Provide and Protect (Closed-M)

[Dutch]

The sun hung high over the purple grasses of the plainsland. The buzzing of insects was almost deafening, one could barely hear their own thoughts if not focused. In a small clearing stood a large beast, it would occaisonally shift its weight as it stared ahead with a blank expression. It’s jaws worked some grass around it’s mouth, a rope of saliva hung from the lower jaw with grass stuck to it in random spots. The sturmbeest didn’t have a clue that it was not alone. Golden eyes were fixed on this particular animal, crouched low on all fours. Tukru’atan, Olo’eyktan of the Itami peoples, was on the hunt.

Even if he was the leader of his people, Tukru was no lord of the Itami. Just like every hunter, he provided for his family, for his people. He cupped his left hand and made a slow, light cooing sound. A single coo was returned, and Tukru’s upper lit curled up in a snarl-like grin. The ambush was about to happen, and his pulse raced in anticipation. He slowly switched his position to more of a crouched one, his right hand swept up to the handle of one of his short spears, the warm wood familiar and comforting. Tukru’s eyes darted to the rest of the herd, they were close to ten yards ahead of this one by the look of it, perfect distance to avoid a stampede.
Another coo sounded from Tukru, which was quickly responded by his fellow Itami.

It was time, there could be no room for mistakes. A simple miss, or the snap of a twig would ruin it all- and the hunt would have to wait till another day. All the Olo’eyktan needed, was for his brothers and sisters to start. With a couple of loud whooping noises it started. The main group of the hunters leaped up from the grass, their arms held high and their shouts loud. The bulk of the herd bellowed in surprise and turned away from the Na’vi hunters. But this was just a distraction for the real kill.

When Tukru’s prey turned its head to look at the new commotion, Tukru sprang into action. He lunged forward just as he pulled one of the two shorts spears from his bandoleer, his eyes locked on his target. The hunter leaped into the air, one arm held forward while the other pulled back, the spear held in an expert hand.

”Tsa!”

Cried Tukru as he threw the spear with all his might. The force of the throw moved Tukru forward, who used the natural momentum to spin on his right heel as the Na’vi landed. With a dull thud the spear buried into the back of the sturmbeest’s head, the massive creature collapsed to the ground which quaked under the creatures bulk. Tukru was on the beast almost instantly, the man sped forward in a couple long bounds. He jumped over the sturmbeest’s legs and crouched near it’s head, the large maroon eyes looked up at the Tukru with a blank expression, and the Olo’eyktan nodded to the behemouth.

”Thank you, brother. Go with Eywa now, be at peace…”

Whispered Tukru as he placed a hand on the creatures hide after his knife was pulled from it’s forearm scabbard. The blade was then stabbed into one the beast’s spiracles to end its suffering. As he pulled the knife out the other hunter’s ran up to their tribe leader, wooting and cheering as they did. Tukru stood and smiled broadly at them, pleased with the smooth, casualty-less hunt. He placed a hand on a younger hunter’s shoulder and laughed.

”Good work everyone, our people will eat well tonight. Come! Let us return.”

Tukru motioned for the hunters to get to work on preparing the beast for travel, as it would take all of them to carry it. As they worked he looked up at the high sun, its heat warmed his skin and told Tukru that they had only a few more hours to return to the camp- and the pa’li were at least an hour away. They would have to work quickly.

------------------Three Hours Later------------------

With a mighty thunder the people of the Itami looked up to see many pa’li move towards them with the setting sun at their backs. Cheers and calls came from the people as they welcomed the group of hunters back. Tukru smiled as they galloped into the barriers set up by his people, his pa’li rose to it’s hind legs and winnied, the Olo’eyktan cheered as it did. The rest of the Itami cheered along as well, a burst of pride coursed through Tukru’s veins as he dismounted and pulled his queue from the pa’li. Good riding, sister. Thought the man as he patted her side. A young na’vi scampered up to usher the pa’li away. Tukru moved to help the other hunters drag their kill into the village where some of the other tribe members took over the prep work for the upcoming meal.

Tukru sighed in delight and stepped over to a stump near a fire where several of his people sat. They talked among themselves and smiled at their Olo’eyktan who returned the smile. He sat and listened to the conversations, he chose to not join any, sometimes it was just nice to sit and listen to his people. It pleased him that it was mostly pleasant conversation, when his tribe was happy, Tukru was. He peered around to see if Lanak could be seen, but she was nowhere in site. The Olo’eyktan didn’t mind though, just as he had his duties, so did she. She’d show up probably around the time the sturmbeest was cooked up.

