The Call of Destiny

Homecoming

NETEYAM

Our journey felt like a lifetime, but as the Hallelujah Mountains loomed in the distance, I knew we were finally home.  My heart felt like it was going to explode. Returning to the home I never thought I would ever see again caused a searing ache in my chest. And now, I'm returning to my people. I turned to look at Caya, her expression one of astonishment. Her eyes had widened so much that I thought they would pop out of her head, and I couldn't help but smile at her amazement.  As we circled around the sacred Tree of Souls, I couldn't resist the urge to express my sentiments. I whispered into the comm on my neck, my voice filled with emotion, "Welcome to the Omatikaya, my love. Welcome home."

We slowly made our descent and as we landed The People were staring at us in shock.

"Neteyam!" Mo'at, my grandmother beamed as she walked up to me with open arms. I smiled and pulled her close.

"Neteyam... what are you doing here? You know you can't come back once you've been exiled." She whispered into my ear. I slowly pulled away and looked deeply into her eyes. "Someone you know very well told me it was time to come home. Grandfather came to me in a vision from Eywa. He told me to protect The People." I said in a low voice. My grandmother's eyes widened in disbelief, "Is this true?" She gasped. I nodded as I took the small pin that hung around her headdress and pricked myself, holding up the blood for her to taste. "See for yourself, know that I speak the truth." I whispered as she took the pin from me and slid it across her tongue.

Her ears perked up and her pupils dilated, "So, it is true."

"What is this?" Tarsem, the Olo'eyktan approached us.

"Tarsem... we need to talk." I said in a low voice as he stepped forward.

CAYA

I gasped, my breath taken away as I gazed upon the Olo'eyktan of the Omatikaya. Immediately, my eyes began to well with tears as I studied his face, the remarkable resemblance to Tsu'tey taking me by surprise.

"Why have you come here? Who is this?" Tarsem stepped forward, a mix of confusion and curiosity in his eyes, as he looked me up and down.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my quivering voice, and swallowed hard as I met the gaze of my unknowing uncle. "My name is Aneti'Caya," I began, my words carrying the weight of the world and the legacy of my lineage. "I am the daughter of Tsu'tey te Rongloa Ateyitan."

Tarsem's eyes widened with shock, his features shifting through a whirlwind of emotions. "But... but how can it be? How is this possible?" he stammered, his voice filled with disbelief and astonishment.

And then, without waiting for an answer, he reached out and pulled me into a tight embrace, his arms enveloping me as if to confirm that I was indeed flesh and blood. Tears welled up in my eyes as I held onto him, my heart swelling with a blend of relief and gratitude. We slowly pulled away.  His trembling hands reached up to hold my face, his eyes shifting all over me, and then a soft smile graced his lips.

"Caya she... Tarsem, she is my mate." Neteyam choked out.

Tarsem held my face in his hands as he looked from me then back to Neteyam.

"I know not the will of the Great Mother. But I know better than to question her, when in a world of war and uncertainty, two souls who were promised had still found their way to each other in the face of so much adversity. I see Him. He lives in you. Welcome home, my Aneti'Caya'."

With that, Tarsem put his arm around my shoulder and led us deeper into the village.