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.