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shu-box-puns · 2 months

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I never would have given you to them; not for anything (Tsu'tey x Reader)

Last Chapter <- Part 5

If you prefer to read on Ao3, the fic can be found here!

Summary: You can choose to stay.

Word Count: 7532

Reader uses they/them pronouns.

Perched upon Eywa’s throne after yet another near death experience, you were officially contemplating if Eywa wasn’t just some neurological connection between the tree of Pandora, and was actually some dormant deity. Because for some reason, She really wanted you alive.

In the last twenty-four hours, you had been released from Bridgehead, captured and interrogated, only to somehow escape the first encounter, only to end up shot and then resurrected over the course of an hour, all so you could be nearly stabbed to death before the day was out. And somehow, you were still fucking alive, despite almost dying more times in one day, than you had in your entire previous life.

You would’ve found it hilarious if you had had the energy to laugh. But instead, you just felt drained. Whatever will to live that had been keeping you going until now, was running on fumes. You were hopelessly hungry and achy from the bullet wounds smarting across your side, and to add insult to injury, you had no idea what was happening.

Tsu’tey seemed to have decided you were returning to camp with everyone, despite how little he clearly trusted you. And for some reason, neither Jake nor Neytiri had objected.

It wasn’t as if you had much of a choice regardless. With Quaritch and the rest of your squad dead and General Ardmore no doubt informed of your betrayal, marching back into Bridgehead would be about as effective as eating a bullet. Not to mention, with your injury, wandering off into the forest would result in a similar situation.

Perhaps if you hadn’t exerted every inch of energy you had left getting Spider out from under Quaritch’s knife, you could’ve managed option two. But that didn’t matter now.

The body of your late comrades remained sprawled across the grass, their blood soaked into the earth beneath them. You felt no remorse for bringing about their end. Spider hadn’t deserved to die so you would have an opening to get away. He was Tsu’tey’s son, and that was enough to make him worth protecting.

At least they would finally be able to rest.

Your gaze flickered away from the bodies towards your own grave. Of course, it hadn’t moved since you found it earlier, where it had silently observed everything that had happened here. Unmoving and indifferent. It offered no answers beyond what had become of your past self.

The skeleton it cradled would not sit up and push the dirt off like a cosy blanket. The corpse would not reanimate and take a seat beside you upon the roots of the Throne. It would not laugh and sigh as it retold its life, filling in all the blanks the Tree hadn’t. Hell, its body wouldn’t even hold the evidence of what had killed it. By now there would be no fingerprints nor injuries to examine.

In your peripheral, Tsu’tey slipped into view, his hands visible and his expression solemn. Without turning your head, you moved your eyes towards him in acknowledgement. The mourning paint from his nose to his forehead had been mostly scraped away, his flying helmet set low above his brows.

“We’re ready to go.” He told you simply, “Jake has room on his ikran for you.”

You hummed, eyes rolling back to the grave. To the source of so many questions and anxieties.

Tsu’tey shifted restlessly on his feet. “Look.” He stepped closer, but at your instinctive shift to keep some distance between you, he quickly stilled himself. His ears lowered in understanding, his hands raised to show his empty fingers again. “I just wanted to thank you for protecting Spider and the others.” Tsu’tey said simply, his tone earnest. “I know I didn’t say so before.” You looked him up and down, finding no ulterior motive in his gratitude.

“It’s what they would have done.” You said simply, knowing that you both understood who you were referring to.

“Yes.” Tsu’tey agreed.

Another beat of silence.

“What happened?” Tsu’tey shifted on his feet, swallowing loudly. “What?” “What happened to them?” You repeated, eyes boring into the carved name of your headstone. In your peripheral, you watched Tsu’tey study you, before he shifted back a step and glanced at the graves. His body was wound tight, as if it pained him to acknowledge them. As if he viewed them as some sort of failure.

“We should head back-” “What happened, Tsu’tey?” You pressed firmly, tearing your eyes from the graves to meet his. “The Tree showed me so much, but it didn’t give me answers. I need you to be honest with me, or I can’t trust you.”

He swallowed. “Okay.”

“What happened to them? What killed them?”

>_<

“What killed them?”

Tsu’tey hated this. He despised the haunted look in their eye. He loathed the pain echoed in their eyes, both mental and physical. All he wanted was to go home. He wanted the safety of the clan surrounding his family. He wanted a warm meal, his comfortable hammock, and the knowledge that this nightmare was over.

“Did She not show you?” Tsu’tey asked instead of responding plainly.

The recom shook their head. “Not all of it. Someone gave me a tea.”

“Yes. It was infused with mucus from the Txumtsa’wll.” Tsu’tey confirmed with a grimace. He hadn’t realised at first, and had found the soiled mug in the compound some hours afterwards, the smell having drawn his attention. “Shit.” The recom breathed, “then why did they stab me?” “The tea alone would have taken too long to kill you.” Tsu’tey replied honestly, “and it is treatable if the patient is given the antidote quickly enough.” He paused to gather himself, stomach squirming as the uncomfortable memories began to resurface easily now that he was talking about it. “Arvok, my brother knew what he was doing. And he knew he would be noticed if he was gone too long. He struck on the night of a meeting between our clan and one of the horse clans. He stole one of their knives and framed their Olo’eyktan for your death. You died in my arms when I tried to get you to Mo’at.”

The recom was uncomfortably silent.

“How did you catch him?” They had finally stopped looking at their grave as if it would offer answers and were instead looking at him. Properly looking at him. Not his ear or the space above his eye, like they had when they feared him before, now they were looking at him like an equal.

Somehow, it didn’t make this any easier to say. “He went after Spider.” Tsu’tey spat, “and it was his last mistake.”

He could still feel the rage of that betrayal simmering beneath his skin, even fifteen years later. Could still feel the chokehold of grief that had blinded him. Forcing him to be reliant on Mo’at and the rest of the clan, to help him care for Spider when the sadness of losing his mate got the best of him.

He could still taste the FURY that had burned the back of his throat when he turned up to Arvok’s hut to pick Spider up, only to find his son suffocating. Arvok had laid the infant out on his back and removed his exo-mask, his face horrifyingly devoid of emotion as Tsu’tey’s son choked to death.

<”WHAT ARE YOU DOING!”> Tsu’tey had snarled, his body moving how he wanted for the first time in weeks. His vision had narrowed down to his son, panic and betrayal making his hands shake as he shoved Arvok aside and dove for Spider. With unsteady but determined hands, he had secured Spider’s mask back to his face.

<”It is for your own good Tsu’tey.”> His little brother had informed him, whilst Tsu’tey had kept his back to him, his attention solely on Spider. With careful fingers, he had combed Spider’s hair back from his face, relief blooming in his chest as colour returned to Spider’s face and his eyes cleared. He was still breathing hard, catching his breath, but humans usually recovered without difficulty at this stage.

At his back, Arvok was still monologuing, basically admitting to the murder he had allowed the visiting Olo’eyktan to take the fall for.

With Spider recovering, Tsu’tey had finally turned his attention to the threat. <”It was you? You did this?!”> Tsu’tey hissed, fury replacing the fear as he turned slowly.

<”Yes.”> Arvok admitted freely. And he was smiling.

