The Stranger
Zihna glided smoothly above the long, waving grass one morning. She was just past her cubhood. Strong, healthy, and full of life. Like many of her clan, she rarely took to the air, but today there was a warm sun and the wind was irresistible. As all kurach know, when the wind calls, it must be answered.
Down below the usual denizens of the prairie went about their lives. Grazing antelope, colorful pheasants, bounding jackrabbits, and countless little other rodents. Far in the distance she could see the great shapes of the bison. Or so she thought. She squinted against the sun. There was something odd about the bison. With a flick of her wings, she changed course to investigate the herd.
The gently rolling hills fell and rose before her as she gained ground. As she neared the herd, she noticed one off to itself. It was struggling to walk. Concerned, Zihna cupped her wings around herself to break her speed, extended a pointed foot forward, and landed with a graceful skip.
Zihna's ears went askew as she saw what she had thought was one of the bison. He had no horns! What bison did not have horns? His throat was exposed and not covered by the curly mane like the back of his neck. And that tail was so very long... Shaking her head, she ignored his abnormalities for a moment to properly assess the problem of his mobility.
The animal laid himself down and groaned. The sunlight glistened off the water on his hair. Zihna approached him slowly, making low, soothing sounds. The scent of his blood hung heavy in the air. The animal snorted, but made little effort to avoid her. She placed a hand gently on his tall back. Zihna was not very tall herself, but the beast's was, and even when laying on the ground his back easily was the height of her ribs. She circled him slowly, keeping her hand to her back, and talking to him.
"My friend, I do believe you have had a dance with the rivercat," Zihna chuckled. "You are very lucky."
The beast's body was covered with gashes and bite marks.
"Lucky for you, strange one, you have the thick hide of the bison." She withdrew her hand when she brought herself back to his field of vision. "You'll live, so long as another long-toothed thing doesn't come along. Well, other than me," Zihna giggled, baring her fangs. "Now let's see about those scratches."
A little ways away, Jakko bounded forward, giving excited yips as he tracked the missing urych. His owner was close behind riding his horse. As the party topped a hill, Dai gazed out where the river wound its way through the plains. Sure enough, there was the missing bull. Beside him was a large, winged creature. At first, he thought his bull had been taken by the biggest hawk he had ever seen.
"Ho, Sage," Dai slowed the horse and readied his bow.
Before Zihna could begin to clean up the injured thing, she heard many somebodies approaching. She whipped her head in the direction of the footsteps to see a dog, a horse, and she nearly recoiled when she saw what was astride the horse. A man! She growled. Zihna drew herself up to her full height, half-flared her wings to frame her body, and prepared to meet him. Every year when her people travelled the plains to winter in the forest, they had to pass by a city of men, and tales were told of how some of the men would hunt her people for sport. Or malice, as in the case of her parents the past winter. Normally her people would change their shape to appear as men so as to not attract attention, but this man had already seen her in her true form and it was too late to change that now. She did not know to what extent those tales were true and she hoped she wouldn't find out now as he stringed his bow. Some small part of her even hoped he would prove malignant so she could exact some revenge against him for the loss of her parents.
Jakko, seemingly ever oblivious to danger, bounced over to Zihna and started sniffing her knees. He wagged his tail and circled the Uyrch. Jakko made short dashes between Dai and Zihna, quite excited over having found the urych and a new friend.
Zihna stood her ground, unflinching, as the man made his way slowly to her.
"It is dishonorable to hunt the weak. There are many strong, healthy bulls over that hill," Zihna said defiantly. "This one needs rest."
Dai looked a bit puzzled. "I'm not going to hunt him. He is one of my herd and I was trying to find him."
"Your herd?" Now Zihna was puzzled. "How could you own a bison?"
"They're not precisely bison," Dai said as he dismounted. "They're half-bison. My grandfather bred them with oxen for food and work. When he passed on, my father watched over them, and when he passed the herd became my responsiblity. This is a breeding herd. Calves grow up here on the prairie to become strong before they are eaten or harnessed to a plow or wagon."
Zihna wasn't sure what to make of him. Like the urych, he was bigger than she was and nearly a full head and neck taller. That was intimidating enough! He wasn't acting threatening, but he hadn't put his bow away yet. Dai noticed she was watching his bow and he couldn't help but notice her sharp claws.
"Ma'am, I believe we are at an impasse. I will put my weapon away and promise not to harm you if you promise the same. My people tell tales of winged demons here on the plains and I have no doubt yours have similar tales of mine."
Zihna nodded. "Indeed, we do." Zihna's gaze was hard, but she relaxed her wings and cupped them at rest beside her. Dai put away his bow and arrows. Zihna still stood at guard near the injured urych.
"Would you like to help me see to him?" Dai asked.
Zihna nodded again. She was concerned for the beast and she was curious about this dangerous man she had heard rumors about.
Working together, Dai and Zihna brought water to the urych and cleaned his injuries. They gathered grasses for him to eat. That evening, Zihna bade him farewell and returned to her clan.
The following morning, Dai was surprised to see Zihna come gliding in with a bag.
"Medicine!" Zihna said. She withdrew from her bag a pouch full of a crushed herb, a bowl, and waterskin. Zihna made a bitter-smelling paste and rubbed it onto the urych. "We use this on our horses and ourselves. It soothes the burn and helps mend the meat."
Dai smiled. Over the next two weeks, Zihna spent the day with Dai and the injured urych. They questioned each other of their people and culture, and shared horror stories they had heard about the other. They laughed at jokes and Jakko's antics.
"You are not what I expected," Dai commented as they watched their injured urych graze with the herd.
"Did you expect me to fall like death from the sky and devour your bones?" Zihna grinned. "And display your head as my trophy?"
"Perhaps. But I suppose you also thought I would skin you and wear your feathers for a cloak."
"Or shoot me through the heart just for being nearby. 'Tis sad such things have happened before," Zihna said cryptically. She hadn't told him yet of her parents. "You don't look very tasty to me."
"Your wings are very pretty," Dai looked at her feathers. "But they look better on you. They would look silly on me."
Zihna blushed. "The bull is well. I should think he doesn't need our care anymore." She was a bit fond of this earthbound creature and couldn't immediately think of an excuse to come back.
"Aye. I guess you'll be returning to your people soon," Dai said quietly. "I think I should like to meet them someday."
"Some are a bit curious about you as well," Zihna said slyly. "They're not that far away. Can the herd take care of themselves for a few hours?"
Dai grinned. "They have in the past."
Zihna rose to her feet and flared her wings. "I warn you, last autumn we suffered losses due to Wynfall. They may not be that accepting."
"I understand. Would you like to ride with me?" Dai offered as he placed a blanket on Sage's back.
Zihna nodded. Dai watched curiously as she closed her eyes and clasped her hands. A golden glow formed around her and quite to his surprise her wings seemed to melt away and her ears reformed into ears like his own.
"I wondered how you performed that trick," Dai gulped.
"Magic may be a bit rare in your society, but it is fairly common in mine," Zihna laughed. "Besides, we had to think of something. Your soldiers of Wynfall developed quite a reputation with some of my ancestors following the Great War. Now, up on your horse and I shall follow."
Dai shrugged. Normally a gentleman would let a lady mount first, but she was not a normal lady. He pulled himself up on Sage. Zihna leapt and slid up behind him, placing her hands on his hips to help keep her balance. Dai nudged Sage into a slow trot and Zihna guided him to her village.
In the distance a thin trail of smoke snaked its way to the sky from a collection of conical structures. Zihna asked Dai to stop. She slid off of Sage, transformed back to her natural form, and told him she would fly ahead to tell them of his coming. Zihna took to the air and Dai waited.
