News on the Wind... (open)

[Jai'byrd]

The wind howled past the Ikran and his rider as they streaked out of the scrub-lands that heralded the end of the land and the beginning of the wide open sea. Tasting the salt in the air, Ni'awtu sent a thought to Atan'eko via their tsaheylu to watch the cross winds coming off the ocean when the cliffs came into view as flying around the area leading up to where the Txampay'awkx Clan lived had some really choppy winds to contend with. Especially on a day like this, Ni'awtu spared a brief look out across the seemingly endless ocean that stretched into the vast horizon to see that a storm was coming, a seemingly large storm as she could spot flashes of thunder in those dark, boiling clouds.

Atan'eko's worry flooded up their neural link as she patted his scarred neck and turned back to the task at hand. Hopefully they could ride these winds and beat this storm to the Cliff dwellings of the Txampay'awkx to complete their assigned mission. It looked like they should make it with some time to spare, but they might have to prevail upon the Clan's graciousness to house her until the storm is past as neither she nor Atan'eko could fly through such a storm.

Ah well, she'd pass that hurdle when she got to it as the winds started to blow harder, making the ocean crash up against the cliffs they were now passing, spraying them both and getting them wet. Atan'eko whined in muted protest (more something she 'heard' over their tsaheylu than she heard physically) as she laid her one good ear back against her head because she was getting water in her ears. Sadly water got into her ruined left ear as she shivered involuntarily. Ni'awtu was grateful for her flying goggles as the wind and the water did not let up as the Cliff dwellings came into view.

She released her streamers or u'imi displaying that she was a message carrier of the Omaticaya. Hopefully that was enough to let her land without her and Atan'eko filled full of arrows. Looking over the landing spots, she saw a clear one and directed Atan'eko to land there. He screamed out as he latched on to a landing rail, a wooden construct that mimicked a large branch of a tree, letting Ikrans latch on more naturally for a secure landing - something he really needed with the storm at their backs. After Ni'awtu made sure he was attached securely to the landing, she dismounted and sought someone to take her message tube to the Olo'eyktan of the Txampay'awkx...

[HorusRe/Bila'reu]

Perhaps it was due to the limited visual range, of the filtered haze of an approaching storm during the latter part of a day. Such a diminished light could play all sorts of games with the eyes.

Perhaps it was the fact that the Ikran Makto was obviously not to accustomed to sailing the winds that rocketed off the sea and blew up along the cliffs on even the best of days. She seemed cautious of the buffeting crosswinds, bothered by the near constant spray from the impact of the wind blown sea against those impressive rock faces, and far from being native to the Clan of the Eastern Sea.

The other rider, that shadowed her from above and behind, had no such issues with the somewhat unpredictable winds and his eyes were accustomed to the sting of salty air. He rolled and played in the violent updrafts and cutting crosswinds, Tanhili (his female Ikran of violet and lavender) using the blustery gusts with the innate skill of a beast born to ride the sea winds. Thus Bila'reu watched as the messenger unfurled her u'imi and stood out as the carrier of news from afar. Bila'reu had thought he might swoop in and watch her as a potential enemy, his clan was far from most others, and known by all to have a slightly more aggressive bent. Living by a violent sea, and hunting the depths for creatures that were almost uniformly deadly, made for a sturdy and pragmatic kind of warrior. However no clan would attack a messenger, nor give anything but due leave to those that carried the words of chieftains from afar.

As the messenger came to land Tanhili and Bila'reu swooped down and he and his Ikran lit nearby, not on the rails provided but directly to the rock face. The decorated sea hunter flipped backward off his mount and dropped to the platform base in a crouch. His tail whipping as he spun around and rose in a single fluid motion, a being of pure physical grace, and seemed a being of combat. His daggers slung low and always a motion away from his hand, and his necklace of long fangs proof of his profession, for none that did not earn such decorations would dare wear them before other warriors (for fear of having the silent claim challenged). However this warrior did not stride toward the outsider with anything other than a smile and a welcoming presence. Chest out, head high, and a snap to his step.

"Welcome to the Txampay'awkx," he started as he strode closer to the female and his gaze quickly sized her up. "You are the 'upxareil for what Clan?"

[Jai'byrd]

"Oel ngati kameie," she responded in the traditional Na'vi greeting of 'I See You' as a small, brief smirk graced her lips as she was no fool, she had figured she had been followed in, what Clan wouldn't follow any strangers in there territory? She bet they had her in their sights the moment she crossed over into Txampay'awkx territory if not before.