<”It was your fault?”> Tsu’tey bellowed, <”I had to bury my mate, because of you? Spider’s other parent is rotting in a grave, because of you? You did this?”>

Arvok nodded again.

<”This nightmare never ends, and it’s your fault!”> He wasn’t entirely sure when he had reached for his knife, but it was in his hand regardless. <”YOU DID THIS!”>

Arvok seemed to have caught on that Tsu’tey didn’t agree with his motive. The coward had startled at his raised voice, his hands rising in surrender as he began to back up.

<”Tsu’tey!”> His mate’s murderer pleaded, <”think about what you’re doing-”> <”NO!”> Tsu’tey snarled, his tail thrashing with rage. His hands ached to kill, his entire body ached actually. From heartache and loneliness and remaining in his hammock for too long. But he was moving. Finally his mind and body were in sync again, listening to him. Willing to help him carry out vengeance. To protect his son from this threat and avenge his fallen loved one. <”I will not think! I will not wait! This ends NOW! I will NOT allow you to hurt ANYONE ELSE!”>

Arvok fumbled to draw his blade, but it was too late, Tsu’tey had already tackled him to the ground. His brother had shrieked and wiggled, pleading for mercy, but Tsu’tey had given up listening. His knife punctured vulnerable flesh with a wet slice, and the body beneath him began to tire.

He recalled the numbness that had followed. How his limbs had refused to cooperate again as he had crawled off the body, tears sliding down his face as grief tore open his chest anew. He had gathered up his unconscious son and crawled towards the hut’s entrance. He had only been able to make it as far as the walkway outside before he was forced to rest, his limbs screaming in exertion as a panic attack threatened to crawl up the back of his throat.

All he could think about was his son choking in his arms. About the promise he had made to his dead mate to look after him. How he had almost failed not even two weeks after they’d died.

He was a terrible father.

He’d curled up outside the hut for what felt like hours, tears slipping silently down his cheeks as he protectively curled around Spiders’s little body. Listening to his heartbeat even out and feeling his breaths with every puff of the exo mask.

Mo’at had been the one to find him. She had always been like a mother to him. Even more so in those moments, when she had peered into Arvok’s hut, and seen his body, but had not flinched away from Tsu’tey. Her voice had been soothing and calm as she had helped him up, coaxing him into keeping a firm hold on Spider as she led him away from the scene.

Within minutes, she’d had him sat in her hut with a cup of tea in hand, whilst she sent hunters to deal with Arvok. By the time Spider had spluttered awake, Mo’at already had food waiting for him and Tsu’tey had stopped shaking.

With a hard blink, Tsu’tey was back to the present. Stood beneath the shade of Eywa’s Throne with his family readying their ikran at his back, as he looked upon the reincarnated form of his mate and finally felt as if a weight was being lifted from his shoulders.

“I dealt with him personally. He will not be a threat to you, should you choose to remain with us once you are healed.” Tsu’tey continued.

“I’m just sorry I wasn’t there.” The recom breathed, “that can’t have been easy.”

“It wasn’t.” Tsu’tey replied simply, because it was true. It hadn’t. And several times, he was sure he wasn’t going to pull through. “But you are now. I asked Eywa for a miracle. For you to stop being dead. And you did.” He smiled, small and private, whilst the recom nodded. “And you came home.”

“I wanted to.” The recom admitted. “Getting back to you was my first thought upon waking up. I wasn’t even sure if the clan had survived the Battle for The Tree of Souls, but I had to know anyway.”

“Thank you.” Tsu’tey said again, and they looked up. He did not elaborate, and they did not ask him to.

And this time, when he offered a hand to help them stand, they took it.

>_<

“Hold tight.” Jake called over his shoulder, prompting you to tighten your arms around his waist as he coaxed Bob into a fluid glide under the belly of a colossal mountain. The wind tore at your hair and bullied your ears into lowering tight against your skull. You didn’t have a visor, so you’d been forced to duck tight against Jake’s back so his bulk would block most of it. Your eyes watered as you peeled them open a crack against the sting, to watch the mountain pass.

Far below, the forest sprawled, and you couldn’t help but feel safe. Even if it was Jake doing the driving. As if to prove your point, your pilot unexpectedly rose higher on his stirrups, yanking you up with him thanks to your death grip around his stomach. Crouched awkwardly behind Jake, you winced as he yipped loudly over his shoulder, prompting the other ikran to fall into formation behind Bob.

With another turn and a great swerve, the flock neatly soaring up into the hidden mouth of High Camp’s entrance.

The camp stretched out below you from wall to wall. A living, breathing community of homes and cooking fires, interwoven with the compounds the scientists used to live alongside it all.

Bob circled once above it all before landing on the lip of the rocks as he had before. The rest of the flock followed suit.

Your hands were ice cold from the wind, but somehow, you managed to peel your frozen limbs out of their death grip around Jake. Sitting back heavily in the saddle, you breathed out a sigh of relief now that there was no longer any danger of plummeting to your death.

Jake turned in the saddle, looking back at you over his shoulder with amusement plain on his face. “I’m surprised you didn’t scream the whole way up here.” “You forget I also used to accompany Trudy on her missions.” You replied sharply. “A little rough flying and a maniac of a pilot hasn’t killed me yet.”

Jake raised a brow at the irony, but didn’t push. “Need a hand down?” He asked instead.

“I got it.”

He shot you a look that clearly said he didn’t believe you, but he dismounted alone regardless. Remaining in Bob’s saddle, you watched Jake stride towards Neytiri’s ikran and raise his hands in preparation to help Tuk down.

Then you remembered that there were things to do and a clan to inform, all whilst you were relaxing on someone else’s ikran. Glancing down, you realised that you couldn’t actually judge how high the drop from the saddle to the ground was going to be. Even the flight up had drained you, and you could feel yourself on the cusp of crashing now that your adrenaline rush had well and truly died. Readjusting your grasp on the saddle straps, you yelped when Bob seemed to sense your struggle and smoothly lowered himself to the ground. Stretching your legs down, you scrambled for purchase whilst clinging tightly to the saddle.

Bob was surprisingly patient and remained still until your feet touched cool stone and you slid off him entirely. He cooed softly as you leant against him, the world briefly spinning now that you had moved too much.

At your back, Mo’at’s booming voice echoed throughout the chamber. <”Welcome home!”> Glancing over your shoulder, you found the Tsahik and a good chunk of the clan crowded around the landing area.

Despite how gently you had moved, the movement pulled your torso wound wrong and you hissed in pain, ripping a hand away from the saddle to apply pressure. Which was bloody ridiculous because you’d just endured an entire flight without it complaining more than a dull throb.

Your knees buckled without you focusing hard on keeping them straight, but luckily, Bob was a nice tempered ikran and simply followed you down instead of watching you topple over like Jake probably would have if you had instead allowed him to help.

Bob cooed encouragingly, his big head swinging round to lightly push at your shoulder. His scales were cool against your heated skin; soothing.

Distantly, you could hear Mo’at waxing poetry to the clan, declaring some bullshit about Eywa repaying everyone’s hard work and devotion by offering one of the fallen a second chance. The People ate it up with hums of agreement, blindly trusting their Tsahik as they should. She might have mentioned the other recoms, or dragged Jake’s situation into the mix, but you couldn’t really hear.

