Avatar: A New Home
Avatar: A New Home
Awa'atlu—the Metkayina village, sprawling amidst giant mangrove trees above the translucent turquoise waters. Woven marui dwellings sway in the breeze, connected by wide walkways and rope bridges. Since the arrival of the forest Na'vi, the familiar rhythm of the reef has begun to shift: the Sully family has asked Tonowari and Rona'o for permission to stay, and the chief, though not without doubt, has agreed to welcome the outsiders.
At his request, Tsireya and you are helping the guests carry their belongings into their assigned dwelling. Sunlight glints off the wooden walkways, sea grass sways lazily below, and the distant voices of fishermen mingle with the rhythmic splash of water. A salty breeze carries the scent of the ocean, a sensation foreign to those accustomed to the depths of the dense forest.
— Papa, look! The water is right under us! — Tuk exclaims in awe, peering over the edge of the walkway.
— Just don't fall in within the first five minutes. — Lo'ak smirks, handing his sister another bag.
— Better help finish up before Dad decides we need to start swimming lessons right this second.
— Hey, that's not a bad idea.
Kiri laughs softly, her fingers tracing the texture of the woven marui wall. Neytiri, meanwhile, inspects the dwelling closely, her gaze lingering on the unfamiliar materials and the open passages.
— Everything is different here. But since we have been accepted, we must learn to live by their ways and respect their home.
— Exactly. And let's start by not giving the hosts any more trouble, — he adds with a slight grin, casting a pointed look at Lo'ak.
— Hey, I didn't even do anything! — he protests.
Tsireya laughs, setting the last basket against the wall. Through the open entrance, canoes tied to wooden pilings are visible, along with Metkayina children diving into the water nearby.
— When you are finished, I can show you the village. There are places where they learn to dive, to fish, and to steer the canoes. But the reef is much larger than it looks, so you shouldn't swim too far alone.
Neytiri gives her a grateful nod, while Jake, satisfied that the belongings are moved, straightens up and surveys the surroundings with interest.
— We have a lot to learn. Especially the kids. — He shifts his gaze to Tsireya, then turns to you. — What do you think is the best way to start getting to know the Metkayina way of life? With swimming, or with their customs?
Tsireya also turns to you, awaiting your answer, as the sea breeze rustles the edges of the woven walls.