"I am Ni'awtu of the Omaticaya," she nodded in greeting to the proud male Warrior, her own gaze not withering before his steely one. Despite the massive scars on the left side of her face, she still was a proud member of the Omaticaya herself.

"I bring a message for your Olo'eyktan from mine," she held up the message tube that was made of horn and decorated with a few beads.

Ni'awtu herself did not know the contents of the missive herself, although she could guess as it was the duty of the Omaticaya Clan to watch these new Sky People and report their activities to the rest of the nearby Clans. Thus, this was probably more of that as the Sky People really hadn't left their compound much, but it was getting bigger and bigger... Sometimes their demon Avatars were seen, but they weren't venturing out much into the surrounding jungle, nor starting up any of their giant machines to restart the old mines, rather they seemed to be breaking them down... It was odd. This was nothing like the Sky People of legend... destroyers of Eywa.

But maybe... maybe they were different? Or they were just building up and waiting for the right moment to strike. Either way, the Na'vi had to be prepared...

[HorusRe/Bila'reu]

"I am Knife Dancer," he stated with a smile and a proud nod, his name (Bila'reu) was such a strong sounding and telling warriors-name that he had to feel some pride in it. "I am a Sea Hunter."

Bila'reu didn't know if the profession would mean anything to the outrider from the Tree People, as they didn't have a sea to hunt so they would not have such an occupation. If she did not listen to the songs of his people she might not even know how dangerous the seas of their world really were, thus the title would mean even less. However it was what he was, his whole life was defined by that occupation, and he was damn proud of the fact he successfully made tsaheylu with his Tlqsaytan and was counted among the elite of his Clan.

"It is the time of the late hunt," he continued as he gently made a gesture with one hand out toward the storm tossed great sea. "Sempul'tsyal (Wing Father), our chieftain, will be leading the late hunt, but he should return shortly with the late hunt party. On behalf of the Eastern Coast Clan I extend the hand of friendship and welcome you to the fire of my family. You may wait with us until Wing Father returns."

With that the warrior extended one hand, palm up, fingers loose, toward the scarred female with such proud eyes.

[Jai'byrd]

Ni'awtu's one good eye widened at Bila'reu as she had heard of those who rode the Tlqsaytan, but she had never seen the great sea creature herself and she couldn't even begin to imagine such massive beast from the few tales told of them. She gave him a silent nod of her head showing how impressed she was to meet someone of such status. She briefly wondered if he'd show her his Tlqsaytan before she left, but she didn't ask as it would have been rude of her to presume being from out-Clan.

The winds and spray from the incoming storm was getting worse as she genuinely looked grateful to him for his kind offer since their leader was off hunting.

Again she nodded, "I accept your hand my Brother of the Sea, I am thankful to accept your offer of a place by your fire as I wait."

She took his hand and smiled politely at him, waiting for him to lead the way...

[HorusRe/Bila'reu]

Bila'reu watched her eyes with interest as her flesh brushed over his. He had never met one of the Tree-Folk, he did not known really what to expect of them, but he knew his clan was often considered rough and a bit savage by the other clans. He had to wonder if her hand would seem weak, the fingers of one that hardly knew the draw of a bow, the heat of fresh blood, and lacked the thick skin of a life of labor. He smiled back at her, a bit feral in the glimmer that flicked across those large burnished gold eyes, as he discovered her grip was steady and her flesh firm.

He couldn't help but still feel a bit superior, he daily danced with the spirits that rose up from the inky ocean depths and had never fallen into the blackness of the spirit world, and his people were some of the sternest stuff to be found on their world (or at least that is what their songs said). But he wouldn't look upon her as all that inferior now. She had strong eyes and hardened hands... she was no soft out-Clan crafter or singer. She was a hunter, a messenger, and in his clan that also meant she was a scout. She might even be a warrior of her people.

He was pleased to see she wasn't weak, and his delight seemed to show on his somewhat handsome features.

"You may want to have your Ikran take shelter in the cliff," he stated as he motioned to where his own Banshee was already clamoring toward the safety of the holes scattered across the rock face.