White noise had swept in and drowned out her loud, regal voice. Your vision swam, but you could feel the stone you were sitting on and the saddle strap still clutched tightly in your hand. You could hear Bob chirping and feel the vibrations of feet approaching.

Shadows flitted across your unseeing vision as a hand soothed down your back, whilst more checked your forehead for a fever. An even smaller set cupped your cheek, encouraging you to look at a small, pale face locked away behind an exo mask. You blinked slowly, feeling horrendously nauseous.

Someone else dropped to their knees by your side, causing the other hands to retreat. The hands that touched you now were uncertain but supportive, encouraging your crumbled form to lean into them. You felt hands on your kuru, lifting and moving the braid, but it didn’t hurt, so you didn’t bother to fight it.

There was softer, comforting talking happening right in front of your face, but your ears couldn’t figure out the words. Not whether they spoke in Na’vi or English, let alone what was being said, but the sound was comforting all the same as you felt yourself beginning to drift.

There was zing up your kuru that flooded warmth into the base of your skull where your braid connected to the top of your spine. The pain seemed to ebb in its wake, leaving behind a sensation that could only be described as soothing.

I’ve got you. Tsu’tey’s voice promised, although it spoke in your mind rather than out loud. Clearer than anything that was happening in High Camp. He sounded kind, like he had in the memories, instead of angry at your very existence.

Hurts. You thought back, letting out a pained shout as you were abruptly lifted by whoever you were leaning into. Their grasp was firm on you, more grounding than painful now that you were being held steady.

I know. We’re gonna make you better.

Spider? He is here.

More vibrations thrummed through your cheek, which was pressed against a cool collarbone, as the person holding you spoke out loud. Almost instantly, a small hand reached up to grab your limp arm, which hung down. Five fingers squeezed down, sending a bolt of relief through you.

You found yourself suddenly grateful that this inevitable crash hadn’t happened in the forest. If they had decided to leave you behind, you would’ve been vulnerable to predators or detected by the RDA. But here you were instead, hidden within the heart of the clan, concealed within the floating mountains. That is right. Tsu’tey soothed in your mind. You are safe here. We will not allow harm to come to you.

And you believed him.

The rest was a blur after Tsu’tey ducked into Mo’at’s hut. Your strength had almost completely departed now, as you hung limply in Tsu’tey’s grasp. Strangely, the Olo’eyktan continued to be unsettlingly gentle as he sat himself down beside the fire, with you cradled between his knees and your head resting back across his shoulder. His touch burned your over sensitive skin, but it was as soothing as it was unsettling.

You saw the hut through Tsu’tey’s eyes, your own suddenly too tired to stay open. You were in the same hut as before, Mo’at’s herbs hanging from the ceiling whilst a pot of something strong bubbled over the flames. Spider had already moved towards where Mo’at kept her instruments, his back tense as he began pulling out various things. You could feel Tsu’tey searching for something to say to soothe his worries, but Mo’at swept in before he could voice anything.

<”Good.”> The Tsahik breathed as the curtains swished shut behind her. There was an unspoken lightness to her tone as she moved further into the room, ruffling Spider’s dreads as she went. <”I will not have to bully you into creating the bond. That shall allow this to go much more easily.”> She paused to take note of what Spider had already begun to pull from her supply, a proud grin tugging across her lips at what she found. <”You’re learning.”> She praised, to which both you and Tsu’tey noticed some of the tension leaving Spider.

Mo’at squeezed his shoulder, before returning her attention to you and frowning. <”Now, let us see the damage.”> She approached on steady feet, sinking to her hunches at Tsu’tey’s side as she began asking questions about your injuries.

Between the three of them, they began patching you up. Tsu’tey kept you steady and the pain at bay, whilst Mo’at cut away your shirt and the old leaf bandages to get at the wounds beneath. Spider handed over disinfectants and cooling salves that she took great care in firmly rubbing into the fresh wounds. The pressure was even and predictable, allowing you to suck in shaky breaths whenever she withdrew her hand for another dose.

As Mo’at carefully bandaged you up, you felt Tsu’tey beginning to relax on the other end of the bond. Until now, he’d been careful to keep his own emotions in check, so much so that you had barely realised he was tense. But now you could feel it. His anxiety came in waves, ebbing and flowing with no rhythm. As soon as he was calming the first, a second would unexpectedly sweep in to drench him, causing his heartbeat to pound against your back. Stubbornly, his face remained unreadable.

With what little strength you had left, you reached up to cover his hand that was gently curled over your stomach.

I’m fine now. You told him mentally with a tight squeeze to the back of his hand. Good as new.

There was no fresh wave of guilt to challenge your claim, and something visibly loosened in him. Through the bond, you got the vague sense that he wanted to bury his face into your shoulder and cling tightly, but it was gone as quickly as it came.

<”Tsu’tey sit them up higher.”> Mo’at suddenly said from closer than you were anticipating. Dutifully, Tsu’tey obeyed, whilst you cracked open an eyelid to find Mo’at holding a bowl of something steaming and a spoon. <”There you are.”> She said softly, <”try and eat something before you go back to sleep. Today has taken a lot from you. You will need your strength.”> As she spoke, she filled the spoon with warm broth and raised it to your mouth. You opened and hummed in thanks as the warmth flooded from your tongue into your body. It was the most delicious thing you’d had since waking up. Hearty and soothing, sweet but not too much so. Worlds better than RDA rations. It warmed you from the inside out, allowing sleep to make your eyelids heavy.

<”Spider, could you clear some space for a spare hammock, of course we’ll need to monitor them-”>

<”Dad and I could look after them!”> Spider rushed out before abruptly cutting himself off. He cleared his throat. <”I mean, we have room. In our hut?”>

You grumbled softly, content to let them figure it out between them. With the broth heavy in your belly, you could feel sleep finally digging its claws in and refusing to relent. This time, you couldn’t have stayed awake if you wanted to.

>_<

For what felt like weeks but could have only been days, you flowed in and out of consciousness like river water around submerged stones. When the current pulled you higher, you managed to peel your eyes open to find a woven hut roof and a warm bowl of something light to eat waiting for you.

And when it pulled you deep down within yourself, you relied on the comforting presence of Tsu’tey to keep you grounded. During those times you shared Tsaheylu, the pain was relieved better than any painkiller, as if Tsu’tey swept it away through sheer force of will. With the connection also came stories, fond memories that Tsu’tey offered to pass the time. Some you recalled from before everything went to shit, and some that were new.

If you were especially lucky, you would drift up enough to hear Tsu’tey asking Spider for memory ideas. To which the boy would happily and animatedly narrate some fond memory he had, whilst Tsu’tey recalled it from his own perspective and fed it down the bond to you.

It was a simple, repetitive existence. So much so that it was jarring to float upwards again and find yourself staying there.

Your eyes were crusty as you peeled them open, your back smarting from lying still for so long. But you could already tell you didn’t hurt as much. There were still bandages wrapped securely around your torso, slightly restricting your breathing, but you didn’t feel wet under them. Your injuries were definitely on the mend.

The hammock you were tucked in swayed gently as the rest of the hut came into view. It was not one you had been in before.