Zihna landed in the village and sought out her brothers. If any were to object to Dai's arrival, it would be her brothers and she needed their support more than Dai's friendship. She soon found Anoki tending to his infant. Zihna hesitated when she saw a fresh trickle of blood on his back. The females of her clan grew two feathers at the shoulders and the males grew three. Anoki's mate had been shot along with their parents a few months past on the way from the forest back to the plains. He had grieved her loss heavily and began plucking the longest of his shoulder feathers to honor her memory. Apparently he had just plucked the next pair trying to come in.
"Anoki?" Zihna called softly.
Anoki turned his head. "Hey, Zihna," he smiled. "What do you need?"
"I have a friend coming. We've been meeting for a few weeks and I... just wanted you to know first," Zihna said.
Anoki flattened his ears back. His scowl was all Zihna needed to know he didn't approve.
"I promise he's not like those of Wynfall," Zihna started.
Anoki gave a low growl and his eyes flashed dangerously. "All men are alike, Zihna. It's just a matter of time before he does the same."
"I will leave you," Zihna nodded and sought out her younger brother. Anoki's pain was still too fresh. Thankfully, there had been another nursing mother in the village who had helped feed his son. Zihna sighed sadly. She missed her mother terribly, but couldn't imagine little Kadin growing up without his mother. She had done her best to tend to him, but none could really replace Tashina.
Before long, she found Eru playing with another of the clan's cubs. He was still a cub himself, barely seven years old. Another she had taken to raising after last autumn's attack.
"Eru, you know my friend I've been seeing the past few weeks?" Zihna began harmlessly.
"Yeah?" Eru halted mid-stride. "What about 'im?"
"He is nearby and would like to meet some of the clan. Do you want to meet him?"
Eru paused. His ears went askew and he cocked his head to the side as he thought. "What does Anoki say?"
"He doesn't want to meet him. But I promise he's not like the ones that shot our parents."
"I don't know Zihna... Not now," Eru's ears drooped, "maybe later." After a long, silent gaze he returned to his game with Bara.
Zihna couldn't blame her family. Two weeks ago, she was spoiling for a fight. They would feel the same until they had a chance to get to know her new friend. She decided to talk to the shaman a moment before returning to Dai. Zihna found the elderly Kurach sitting outside his tipi and hanging herbs to dry.
"Shaman Onami?" Zihna asked.
"Yes, Zihna?" Shaman Onami smiled kindly.
"Ah, I have a bit of a dilemma," Zihna sat beside him.
"Your new friend isn't what your brothers hoped for?" Onami asked.
"Pretty much," Zihna sighed. "I know Eru needs more time, but I don't know about Anoki. He's still so very bitter."
"Anoki must come to terms with his loss on his own. Some things are more difficult for others to recover from."
"Would you like to meet my friend?" Zihna's ears perked forward as the thought came to her.
"I suppose I could," Onami nodded.
Zihna's face lit up with a broad grin. "Thank you, Shaman! He was wanting to meet some of my clan and I wasn't sure who to ask other than my brothers." Zihna stood and stretched her wings as Shaman Onami took his staff.
"But why are you so determined to bring him here?" he asked.
Zihna stopped. She wasn't sure by this point and had mixed feelings. "He really is a nice person... But I must admit I hope to learn more about his people."
"For what purpose? Vengeance?"
Now Zihna fell silent and avoided his gaze.
"Nothing good comes from revenge this much later, cub," Onami said gently. "I will meet your friend, but it is to be for just that. A friend."
Shaman Onami followed Zihna out of the village to where Dai was still waiting patiently. Dai rose to his feet when he saw Zihna returning.
"Dai, this is Onami. He is our shaman. He talks to the spirits on behalf of our village," Zihna said as she introduced the two. "He's something like a father figure to all of the clan."
"Greetings," Dai bowed to Onami.
Onami nodded to him. "Hello, friend of Zihna."
"I was hoping to meet some of her family, but it has been mentioned that may not be wise at this time," Dai smiled nervously.
"No, it would not. Anoki is still very hurt from the loss of his mate. He would likely attack you," Onami said bluntly. "Tell me, lad, what business have you with one of my clan?"
"Not much, really. Zihna came across one of the urych that had been injured by a rivercat and she helped me nurse it back to health. We became friends after a while," Dai answered. "I've heard tales of your kind, but never met any of you before."
"What kind of tales?" Onami eyed him shrewdly.
"None flattering, I can assure you," Dai laughed nervously. "Mostly based off the Great War, I think. I can't in my memory tell of when a Kurach attacked a man."
"Sadly, I cannot say the same in regards to men attacking Kurach," Onami said flatly. "While our migration back from the forest a few months ago was our most recent, we have lost others in my time as shaman. The soldiers and hunters of Wynfall are cruel and unforgiving. We try to avoid them, try not to draw their anger, and they show us no mercy when we're discovered."
"I truly am sorry for that. I wish I knew a way to make it up to your clan, but my family doesn't carry much influence in Wynfall."
Onami nodded. "I do not blame you personally, lad. You don't strike me as the kind to harm our clan, or hunt for sport." He turned to Zihna. "Give us a moment, please."
Zihna nodded and returned to the village.
"Now lad, what business do you really have with our Zihna?" Onami asked. "She's a good pup. Comes from a good family. She has two brothers and a nephew who depend on her now that so many important members of their family is gone. She cannot leave them."
"Honestly, I'm not sure. I know I don't intend to separate her from her clan. I certainly don't want her near Wynfall, even if she can change her shape," Dai scratched the back of his head.
"Ah, so you know of the Shuht-Hirf, eh?" Onami nodded. "It would be best if this was not mentioned when you return to your people."
"I wouldn't dare," Dai shuddered. He never spent much time in Wynfall. He had spent most of his years out on the prairie with his father and grandfather. Dai could never wait to get back on the plains, away from the city. "What could I do to prove to Zihna's family I'm not like the others from Wynfall?"
"For Anoki, I fear there is very little to be done. There may still be hope for Eru, and for little Kadin if Anoki's hatred doesn't poison his heart. Just give them time. Return to your herd tonight, I will say farewell to Zihna for you," Onami tapped his staff on the ground. "And Dai, should you make up your mind about what you intend with Zihna, know now you must pass the same tests as the others who seek her company."
Dai nodded and mounted Sage. "I hope to be back again. It does get a bit lonely out here."
Shaman Onami watched Dai ride off to his herd. He was no threat to the clan. The problem lay in any feelings he had for Zihna. Onami knew much about the Great War. It began in harmless affection between the man and Kurach, and would have remained harmless had it not been for those who believed their line was becoming soiled through their unions. Insults were traded, honor was defended, before long lovers were slain, and then avenged in a cascading vengeance during a long, bloody war between the two warring peoples. By its end, the once nomadic Sylvan Kurach no longer left their forests and hid fearfully in its branches, and men were nervous of passing shadows. The aftermath had been nearly as devastating as the war itself. Onami shook his head. He would have to monitor this friendship closely to try and prevent a new battle taking place in the village. Onami made his way slowly back, pondering Zihna's new friend and her situation.
Growing Friendship
In the following months, Zihna would fly out every few days to visit Dai and his herd. Dai had changed his usual course with the urych and stayed within a day's flight of the nomadic Kurach as they followed the bison they enjoyed hunting.
One night, Zihna did not fly back to her clan as Dai thought she would. The moon had risen early that evening and the moonbeams glistened off of Zihna's wings.
"Autumn is coming. We will soon have to leave for the forest," Zihna stated.
"And I to the city," Dai nodded. They sat there in silence for a few moments.
"I am curious about this city of yours," Zihna continued at length.