[otterling]

It had been a long but good day for Lanak. She had risen early to find, as usual, that Tukru had already set out for the day. It was the rare occasion when she would wake to find him still next to her but she understood that he had his duties to the tribe just as she had hers. Her day had been filled with everything from classes for the children to the reading of several signs and dreams brought to her by her people. As usual, most were mundane natural occurrences that had only taken on the appearance of something more but she never dismissed anything out of hand and always took the time to consult with each person who sought her out. Dreams could frighten if they were not interpreted and she did her best to soothe the troubled hearts of some of her older tribesmen. Very few now lived who could remember the old war of their youth but those who did sat uneasy with the return of the Sky People and Lanak found herself comforting them more often in the recent months than before. So much destruction had been wrought at the hands of the enemy in the old days. Lanak could not blame the elderly for their fear. She too would see the foreigners sent back to whence they came but it was not within her power and she would not risk open war even if it were.

In the waning hours of evening, as the sun was finally setting, Lanak stirred from her meditations as the earth beneath her shuddered. The ground could tell one many things if they knew how to listen and long before the rest of the camp would know, Lanak could tell the hunters were returning. Eywa’s whispers were calm this night and the Tsahik sighed in relief. She had seen no signs of darkness as she had communed with the great spirit and it bode well for the success of Tukru’s hunting party. Lanak swept to her feet and set away the small mat she had been kneeling on. She would have much work ahead of her once the hunters returned. Lanak had just advised the cooks and leather workers of the imminent arrival when the cries and cheers set up from the center of the encampment. The workers moved swiftly and the next hour saw Lanak ritually blessing the meal, advising the cooks on what parts should be set aside for those most in need, preparing the medicines for the elderly who would need them, and thanking Eywa for the gifts they had received. She moved swiftly and decisively from one workstation to the next, her keen eyes ensuring everything went as it was meant to and it wasn’t until the beast was finally brought to the main firepit to be cooked that she found some respite from her busy schedule.

Lanak made her way toward the smaller fire around which most of the tribe had gathered, the murmur of their voices lifting the weight of her day from her shoulders. No matter how hard she worked, no matter how often, the joy of her people always made the effort worth it. Today, the Itami were happy and for that, Lanak would offer much praise to Eywa. She moved with carefully controlled grace as she wove through the many bodies around the fire and she smiled down with a motherly pride at those gathered around. Faces turned up to return her smile and she recognized every one of them. She knew their sorrows, their joys, their hearts. They were her family, regardless of blood, and she had become their spiritual mother when she’d accepted the role of Tsahik. Up near the front, seated on a stump near the edge of the fire, was the unmistakable form of her mate. Tukru was easy enough to spot among the throng as he stood well above most others and even seated his broad shoulders gave him away.

Lanak moved up behind him and placed her fingertips along his shoulders. She knew she would not startle him for no one would dare touch Tukru in such a way save for her. Her fingers slid over the taught muscle of his shoulders, sweeping up to ghost lightly along the sides of his neck until they came to just below his jaw. There, she pressed ever so gently to tilt his head back until she could look down into his eyes. Those lovely bright eyes she so adored. She bent close and brushed her lips over his brow. “I see you, beloved.”

[Dutch]

As the smell of the roasting sturmbeest wafted over the camp Tukru inhaled the scent deeply and smacked his mouth slightly as it watered. A couple of the younger hunters near him seemed to catch the sent too as a pair of 'Oh-ho!'s sounded from them. Sturmbeest was indeed a rare treat for the clan, most of the time it was easier to just scavenge from what was leftover from another predator's kill. But a fresh, young sturmbeest meant tender, smokey meat for the whole tribe that night. However, that delectable, woody scent would take the back of his mind as a familiar touch graced his shoulder.

Those golden eyes closed in delight for a moment and Tukru let Lanak tilt his head back as his lids slid open again. He looked deeply into those two sunset eyes and his right hand moved up to gently cradle Lanak's face at her jaw. Her skin was soft and warm, and Lanak's familiar scent put the cooked meat aside. A soft smile touched the Olo'eyktan's lips which quickly slid into a happy grin.

"And I see you..."

Tukru shifted his weight and moved to stand, his right hand never left Lanak's skin as he did. His left moved to hold Lanak's hands and brought them to be held within is. Tukru gazed down into Lanak's lovely features and smiled. A couple of the older Itami that Tukru could see out of the corner of is eye grinned knowingly. He was far from one to be embarrassed about showing his affection for Lanak in front of the tribe, if anything, he felt it helped show that all was well with the tribe.

"I missed you today. I hope the camp was quiet while we were gone."

He whispered just enough for Lanak to hear. Some might call it a weakness for one to think on anything else but the hunt, but Tukru couldn't help it, Lanak was always the most important thing on his mind. Tukru nodded and gestured for her to sit where he had been, it was the best stump at this site after all. His hands slid from Lanak's as he moved to the fire. Tukru walked around it slowly with his hands held behind his back and his tail swished pleasantly. As always after a big hunt, it was time to speak. He took a deep breath from the hot air near the fire and moved his arms to spread wide, as if to embrace the entire tribe.

