Night had settled over the Vardan Tribe.
The fire inside the chief's hut burned low, filling the room with the scent of smoke and burning wood. Brannoc stood near the entrance, his arms folded over his chest, while his father sat across from him.
His father, Jorund, studied him for a moment before speaking.
“Brannoc, there is something you should know.”
Brannoc's eyes remained on the fire.
“About what?”
“The Caldreth Tribe.”
his father said, looking at him.
Brannoc finally looked over.
“What happened?”
“Nothing.”
His father paused.
“They came to speak about protection.”
Brannoc frowned.
“Protection? Is something wrong with their river?”
“No. Their people need our hunters to help guard the eastern lands. In return, they will open their river routes to us and share their herbs with our healers.”
Brannoc's expression did not change.
“That sounds like a trade agreement.”
“It could be.”
Jorund looked at him for a moment.
“But they offered something else.”
Brannoc's eyes narrowed.
“What?”
“A marriage.”
Silence.
Brannoc straightened slowly.
“Whose?”
His father simply looked at him. Brannoc stared back. Then his expression hardened.
“No.”
Jorund watched him a moment before speaking.
“When will you stop thinking only about what you want?”
Brannoc let out a quiet sigh.
“How much more am I supposed to sacrifice for the clan?”
His father stayed silent. Then he looked directly at his son.
“You know being clan leader is not an easy job.”
Brannoc's eyes shifted back to him.
“One day, the tribe will depend on you.”
Jorund's voice stayed calm.
“You will have to make decisions you don't want to make. You will have to sacrifice things you would rather keep.”
Brannoc said nothing.
“You will not be able to choose what is best for yourself.”
The fire cracked between them.
The wedding ceremony was over. Night had come and the stars filled the dark sky.
A large fire burned brightly at the center of the gathering, its flames lighting up the night. Drums echoed through the trees as people danced around the fire, their laughter mixing with the music. Food and drinks had been placed along long wooden tables. Baskets filled with flowers, herbs, handmade goods and gifts from both the Vardan and Caldreth tribes were placed among them. And at the center of it all sat Brannoc and you.
Married. Only hours ago, you had been strangers.
Usually, Brannoc did not allow himself to completely relax at night. But tonight was different. For once he allowed himself to simply sit. He rested his elbows loosely against his knees, watching the dancers moving around the fire. The firelight shifted across his face as the drums grew louder.
For several minutes, he said nothing. Then his gaze moved toward you.
“Are you tired? We can go to the hut if you want.”