"It has lots of people," Dai said blandly. "Certainly not as beautiful as the forest."
"Would you rather I go to the forest then?" Zihna asked dangerously.
"It might be safer," Dai stuttered and looked away. "There are rushing coaches and wagons. Easy to get hurt. I would hate to have to keep you without wings for so long too."
"Should that not be my decision? I have to go without wings for quite some time on the way past Wynfall anyway," Zihna said primly.
"I guess if you wished to come with me I could find a place for you to stay then," Dai said nervously as he scratched the back of his head.
"Your mother would not object to you showing up with a strange female you are unwed to?" Zihna asked mischievously.
"Um, well, she might..." Dai sputtered as he was taken aback. "What are you getting at?" He asked bluntly.
"You're right, perhaps two seasons is too short a time. And perhaps I may have chosen someone else by next summer. Goodnight, then," Zihna said curtly and stood to stretch her wings.
"Wait, chose another?" Dai got to his feet quickly.
"Goodnight," Zihna said firmly, and flew back to her village.
Several days passed and Dai began to worry that he had somehow offended her. He played their conversation over and over through his mind. Was he supposed to have invited her to Wynfall? Where lived those that had killed so many of her village? He was quite confused. Two weeks went by. Dai was starting to wonder if he should leave for Wynfall without a proper farewell and he didn't feel he should just walk into their village. The weather was getting colder and soon he would have to leave with his herd. He heard the sound of footfalls behind him and turned quickly to meet them. To his surpise, it was not Zihna, but a very young cub.
"Um...?" the cub started, unsure of himself. "I'm Eru. Zihna's youngest brother."
"Nice to meet you, Eru," Dai nodded. "What brings you out here?"
"A whole lot of awkward stuff I don't really understand, but Anoki won't do it and Zihna's unhappy," Eru said flatly. "I think she likes you."
"I kind of like her too," Dai said with a sigh. "But I haven't seen her in some time. Is she alright?"
"No," Eru plopped down on the ground. "I think she really likes you."
"Oh? Oh..." Dai sat down as it dawned on him. He had been taught a good bit about handling cattle, but very little about romance, much less such a subject concerning half-human creatures. "I didn't think that was allowed."
"I wouldn't know. I went asking around the village for advice, and I don't think they'd be all that opposed to you," Eru shrugged. "If you wanted to, anyway."
"I wouldn't even know where to begin, honestly," Dai said sheepishly. "I won't deny it hasn't crossed my mind. Most of the girls back in Wynfall don't have the patience for a man gone most of the year, or would want to come out here with me."
"Under normal circumstances, you'd go visit her mother and arrange a proper courtship. But seeing as how she got shot down last winter, and with Papi gone, and no sisters, it falls to Anoki as the oldest brother. And Anoki hates you," Eru said.
"Wait, Zihna lost her parents last year?" Dai asked.
"She didn't tell you?" Eru asked, very puzzled. "Well, she did. We lost our parents, and Anoki lost his mate too. Just a few moons ago, actually. Been so tore up about it he won't even consider taking on another."
"I'm very sorry," Dai said softly. "I didn't know."
"So, do you still wanna?" Eru asked as he looked over at Dai. "It might take a while."
"How so?" Dai asked curiously.
"Well, normally, the mommas talk to each other and let you know if you can be together," Eru warned. Dai was already mildly concerned. "And you gotta have a lotta horses. Either you're a good breeder, or you win them in battle against other Kurach. It took Anoki five years to get them all up. Given our history with mankind, you have all the more pressure to prove you can fight and protect her."
"Goodness gracious," Dai mumbled.
"It'd mean an awful lot to her if you could," Eru said at length. "It's very important that a girl never goes off alone anywhere with a guy, and she's spent so much time with you, they're saying nasty things about her. Even if you aren't one of us."
"I beg your pardon?" Dai asked, flabbergasted.
"It pretty much started after that first day, so it's not your fault. That's just how it fell," Eru shrugged. "It's also fairly unheard of for a dam to keep seeking out a guy her family disproves of, so you must be really something."
Dai blushed deeply and was grateful for the dark of the night.
"So how does it work where you come from?" Eru asked casually.
"Through the fathers, actually. They decided how much the exchange was. Livestock, land, jewelry, and the like. Usually it is they who decides who marries who without much input from the couple," Dai said slowly. "Sometimes the betrothed don't even meet until the ceremony."
"Harsh," Eru nodded. "So I guess by normal way of things, you two would have never settled with anybody."
"Most likely not," Dai shrugged. "Not unless some uncles on my behalf, and I guess aunts on behalf of Zihna, decided to take over things."
"Adult life seems unnecessarily complicated," Eru frowned.
"Why else do you think I'm out here on the plains alone most of the time?" Dai chuckled. "So, just as friends, how could I go about seeing her to tell her goodbye? I do need to get the cattle back to Wynfall soon."
"She'll need a chaperone," Eru replied. "Again, things are very different under normal circumstances. Guys and girls are never allowed to interact without a chaperone of some sort nearby."
"Then either she comes out with an escort, or I go to her where the whole village can see it's innocent," Dai said thoughtfully. He smiled warmly at Eru. "Well, it was nice to meet you, Eru. It's getting late and I'm sure you need your rest as much as I do."
"I'd love to go to bed," Eru said tiredly. He nodded to Dai, and took flight back to the village. Dai sat out on the grassy hill for a little while longer, thinking long and hard about what his next action should be.
Parting Ways
Zihna was helping her friend, Neha, tan a hide early one morning as Neha's daughter Rajé played nearby.
"Why don't you give Delsin another chance?" Neha asked. "He comes from a good family. We'll be seeing him again when we return to the Nyre this winter."
"His auntie was not keen on him wedding an orphan," Zihna said bitterly. "As if having just lost my parents wasn't bad enough, it was already being thrown back in my face."
"She isn't known for being very nice," Neha offered.
"But you don't just marry the one, you marry the family," Zihna reminded her. "And if you can't get along with the in-laws, it's doomed from the start. Maybe I should just become a healer or something. We could always use more of them."
"I guess so," Neha responded slowly. "Maybe you'll find somebody. I think you'd be a great mother. You seem to be doing well for little Kadin and Eru."
The sound of heavy hoofbeats could be heard approaching. Neha stood up, alarmed. "What kind horse could that be?"
Zihna jumped up quickly beside her and looked around expectantly. "It is called a 'clydesdale'," Zihna stated excitedly.
Sage was certainly turning heads. Most of the little pintos stood at twelve hands and the mustangs at fourteen, and Sage towered over them at eighteen hands. With the air starting to cool, he was feeling frisky, and held his head and tail up high as he trotted through the village. Behind him on a lead were a young heifer and bullock plodding along as quickly as they could. Jakko was just behind them, ready to guide them back to Dai if they tried to stray.
"Zihna?" Dai called tentatively. Even though the village was aware he was nearby, none really expected him to come boldly riding in, and he was getting some stern looks.
Zihna cleared her throat and held her head high. "Yes, Dai?" she asked him calmly.
Sage instinctively turned toward her and stopped in front of her and Neha. Dai dismounted and came to stand by Sage's head. Jakko trotted up and sat down by his master, tongue lolling out the side of his mouth despite the frosty morning.
"I only have the one horse, but I own fifteen herds of urych cattle whose numbers totals in the thousands, and I've upheld my forefather's breeding of them, but at the end of the day, I'm just a simpler herdsmen. I don't know much about politics or social graces and I've probably forgotten nearly all I learned in school, I've never been in a real fight a day in my life outside of predators, and I don't know what all has happened between our people, but I do know I'd like to be your friend, if you'll let me," Dai said quickly as he subconsciously stroked Sage's nose.
