Fatherhood

Skies! He was going to be a father! He and Aponi had created new life during their many practice sessions. He pondered this as he rode his patrol. He'd known his father searched for him, as he had searched for Pop, but now he considered the emotions having your Son taken from you would bring forth. He still could only imagine the pain his father had felt, however the greater understanding renewed the resolve to stand firm, stand honorably, and be a man his father would be proud of.

Claiming a Mate

The drums brought word of Ba'atar's approval, with that news he completed his duties quickly and went to his wagon. The pelts were piled high on the newly constructed sleeping platform, he washed up and changed into fresh leathers, then made his way to the central fire. He waited, passing the time with Silken and Aponi until more Tuchuk gathered, then pushed to his feet and announce his claim of Aponi as his woman. She was lifted to his shoulder and carried to his, now their wagon where the night passed much more sweetly than he'd imagined it could.

A Price Paid

He'd been busy that day, tending to the payment of the price Ba'atar had set for Aponi. He personally had gathered the bosk, examining their health and sending only the best to the Ubar's herds. The fawn kaiila yearling was groomed, the handlers directed to move the beast to the Ubar's holdings. He also sent a small metal disk to the wagons of Ba'atar, a marker of the promise he'd made. The bride rights to his first born daughter were reserved for Ba'atar's sons. More work at the forge was completed after these tasks were complete. As the Sky turned indigo over the plains he moved toward the fires and a good meal.

Home

The grass shimmered in the early morning light, the air held a sweetness that had been missing for nearly a moon. Could it be, could it actually be that they had arrived home. The North Camp, the pastures were rich for the bosk, the stream filled with sweet fresh water. He'd helped get his wagon settled along with those of his father. There were so many details, but the Tribe worked together as one to get the harigga established quickly. Those concentric circles, layers of safety, that can only fully be put into place when the Tuchuk are camped on their lands. Once he had spoken with his commander his own Or was gathered. Carefully they went over the established patrols, and discussed the blood tinged trail found earlier that day. Extra caution would have to be taken, it would be easy to fall into a sense of safety. Life on the Plains was harsh, camped on the trail or at home in the harigga. Ending their discussions on that note, Teng set to the task of setting up the forge, for many repairs would be needed now that they had arrived home. He enjoyed working along side his father, getting to know him as a man instead of a distant memory. He still had many questions, perhaps soon they'd hunt together and he could ask what he needed to know.