Chapter Text
The Kinglor flutters within Hometree, their tiny bodies looming over the people as they work for the day.
Many would smile as their fuzzy bodies would land on them as they do. Rest or attempt to eat their food with long purple tongues, which always tickle when they touch the skin, especially for the children that giggle. Though loved, the number of Kinglor that came to live within Hometree since the return of the Sky People became great. Their home straining from the constant care of them strained strength from their tree. When all hope to find a way to restore balance seemed lost, a traveling Na'vi came, a Sarentu. A clan that died long ago came and freed the skies from the Sky People's devices, allowing the Kinglor Flowers to open again and flourish on their own. The Aranahe, filled with renewed hope, made the heartwarming decision to rejoin the battle to rid Pandora of the menacing demons. As a gesture of appreciation, they invited the Sarentu children to visit Hometree. To stay and learn the ways of the people.
No other appreciated the invention than the becoming Tsahik of the Sarentu, Ri'nela.
At the top of Hometree, within the bounds of Kinglor's nest, Ri'nela and Etuwa sat together. The few Kinglor that stayed flying above them as the Aranahe's Tsahìk displayed many types of dyes in small bowls and cloths to Ri'nela. "In the Aranahe, we pride ourselves in the arts. No matter if it's weaving, cooking, or painting. We show who we are in the clan and what we have come to love in traditions," Etuwa held up one of the bowls, a dye made by Fortune's Fruit. The color was a calming purple, soft, and delicate. She gave the bowl to Ri'nela and then held up the cloth of kingly cocoon silk. The smooth texture was light and exuded a white elegance to the eye.
"It is the responsibility of the Tsahìk to ensure that we always remember what motivates our clan," she explains," in both skills and beliefs. That is why I always make sure my people respect the gathering of our dyes from the forest and guide them always to take care of the Kinglor. Our clan would not have a purpose, and our traditions would disappear."
Ri'nela stares at the items contemplating Etuwa's words. She understands that a tsahìk must embrace their traditions and what made them who they are in Pandora. Yet, how can she ensure the Sarentu's way when she doesn't know? Not old enough to remember, all memories fogged by TAP. Etuwa, seeing the young girl's frown, adds," Your sister is finding more of those Totems across the forest, correct?"
Ri'nela looked back at Etuwa, surprised that she knew about them. "Yes. She's been finding them while exploring. She sometimes brings back materials for me, Nor, and Teylan to use," Ri'nela said while she placed the bowl on her knee. Slowly tilting the bowl, she watches the dye swash around. (S/n) loves to bring back many materials to HQ, whether new types of wood for Jin, fresh fruits or herbs for Alex, or new clothing for her, Teylan, or Nor. She values to provide for her loved ones. A natural desire to explore the Great Mother came easily for her sister.
"Before, Nor was always the one going to the Totems. But, after a while, he stopped, saying he couldn't understand what our people wanted him to see."
Ri'nela looked back up at Etuwa, encouraged by the woman's kind smile to continue.
"I know it's not his fault," Ri'nela adds, "His patience was always scarce, and I know he could do it if he'd try again, like how easily (S/n) had when she went to them."
Etuwa's ears twitched at the sudden envy in Ri'nela's tone. Never had she shown emotion in her precious lessons. Placing the silk cloth down, she took a moment to carefully consider her following words. "So (S/n) found something within the Totems?"
"She says that she gets inspiration from them. She even made clothing designs that resemble our people so clearly."
Etuwa did remembered a conversation with Nefika, boasting about how delighted she was helping someone with new clothing designs that, in her words, were "Full of light than blandness." So she was talking about (S/n).
"And you? Did you feel anything?" Ri'nela's grimace deepens, her hands now clutching the dye bowl.
"I haven't."
"Why?"
Ri'nela places the bowl down, some of the dye spilling from a sudden place on the floor as she does so. She grips her hands together in nerves and dismay—a human trait she'd picked up from Alma.
"I fear I don't have the insight like hers. I sometimes wonder if she should be the one training to be Tsahìk than I; her way of finding our people comes so quickly to her," she admits. Shame curses her body for wanting to be jealous of her sister and feeling pitiful. Etuwa placed a hand on Ri'nela's shoulder, causing her to look at her. "She can indeed find your people's ways more quickly, but I can see the wisdom and guidance within you, Ri'nela," Etuwa then places a hand over her heart. "Becoming Tsahìk takes time. You've only just begun your journey. Soon, one day, you'll pave the way for your people. You need to take it one step at a time. "
Rinela gently placed her hand above Etuwa's, a warm smile spreading across her face as she found comfort in her teacher's words. Her first lesson was understanding her clan.
The people gathered around, dancing and laughing after the defeat at the Drill Base Omega. Many gather around the campfires, telling stories of the battle, some in their version and others what they saw. Ri'nela watched as she sat with the two sisters, Nesim and Minang.
"The Zeswa know how to throw a celebration."
Minang smiled as her sister chuckled, "We do. It's our way, especially today."
Ri'nela smiles as she takes a bite of the Cheesy Bake, a dish made with layers of creamy cheese sauce and a generous amount of Zakru cheese, baked to perfection. While eating, Minang asked a question. "I heard from your sister that you are taking lessons for your Tsakarem with Etuwa." Ri'nela glances at her, smiling, "Yes! She's been such help with my lessons in culture and traditions."
Ri'nela thinks about all the lessons she learned and all the talks she had with (S/n) about rebuilding old traditions she managed to learn bit by bit, some from stories, others from the Tarsyu communing with the memories of the ancestors.
"Sounds exciting. I personally didn't enjoy those lessons from our mother—too thickhead to hold still in one place," Nesim said, taking a bite of her food. Ri'nela's ears twitch, and she is surprised as she stares at the Olo'eyktan." You were having lessons in Tsakarem? I thought only the ones who become Tsahìk could have them," Ri'nela said, confused.