[Jai'byrd]

Ni'awtu felt like he was sizing her up for something, worthy to be around perhaps? She wasn't sure, but in taking the role as messenger of the Omaticaya, she had been to other Clans and groups and had been treated in a similar fashion sometimes. Although he was an elite Warrior, so he probably was seeing if she was worth his time. Ni'awtu didn't mind too much, she was proud of who she was and what she did for her Clan despite the scars on her face and head which probably made her completely unattractive to others.

Over the howling wind and spray, she heard Atan'eko whine, and at Bila'reu's instructions, Ni'awtu walked back over to her Ikran's side.

"Go, follow them Atan'eko!" she shouted above the din, pointing after the other Ikran.

The two didn't even need to reconnect their bond to communicated as Atan'eko looked up, grunted and started scaling the cliff up to the series of Ikran-sized caves above. When she made sure her Ikran was safely inside with no mishaps did Ni'awtu go back to Bila'reu's side.

"Thank you, Atan'eko is not used to such weather," she waited for the Warrior to lead the way as she would not be so rude as to presume...

[HorusRe/Bila'reu]

She took his advise, and he noted this as well. She would not presume to know better than he about the ways of survival on the eastern coast. He very much liked this Out-Clan huntress.

Again his hand was extended, and he started to lead her back toward his families tent, once she took his hand again. Along a walkway made of wooden planks, away from the shore and back toward the valley and the opposite cliff face, and through a latticework of interwoven thin trees that served the clan as a wind break.

"You are welcomed Ni'awtu, 'upxareil of the Omaticaya, and unless born to the sea it is hard for life to know the dangers of the sea."

His statement was, of course, a blanket observation. He didn't just mean her Ikran.

"Atan'eko will be safe in the Ikran caves, and you will be safe with us until Sempul'tsyal returns from late hunt. Share my fire, share my food, and late in the night the storm will pass, and in the morning you and Atan'eko may return to your clan."

[Jai'byrd]

"Oe si irayo ngaru tsmukan," Ni'awtu nodded as she again took his hand and let him lead her through the village.

She took the opportunity despite the weather to take a good look around the Txampay'awkx's village, so different from where the Omaticaya lived in trees. They lived in unique huts, made of skins and wooden frames bent in a direction that let the powerful winds from the sea roll right over the structures, a shape that maybe the people of this Clan learned from the shape of the cliffs and bent trees that were prominent in this area. But then that was the Na'vi way, Eywa would provide, show her children the way to live in harmony by example. Ni'awtu smiled, it was good to see different ways of being one with Eywa.

Finally they seemed to reach Bila'reu's hut as he led her inside to find a warm space that was blissfully out of the rain and wind. She let out a small sigh of pleasure without thinking about it.

"You are too kind," she smiled at the male Na'vi...

---

Oe si irayo ngaru tsmukan = I thank you Brother

[HorusRe/Bila'reu]

Pandora was a world where many things were often not entirely as they seemed. The huts of the Txampay’awkx were certainly no exception to the rule.

From the outside they seemed like nothing more than hide, stretched taut and held down my braided lines of fibers (plant and animal), and built in such a fashion as to both harness wind and to allow the gales to blow over then, around them.

Stepping inside proved there was far more to it than that, at least in the case of this family. The dual cover of hides that closed off the entrance actually lead to a few steps down, as the interior of the permanent hut was dug down into the fertile soils that sat back up off the beach. The depression of packed earth was then encircled by an oval of stone, rocks hand hewn and carefully placed so as to interlock without the need of mortar, and this wall rose to just above Na'vi eye level. The hide cover arched above this wall and left an airspace between, as insulation and as ventilation. The effect was spacious, protected the inhabitants from screaming winds, and allowed a windbreak while still submitting to the flow of air.

At the center of the dirt floor rested another depression, circled by blackened stone, where a small fire was snapping and flickering. Above the licking flames there was erected a wooden framework, built in a pair of A shaped assemblies and connected by cross beams that ran above the fire pit, from which hung a dozen forearm sized fish fillets, all deliciously smoked and smelling of a delicate and unique sea-folk blend of spices.

Around the fire pit, set back almost to the oval rock wall, there were many mats spread out and areas of possessions gathered about each. The hut looked to fit roughly twenty Na'vi, though at first glance one could assume some of the places were nothing more than storage, as they collected groups of woven baskets and other containers for provisions.

Sitting at the fire a young male Na'vi looked up and smiled to the pair as they entered.