"Silence my brothers and sisters! Hear me!"

Bellowed Tukru with much vigor. After a brief moment the chatter would quiet down, and Tukru nodded with a smile. Respect was earned, not just given in the Itami tribe, and Tukru'atan was respected. He let his arms lowered and gestured with a sweeping motion to everyone that sat around him. Those golden eyes stopped at Lanak's for a brief second.

"Tonight, Eywa has truly blessed us! She has given us our first sturmbeest in weeks, our children will eat well and we will all rest easy! Eat well, and relax, the Itami have earned their place among Eywa's plains this day, enjoy it!"

With his final words he motioned to the Na'vi who had prepared the meal. They nodded and the food began to move. Woven baskets full of berries were passed to each Itami as weree stone platters with strips of roasted sturmbeest on them. His tribe had quite the feast that evening, and Tukru fully planned on partaking. With a lightness to his step Tukru trotted back to Lanak with a big dopey grin on his face. His feet padded against the grassy ground before Tukru slid to halt next to Lanak and plopped down next to her. It was time to eat, and Tukru was quite hungry from the day's hunt.

[otterling]

Lanak inclined her head ever so slightly into the touch along her face. Her mate’s skin was always so warm against her own and she loved the earthen scent he carried with him after the hunt. It reminded her of the open fields of her younger years when they would lay in wait for days to capture even a single sturmbeest. She let her hands fold into his and smiled at him with all the warmth of a summer day. Only he could make her heart soar in such a way with only a word, a glance, a touch. She leaned in against the solid form of his body as he whispered to her, an intimate gesture she knew the others would not mind in the least, and let her eyes close for that moment, pretending that it was just the two of them in their own tent.

“I missed you today. I hope the camp was quiet while we were gone.”

Lanak nodded and smiled up at him, her eyes locking on his once more. “Yes. It has been a peaceful day. Go. Your people await you and I can hear So’tem’s stomach growling,” she said playfully, inclining her head toward one of the young warriors nearby who was known for his hearty appetite. She glided around to seat herself in the seat Tukru had just vacated and watched silently as he prowled around the fire and called to his people. His eyes met hers and she smiled reassuringly to him though she knew he did not need it. This was his place, at the center of things, and nothing seemed to please Tukru so much as being able to offer his people happiness. Certainly a night of merriment and full stomachs was enough reason to be happy. They would sing and dance much this evening in their prayers and thanks to Eywa for what she had given them. Always enough. It was always enough. Never more, never less. That was the balance of things and Lanak respected it without question.

She sat regally, her feet crossed and tucked to the side and her hands folded demurely in her lap while Tukru announced the start of the feast to a great round of cheering and applause. The food immediately began to pass among them but Lanak’s eyes were on her husband as he came bounding back to her side. He had always possessed an energy she envied. There was such cheer to him that could not be put asunder no matter what had befallen him in the past. It was a quality she loved most dear and nothing pleased her more than his joy. She couldn’t help the quiet smile that played over her lips as he sat back down next to her and she leaned against him, pulled instinctively the way flowers turned toward the sun. The baskets made their way past Tukru and Lanak and she took only her share of them before passing the basket along.

“There are three young men who are coming up on the time when they are to become men. Have you already picked out the beests they will slay?” she asked casually, accepting a hunk of meat from the proffered platter brought around before her.

[Dutch]

As always, just from habit, as soon as he felt Lanak shift closer to his form, Tukru did the same. His shoulder nestled into her side slightly and he beamed up at her. Just in time to receive the berry basket as well. Tukru simply took a couple berries and popped them into his mouth before the basket would be passed on. He sighed happily as the sweet-sour fruit exploded over his tongue. Tukru was more of a meat person, but even he loved the dark purple berries. The weaver he handed the basket of fruit to nodded her thanks which Tukru returned, he was proud to have such a polite group.

His ears perked up as Lanak spoke and he turned to look at her, the beads at the end of his dreadlocks clacked that sound only the wood they were made of could. Tukru's lips pursed slightly and shifted to the left in thought, it was almost time for another round of adulthood rituals. He nodded to her though, as he did indeed have an idea, a hunt that would allow his tribe to stay put for more than a couple weeks. Tukru swallowed his berries and accepted the platter of meat from Lanak, his hands took a decent sized piece from it. After it was passed on he took a bite of the smokey meat.