Zihna nonchalantly looked to the ground beside her as she considered his words. "A friend?" Neha gave Dai a firm look and nodded her head once toward Zihna.
"Perhaps something more, some day. I don't know how it'll work out because traditionally both of our families have a lot of rules on how that's supposed to work, but I'm sure we'd figure something out," Dai said and felt himself flush again.
"I was starting to wonder if I would have to beat it out of you," Zihna said coyly. "Alright, I consent."
Dai breathed a sigh of relief. "I was starting to worry I had offended you in some way."
"You certainly do need a little help with your social graces. It's alright, I will work on them," Zihna nodded.
"So, um, where do we go from here?" Dai asked nervously. There were many spectators watching the strange, wingless monster from the city chat up one of their orphaned clanmates. "I really do have to take the urych back soon, and there are a lot of herds to oversee."
"I suppose we'll just have to pick up where we left off when you return," Zihna stated. "After all, it would not be proper for me to accompany you alone to your city."
"How will I find you?" Dai asked.
"Don't worry, I will find you," Zihna grinned.
"I think a gift was mentioned?" Dai said sheepishly. He untied the lead of the heifer from his saddle and held it out to her. "I'm not sure who's supposed to give this to whom, but you're supposed to have it in the end, so here you go."
Zihna took the rope and gently tugged the urych over to her. "Thank you. I accept."
"They're from this spring's calves. They're strong, healthy, and either you can eat them over the winter or raise them up to breed next year," Dai said, feeling much more comfortable talking about cattle. "The urych are pretty hardy. It should be as easy to keep them in the Nyre as out here on the prairie. Even at their age, they should be nearly as strong as my horse, so you could use them to carry your tipi."
"Thank you," Zihna said warmly, smiling softly. "It means a lot."
"So, next spring then?" Dai asked sheepishly.
"It's a date," Zihna nodded.
"What about Anoki?"
"Let me worry about Anoki," Zihna said quietly.
"Could I talk to him? Perhaps it would help," Dai offered.
"Do you have a death wish?" Zihna asked flatly.
"Not particularly, but I don't feel right having had to do most of the discussions with Eru," Dai said. "He's still a lad. He shouldn't have to worry about such things."
"Make sure you're easy to find next spring then, and you can have your discussion with Anoki," Zihna replied. "Run along now, I think we've been stared at enough."
Dai nodded fervently and mounted Sage. He looked back to Zihna and smiled fondly at her before giving Sage a gentle kick. Sage tossed his head and went off quickly, still feeling frisky in the chilly morning air, with Jakko running ahead.
"Cattle, then," Neha said as she looked over the urych. "Thousands of them! Where will you keep such large beasts? These things are young and already larger than the ponies! Imagine having thousands here?"
"I'm not sure," Zihna shrugged and patted one on the head. To her relief, the onlookers were starting to return to their daily activities.
"So what do you plan to do about Anoki? It is not wise to disobey a sibling's wishes," Neha asked worriedly.
"I will just have to talk him past his emotions to see sense," Zihna said coldly. "Most marriages happen because of a strategic advantage in some way. To have one of the Heyen in that city, to watch and learn them, would be beneficial to us all. Who better for that than an orphan? Besides, he belongs to his wife's parents now. I do believe Eru has more say than he at this point."
"You scare me sometimes," Neha said quietly with a shudder. "Perhaps it is not that Anoki should care less, but you who should care more."
Zihna shrugged and began to lead the young urych back to her tipi.
"What are these?" Anoki demanded. It was hard not to notice the giant horse and buffalo that had been paraded through, and Anoki was not keen on where they were lead.
"Gifts," Zihna said cheerily.
"They're from him, aren't they?" Anoki growled.
"Of course they are. Who else would have access to such strange buffalo?" Zihna answered.
"Mother, Father, and Tashina, Zihna! It hasn't even been a year!" Anoki screamed. "How could you even consider that wingless, pale-faced devil?" Kadin became frightened and started to cry. Zihna picked him up and made shushing noises.
"For starters, he is not a soldier or hunter. He's not even a gatherer. He's a shepherd. He follows cattle around, nurses them back to health when they're injured, and fights with predators like the rivercat. I have seen it! Even you avoid the rivercats. Dai is quite prepared and capable of protecting me," Zihna said firmly as she rocked the baby. "Also, by being able to get inside that city safely, I can learn about them, and help us prepare against future attacks."
"War is not your place," Anoki hissed. "You should stay here, where it is safe, far away from those monsters."
"How safe are we, Anoki? How long has it been since the last hunting party? Since we found the bodies in the grass with their wings or tails removed?" Zihna countered. "I do not want to find your bodies there someday. If I am in a position to help, then that is what I'll do. The point of tradition is to keep our people safe, and should it instead put us in further harm's way, then it's time to change part of tradition."
"Need I remind you of how we came to be hunted in the first place? It was from Kurach and Man mixing!" Anoki said, exasperated. "We did change tradition once, and it was to avoid those creatures more thoroughly!" He paused and looked very worried. "Don't do this to me, Zihna. I can't lose any more of my family..."
Kadin had fallen back to sleep and Zihna laid him down gently into his cradle. She walked back to her brother and took his hands in hers. "You will not lose me, brother. After all, it was nearly I who lost you if I hadn't pulled you away that day."
Anoki closed his eyes and bowed his head as he sat down on the ground. Zihna knelt in front of him and tucked a stray lock of hair behind his ear.
"All will be well. You'll see," she said softly and kissed the top of his head. "Come now, let's get ready for the festival. I'll make supper and then we'll start packing."
The Heyen clan had their annual autumn festival and yearly journey to the Nyre to seek shelter from the harsh winds of winter, and Dai returned to Wynfall to perform his duties as the owner and master herder of the urych. Winter was a very tense time for a few from the prairie.
Return to the Prairie
When the ice began to thaw and spring was coming, it was time for all to return to the sea of grass. Dai tried hard to return to the spot where he last saw the Heyen. He moved the herd slowly and kept looking to the horizen and sky hopefully. If Zihna was now keeping herself strictly escorted, then who would he see first? Surely young Eru wouldn't be forced to run interference! He had even not let his barber cut his hair as short as he usually did after returning to Wynfall, much to his mother's disproval, because he didn't want to risk Zihna not recognizing him. Dai sighed and restlessly returned to watching the urych.
One day, to his surprise, he saw two kurach approaching he had not met before. They did not appear immediately hostile, but he kept his guard up.
"Are you this Dai?" the male asked warily.
"Yes, sir," Dai nodded and faced him.
"I am Vikeso, Anoki's father-in-law," he stated. "In the absence of parents and close kin, we will be taking their role."
"Nice to meet you, sir," Dai nodded. "I fear that my mother is very far away and my father has passed on, so I must represent myself."
"This is highly unusual in so many ways," Vikeso frowned. "I will let Makehe handle it from here." He stepped back a few places and took a seat on the grass.
"Greetings, mum," Dai bowed to her. "May I spread a blanket on the ground so we may have a seat?"
She looked livid, and replied tersely, "As you are unfamiliar with our ways, I shall tell you just once that blankets are only offered to unrelated dams that you wish to marry."
Dai flinched and apologized profusely. "I am very sorry. Please, where do we go from here?"
"Do you really intend to take Zihna as a wife?" she asked shrewdly.
"I won't deny she's been heavily on my mind over the winter," Dai replied thoughtfully. "I think I should very much like to consider the possibility."
"These things take time. Usually a good four years. We asked for six horses for Tashina, and it took Anoki five years to find satisfactory ones," Makehe continued. "I was told you are not a warrior?"