"Ni'awtu of the Omaticaya," Bila'reu said with a gentle urging of the visiting messenger to stand just ahead of him. Presenting her to his fellow clan brother. "This is Alaksi'iawn of the Txampay’awkx. My younger brother and a maker of the sea-going vessels my clan sometimes uses for trade."

The youth, with brightly happy golden eyes, rose and approached Ni'awtu with hands extended in greeting. Approaching her for a traditional light embrace of welcome.

Behind the flames, near the long apex of the oval wall, a female sat atop a mat, working a stone pestle in a rock mortar, and looking at the newcomer with gentle almond shaped eyes (very similar to Bila'reu's) of a color more greenish than yellow. She also smiled but remained seated, watching the events unfolding as she continued to gind the contents within her small tool set. Her long black tresses braided in a similar style as to Alaksi'iawn, and her tail adorned with a cross-thatched leather latticework... a piece of clothing worn by Bila'reu and Alaksi'iawn, so certainly either a clan affectation or part of this families dress style.

Alaksi'iawn.
The female... Iheyu’ong - to be introduced shortly.

[Jai'byrd]

As Ni'awtu was scooted forward by Bila'reu into what she thought was just a hut, her eyes went wide at how roomy it was inside, how it actually went down into the ground. So different from her life spent in the branches of a tree. Before she knew it the sea hunter was introducing her to his family as a younger male walked up.

She smiled and returned the welcoming embrace, "I see you Alaksi'iawn."

Ni'awtu also noticed the other female behind the fire as she stepped in a bit further and nodded to her as Ni'awtu touched her own head in greeting, "Oel ngati kameie tsmuke."

"You have a most beautiful and welcome home Bila'reu."

---

Oel ngati kameie tsmuke = I see you sister

[HorusRe/Bila'reu]

Alaksi'iawn echoed the traditional spoken component to the embrace, his golden eyes beaming as he felt the words as much as he spoke them, seeming to embody the Na'vi essence of seeing her inside and out.

In fact, as was being evidenced by the few members of the Txampay’awkx, that she had met, no one yet had seemed to really even notice her scars. Of course they must have, as obvious as they were, but not a one of this "savage" sea clan had even batted an eye at it and none were dissuade by it.

As Alaksi'iawn backed away Bila'reu gestured to the female on the other side of the fire.

"She is Iheyu’ong, my younger sister, she is a clan healer," Bila'reu said as he continued the introduction.

Iheyu’ong set down her grinding tools, gently raised both of her hands to touch the center of her forehead, and lowered them softly as she spoke.

"I see you sister."

Alaksi'iawn returned to the fire and Bila'reu slid up beside Ni'awtu.

"Ni'awtu is the 'upxareil for her clan," he informed his siblings. "She is waiting for the late-hunt to return so that she may deliver her message to Sempul'tsyal. I offered her lodging so that she can wait out the storm."

He then turned his head to look over at Ni'awtu.

"The hut was built by our third father, after the Great Low Mother Season Storm swept away the huts of the clan that year. My family, the Churning Waters, have lived here ever sense."

[Nayunva]

Zayna had been able to see the approaching storm from a distance. It was easily massive enough to be seen from where she had been collecting a few herbs, out in the valley behind where their clan resided. Her blue and teal colored Ikran, Tahni (meaning star), had been standing next to Zayna, patiently waiting. At sight of the storm, she let out a low chirp, as though to notify Zayna of the storm. "I see, I see." She said to the Ikran, patting her on the neck. Normally she would be out hunting now, but the Tsahik had said they were running low on supplies. So here Zayna was.

She gathered a few more things before turning her complete attention to the Ikran. "Alright, let's get out of here." She made tsaheylu with the Ikran and swiftly climbed aboard the Ikran's back. She wouldn't have worried about getting back before the storm, if it looked as though it was only going to be a rain shower. However, the clouds were sporting flashes every few seconds, not exactly something she wanted to be flying in.

She quickly urged the Ikran into flight, and she complied, launching into the air, and steadying herself out by flapping her wings. The wind was coming off hard from the sea, but it wasn't something they had issue with. They were used to strong winds coming off the sea every day. It took them a little while to get back to the village. It had already begun raining when her Ikran landed on a perch, wings flapping. Zayna slid gracefully off the Ikrans back, disconnecting herself from the Ikran as she did so. She patted Tahni on the neck before the Ikran took flight again, heading for the small caves on the side of the cliff.