"I had an idea actually, we saw a small heard of titanothere near the Aylukana border that moved to the plains to feed... if our hunters could take one, we would be more than fine for meat for weeks. We wouldn't send them alone though, a titanothere is a rare and mighty beast, it would take many of us... But we are fine for now, Eywa will tell me when it's time."

Tukru nodded to Lanak for approval at his idea, he knew this would end one of two ways, Tukru either ad the right idea... or Lanak would put him in place. He bit into the piece of meat in his hands and savored the warm, juicy flavor. After a few silent moments Tukru had polished off his meal faster than anyone else it seemed. A deep sigh of comfort slid from the Olo'eyktan and he relaxed his position a bit as his tail swished happily behind him. Those golden eyes turned back up to Lanak and a little glint shone in his eyes.

"Honored Tsahik, might you have a story for us tonight? It's been too long since you've graced us with one..."

To Tukru's delight a few of the children chimed in that they agreed, and a wide grin touched Tukru's visage. She was trapped now, Lanak had trouble saying no to Tukru alone, he knew this, but with a few of the most adorable youngin's at is side, there was no chance she'd say no.

[otterling]

Lanak considered her husband’s words carefully as he spoke of the titanothere. Truly it was a blessing that they had stumbled across such a mighty creature out on the plains but there was much danger involved in taking something so large. Always there was balance. They would gain more meat for the people but they risked more in the effort. Her eyes unfocused for a moment as she stared into the fire, her thoughts lost to the swirl of energy which permeated the world in which they lived. “I shall need to seek out signs on this course and see if it is blessed by Eywa,” she said softly before coming back to herself. She had a small bundle of roots in their tent which she would use tomorrow; they would offer her a chance to commune with Eywa and perhaps learn if this risk was worth the effort. For now, however, she was content to let such matters fall to the wayside in favor of simply sitting next to a warm fire with her people. It was nothing so pressing it needed to be addressed right away.

For several long moments, she sat in comfortable silence with her mate, the taste of fresh meat and sweet berries on her tongue. Tukru could easily polish off an entire platter in less time than it would take for her to eat her smaller portion but it was only another in his many charms as far as she was concerned. He had a zest for life that extended to every aspect of his day; from eating to hunting to playing with the children of the tribe, Tukru did everything in his life with a passion Lanak wished more people could feel. Of course, he also extended this to teasing her and she gave him a knowing look as she caught the mischievous swish of his tail out of the corner of her eye. Before he had even begun talking, she knew he was up to something as he was wearing that child-like grin he got when he was about to corner her into some situation he knew she would be hesitant about and sure enough, he asked her to recite a story for the gathered tribe. As if he really needed the help, a gathering of children cheered the suggestion and began to form themselves into a small semi-circle around Lanak’s feet. She couldn’t exactly refuse with such avid listeners looking up at her. Tiny ears pricked up in anticipation and several sets of small eyes watched her as she looked knowingly over at her mate.

“I suppose it has been too long,” she said with a quirked eyebrow and a playful smirk cast in Tukru’s direction. Lanak honestly didn’t mind telling the stories as they were an integral part of the life and history of her people. It was how they passed knowledge and wisdom on to the next generation. As Tsahik, it fell to Lanak to remember and tell the stories to her tribe. She set aside the remainder of her meal and shifted to address the children more directly, her form tall and regal in the flickering firelight so that most of the conversation around her died before she had even started talking. The children weren’t the only ones who enjoyed a good story.

“There was once a time, long ago, when our people had lost the ways of Eywa. They had hunted so much and wasted so much that the talioang had become insulted and had hidden themselves from the people. The tribe began to starve and suffer, the grasses to wither, and the people knew only sorrow. One day the people sent two young hunters out into the fields to find the great herds so that they might bring news of it back and end their tribe’s suffering. As they searched, a woman stepped out before them. She was very beautiful, with eyes like the sun and skin like the sea. One of the hunters saw her and knew she was a powerful spirit and so he averted his eyes in respect. The other hunter saw only a potential mate and he approached her to take her for his wife. She beckoned the lustful hunter close to her and as he approached, a great cloud billowed up around them, hiding them from sight. When it had faded away, the other hunter was gone and only his bones lay at her feet.” Lanak paused as the children gasped and stared at her wide-eyed. “The woman stepped up to the other hunter and told him that she had merely fulfilled his companion’s desires and had, in that single moment, given him an entire lifetime, allowed him to die as all things must, and then returned his spirit to the fold from whence it had come for he knew only the physical and was not worthy to carry her message. She bade the respectful hunter to return to his people and tell them that in seven days she would come to their camp and they must prepare themselves for her arrival for she would teach them how to pray and how to live.