"No, ma'am, I'm not," Dai shook his head, and gestured behind him. "I am a herdsman. I have only Sage and Jakko. And of course, this is one of many herds I oversee."
"These are not your buffalo?"
"They are, and they are not. They belong to my family, but I am currently the head of my family. They aren't pure buffalo, as those are quite wild and indomitable. They're a cross of ox and bison, with a good bit of ox to make them more docile."
"You gave Zihna two of these last year, did you not?"
"Yes, ma'am. For work, food, or breeding. They were hers to do with as she wished."
"I was pleased with their performance. They were easy to handle and could carry much heavier loads than the ponies," Makehe nodded once, slowly. "They did, however, require a good bit of food. But I suppose no more food than the number of ponies that would have been needed to carry the weight they did. Would you be willing to give more of these animals in exchange for Zihna?"
"A few, yes," Dai replied. "They require much grazing land. I would not want to over-burden you with their responsibilities."
Makehe looked thoughtfully over the herd. "How many do you own?"
"In this herd, there are about a hundred of them. There about five thousand total on the plains, and the other herders answer to me."
"Quite a feat for one so young," Makehe nodded. "I suppose you may do."
"I can't take all the credit. My grandfather started breeding them a long time ago. I've simply inherited them from him and my father."
"I will expect five of these in lieu of a few good ponies. Any other would be hard pressed to top them," Makehe nodded. "But you must still woo her. Can you sing or play any instrument?"
"I'm afraid not," Dai said bashfully. "I'm not the best dancer either."
"Would you even be able to satisfy the customs of your own people?" Makehe asked.
"If I stayed in Wynfall for more than a few months of the year, yes, most likely. I could take her to the theatre, parties, restaurants, gardens, and give her fine flowers and jewelry."
"What would be expected out of her in your culture?"
"All women have something they call a hope chest. It is a wooden chest made of cedar and they put the bridal trousseau. Things that will be necessary to have when they marry. Quilts, linens, her wedding gown, aprons, scarves, some other clothing, silverware, crockery, sewing kits, and things they'd generally need living on their own. If they feel they must provide their own dowry, many often keep weaving new linen cloths to sell and save the money," Dai explained. "I honestly am not worried about her having one. I already have everything needed to support us on Sage's back. All she would really need is a horse of her own and some personal possessions, such as spare clothes and an extra blanket. I could easily provide those for her if she couldn't."
"Is there anything else?"
"Normally I'd have to ask her father's permission for her hand. The men handle these things in my society, not the women, and matches are often made by the fathers with little input from the children."
"Interesting," Makehe looked him up and down. "And the wedding ceremony?"
"Performed at a church by a priest, followed by a day of feasting and gifts, and then we move in to a home of our own. Or, I guess in my case, stay with me in my mother's manor during the time we're in Wynfall. That's been part of the problem with finding a wife. Not many will wait on a man riding most of the year, and certainly don't want to ride with him. If your village moves around more than going to the forest and back, I could redirect the herds to follow so she could be near her kin."
"You surprise me, wingless one," Makehe said gently. "Let's give it an honest go then. I shall teach you what you need to know to properly court her. This will break so many traditions on either side, but it would seem there were greater forces at work to bring you two together."
Makehe spent the day instructing Dai on how to approach Zihna and when, what he must do, what he must not do, and how the final ceremony would be arranged. Dai offered Makehe and Vikeso a meal of stew made from the urych meat and what few spices he carried with them. Makehe was impressed and told of him of a few herbs and vegetables he could find that would compliment the stew. Having settled the matters both wished to attend, Makehe and Vikeso return to the village, and Dai prepared to settle down for the night.
The Hunt
As the sun began to rise in the morning, Dai got up and dressed for a day of proving he was worthy of courting Zihna. He was still nervous, but admittedly excited as well. He carefully inspected his bow and quiver, oiled up the string, and rode out to the village. Targets had been set up outside the village and many others were showing off their marksmenship on horseback to impress the fairer onlookers.
One by one, they gave their ponies a kick to run and would try to hit all four targets as accurately as possible as they rode by. When Dai saw Zihna sitting with her brother and his in-laws, Dai felt his heart skip a beat. He rode out to the group of other riders, and in time they gestured for him to have a go. There was plenty of teasing as most didn't believe he could do it. Dai simply focused on the task at hand. He gave Sage a soft kick and he took off at a good gallop. Dai readied his bow and let fly one, two, three, four shots, with three hitting close to the center of the target and one being a perfect hit. He pulled up on the reins to slow Sage and turned him to see how it was received. He seemed to have won some favor, and was permitted to keep competing with the others.
By the end of the event, Dai had asserted himself as an acceptable marksman, and was invited on the hunt occuring in a few days. A herd of antelope had been spotted nearby and a few of them were desired. He agreed to come. To his disappointment, he didn't get a chance to speak to Zihna.
"That's the way of things," Aenoh said as he clapped Dai on the back. "They keep them guarded, but when they find out they're wanted, they guard them even more. I've gotten to talk to Neheso only three times in two weeks. That's why the blanket is so important. If you can wrap her up with you, you get a few moments private conversation without much fuss."
"Such a thing is unheard of in Wynfall," Dai chuckled. "Wrapping up with a beautiful young woman before you're wed? Oh, the gossip that would fly at such a scandal!"
"We should focus first on the immediate scandal. You must purify yourself before the hunt. I assume you have not known a female in the past few days, or will before the hunt?"
"I dare say not," Dai said uncomfortably.
"Good, good. Now, you must be sure and wash every night promptly at sundown. I will teach you the song you must sing while you do it. Better yet, meet me each night and I will make sure you do not offend the spirits of fire and water," Aenoh said. "You should not like to offend the spirits. We would have to avenge them."
"I'm much obliged to you," Dai replied.
That evening, they were brought out to the river. Communal bathing was a new experience for the herder and he took comfort in the solemnity of this particular bath. Onami was present to lead the chants and songs, which Dai performed as best he could with cues from Aenoh.
Dai left them afterward to go check on the herd and wait for the following night's cleansing ritual. He was happy, and was enjoying himself. Archery and hunting was much more exciting than sitting through a long opera. The next three days were spent closely adhering to any rituals and customs he was informed of. Dai arrived promptly on the day of the hunting trip, and was greeted more warmly than when he first arrived for the shooting games, and especially than when he first arrived at all. Jakko stayed behind at the village as Dai rode out with the hunting party. A scout took wing and guided them to the herd. Dai had hunted antelope on occasion by himself and was looking forward to see what all would entail with this party.
When the word was given, the scout dove down and spooked the antelope toward the waiting hunters. With a whoop, they set off to chase the fleeing game. The ponies were very excited and Dai wasn't sure he'd ever seen a horse move that quickly before. Sage did his best to keep up, but was falling behind. He figured that if he was going to take any, he would have to do it soon. Dai readied his bow, aimed carefully, and shot just as the others were beginning to raise their bows. The buck tripped and tumbled as he went down. Dai slowed Sage so he could collect it. He heard the snap of bowstrings as the others hit their targets.
The buck was breathing hard and still struggling. Dai withdrew his knife and ended its life in the way he had been instructed. The eldest of the party came around and inspected each kill to make sure it had been handled mercifully. Thus satisfied, he performed the last rites for the fallen animals before they were deboweled, the organs buried, and then they spent the night out on the prairie before loading up making their way back to the village.