In the pit, the cooking fire had fizzled out into nothing, whereas the repetitive, slow breathing of someone nearby alerted you to the fact you were not alone. Everything hurt as you eased yourself up into a sitting position, surprised to find yourself stripped of your ratty, RDA issued uniform and instead dressed in the traditional na’vi loincloth. Your hair felt clean for the first time in days, the build up of sweat and grime washed away whilst you were unconscious.

The world swayed as you struggled to haul yourself out of the hammock, dark spots floating across your vision as you grasped one of the supports for dear life. The tent your hammock was strung up in was tidy, but clinical, with hooks lining the ceiling supports in uniformed rows and baskets of healing supplies carefully tucked away against the far wall. A long rug covered most of the uneven stone floor, whereas the entrance to your right was pulled to, but not obstructed.

“Zaza?” A small voice groaned from behind you, heavy with sleep. Your ears pricked as you turned, finding Spider half out of a hammock three times too large for him. “Where are you going?” There was thinly veiled panic hidden in his tone, accented with the way he was holding himself dangerously still. Uncertain whether to approach.

“Where am I?” You asked instead of answering, tail ramrod straight as the boy fully slipped out of the hammock. His stripes were dull now, somehow, you could tell even in the low light.

“In the infirmary,” Spider offered easily, hands plainly in sight as he slowly approached. “I wanted to take you home but Dad said you might not be comfortable with it.”

“I see.” You replied neutrally.

“Are you hungry?” Spider offered when you didn’t follow the sentence up with anything else. You found yourself nodding hesitantly, to which Spider smiled tightly. The cuts Quaritch’s knife had left across his throat had scabbed over.

“Can we go to mine and Dad’s tent? We have ingredients there for breakfast?”

“Only if that is okay with your Dad.” It felt weird to refer to Tsu’tey like that. “He won’t mind.” Spider replied too quickly, flashing you a winning smile. Smiling back, you followed him out of the tent and into the main chamber of High Camp.

The camp was quiet considering the early hour, with only the odd hunter milling around and the ikran perched near the cave mouth.

Spider walked noticeably slow ahead of you, glancing back periodically as if you would slip away between the tents if he didn’t keep an eye on you.

The boy’s tent was surprisingly empty of Tsu’tey when he held the curtain open for you. As you rounded the dormant fire pit to take a seat, you noted the two hammocks strung near the back wall, alongside the knick knacks and keepsakes scattered beneath the one on the left - clearly Spiders. Whereas Tsu’tey’s was neatly tidied with his bow stand empty and his arrows gone. The tent felt homely, and well lived in.

Spider was clearly comfortable navigating it. With confidence, he woke a fire and began pulling all manner of fruits out of the various baskets near the entrance. Pausing to tie back his dreadlocks, he neatly pulled out a spear knife from a box and got comfortable on the opposite side of the fire. WIth a steady grip, he ducked his head and began dutifully cutting the closest thing to him - a yovo fruit.

Between you, the fire popped merrily, and you very quickly realised you had nothing to say to him. Besides sharing a near death experience and a common drive to keep each other alive, you realised you had nothing in common. You didn’t really know him.

“How’s your throat?” “Healing.” Spider replied after a heartbeat of silence. “H-how’s your side?” “Better.” You assured him, with a subconscious touch to the healing injury in question. “I’m assuming I have you and your Dad to thank for that?” Spider ducked his head. “Dad did most of the work, I just helped.” “And yet you were standing guard when I came to.”

Spider flushed this time as if he was embarrassed you had noticed. “I fell asleep.” He admitted with a mumble.

The corner of your mouth tugged up at the quiet admission. “Don’t beat yourself up over it, I’m the exact same when I sit still for too long. You’ve had a difficult-” you trailed off, “how long have I been out?” “Two days.” Spider supplied helpfully.

“Thank you, it’s been a difficult few days.”

“It hasn’t been bad.” Spider admitted absently, using his knife to half and scrape some freshly sliced yovo fruit into two nearby bowls. He was quiet for a moment as he picked up the slightly larger portion and held it out to you. Ducking your head in thanks, you reached forward to take it from him, but Spider didn’t let go.

Meeting his gaze, you found him already watching you with a long look. “Thank you for not dying again.” He said sincerely, “I’d really appreciate getting to know you this time around.”

You smiled bitterly at the sentiment, a look that Spider mirrored easily.

“And I, you.” You replied easily, finding that you meant it as he let you take the bowl. “I’ve heard great things about you Spider, it’ll be nice to get to know you better.” He averted his gaze then, scooping up a bit of fruit and stuffing it into his mouth instead of responding straight away. Taking a page out of his book, you lowered your gaze and did the same. The fruit was delicious. It was sweet and full to bursting. With every bite you had to wipe the sides of your mouth because of the sheer amount of juice in every piece.

“Will you stay?” Spider asked when his bowl was half empty. You paused mid-bite to find him looking at the fire instead of you.

Swallowing your mouthful, you wiped your chin and asked seriously, “do you want me to?”

“Yes.” Spider said without missing a beat. His expression was painfully vulnerable, full of hope and what could only be described as longing. “Dad does too. And Mo’at. Jake and Neytiri too, but they won’t admit it because they don’t want to pressure you.” He paused, “you’ll be safe with us here.”

“I would be.” You agreed, “but I have to see if it’s the right decision first. If I don’t fit here, then I can’t force it. Do you understand?” Spider pouted but didn’t contradict you. “I understand.” He said maturely, and you knew he was being honest.

>_<

Recovery was slow, but you’d never been the kind to remain in bed for long. Even with Mo’at barring you from contributing on hunts, you ensured you rose with the sun and helped out around the camp in whatever way your injuries allowed. Sometimes, that was cleaning or servicing stolen RDA weapons alongside other hunters, or you were washing and prepping Mo’at’s herbs.

In those first few days, the clan gave you a wide berth, which you appreciated. In return, you remained unarmed and calmed yourself by sitting with your back to a wall or against someone’s hut whilst you completed your tasks. You kept your head down, and gradually, their unease faded.

Usually, Spider or one of the Sully kids joined you for an hour or two, talking about anything or everything whilst their parents hunted or contributed with patrols. But today, Tsu’tey sat himself down opposite you, a basket of fruit balanced on his hip. He kept his gaze fixed on his work as he crouched a comfortable distance away, and immediately occupied himself with peeling the fruits.

You said nothing, and as you had the last few days, refused to start up a conversation. As long as neither of you opened your mouths, you tended to be able to exist in the same space without dissolving into insults or painful memories. You knew he was trying.

You knew Tsu’tey was attempting to rebuild some of that trust in the only way he knew how, but it was unsettling. You’d never known him to be this quiet. This comfortable in existing in someone else’s space without having to voice his internal monologue. It was just another reminder of how much he had changed whilst you’d been frozen in time.

And what’s more, some of the things he was doing for you, couldn’t be explained away as an Olo’eyktan looking out for one of his own. Even after you’d woken up and spent that first morning having breakfast with Spider, you had been a long way from recovered.

Moving around without long naps in between chores left you exhausted and oftentimes passed out in the weirdest places, such as Tsu’tey’s tent floor when you had been waiting for Spider to finish making lunch. That time - and every time after - you’d woken up in a hammock instead of on the floor.

