Shadow

Raedwulf Dolph

We end up not making it to Dunrin by nightfall. Not with the slow pace Danal was putting us at. He resisted the whole way and when I finally exploded and told him to turn back, he went quiet and the ride continued. I knew he would never leave my side, he’s too good of a Viker to do that. He continued with us, not speaking again for fear of upsetting me more.

Now we make camp. Rikki has set us up under a large ash tree. Plenty of branches had fallen for a fire and the nearby river provided dinner. As Danal and Rikki roasted fish, I grabbed Idonia’s arm. She had huddled herself under the tree, covering her body in a fur cloak.

As she stands to meet me, I notice the pendant around her next. It was my family’s crest. I know she had said she would wear it, but I didn’t think she’d bring it with her. It was the only jewelry she wore, the rest being left at her homestead for the hunt.

“Yes?” she speaks, her lips forming into the slightest smirk as she notices where my gaze is.

“You are wearing it,” I state as I near her and take my seat beside my mate.

“I told you I would,” she shrugs and brings her cloak closer to her body. Idonia gave me back the one I presented to her, knowing I would need it in the northern lands. It was already rigidly cold in Theris, going further north would show a continued drop in temperature.

“Have you ever been to Bethlianna?”

“No, I’ve never left Theris,” my mate states. I watch her watching both my Viker cook and tend to the fire. I had growled at them both to give us some time. This trip is more than just killing a shadowbeast, I plan to have my mate fall in love with me on the road. Danal and Rikki both promised to leave us alone as much as possible.

She shivers once more, so I unhook my cloak and once again drap it over her. This time on her lap, since her shoulders were covered by her own bearskin.

“I’m not cold, you should keep you cloak,” Idonia starts moves to hand me back my garment, but I stop her. My hand landing on her to prevent any movement.

“You were shivering. Keep it for now.”

“Don’t be stupid,” she removes my cloak and gives it back to me. “You’ll freeze.”

After returning the garment, she stands and walks over to the horses. All four have been watered and are now grazing, but still, she looks over everyone. Checking their legs first, then backs and necks. She takes her time over each one, looking over every groove and speckled spot. She notices things other do not, I have come to learn. She is very intelligent, but not often outspoken. Like many Aeral’s daughters, she was raised to sit quietly and observe. Though she didn’t take this time to mindlessly watch, she learned.

Idonia knew more than anyone believed would come from her. She’s is skilled in the art of killing because she first mastered the art of watching. Learning from one’s opponents is the main attribute of a good fighter, a good Viker, and a strong mate.

After she finishes examining all of our horses, she moves to her own. With her horse, she is more caring, gentle, and meticulous. I stand and go over to the horses as well. My stallion nudges me so I grab his neck and rub him.

“He is a fine horse,” Idonia states as she checks all four ankles of her mare.

“I’ve had him since he was a yearling,” I tell her as I brush my large hands through his mane. “My uncle told me that the best Viker takes time to create perfection. He said that the great Khannun Dellingr trained his own horse, forged his own steel, and killed shadowbeasts during the dark season in the north.”

“I know if Khannun Dellingr, Father always admired him and used many of his principles to teach us,” she stood to her full height and brushed out her skirt. “To be a true warrior, a true protector of the people, you must first be a protector of your body and discipline it as you would an infant child.” She quotes my great-great-great-grandfather with a contemplative look. While the Khannun was known for his victories in battle, both against lycan and shadowbeast, he left behind a legacy of journals.

“And in all of my years of travel and victory, nothing compares to the arms of a mate and the laughter of my pups,” I quote back to her. While many of his journals were public, there was one that never was widely published and that was the one he left for his kin. For every Khannun after him to read and learn from.

“I don’t remember that one.”

“It was one kept private for the Dolph family. It is kept in the family library, which you will have access to as Khanelea.”

“You know I haven’t accepted you yet, maybe publicly I did when we met. But not--”

“In your heart,” I finish for her, taking a step toward her mare. “But in many ways, you have.”

“Really?” She asks and I nod. “How?”

“You came with me on this journey. Now,” I put up a finger, which drew her attention to the digit. “You either came with me to see me kill this shadowbeast for yourself or you came to protect me.” To end off, I smirk at her. When she looks down at the ground, showing me her dark hair, I use the same finger to lift her chin.

“Why do you think I came?”

“I would like to thinks it’s because you care.” As I stare into them, her deep blue eyes soften. Her usual blank expression lightens and, to my amused surprise, she leans into my touch.

“I do care, on some level. I would also not like to be blamed for your death.” I chuckle and she lets out her own sounds of amusement. “This is important, killing a shadowbeast will earn you the respect of many.”

“And hopefully the love of my mate,” I remove my hand from her chin.

“Yes, well,” Idonia steps back cautiously and places her hand on the mare’s back. The speckled brown and white horse whinnies, drawing more of my mate’s attention.

“Dinner’s ready!” Rikki yells. Quickly and almost silently, Idonia leaves the horses and makes her way to the fire. There Danal gives her a water canteen and Rikki serves her fish. I watch as both Vikers, strong warriors, fuss over the Khanelea. Their instincts, their beasts, recognize her as their ruler and future Khanea. Those same drives also long for her praise and approval. She is a powerful lycan, that can be told by looking at her. My mate will be a fierce Khanea and caring leader.

I know I couldn’t ask for a better mate. Just these past few days have made me fall for her. Now I just need her to feel the same way.