The hunter did as he was told and on the seventh day, a white talioang stepped out from the tall grasses and came into the camp. As the people watched, it turned into a beautiful woman once more. She spent seven days within the camp and there she saw the people’s suffering. She taught them once more how to pray and how to hunt so that only what they needed was taken and when the talioang saw this, they rejoiced and returned to the fields. She taught the people how to give thanks and to read omens and to listen to the world around them. She taught them the voices of the grasses and the beasts and showed them how to live in balance and the fields once more grew tall and full. On the seventh day, she chose a young woman from the tribe and bade her to marry the respectful hunter. The man would lead his people and the woman was tasked with keeping their spirits high and ensuring that the ways the white talioang had taught them would be passed down so that the Itami might always live in peace and happiness. Thus was created the very first Olo’eyktan and Tsahik. It is said that the strange woman was Eywa herself given form and that she had come because she saw the suffering of her people and needed to show them the way to maintain balance. That is why, to this day, we offer proper thanks to the beasts whom we must kill for food and why we listen with all our hearts for the voice of Eywa, for some day, the white talioang might return to us and we must show her that we have not forgotten the sacred ways.”
As Lanak finished her tale and sat back, she could see the looks of avid wonder on the faces of the children and the knowing smiles of the older generations who had heard the story from Mawey in the many years before.

[Dutch]

Tukru wasn't ashamed to turn to face Lanak as many of the children did, his knees bent up by his chest and is strong arms wrapped around them. His eyes seemed to sparkle as he absorbed every word his mate spoke. Every Itami had heard this tale before, but it was the perfect reminder for them all. He had to admit, Lanak told the story much better than Mawey, but he was probably biased on it. A little wink went from Tukru to Lanak when she glanced at him, a slightly mischievous smile on his lips. He had to stifle a comment that bubbled to his mind, the irony of Lanak telling a story that involved a talioang while they ate talioang.

By the time the story ended, it seemed everyone had finished eating. Some of the older folk who had probably heard the story many times had gone to clean off the various platters used for dinner. As the swarm of children at Lanak's feet jumped up and scurried off, Tukru took that brief moment of chaos to stand up himself swiftly. His long strides took him to the edge of the camp away from the fire and his people. Tukru half turned around to look at Lanak, a playful grin paired with a glint in his eye teased her to follow.

His stride took him out to a small hill near the camp, it gave Tukru an amazing view of the camp, but no faces could be recognized from the distance he was at. With a small exhale he leaned forward and spun on is palm to lay down on his back, his dreads spread out around his head. Tukru's gaze watched as the sun just barely peeked over the horizon, the Pandoran night sky became more and more apparent until the gentle blue glow encompassed the plains. The grass all around began to glow a soft purple with glowing orange flowers that dotted the landscape. The Itami lands were gorgeous, no one could deny that. Tukru lay there, and awaited Lanak, whom he knew would follow.

[otterling]

The smile on Lanak’s face was reflected openly in her eyes as she watched the children leap up and run off to play. Oh how she prayed to Eywa for one of her own. A boy perhaps…a son who would carry his father’s strength. She would be proud regardless if only she had a child. She and Tukru had been trying since the day of their bonding but as of yet, she’d had no luck. She had to trust that Eywa had a plan and so she waited patiently. Still, it hurt sometimes to see the children in the arms of their mothers and know she did not have one of her own. But the Itami people were her children in many ways. Perhaps that was why she had not borne one of her blood yet. Her attentions and efforts were needed in the tribe and she saw to the care of all her people. Perhaps Eywa wanted the Itami people to stay the focus of all her maternal instincts.

Her thoughts were scattered in an instant as Tukru leapt to his feet and she turned to stare up at him questioningly. He wandered out toward the edge of the firelight and turned for one brief moment to face her, a mischievous and inviting smile on his face, before he disappeared into the growing darkness. Lanak waited a few moments to allow at least the impression of propriety before she slid to her feet and glided silently out in the direction her mate had gone. Her gaze caught on an older woman’s for a brief moment and the two shared a knowing smile before Lanak slipped away into the high grass. The woman would make some excuse up for where Lanak had gone and thus prevent anyone from trying to follow her. It was not uncommon for the Tsahik to have many trailing after her with some question or another on their lips.

The grasses of the plains had already begun to emit a soft purple light, spotted with brilliant hues of orange here and there and Lanak closed her eyes for a moment as she walked, running her outstretched fingers through the tall grasses as she reveled in the call of the night. She was a devoted disciple of Eywa and the wonders of the world around her had never dimmed in all her years. She could feel the tickle of the grass across her fingertips as she moved in utter silence, her tail swishing behind her in a lazy side to side motion. When she opened her eyes at last, it was to look up into a canopy of stars so vast that they stretched out to the horizon. A million points of light all dancing above her and to her left loomed the great planet that Pandora orbited. It shone in brilliant whites and blues in the night sky and two of the other moons could be seen hanging off its coattails like decorations.