When a fever had come for vengeance and your wound had gotten a minor infection, he’d been nothing short of doting. Feeding you light meals to settle your stomach. Braiding your sweaty hair back so it was off your forehead and didn’t cling to your neck. Changing your bandages like clockwork. Adding and taking away blankets where needed.

In a lot of ways, it reminded you of how your parents had doted on one another. Performing thankless acts of service without the other ever having to ask for it.

And through it all, he scowled the entire time. Like constantly. And you definitely shouldn’t have found that as achingly familiar and reassuring as you had. You definitely shouldn’t have started looking into it, searching for the fiery, annoying man you’d fallen head over heels in love with all that time ago.

You were submerged so deeply in your thoughts, that you’d completely forgotten where you were and what you were doing, until you managed to sink your knife into your thumb. With a hiss and a jerk, you dropped the fruit you’d been peeling and jammed your bleeding thumb into your mouth and sat back on your hunches.

Across from you, Tsu’tey clicked his teeth. “Idiot.” He sighed, but not with his usual bite, hell, it practically sounded fond, as if you’d done something endearing instead of pathetic. “Here,” he continued, reaching into the pouch secured across his chest strap and pulling out a river leaf. “Let me.” Slowly, he reached across the distance between you, his expression open and sickeningly kind. You let him take your hand without a fuss. Carefully, Tsu’tey mopped up the blood, a soft tut leaving his lips as he assessed the depth of the injury.

“Do I need to go back to Mo’at?” You joked half-heartedly.

“Luckily not. She’s getting sick of only seeing you.”

“Not for long hopefully.” You interjected, “I’m on the mend for real this time.” Tsu’tey hummed noncommittally. “Have you given any thought into what you will do once you’re healed?” He asked point blank, with no warning or prompt to get him to say it.

You blinked. “What brought that on?” Tsu’tey ducked his head, a gesture you’d noticed Spider doing when he was embarrassed. “I overheard Spider asking about it the other week, and I can’t stop thinking about it.” He admitted sheepishly.

Just to fuck with him, you gasped dramatically. “You were eavesdropping?” “I was not!” Tsu’tey corrected defensively with a scowl. He bit his lip and averted his gaze again. “I was worried when neither of you were in the infirmary when I went to check. Naturally, I checked home before looking anywhere else for him.”

“I see.”

“So?”

“What?” With a firm crack of his tail, he caught your gaze and held it. “I answered your question, so answer mine.”

He was still holding onto your hand with both of his, you realised absently. He was sat close enough now, that the combination of all three hands had fallen into his lap, the river leaf forgotten and your finger beginning to scab. It was such an intimate position, that you almost forgot what his question was.

“If I were to stay,” you started carefully, intending to see how far he would go, “I would need somewhere to live. Mo’at’s going to chase me out of the infirmary one of these days if I stay there much longer.” “We have spare tents.” Tsu’tey said neutrally, ears swivelling to face you, showing just how eager for your answer he really was. “And if you were comfortable, you could even move in with Spider and I if none of them were to your liking.” He paused, before quickly tacking on a panicked, “but only if you wanted to. There is no pressure of course.” “Of course.” You agreed readily, feeling more at ease than you had yet. With a small smirk, you decided to keep fucking with him. “And I would need my weapons back.” “That can be arranged.” Tsu’tey agreed, before glancing up and stalling at your expression. You tilted your head.

“And I would need to negotiate a relationship with my son if his father was open to it.” Tsu’tey went very still causing panic to slam into your sternum. Abruptly, the tables had turned and it was you scrambling to justify yourself. “Of course, I wouldn’t want to step on your toes. I don’t even have to see him that often if you’re not comfortable with it. I can take him out for a day, or we don’t even have to do that. I could be like that distant cousin, or the weird clone twin of his dead- fuck this isn’t coming out how I wanted it to-”

“I think,” Tsu’tey cut in sharply, looking more amused than offended. “That Spider would love to build a connection with you.” Tsu’tey’s hands had gone completely slack around your own. The sluggishly bleeding cut completely forgotten now that the air between you was thick with untold tension.

“And what about his father,” you pushed, studying his expression, “would he be happy with that arrangement?”

Tsu’tey’s gaze dragged across your face and circled at least twice down to your lips. “He could be persuaded.” He said darkly, making your stomach squirm from his tone.

His eyes had fallen to half mast during the little back and forth, his pupils swollen as they looked at you. You could feel your tail wagging at your back, and you hated to think how eager you probably looked.

With a hard blink, you dragged yourself off of that train of thought before it could derail off into dangerous territory. Kissing him would be a stupid idea right now, you reminded yourself. In fact, it would be more stupid than marching into Ardmore’s office and openly admitting to treason. Not only would it jeopardise your position within the clan, but it wouldn’t actually fix anything between you and Tsu’tey and might even end with him pulling away.

No, as gorgeous as he looked right now, and how much you could see he wanted you, you needed to wait. There was no room for this, when you were only just beginning to trust each other once again. Maybe soon, but not now. Not today.

Clinging tightly to that reasoning, you sat back and pulled your hand out of Tsu’tey’s grip.

He blinked and seemed to come back to himself. With a sheepish clearing of his throat, he also shuffled back and out of reach. Ears lowered, he took up his knife again and continued his previous task of peeling the fruit, dutifully pretending like nothing had happened.

You hated it. But you hated that blank expression on his face more.

Scrambling for something to say - anything - to keep the conversation flowing, you blurted out the first thing that randomly came to mind to fill the silence.

“How did we end up adopting, Spider?”

Startled, Tsu’tey’s head snapped up. His brows furrowed as he struggled to process the question, as if bewildered you were still willing to talk to him after pulling away.

“What?” “I mean, if I’m going to be co-parenting with you, then I should know these things.” Something like relief flooded his expression. “I see.” He said easily. “So,” you prodded, with a pointed wiggle of your ears, “how did we end up adopting a human child together?”

Tsu’tey smiled fondly to himself. “It was after the battle. We went to Hell’s Gate to raid for medical supplies. I insisted on coming along because you were so small, and you fought me every step of the way because I had suffered a shoulder injury.”

Instinctively, you knew which shoulder to glance down at. The bullet wounds were old and faded with time. You could only imagine how long it had taken him to heal them, and how long it had taken to rebuild the strength in that arm.

“The corridors were stupidly small and impractical, but echoey. I heard a baby crying and you followed me when I went to investigate. We found Spider in someone’s bunk room, and you told me he was hungry. From there, it was just a matter of no one else having the time to take care of him, and you stepping up. And as your mate, I did too.”

“Huh.”

“Anything else you want to know?” Tsu’tey prodded good naturedly. You thought for a moment. “What was his first word?” Tsu’tey stopped his polishing to laugh. A proper laugh. The kind that started deep in your belly and burst its way out of your mouth and demanded you to tilt your head back from the sheer force of it. A truly gorgeous expression on him.

“What?” You defended yourself with a chuckle, “I need to know the important information.”

“Of course.” Tsu’tey chuckled, the mood light. “His first English word was uh-oh, because he knocked my bow off your desk. And his first Na’vi word was Sempu.”