The two sisters look at the young girl with smirks," It's common for the Olo'eyktans to take lessons from Eywa. After all, it takes both a Tsahìk and Olo'eyktan to lead the people," Minang continues for her sister.
"An Olo'eyktan must wait to hear Eywa. A Tsahìk is always listening." A saying both our parents used to say," Nesim spoke, her voice holding the wisdom of her parents.
"I see," Ri'nela then places her plate down and asks, "May I ask another question if I'm not overstepping?"
"Of course," said Minanga.
"When leading people, how do you ensure that they listen?"
The two sisters looked at the girl with confusion. Ri'nela lowered her head, feeling slightly embarrassed for asking. She had been helping to lead the Resistance with the others for some time. Whenever she tried, she felt others questioning her, not in a rude way, never that. But she could sometimes see the doubt in their expressions towards her ideas and opinions. They never disagreed when Alma or So'lek took charge of decisions; everyone seemed to respect them, but never her.
"By listing, do you mean making them do what you say? Because that's not how we lead," Minang explains.
Ri'nela looks back at the two, who are wearing confused faces. "It's not? But, isn't the role of leaders that the people must follow?"
"True," Nesim points out," but we do not order our people to be silent and ignore their ideas. As leaders, we must think about our whole clan, people's voices, and concerns in our orders. We won't have harmony if we do what we believe is right without conversing with them. We will only have mistrust."
Ri'nela understands her words clearly, grasping their meaning," To lead, you must listen." The sisters nodded at Ri'nela, and their words reached the young Sarentu. Nesim then poured a cup of Kxan'epe and handed it to Ri'nela. "If you like, we can also teach you. It's better to learn more than one clan, right?" Ri'nela smiles brightly.
"Yes! I would be honored."
The Hollows are bustling with healers returning after defeating Drill Base Omega. Mercer's death has brought hope and a new chapter for the Sarentu children. They have learned the truth about what happened to their people and Alma. Nor has been gone for weeks. Teylan, (S/n), and Ri'nela still live with the Resistance but spend most of their time outdoors. Taylan and Ri'nela are in the Hollows; Taylan is getting to know the Kame'tire while her sister learns healing from the Tsahìk Anufi. She and Anufi sat at the Herbalist Circle, where they had different herbs and foods.
"Eywa always provides. That is the first lesson in Tsakarem that many will learn," she said as she picked up a bowl of animal fat, Winzaw. "From the creatures that roam the lands," she continued, picking up another bowl of Banquet Mushrooms cut into small pieces, "to the smallest of plants, Eywa has given the Na'vi countless means of healing us."
Anufi then places the bowls in front of Ri'nela's knees as she pulls more from her side. Ri'nela gazes at the bowls, her mind still clouded as she listens to Anufi. The old healer then notices her stillness; seeing the emotionless eyes, she adds. "However, not all wounds can be healed with remedies." Ri'nela ear's twitch. She looks to the healer with sudden confusion and interest as the healer continues to put the bowls out in front of them.
"I've learned during times of exile that the sorrows of the heart can significantly change a Na'vi, causing them to act completely differently than they normally would, and this can cause more hurt to themselves and others," Anufi said as she grabbed the young girl's hand, offering comfort. "A Tsahìk heals the body as well as the mind."
Ri'nela's breath starts to hitch; her breathing becomes uneven as tears stream from her eyes. All the pent-up emotions she felt, the death of her people, the cruelty she and her siblings face in TAP, Alma's Lies. All of the stress began to flow out of her body. Anufi moves to the girl's side, hugging her and allowing her head to be on her shoulder. After what seemed like hours, Ri'nela starts to speak, tears still rolling down. "I-I'm sorry, I can't stop, I'm so sorry!" Anufi hushes Ri'nela, stroking her arm as she continues crying.
"What kind of leader am I if I can't be strong enough for my people?"
"A leader who feels the same as her people shows that she feels what others think and knows how to mend those who are lost."
Anufi then helps the girl to look up at her, smiling as she wipes away the tears, "You carry a burden that you believe is your own. But by sharing it, you may learn more about healing than you think."
Anufi looked past her, causing Ri'nela to turn around and see the entrance. Teylan and (S/n) stood there, hiding behind the entrance frame with worried expressions as they looked at their sister. Before she could speak, both siblings quietly ran up to Ri'nela and hugged her, comforting their sister. Ri'nela's tears soon faded as she smiled at her siblings. She wrapped her arms around them as they continued hugging. After a few minutes, they all let go to look at each other. (S/n) spoke first.
"Ri'nela, I'm so sorry. I should have checked in more with you and the others. I have no excuse."
"Me too!" Teylan cried, "I Should have done that as well, but I was so focused on the Resistance and what I had done with Mercer..."
Taylan's ears are pressed tightly against his head, mirroring his overwhelming feelings of regret. The weight of sadness is palpable on his face as (S/n) reaches out to gently place a reassuring hand on his knee. In a show of solidarity, Ri'nela tenderly clasps her sibling's hands, her voice quivering but infused with unwavering determination as she strives to provide comfort and support.
"You both have nothing to apologize for; we all had responsibility. To the people we protect and the ones we lost." Rinela then evened her breath, her voice now clear as she said, "I thought that if I hid my feelings about TAP, the lies, Alma, then I could be the Tsahìk we needed. But I know now that if I help lead the new Sarentu, I need to talk with you about our pain, mend what was hurt, and finally heal." The two siblings smile at her.
"We would very much like that, Ri'nela."
"Always."
Anufi happily watches the children, knowing her healing lessons will guide Ri'nela to become a wonderful Tsahìk, even surpassing her.