Lanak’s eyes were drawn to the top of a nearby hill and there she could see the lounging form of her mate silhouetted against the night sky. She made her way through across the field with a stealth that belied her younger years as a hunter and finally crested the hill to stand over Tukru. A low giggle bubbled up from her, such was her joy that night, and she sank down to her knees beside him. His eyes had always fascinated her and she let her gaze rest there for a moment before reaching out and lovingly tracing the contours of his face. “Will I ever see anything that makes my heart soar as your eyes do?” she asked in a whisper.

[Dutch]

As Tukru lay there and bathed in the low glow of the plains he could feel his pulse begin to pick up a little. Alone time, true alone time with Lanak was always a very rare thing, between duties to the Itami and Eywa, the couple's time alone usually consisted of them going to sleep. That moment when the young members of the Itami swarmed was the perfect opportunity for Tukru to escape, and Lanak to soon follow he hoped. He sat up slightly and looked out across the field that sloped down to the camp in hopes of seeing Lanak striding towards him, but he did not see her.

What if she wasn't able to sneak out? What if someone held her back? What if she didn't come? Tukru's heart sang and a heavy frown tugged his lips down, was he to spend this gorgeous night alone after all? The man sighed heavily and leaned back into the grass, the haze of purple from the grass framed his vision and his eyes began to close. That was until Lanak's angelic face look down at him lovingly. He felt his face flush at her touch and smiled broadly, a smile that was only ever reserved for Lanak. Her words were soft and sweet, the tone that Tukru knew was for him. His smile turned mischievous as he shifted his elbows to raise his face closer to hers.

"Well, I'm not sure about see..."

Tukru whispered, most of his words came from deep in his chest, a deep, strong yet gentle tone. He favored one elbow and brought his left hand up to run his fingers gently across her right cheek and into her luxurious hair. With a gentle pressure Tukru brought Lanak closer and gently pushed his lips against hers. Like the sun breaking over the jungle canopy in the morning, Tukru literally lit up, the tiny bio-luminescent spots that dotted him shone as his heart and mind blossomed. After a moment Tukru pulled back and that mischievous grin was back on his face.

"But I know that only one other feeling comes close to that..."

He rumbled lovingly. His thumb gently rubbed against Lanak's cheek, the hand never left her. Tukru felt slightly foolish at his thoughts before she arrived, even after years together, it amazed him how much his very soul revolved around just one person, his betrothed, is beloved, his wife.

"I thought you weren't going to come for a moment..."

Tukru said with a sheepish smile, even he thought that he should have known better than to think that Lanak would not come.

[otterling]

((Sorry it's kind of short))

Lanak bent willingly to her lover’s touch, her braids offering them a curtain of privacy for the moment of their kiss before they parted. Within that veil of darkness, among the thick tangle of braids and beads, Tukru’s skin was not the only one to light up at the intimacy. Tiny points of light, like a pattern of stars across her face and arms lit up in an array. They flared and dimmed again as Tukru pulled back to smile up at her with his usual charm and Lanak couldn’t help the adoring grin that touched her own lips. She nuzzled her face against the large palm pressed to her cheek, reveling in the touch, in the calluses she could feel along his fingers from years of handling the spears he bore on the hunt.

“I thought you weren’t going to come for a moment…”

Lanak blinked down at Tukru for a moment before she burst into girlish giggles which she would never allow anyone else to see save him. “You should know better than that, my love.” She flopped down across his chest and rested her chin across the backs of her hands, staring up at his face as her tail flicked in contentment. “I would cross all of Pandora to be at your side, Tukru’atan. I would face any trial, fight any foe, and stand against the might of Toruk himself to be with you.” She let out a small playful laugh and rubbed her face against the smooth skin of his chest. Her fingers instinctively found the three long lines that ran down his torso and she traced them again, as she had for so many nights. They had always been there for as long as she had known Tukru. He had gained them the day they first met and she treasured them for they had placed Tukru into her life. Had it not been for the incident, she would be married to his older brother.

[Dutch]

{Psh, think of how many huuuuuge posts you do, I think you're allowed a couple short ones }

Tukru chuckled with a little embarrassment alongside Lanak's giggles. He nodded at her words, indeed he should know better, but no matter how deep seeded the fear of not being around Lanak was, it still bubbled up whenever it wasn't wanted. As Lanak moved to lay on his chest Tukru laid back down and wrapped his arm around her smaller form. His right hand playfully would gently grab at her tail as it swished near it while is left rested on his stomach. Lanak's words rang true in the Olo'eyktan's mind. This was something he had heard the Sky People lacked, that utter devotion, the bond that could only be made when two people joined at the soul, not just the heart and mind.