“Oh, I see how it is!” You mocked, pretending to be offended whilst Tsu’tey shot you a wicked grin as if he’d won. “So his first word was practically ‘dad’, big deal.” Tsu’tey hummed.

“Alright, what’s his favourite food?”

And it went like that for several hours. You and Tsu’tey basking in each other’s company, learning and reliving fond moments from a time long gone. It was easy and familiar, and it finally felt like home.

~FIN~

Last Chapter <- Part 5

#tsu'tey x reader #spider socorro #dad!tsu'tey #spider #father-son duo #recom reader #gender neutral reader #part 5 of 5 #final part #may the hopeful ending bring you peace #gonna miss these sillies #taking responsibility for that child you don't remember adopting #found family #avatar #avatar twow #canon divergent #Tsu'tey lives

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leveloneandup · 1 year

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Tobin Heath | Inspiration Summit 2023

If someone is fired up by this conversation and they want to learn more, they want to follow you, they want to follow re-inc, where should people go?

I think supporting women’s sports is a big one. Supporting women's sports, demanding more for the athletes.

You can find us at re-website.com. We use our collections, our story telling to really uplift marginalized voices and stories. That's part of this idea, we have a platform and we want to give the platform to other people, we want to amplify conversations like this over and over again.

Going into this big thing called the World Cup this summer, we're starting a media division that's going to change the way women are seen and experienced in sports, which is really exciting and kind of tackling a whole other issue that we've seen and experienced through our careers and we're ready to start carving out a space for what women's sports culture should look and feel like by the people that have done it themselves.

So big things to come, but I'm just really inspired by conversations like this that are being had with so many women that are in the workplace, that are trying to create change.

I think reimagining the world is one step but it's also one step with everyone.

#part 5 of 5 #tobin heath #inspiration summit

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newtabfics · 10 months

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Returned: Rauru x Fem!Reader NSFT Series. FINALE

Summary: Rauru is somehow revived in modern Hyrule and his instincts have gone insane as he realizes he's lost his mate.

Triggers for mild dubcon elements as well as just nsft stuff.

Part 1

Y/N smiled as his lips stirred her from her sleep, his hands tracing along her back. “Rauru,” She mumbled. “You’re insatiable.”

“Forgive me,” he whispered almost solemnly. She went quiet, listening to his apologies, to his guilt as his fingers rubbed gently as if apologizing for being so merciless on her body as often as he was. His fingers dipped in slowly, making her moan softly as his lips found her back, nipping gently. “Forgive me.”

Y/N whined as he curled his fingers. “I’ve long since done that,” She muttered before turning over to face him.

He smiled and looked down at his twitching length. “The rut is nearly over.”

“Thank Hylia. My legs might not last,” she joked, pulling him down and kissing his cheek. “C’mon then. Let’s have a gentler round?”

He smiled and kissed her as he moved between her legs, pulling her close before pushing into her. Her sigh of pleasure made his heart melt slightly. He wondered just what he could find out about this woman.

Rauru reminded himself of what he needed to do as he moved inside of her, holding her carefully as he relished in her moans. He reminded himself he needed to protect her at all costs. He reminded himself to make sure nothing comes near her.

He would do everything in his power to keep his mate alive again. He had to. He couldn’t bare the thought ever again.

Her hand reached up and cupped his face, making him shiver as he locked eyes with her. He blinked at her worried expression. “What?”

“You’re crying, Rauru.” She smiled gently and pulled away, making him whine. “I have an idea. Sit against the headboard.”

He did as she said and watched her climb onto him, sinking down slowly. With a hiss of pleasure, she finally settled against him and stayed there, touching him and holding him close, simply feeling him against her and inside her.

Rauru hesitated as he leaned into the affectionate touch, relishing in the way she was practically cradling him. He smirked. “Now I know you’ve adjusted to me. You can withstand staying still on me.”

“Barely,” She giggled, kissing his closed third eye. Y/N rocked her hips a slight, making him groan. “It’s hard considering you are filling me up like this.”

He smiled and nuzzled her, simply enjoying the contact. “Are you going to tell me what’s going through your head?”

The Zonai sighed softly as he rested against her shoulder. “My…Sonia was murdered in cold blood because of me.”

“And you’re scared it’ll happen again?” He nodded. She sighed and rubbed his back. “I will say this, for safety, before everything happened, the princess ordered us to train under her knight. She wanted to make sure we were able to protect ourselves. I may not look it, but I was the star pupil that helped Link take out a Hinox once.”

“Really?” He asked, imagining her going wild. It was enough to make him twitch, causing her to whimper. “Such a little thing like you?”

“H-Hey, I’ve got like an inch on Link!” She whimpered as he bucked his hips.

“I’d love to see you,” He admitted, gripping her hips and moving her along his length slowly before dropping her down again. “See you fighting wildly.”

She rocked her hips hard, making him moan as she bounced eagerly along him. He grunted when she stopped so only the tip was inside her. “Fuck, Y/N,” he whined. “Why’d you stop?”

“You were making fun of me. Just for that, I’m in charge.”

He smirked at her determined gaze and nodded, folding his hands behind his head. “You’re in charge.”

Rauru bit his lip as Y/N began to ride him, practically using him as she whined and moaned. He watched her ride along him, leaning her hands against his thighs to give him a full view of her. So much of this woman reminded him of his long gone mate.

His eyes shut tight at the thought of having lost her only to bury himself in another mate as soon as he was revived and–

“Eyes. On. Me,” She commanded. His eyes snapped open, eying the way Y/N gyrated her hips and taunted him by taking him as deep as she could. He grunted as he twitched. “You want to come don’t you? Want to come in your mate?”

“Fuck,” he moaned, gripping her thighs. His claws scratched roughly as he whined out, “Fuck, Y/N, please don’t stop.”

Y/N moaned as she rode him, biting her lip. “S-So deep. Rauru…”

“Don’t hold back. Give in. Let me make you feel good,” He encouraged as his thumb delved between her folds carefully. She jerked as though she’d been zapped and cried out loudly in pleasure, soaking him entirely. “That’s it! Just give it to me. My mate!” He moaned lowly.

Y/N whined when she felt his climax, his seed filling her entirely. She whimpered when she felt it leaking out with each bounce of her hips, trying to milk him as she moaned lowly.

It was only when she had to squint that Y/N finally took notice of the rising sun as the village began to come alive down below the hill. With a giggle, she kissed him.

“Morning.”

He blinked at that and chuckled. “Morning.”

Soon, breakfast was on the table as Y/N was reading over her research notes. “Have you been to the ones in Faron?”

“Not personally but I asked Tauro to send me his notes from his trip there to find the fifth sage. It might’ve been a ritual ground.”

“Not wrong,” He confessed before scratching at his beard. “Though, I’ve never participated myself. See, the ritual was more like an annual festival because it’d been so long since the rituals were held.” Y/N blinked at him. “What?”

“That’s right! You could literally help us solve some of this–Wait, you mean, those ruins are even older than Hyrule itself?”

“The ones in Faron? Yes. I saw your notes about the Typhlo ruins. I’ve never heard of such ruins. I can only assume after I sealed away the Demon King that they were built.”