The hunters were greeted warmly upon their arrival and a small celebration was had, along with many prayers and thanks offered for a good hunt. As Dai did not have a family to help him finish dressing his buck, he sat out to the side of the other hunters as they tended their kills. He watched as the sisters and mothers would assist. Zihna was somewhat nearby, enjoying the songs and dances, and seemingly oblivious to his presense. Dai got a wild idea and acted on it. He gathered up a blanket from Sage's back, crept quietly behind her, and quickly threw it around her and drew him close to him. She shrieked with surprise and did not expect to come face to face with the stranger she'd left behind last winter.
"Fancy seeing you here, you elusive lady," Dai chuckled. "I have been trying to speak to you for several days now with no luck."
"Well, now that you've seen me, what do you want?" Zihna grinned.
"It would seem I am at a bit of a disadvantage. It's just me to tend to that buck, and I feel a bit left out. Is there some law against requesting your skills?" Dai asked with a faint smile.
"Makehe will have to accompany me, but I suppose I could make an allowance for a little disadvantage," Zihna laughed and pushed away from him. After getting permission from her acting-mother, Makehe and Zihna returned with Dai to help him skin and butcher his buck.
"What do you desire to be done with him?" Zihna asked as she stretched the skin on a drying rack.
"I suppose whatever you need of him. Consider him a gift," Dai replied. "I have no immediate need for the skin or bones, but I may keep a bit of the meat."
They talked about different items and foods they could make from the body, with frequent scolding from Makehe if they became to close together. In a way, he had made sure he got to spend a day with Zihna in close proximity and sneak in much conversation he had been missing. When evening started to come on, it was finally time to bid her goodbye for another indeterminable amount of time. Jakko was happy to be returning to the herd and trotted merrily beside Sage as they left the village.
Dai stretched his blanket out in the grass and prepared to settle down for the night. Jakko flopped down next to him and stretched out with a groan, as dogs like to do. Dai absent-mindedly scratched the husky's ears as he stared up at the stars.
"Who would have thought I'd have gotten this lucky?" Dai asked no one in particular. Jakko made a noise and lazily wagged his tail a few times. "I'd kind of committed myself to the idea of being single, much to Mother's dismay. But if this works out, I'll have a woman out here on the range with me, instead of pining away at home until she's had enough and leaves me," Dai sighed. "Although I guess I really couldn't blame her. An artisan is home more. I guess I kinda smell funny being around cattle all day too." Dai fell quiet, still staring at the stars and scratching Jakko's ears, until eventually he slipped into a deep sleep.
Serenade
During the coming weeks, Dai carefully evaluated the yearlings in his herd. When he finally decided which ones were the healthiest, strongest, and tamest, he rounded them up, and lead them to the village. Every few days he had gone to visit and alternated between spending time with Vikeso and Aenoh to learn what he could of them and their ways. Aenoh had even been teaching Dai a bit how to play the flute. He smiled softly as the familiar conical dwellings came into view. The Heyen were filling a void in his life he hadn't been fully aware was there.
Dai whistled to Jakko and the dog helped him herd the young urych to Makehe and Vikeso's home.
"Five strong urych, as promised!" Dai said jovially as they came to a stop. "What else may I do for you?"
"Don't change your mind," Vikeso teased and set out to inspect the urych. Dai grinned and rode off.
Dai sought out Aenoh and was happy to see he was relaxing outside his parents' home.
"We will have to build a tipi for you if you stay around much longer," Aenoh said as Dai dismounted.
"And who is to do that?" Dai asked. "It wouldn't be proper for me to ask Zihna just yet."
"Speaking of her," Aenoh sat up quickly. "Water supplies are getting low. Many lovely young maidens must soon make a trip out to the river to refill the jars. And I have something that may help you stand a chance." He ducked into his home for a few moments and returned with a small flute.
"It's beautiful, thank you," Dai said and took it gently. "What can I do for you in return?"
"Make Anoki smile again," Aenoh replied grimly.
"A tall order," Dai said softly.
"You've succeeded thus far," Aenoh shrugged. "I don't doubt you'll be able to do it. And should he instead attack you, well, gotta prove your fighting skills at some point."
Dai chuckled nervously. It had been nearly a year since he first met the Zihna, and he still had not met her eldest brother. Vikeso would not speak of Anoki, Dai was not fully permitted to talk to Makehe, Eru was too young for such a conversation, and getting any kind of time with Zihna for even casual conversation was difficult.
"Come," Aenoh said cheerily. "Let's get all groomed up. Tonight's to be a big night!" Under Aenoh's supervision, Dai became dressed for a proper evening to attempt to catch Zihna's eye.
Down by the river there sat a few other young hopeful kurach dressed in their finest near the rushes and spaced a good ways apart. As the water fetchers approached, tt was easy to tell which young ladies were available. Those who were married paired together and talked of whatever tickled their fancy, while the single ones were closely guarded by their chaperone and bashfully looking around. Each one in turn was snared by the suitor eagerly awaiting their company.
As the preferred lady of each came into view, her suitor began to play a soft and low melody to catch her attention. If she liked his song, she would walk closer to him on her way to the river, and he would cover them up for some precious alone time. If she did not like his song, she walked further away. There was one very disappointed and upset suitor left behind that evening.
Soon Dai saw Makehe leading the way to the water with Zihna close behind. Steeling his nerves, he lifted the flute Aenoh had given him, and tried his best. Admittedly, it was not as sweet as the others who played that night. Zihna chuckled as she heard his attempts. He was no Heyen by any means. But, Zihna was flattered and amused at his attempts, and directed her path to the river to go by where he was positioned.
Dai readied himself, quite accustomed to stern looks from Makehe, and with a skillfull flick, he had Zihna wrapped up next to him once again.
"Fancy meeting you here. Do you frequent this shroud often?" Dai asked.
"I do believe you're getting the hang of this," Zihna giggled. Dai was quiet, simply gazing at her for several moments. "Is something wrong?" She asked at length.
"There is an old, old custom among my people where late at night, or even in broad daylight, the groom would boldly ride up and steal his love away. 'Bride kidnapping', as it's called, of course," Dai said softly. "It's become an expression of affection these days rather than a valid and very looked down upon way to secure a wife, and the bride price is still due. Certainly preferrable to the bridal kidnapping on the wedding day by friends who then expect to groom to do something silly, like dance on a table, to get her back."
"Scandalous!" Zihna said, shocked.
"As is hiding under a blanket where none can see what is happening," Dai grinned. "So, what comes next?"
"Perhaps a little spontaneity instead of me having to tell you what to do every step of the way?" Zihna replied.
So Dai pulled her closer and kissed her.
A great deal of time had passed and Dai's feet were beginning to get numb from standing so long. "Your family will die of thirst if you stay much longer," he said shyly.
"Or boredom from waiting for me to come out," Zihna said slyly. "Perhaps I shan't leave."
"Perhaps my feet will fall off," Dai said gingerly and shook one of his sore feet.
Zihna laughed. "Very well. Release me, then."
Despite the pain, Dai reluctantly relaxed his arms and let the blanket fall off of them. Makehe stood up and dusted herself off. She held out the dry water jug to Zihna, who then filled it up, and they made their way back to the village. Dai watched as they vanished from sight, still able to feel her warmth as it faded from his blanket. Dai stared pensively at the sky for a few moments, and then strode off to a different part of the village.
Confronting Anoki
Anoki was absentmindedly tending the fire, poking it from time to time to adjust the logs. His mind was in more turmoil than usual and he was half aware of somebody approaching him.
"Anoki?"
He looked up slowly to the unfamiliar voice, and growled deeply when he saw who it belonged too. "What are you doing here?"
"Hoping to have peace between us," Dai stated and sat down on the opposite side of the fire.
"So long as a featherless demon courts my sister, there will not be peace," Anoki scoffed.
"As much as I care for her, I cannot in good faith commit to her if there is animosity between me and an important member of her family," Dai said patiently.