His eyes watched her fingers as they traced on his iconic scars, so many years ago Eywa saw it important to give them to him, and he understood why. Tukru twirled Lanak's tail gently and lazily in his hand for another moment before it moved to the small of her back. The gentle curves of her body and the warmth of her soft skin was more inviting than the biggest, best woven blanket the weavers could make. His fingertips ran up and down her back lovingly and he closed his eyes. Tukru just enjoyed the moment with his wife, the soothing chirps of insects and other animals sounded, Eywa even gave the pair music at this time.

At this point, there was no Sky People threat, no Aylukana pestering him, no fear of losing the hexapede or sturmbeest herdes, there was only Lanak. Her gentle breathing, her stunning looks, and her perfect words. Tukru'atan was the most blessed Na'vi on Pandora, and he knew it. Being married to the Tribe's spiritual leader definitely helped. His eyes fluttered open to find his right hand had slid under Lanak's top and was gently massaging her back. He laughed softly and peered down at her.

"Seems my hand has a mind of it's own, here I drift off into thought for a minute, and you make my fingers drift."

[otterling]

((>__> This thread is about to need a warning. ROFL!!!))

Lanak let out a few more playful chuckles as Tukru grabbed at her tail but she didn’t try to remove it from his fingers. Instead, she turned her head to lay it against his chest, taking comfort in the steady thump of his heart against her ear and the slow heavy rhythm of his breathing. Her eyes fluttered shut and for a long moment they simply lay in the long grasses together, content with all that they had and all that they were in a way so few would understand. She needed nothing more than this. Lanak could not fathom why the sky people had such strange ways, why they were never satisfied with anything. She had dreamed when they had first arrived once more on Pandora and in her dream, Eywa had shown her a vision. The sky people had holes in them. There was a hole in their being that they could not fill, not with all the meat in the world, not with all the love of every being. Something that drove them to consume more and more until they had destroyed all that was in their path. In truth, the vision had frightened her deeply. A warrior she could deal with, death she could handle, but to face off against something that was so…soulless… The sky people were like nightmares. Inside those small weak forms lay a terrible hunger that Lanak would never understand.

She took in a deep breath and let the thoughts fall from her mind, content instead to concentrate on the motion of Tukru’s hand against her skin. His broad fingers rubbed against her back and though the touch was light, it still managed to convince the muscle beneath to relax. She let out a low rumble from her chest akin to a purr and twirled one of her lover’s dreadlocks between her fingers. There was a small purple bead at the end of it which she toyed with idly as she lay there letting the worries of past days drift away. Tukru’s chuckle made her look up at him questioningly.

“Seems my hand has a mind of its own, here I drift off into thought for a minute, and you make my fingers drift.”

Lanak smiled coyly and tipped her chin down to peer up at Tukru from under her lashes in a decidedly playful way. “And what if I like your fingers drifting?” she purred in a voice lowered with mischievous promise, her ears flattening against her head, “I think I like what your hand is thinking…”

[Dutch]

{Hmm... *looks at excited Tukru who gives a thumbs up* yeah... i modded the title, but just a warnin', if you haven't gotten the 'birds and bees' talk, keep walkin' kiddies ^_^ And this thread is very much CLOSED now}

Tukru was in trouble. His eyes looked deeply into Lanak's, and it wasn't long before he knew that his gaze mirrored hers. Tukru had trouble saying no to Lanak in general, let alone when he shared the same desire. He couldn't help but smile though, mischievous and playful Lanak like this was a site only he had ever beheld, and the look on her face, that want in her eye, was enough to drive Tukru wild.

The man had an idea though, just on the other side of this hill was a small lake surrounded by tall reeds. Perfect for privacy, not to mention utterly beautiful. He shifted slightly to show Lanak that he was moving, luckily the couple knew each other well enough read their body language. Tukru moved to a crouched position and smiled down at Lanak before his arms slid under her smaller frame. He cradled her body against him and stood up, one arm at her back the other just above the back of her thighs. She was light in his arms, but then again, so were most people to Tukru. He held her close to himself and turned away from the camp, a slow, relaxed pace led him down the hill in long strides.

After a moment they were at the start of the tall, thick reeds. Luckily it was a warm night, and if things were about to get hotter, water would balance that out nicely. His left arm moved down to let Lanak's feet back onto the grass. After he was sure she had her footing, his right hand took her hand and he moved into the reeds, his free arm pushed them aside to let the two Na'vi through. Once Tukru broke through them, a true natural wonder opened out before the couple. The water couldn't have been more than six feet deep, it was crystal clear and the bottom was well visible. The floor of the pond was an iridescent green and purple, glowing algae that covered the bottom.