“Makes sense, but even so…” She hummed. “Are you sure you just didn’t get out often? The current theory is the Typhlo Ruins were built alongside Hyrule Castle…well…hmmm,” She mumbled, trying to think. “The castle did come after the war though, agh,” she groaned, rubbing her forehead. “It’s too early for this much thinking.”

They both blinked at the knocking at the door. “It’s open!” She hollered.

Rauru blinked when he saw a familiar blonde come in. Her eyes fixed on him in shock as she stammered. “Hey, Z,” Y/N greeted. “Found this guy on the Great Plateau. Turns out he was our mystery monster.”

“T-That–you–How are you–” Zelda stammered, still absorbing the information as Link came in behind her.

At the sight of the man, Rauru was quick to Y/N’s side, pulling her against him as he narrowed on him. Why did that man look familiar, he couldn’t exactly remember. All he knew was it was a male near his mate and he’d–

“Hey, Master. I’m back.”

Link gave her a pointed look. “Quit,” he muttered softly, though the smallest quirk of a smile appeared.

Y/N only grinned and patted Rauru’s arm. “He hates it when I call him that.”

“Probably because you’re the same age,” Zelda amended.

“I mean, not really but I guess? Rauru, this is Zelda and Link, but something tells me…”

“How are you here?” Zelda asked finally.

He paused and shook his head. “I wish I knew. I found myself here suddenly and couldn’t calm my instincts. Only…Only Sonia had ever been able to pull me out. Then I met Y/N.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Z! You’re not gonna believe this. The ruins in Faron. The Zonai Ruins.”

“Yes?”

“Rauru says they were already outdated and had festivals there with those ritual outfits Link had found. Do you know what this means?”

“These are even older than Hyrule itself–Y/N this is an amazing discovery!”

“I know! Which is why, hear me out, I want to go investigate them and bring Rauru along. He can fill in some blanks and maybe we can get somewhere with our research!”

Link sighed as the women began to grow excited over it, finding it both endearing and worrying as he glanced at Rauru. When Rauru met his gaze, Link took a moment to study his reaction before nodding firmly, as though bowing a slight at the king without letting his guard down.

As Rauru watched his mate discussing a research plan with the princess, he knew his life was blessed with a second chance.

#rauru x fem!reader #returned series #part 5 of 5 #part 5 #rauru totk smut #finale

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ask-de-writer · 1 year

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SEE STORY (Part 5 of 5) A tale from the World of Sea

Return to the Master Story Index

Return to World of Sea

See Story

De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)

Cover art by @wind-the-mama-cat

14372 words

Reproduction in any form, physical, electronic or digital is prohibited without the express consent of the author.

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Users of Tumblr.com are specifically granted the following rights. They may reblog the story. They may use the characters or original characters in my settings for fan fiction, fan art works, cosplay, or fan musical compositions. I will allow those who do commission art works to charge for their images.

All sorts of Fan Activity, fiction, art, cosplay, music or anything else is ACTIVELY encouraged!

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Sea is a colony assumed lost somewhat over a thousand years before this tale opens. They were sent on a one way trip, not knowing that there was no land at all on the whole world of Sea. Thus, aside from humans, NO CREATURE OF SEA IS IN ANY WAY ITS NAMESAKE. They were simply named for a superficial resemblance to some Earthly creature by the early colonists.

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New to SEE STORY? Read from the beginning HERE.

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“Oh, look! She has Strong Skins and Wing Rays and Orcas! Buy me one, please Daddy!”

“Look, Kara, this girl has a model of a fishing smack, just like the one Mother uses. Would you like it?”

It was not long before every one was sold.

A few sailors of the Grandalor wandered by, speaking loudly, “Make lots of toys, Longin! They’re all that you’ll have next Gathering. We pulled your best waters right out from under you in the Council Meeting. Didn’t give squat for ‘em either.” They linked arms and walked away, laughing.

Kurin came running up to Cat, in tears. “Did they really take away our waters, Cat?”

Cat gathered the child into her arms and held her. “Calm yourself, Little Fish … That’s it.” She petted Kurin’s hair gently. “They think that they got our waters, Kurin. That is not the same as getting our waters. Where was the crab reef?”

Kurin wrinkled her brow in thought. “We sailed south for most of the night with a good wind and all sail …” Her eyes lit up. “It was in the buffer space between the Gula’s fishing waters and the Dolthin’s … They didn’t get it at all!” She clapped her hands in glee.

“I know that you,” here Cat, smiling, gently touched Kurin’s nose, “can keep a secret, so I will tell you. We tricked them out of a whole fishing water of better reefs. This is the most important thing to remember, though. If they had not tried to cheat us we could not have turned the tables on them. Always deal honestly, but never stupidly.”

The bazaar continued for days. Everyone chaffered and bargained for the best deals that they could get.

A small knot of sailors and officers had gathered a little way from the Longin’s booth, as they had for the last several days. The people changed, but the group remained. They were all there for the same reason. The Longin’s Lady Luck could most often be seen there, though this Gathering, there was no telling where she might turn up. Many were simply curious. Others were thinking of courting her.

“See her, there back of the Longin booth?” pointed Mara, the new First Mate of the Fauline. “That’s her with the white hair, like fresh foam.”

“She’s the Longin’s Luck? What a beauty!” said Torinsin, of the Gula’s rope walk. “I heard that she’s blind and helpless, though … Dragons! Look, she just dragged that whole tub of lobsters up front by herself. Don’t look helpless to me.”

“Lots of us been watching her. She don’t act blind. I wonder what the Grandalor’s up to this time. Spreading lies like that?” speculated Morin, of the Grython, stroking his chin. “Our Captain said that she would be welcome aboard.”

“Maybe they want to get her for themselves!” Mara put in. “Maybe I should ask some of the Fauline’s crew to meet her. Seems from what I’ve seen she’d be an asset to any crew.”

“I did hear that she’s marrying, gonna leave the Longin this year,” said Morin.

“That’s what’s up, for sure, then,” said old Ganther, the Dolthin’ Master Boatwright. “Grandalor is trying to grab the Longin’s Luck for themselves, and cut us all out. Just like them.”

“Is she still available? We have some good young men on the Gula that might do,” said Torinsin, eagerly.

“We all do! I talked to Captain Mord already. She’s bespoke,” said the Captain of the Grinna.

“What! What ship’s got her? Who’s the lucky guy?” asked Torinsin, only slightly downcast, but still eager for gossip.

“They’re keeping it under their watch-caps until the night of the full moons,” said Forin, Grinna’s First Mate, stroking her hair and smiling a little at Torinsin’s expression.

“Has anybody thought to ask her direct?” asked Ganther, cutting to the heart of the matter. “She’s easy to find, now. First time in nineteen - twenty Gatherings that anybody’s seen her much. Now, she’s all over the place.”

“I am, aren’t I?” said a cheerful voice, like splashing, flowing water.

The whole group jumped as if shocked by a Jolting Ray, and turned to see Cat, only a few feet away.

“So, tell us, who is it to be? What ship’s getting you?” asked Torinsin, eagerly.

“You all could have come to the Longin and courted me. Nobody did. I’m afraid that she’s right,” said Cat cheerfully, pointing to Forin. “Come and see on the Weddings Night.”

“Did anybody ever tell you that you are cruel?” said Torinsin with a cheerful grin.