"That makes my job easier," Anoki snorted and glared at the herder.
Dai sighed and stared at the fire. Anoki studied the stranger while his eyes were averted. He kept his hair much shorter than the kurach did. His nails were very short and blunt, like his teeth, and equally useless in a fight. The ears were peculiarly small and rounded, almost unnoticeable compared to the long, furry ears the kurach had.
"What could you possibly have to offer?" Anoki asked coldly. "You can't fly. You only have one horse. You're terrible at playing the flute."
"You heard that, huh?" Dai asked sheepishly.
"And obviously your senses are much duller," Anoki frowned.
"Well, back home, I'm considered to be fairly successful with the family business," Dai offered.
"Then why aren't you courting one of your own kind?"
"My job requires I spend a lot of time out here, away from the city. So that's no theatre, no days spent with friends in the shops, no parties, no dancing, and certainly none of the nicer amenities like a soft bed and warm bath every night," Dai explained. "Or, she can have all that, and only see me about three moons a year."
"If you are chasing my sister as a last resort or some kind of prize..." Anoki trailed off dangerously.
"No, not at all," Dai defended quickly. "I'm genuinely interested in her."
"Let's say all this goes through," Anoki continued. "You're together. What happens those moons you're in that accursed city? Where does Zihna go?"
"That will be her decision. She can stay with the village in the forest, or she can come with me," Dai replied. "I assume if she comes with me she'll choose to be human."
"But what if there's an accident? Suddenly there's a kurach in the hive and they'll surely swarm her and want her dead. What can you do to protect her?" Anoki pressed.
"Die with her, I suppose," Dai shrugged. "I can tell her how and where to run and fly to avoid the guards, I could throw a cloak over her and say she isn't feeling well and must be returned to our home, or I might could even succeed in creating a diversion long enough for her to escape or whisk her away on Sage, but in the worst case scenario, I'll mostly likely get cut down as well."
"At least you don't deny it," Anoki muttered.
"There are many tunnels and alleys in Wynfall. If I could get her to one of those, it would be much easier to escape," Dai speculated. "But ideally, she would not accidentally revert back to herself until we'd been able to lessen some of the killings out here."
"Oh? And how would you propose to do that? Are you an important figure in your city?" Anoki asked skeptically.
"No, but my mother has quite a few friends in many ranks. Some are sport hunters. If she could influence them into thinking there was no pleasure in hunting kurach..." Dai tilted his head to the side and fell silent.
"What is a 'sport hunter'?" Anoki asked cautiously.
"Instead of killing for food or protection, they kill for pleasure," Dai explained. Anoki glared in disgust at him. "I've never seen the thrill in it," Dai added. "Sport hunting often comes with having expensive dogs, horses, and uniforms, and is typically reserved for only the highest of classes. I don't care enough about climbing that ladder to want to participate in it either."
"Alternatively," Dai continued, "if I or Zihna was familiar with how often they wished to go on their hunts, we could advise the village accordingly."
"This would not be some kind of betrayal?" Anoki asked sternly with a raised eyebrow.
"I wouldn't know," Dai shook his head. "I'm unfamiliar with their rules."
"You seem to be learning ours quickly enough," Anoki noted.
"They're not too different from what I'm used to," Dai chuckled. "Hunting and flute playing are more interesting than wining and dining."
"Wine?" Anoki asked curiously.
"A fruit that has been carefully fermented into an intoxicating drink," Dai explaiend. "If your people haven't yet experienced alcohol, I wouldn't suggest starting now. While it makes for a nice stress reliever or a pleasant accompaniment to a celebration, there isn't any pride to be taken in being drunk. At least, those who can't keep their wits about them while drunk. Then there's honey mead and barley ale."
"You people are just full of vices, aren't you?" Anoki chuckled.
Dai grinned broadly. Perhaps he'd be able to keep that promise to Aenoh after all.
"Well, you don't seem afraid of work, you appear to have a more even temper than the rest of your kind, it would seem that so far you have treated Zihna well, and I don't think I've heard you go boasting about much of anything," Anoki said thoughtfully. "I suppose I can tolerate you."
"I'm relieved to hear it," Dai said, smiling warmly.
"But, I warn you," Anoki said darkly. "If you ever bring harm to her in any way, no city walls will ever keep you safe."
"Understood," Dai nodded. Noticing that Anoki had relaxed compared to when Dai first walked up, he felt as if he had accomplished something. He bid Anoki a friendly goodnight and left.
The Pendant
So Dai continued to practice his flute playing and sneak the blissful few moments with Zihna as was sanctioned by her clan. The months passed and soon the middle of summer was in full swing. After making sure the urych were fine, Dai saddled up Sage for his weekly visit with the Heyen.
To his surprise, Zihna was waiting for him on the back of her horse, Calamri, and in her finest dress.
"Zihna?" He asked curiously. She simply held out a red and white pendant that she had made. Dai couldn't help but break out into a big grin. "Does this mean...?" he asked cautiously. Zihna looked at him firmly with raised eyebrows, and bobbed her hand once. Dai dismounted and strode over to her. "Of course I accept!" Dai laughed and went to take it from her. She snatched up and with a single finger gestured that he should turn around. Dai obliged and Zihna tied the pendant around his neck.
"From henceforth, this one is mine and belongs to me, and I to him," Zihna stated proudly. She nudged Dai firmly in the ribs.
"From henceforth, this one is mine and belongs to me, and I to her," Dai repeated. Zihna nodded her head for him to get back on his horse so they could leave. Dai returned to Sage, mounted him, and Zihna followed him back out into the prairie.
Vikeso and Makehe stood nearby, nodding proudly. Anoki did not look all that happy, and Eru was waving at them as they left.
"Well, I'm not sure how well the lad will fair, but he seems to have learned very quickly not to fight what the wife wants," Vikeso remarked. Makehe slapped his arm and pointed for him to get back to the tipi. "Dam, when we're outside the tipi, I am my own boss!"
"Careful or outside is where you will stay!" Makehe said defiantly. Vikeso nodded and grumbled as he went home.
With a sigh, Anoki followed them back as well.
"Cheer up, brother!" Eru said cheerily. "He said he would be back! We'll still see her often."
"I'm more worried about when she goes to Wynfall," Anoki remarked glumly.
Out on the prairie, Dai lead Zihna back to the herd and his camp. He dismounted and helped Zihna down from Calamri.
"I was afraid this would have taken several years!" Dai exclaimed.
"Normally it would have, but since when has anything in my life been normal?" Zihna laughed. "It was hard to turn down the offer of one who commands so many herds of buffalo, even if you just have the one horse." Jakko barked and wagged his tail. Zihna rubbed his ears. "Yes, and of course, one good dog."
"I never would have imagined spending my honeymoon out here," Dai said happily as he flopped down in the grass.
"Do you object?" Zihna asked as she sat down beside him.
"Not at all. After all, who wouldn't want to check their lovely bride for ticks after spending time in the long grass?" Dai asked mischievously and then pulled Zihna down next to him. There was much giggling and laughing after that, and the sun had gone down when they had finally settled down. Dai kissed the top of her head as she lay curled up next to him and together they watched the moon rise and stars come out.
"What do you wish to do about home?" Dai asked. "My little tent does fine for me, but it's not as comfortable as one of your tipis."
"Well, it is a point of pride for the dam to not only make the home, but make a very good home capable of being ready to move quickly. Perfect for how we must chase these creatures around the hills," Zihna replied. "They seemed to enjoy hunting with you, so we will simply have to listen for when the next buffalo hunt is and see about getting some skins. There are plenty of patches of trees out here for me to get the sticks and poles I need."