Zayna glanced at the Sky. There was still some light left, so the Olo'eyktan had probably yet to return from the late hunt. She flicked her ears briefly, before turning and walking into the secluded village. Once inside, several members of the clan touched their hands to their foreheads, greeting her. One member, a young hunter, walked up to her. "A visitor arrived from another clan." He reported simply. Zayna nodded, and twitched her tail at the news. "Thank you. Do you know if they were offered a place to stay?"
She hoped that one of the people in her clan had been kind enough to offer her their home for the night. Regardless if they were Tultxayo or Omaticaya, they wouldn't have an easy way of getting back through this storm. The hunter nodded and pointed toward the Churning Waters hut. She nodded again, before walking toward where the Tsahik lived. She delivered the herbs and exchanged a few words with the Tsahik, who suggested she go introduce herself to the newcomer.

Zayna, as prospective Tsahik, understood the reasoning. The Txampay'awkx were known for their roughness, but also for their willingness to accept visitors from other clans. It made sense she should go introduce herself, as the Olo'eyktan was not back yet, and the Tsahik was ready to enjoy her meal. She was older, now, and less willing to move about these days.

She made her way back toward the Churning Waters hut, now noticing a slight increase in the rainfall. She was grateful she decided to come back sooner rather than later. As she reached the hut, she paused, not wanting to be rude and barge in. Instead, she stuck her head inside just slightly so that her voice may be heard. "May I come in?"

[Jai'byrd]

"Its so different from where we stay in the jungle. I don't know if any of you have ever visited the Omaticaya, but we live up in the trees. This is so cozy and welcoming in here, and is obviously very well built," Ni'awtu nodded as she continued to look around and smiled at the family that lived here.

She didn't dare try to imply her Clan's ways were better, because they weren't, they were just different. Each Clan had adapted to different ways of living in their respective territories so that they live with the land, as was the way of Eywa. Thus, to her it was very interesting to be allowed to see how the Txampay'awkx lived, just as she had seen how the Tultxayo lived in their portable tents as they moved around the plains.

"May I come in?" a new voice, startled Ni'awtu out of her thoughts as she looked back to the entrance of the family home.

The Omaticaya female said nothing as it wasn't her house to welcome or deny anyone, thus she waited for Bila'reu to speak...

[HorusRe/Bila'reu]

Young, bright Alaksi’iawn continued to smoke the fish fillets, but otherwise seemed fascinated with the explanation of the foreigner. Iheyu’ong returned to her work but maintained a polite attention as well.

Bila'reu slid past Ni'awtu and set his pair of daggers aside a mattress of dried reeds and flax, then stepped to stand beside the fire and warm himself from the chill of the combination of sea spray and gentle rain. He inhaled deeply of the delicate aroma that floated up from the flavorful meal hanging well above the flames.

Then steps, light and just outside the tent flap, and then the head of the next Tsahik preceded her voice. The Txampay’awkx within the family hut seemed to immediately shift to an attentive posture. They all know who this was, what she would become, and felt it an obligation to give her the reverence she was due. They didn't snap to attention, nor did they prostrate themselves, but the shift in their posture and behavior was notable and immediate.

Bila'reu was the most profoundly effected. Zayna was attractive, and (more than that) exotic, in ways that served to stir the heart of many a young warrior. Her dress was specific and reserved for those of high station among his clan, as it lacked the same rugged functionality clothing required when surviving the rigors of a life near the sea. She was well known to be the successor of the current Tsahik, and that in itself made her desirable, for to become her mate would secure that male the position as the tribal leader. Knife Dancer was not that ambitious, but every warrior fancied himself a leader, thought he would do well with such responsibility, and secretly wished for the opportunity to prove himself worthy.

The Sea Hunter faltered for a moment, collected himself, and then realized he was the eldest of his family in the hut.

"Oh, yes, yes you may!"

He shook his head, the crest of his loose hair dancing about his face softly, to focus himself, and made a welcoming gesture with his hands, in the traditional Na'vi greeting.

He remained where he was, he neither moved nor spoke further, as for clan members of such status it was rude to presume to make introductions. For Ni'awtu it was an opportunity to show her own status, make her own impression. He would introduce her to his family, but not to his leaders. And though Zayna was not there yet he still had to respect that should would be.

((OOC: Iheyu’ong = Spiral Blossom.

Alaksi’iawn = Stay Ready.

and of course...

Bila'reu = Knife Dancer.))