“One or two … hundred … so far,” replied Cat. Then singling out Forin, she added, “Come, take me to your booth. You have some truly beautiful cloth that I would like to get. What do you call those woven-in pictures? ”

“I believe that you mean our brocade …” The two wandered off in the direction of the Grinna’s booth, chatting cheerfully.

The Longin finally ran out of shellfish. By the night of the Full Moons, the Longin had sold everything that they had brought and were preparing to strike their booth. Sold out or not, the other booths were being struck, too. The Gathering market was over and the space was needed.

As they were packing away empty tubs and lace spools, fabric bolt cores, and their awning, Cat noticed that Kurin was crying quietly. Packing could wait a few minutes.

“Little Fish, why do you weep?”

“‘Cause tonight you’re going to marry somebody from off of the Longin, and I won’t see you anymore.”

“Kurin, Kurin Behar, come here,” and she wrapped her strong arms about the child. “Come with us to the Weddings tonight and see my husband and love. If you do, I will give you a present that you will always have to remember me by. Besides, you may indeed see me from time to time.”

Kurin seized on that last. “You mean it? I’ll see you again, sometimes? Promise?”

The Captains of the many ships of the Gathering Fleet were now escorting their young men and women of marriageable age to the rafts that had been the marketplace. Most of those were going to meet people that they had been courting for at least several Gatherings. Some were friends from childhood. Only a few ships arranged marriages for advantage, without concern for the feelings of their young women and men.

Grandalor was such a ship, and as their marriage gigs rowed past the Longin on their way to the wedding barges, some of their women were openly sad. There were a few among them, however, who rejoiced that they were leaving so oppressive a Captain as Barad. Few of the young men looked happy at all. Their marriages were bringing, not happiness for themselves, but skilled women for the Grandalor; cooks, weavers, ropers, sail-lofters, and all those other skills needed to maintain life on the Sea.

The Longin’s young folk felt sorry for the Grandalor’s, but they climbed cheerfully into their own gigs, going to meet those folk that they had chosen, and who had chosen them as well. Cat was among their number, pulling an oar with a will. Those who wished to watch the marriages followed in other boats, Kurin among them.

Everyone on the Wedding rafts were divided into four groups, to the north the brides, to the south the grooms, to the east, the Captains and officers and to the west those who came to watch and wish well. That last group was by far the largest.

There was little room left on the rafts. A cheerful buzz of conversation drowned almost all else. Everyone knew that the Lady of the Longin’s Luck was due to marry, but to whom? What ship would be lucky enough to have her? It was clear that the Grandalor’s lies about Cat had been dispelled by all that people had seen her doing during the market.

The order of the ships was called. This was the order in which the ships would bring forth their grooms to meet their brides. The Longin was to be the last, by her own choice. Many felt that the suspense was deliberate.

Night had fallen to star filled darkness and the Wedding Rafts were lit with lanterns. Shortly after full dark, the eastern horizon began to glow. Soon the limb of large Wohan appeared over the horizon. Carsis followed and a few minutes later, little Dorac. All three continued to rise together until, for a moment, all three moons sat, just touching the horizon. Their light raced across water gone flat as glass, like three shafts of brilliance, converging on the Wedding Rafts.

There was a quiet that fell on all the watchers. A woman could be heard telling her children quietly, “Remember this moment. It will not happen again in your lifetime. The Dragon’s Moons only rise once in a thousand Gatherings.”

The ceremonies began. Sarfin, Captain of the Dorton called forth the Dorton’s grooms. Their brides were called and, rejoicing, went to their loves. When the roll was complete, the Dorton’s Ceremony of Marriage was spoken and the brides signed the Ship’s Articles as new crew-members. Each ship had its own version of the ceremony. Each Marriage from each ship took another bite of time. It was growing late.

Finally, Mord of the Longin called the last of the grooms forth, and besides the brides for them, there was one more, still uncalled. Cat would be left standing alone when the last of the Longin’s grooms had his wife. Everyone could count, and the raft was absolutely buzzing as people figured this out.

The last bride went to the last groom, and Cat stood alone, dressed in a lovely brocade of white with black leaping Orcas. Captain Mord came to her and said quietly, “Where is your groom?”

“He is here. Marry my friends, and then you will see.”

Shrugging, Captain Mord went back to the grooms and new brides of the Longin and began the Ceremonies of Marriage. Cat went to the spectators.

“Kurin! Kurin! Oh, there you are, Little Fish. I promised you a present on my wedding night, and you shall have it. Come with me.”

Trustingly, Kurin put her hand into Cat’s and followed her across the raft. The Longin’s Ceremony was just done. Captain Barad brayed, “I don’t see your groom!” His voice was cut off by the flat smack of open hand to cheek.

Mord withdrew his stinging hand and said poisonously, “MECAT, my sister in all but blood, has said that he is here. I believe her.” Turning to Cat, he said, “All of the marriages of this night but one are done. What do you want me to do?”

“State for all my name, ship and crew. My husband will make himself known.”

Turning to all the watchers, Captain Mord called out, “Cat, my sister in all but blood … Her name in full, dictated by Custom and Law is Mecat … Of the Longin her whole life, Our Gift from the Sea … Of no crew because of the Dragon’s name you bear … Who have you chosen and who has chosen you?”

All about the raft, a dozen huge fifteen-ton Orca whales jumped at once, rising clear out of the water and falling back with a huge report and splashing of sea water.

“Stand just here, little one,” Cat whispered to Kurin. “I will be back in a moment with your gift. Trust me, you will come to no harm.”

Raising her arms, Cat cried out in a voice like storm waves toppled by the wind, “Iren! Dark Iren! Come forth and claim your bride!” The ocean in front of her boiled and rushed aside as a huge Sea Dragon reared his head high in front of her.

The creature was covered with large black scales the size of a man’s hand. Spines ran down his back and frills adorned his head. There were large tendrils about the fanged mouth. Big dark, intelligent eyes gleamed from deep set sockets. Orcas rose with him to the surface.

Cat dove joyfully into the water and was gone. A minute passed and then two. A well-meaning woman, one of the Longin’s new brides, tried to lead Kurin away.

“Come, Dear. She is gone. As long as she has been under, she must be drowned.”

Kurin confidently shook off the kindly hand. “She told me to wait. This is a short dive for Cat. I’ve seen her do five minutes before.” Mystified by Kurin’s response, the woman waited with her.

The water swirled, and a second Sea Dragon rose up. This Dragon was pale, like new sea-foam, but scaled spined and frilled like the other. It had eight foot jaws, with two-foot fangs and eyes that were completely blank. It was blind. The monster head thrust toward Kurin, who refused to run. The woman fled in terror. Powerful tendrils about the Dragon’s mouth grabbed Kurin, and hugged her. Kurin, with a squeal of delight, tried to hug the massive snout.

“Oh, Cat! You’re back, just like you said.”

Blind Mecat, the Great Sea Dragon gently put the child down. “I have your gift, Kurin. Just stand for a moment.” The enormous jaws opened and a breath like fog came out and enveloped the child. As the breeze blew it away, everyone looked in amazement. Kurin’s hair, once dark, was now the color of new sea-foam.

~THE END~

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