Tukru gave Lanak a little 'come and get me' grin and let go of her hand. He leaped forward and dove into the cool water with a small splash. A brief second later he broke the surface with a deep exhale and a laugh. He knelt down into the water so that the only thing that showed was the bridge of his nose and up, the wood of is hair's beads made the dreads float around his head. His eyes peered left and right for Lanak, the hunter wary of where she might spring up.

[otterling]

Lanak moved in perfect harmony with her mate as he shifted to stand. She could feel the tiny flex of his muscles that signified he was on the move and she slid to the side to allow him freedom, her eyes never leaving his. She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck as he scooped her into his arms; she had never tired of that feeling, of being held that way, and she let her head loll against his chest, breathing in the scent of his hair as he carted her toward the reeds in the distance. There was a moment of slight disappointment when he had to set her down but she knew well enough that the night was far from over. She found her balance swiftly and curled her long fingers into his, the playful smile never leaving her face. She felt like they were children again, sneaking off together in the middle of the night and hoping their parents wouldn’t find out. How many times had they wandered out into the fields to sit and watch the stars? Those carefree days were gone now though and times like these were far and few between. Lanak wasn’t about to let the opportunity slip past her.

The reeds parted before them and the sea green light reflected up through the water illuminated the joyful and wondrous expression on her face. She never tired of such sights. All around her, the night sang with the voices of unseen amphibians and insects and the plants threw out a varied mixture of colors and patterns. Heavy leaves dipped low into the water, bending their stalks beneath their ponderous weight, broad pads huddled together on the water’s surface to form shelters for the tiny darting fish below them. All around her, life was blooming and glowing. Lanak’s smile curved deeper as she caught her husband’s eyes and watched him disappear into the water. He had only just dove into the water when Lanak burst into motion, her lithe form dodging and weaving around the edge of the pond. Her cyan skin and thin stripes let her blend instantly into the fold of night and swirl of glowing patterns along the shoreline. The only indication of her presence was the tiny pinpoints of light along her skin that shone bright in her excitement.

Lanak watched her mate surface before her. His back was to her now and she dropped easily to her belly, using one of the broad leaves along the shore to cover her movements. She slid in head first beneath the cool waters, keeping her profile low to the ground as she slithered until fully submerged. She tucked and curled through the stalks of several plants whose leaves spread out on the water’s surface above her. The light of the moss danced and played in rhythmic patterns along the underside of the canopy she hid beneath but Lanak’s eyes were locked onto her target…the twitching tail of her mate. She crouched on the pool floor, her eyes narrowed in focus and, with a swift kick of her legs, she propelled herself forward and snatched at her quarry, intent on surprising Tukru who was no doubt searching the water’s surface for her.

[Dutch]

To say Tukru jumped would be an understatement. His eyes widened and his strong legs propelled himself upwards. With a shower of water Tukru was mostly out of the water and spun himself. He landed with another splash with his face turned towards where the attacker was, and quickly calmed down. It wasn't a daggerfish that thought his tail was a particularly large, juicy, blue water worm, but his Lanak. His eyes narrowed slightly, but not in anger, she was always the mischievous type during their playtime. He smiled widely and shook his head which sent small droplets of water to cascade from him and bead is bare chest and arms.

He stood up fully in the water which only came to just below is waistline, his loincloth flaps floated near the surface of the water. More droplets of water fell from his hair and body as he strode through the water towards Lanak, a gentle, tender look in his eyes as he did. Tukru reached down and gently put his arms on Lanak's shoulders to lift her to her feet. She wasn't going to get away this time. His right hand cupped Lanak's face for a brief second while his left rested on her right hip. Ever so gingerly his grip squeezed, just enough to show Lanak how much he needed her at his side. Tukru's right hand slid back Lanak's head and under her hair to hold the base of her neck, and drew her close.

His lips would meet hers, a deep, prolonged kiss that made him pull her against his body. Tukru's heart beat strong and fast, the thrill of holding Lanak on it's own sent endorphins coursing through his body, making his pulse race and his mind go fuzzy. No other person on the face of Pandora would ever make Tukru feel so whole, so perfect, so loved. She was his everything, his other half, his best friend, partner, lover. Tukru felt his skin get hot and his cheeks flush which made his hand that was on her hip slip to the small of her back. The embrace would last moments, but felt like a blissful eternity to Tukru.

The Olo'eyktan parted from Lanak and looked at her with an almost wondrous expression, his eyes wide and almost innocent looking. He wasn't fully sure where that came from, could have been the hot Pandoran night, the light that just barely shown from the plant life around them, or the sight of his wet, stunning mate. Whatever it was, the heat of the moment struck him, and the man was almost apprehensive to Lanak's reaction- not unlike that first night they were mated...