banshees to humans, used for flight by many Na'vi clans