"Sounds good," Dai nodded. "What do you wish to do this winter? You're welcome to stay with your brother if you wish."
"I am your wife now. My place is with you," she said fondly and nipped his shoulder. "You're stuck with me."
"Then I look forward to having you with me," Dai replied. "And I am looking forward to being able to show you the nicer side of Wynfall. The operas can be a bit boring sometimes, but are pleasurable nonetheless."
"I suppose I should like that," Zihna said thoughtfully.
Wynfall
Summer came to an end and soon it would be time for the Heyen to go the Nyre and for Dai to return to Wynfall. Dai and Zihna were invited to autumnal celebrations, and Dai thoroughly enjoyed being part of the festivities. Anoki was still distant toward him but was no longer hostile. Afterward, tipis were brought down, belongings were packed, and the yearly migration began.
Dai had been teaching Zihna a bit about how to help him work the urych, and together they began to drive them to the city. Zihna had assumed her human form to lessen the chances of discovery. When the great gates of the city came into view, she shuddered nervously. Dai gave her a reassuring smile and continued to direct the urych toward the holding pens on the outskirts of the city.
The Arnthians had never seen one of the plains people before, and Zihna had never seen so many Arnthians at once either. Many curious stares were exchanged. After Dai had seen to it the urych were properly secured and performed his initial duties as the proprietor of the urych, it was time to take Zihna to meet his mother.
Iris Birchfield lived inside the city walls instead of out in the countryside where the farms were located. Calamri started a bit at all the noise and ruckus but Zihna managed to keep her calm. Mrs. Birchfield's home kept a cozy stable in the back for about five horses with a very small pasture for them to stretch their legs. The groom was quite happy to see Dai.
"I was thinkin' it was about time you showed up!" he beamed as he took in Sage and Calalmri. "And who's your lady friend, eh?"
"Getty, this is Zihna, my wife," Dai stated proudly as she came to stand beside him.
"You went off and got married without your momma knowin'?" Getty asked and clicked his tongue. "She'll string you up by your toenails, wait and see."
"I can imagine," Dai chuckled. He grabbed his bags off of Dai and what part of Zihna's she'd let him carry, and they went inside. Dai went first to the sitting room where he knew he was most likely to find his mother.
"Hullo, Mother!" Dai said cheerily as he entered.
"Dai!" Iris squealed and set down the book she had been reading. "It's good to have you home!" She rushed to him and wrapped him in a hug. Then she noticed Zihna. "Oh? And who is your friend?"
"Mother, this is Zihna," Dai began and took Zihna's hand in his. "She is my wife."
"What do you mean, 'your wife'?" Iris asked sternly. "The wedding bells have rang three times since you've gone and not a time were they for you."
"There were no bells for us," Dai said sheepishly. "We met out on the prairie, hit it off well, and were married by her peoples' customs."
"What of Arnthian customs?" Iris demanded. "Traditions are there for a reason, son. Now, you two are to stay in separate rooms until we've had ourselves a proper wedding! And look at this poor woman," Iris continued. Zihna looked at her warily. "Covered in animal skins, bare arms and legs showing, and probably dying for a good meal and hot bath. You just come with me, dear. Dai always has had trouble with treating a lady properly." Iris began to usher Zihna upstairs. Zihna looked back at Dai in a silent plea for help.
"Don't worry, she's actually very nice," Dai called out helplessly as his wife was taken away.
"Buckskin is actually very comfortable," Zihna stated as Iris ordered a bath to be drawn for her.
"While out riding, yes, I know," Iris nodded as she brought out bath supplies. "I used to ride with his father, much against my mother's approval. It was quite liberating to be free from all these smocks. But, when in the city, we must return to conventionality." She tested the water with her hand. "Now, here is your soap and your wash cloth. Just have yourself a good soap and scrub to get all the trail dirt off. I will set off to finding you some good clothes. My! You're a tiny one. I will have to look hard." She excused herself and left Zihna to her bath. A maid was standing nearby awaiting orders.
"I think I can manage," Zihna said politely. The maid was happy to be excused. When she was gone, Zihna undressed and cautiously stepped into the tub. She'd never had a hot bath before and poured a few more buckets of the cold water into it so it wasn't so scalding hot. She sniffed the strange bars of soap and wrinkled her nose. I can see part of the reason why these people smell so strange. She began to wash herself. As she was washing her hair, a knock came at the door. It was the maid.
"I have some fresh clothes for the lady," she called.
"Thank you. Set them over there on the shelf by the sink, please," Zihna called back. She ducked partially under the water as the maid came into the room.
"Shall I wash your clothes?" she asked.
"No, thank you. I shall wash them tonight," Zihna replied. The maid curtsied and left. Zihna finished rinsing and stepped out. She dried off fervently with a towel. The only time in the past she had been this thoroughly soaked was when she was caught in a downpour or went swimming! After having dried off, she picked up one of the combs and began to detangle her hair. Properly groomed, she now walked over to the sink to see what clothes she had been expected to wear. A strange, white, poofy thing was on top. It was soft. Zihna assumed it must be what gave Iris' dress such a full shape. She slipped it on and found it just a tad bit too loose. She noted the strings up the back and was thankful they tied low to the waist. She laced it a bit tighter so she wouldn't have to worry about it falling off of her and fastened it.
Well, that's a new feeling, Zihna shuddered. Never in her life had her entire back been covered. It was unsettling. She pulled the other dress over on top and was happy to see it buttoned up the front. It was a pale grey and noticeably scratchier than the petticoat. She then tried the shoes, but they were much too big. She shrugged and folded up her clothes, put her moccasins on her feet, placed the strange slippers on top of her buckskin dress, and exited the bathing room.
The maid was waiting for her outside. "Were the shoes not to your liking?"
"They were fine, they were just too big and kept falling off of my feet. Where do I go now?" Zihna asked.
"The sitting room. Master Dai must have his bath now before supper," she said politely. "Would you like to place your things in your room?"
"Yes. Could you take me there?" Zihna asked. The maid nodded and began to lead her away. "I am Zihna. What is your name?"
"Mary. Mary Eddington," she replied.
"Why do you call Dai 'master', Mary?" Zihna asked.
"He is the missus' son, and I am just their maid," Mary answered.
"What is a maid?" Zihna asked curiously.
"I am paid to assist the family in whatever way they need," Mary stated. "I mostly clean and organize things."
"Does Iris not tend her own house? She does not seem ill," Zihna asked with concern.
"Not in the higher families, no," Mary shook her head. "They are able to hire others to do it for them while they attend to more important matters."
"Oh? Such as?"
"I don't know all the specifics. There are lots of meetings, discussions, studying, and other things. It doesn't leave much time for menial tasks like dusting the furniture."
"There certainly is a lot of furniture," Zihna noted. "Who would need all this furniture?"
"This is an old family house. Some generations past there were many children and many servants. Now, it is just the missus, her son, myself, and Getty the groomsman," Mary answered. "I had feared Dai would never find a wife."
"Iris said Dai did not treat females well. Is that why?" Zihna queried.
"Oh, no, nothing like that!" Mary giggled. "He is a very nice lad. He'd just rather spend all his time fiddling with his horse, dog, and the cattle rather than showing a lady a proper time. He never was one much for balls and galas. It's hard to impress a lady of similar stature when you're always in the dirt and hay." She stopped and opened a door down a long hallway. "This is your room. I can take the slippers since they're of no use to you."
"Thank you, Mary," Zihna nodded and gave her the slippers. She saw that Dai had already placed her other belongings in her room. She laid her clothes next to them and turned to follow Mary to the sitting room.
"I must finish supper now. The missus is inside," Mary said as they arrived. Zihna bid her farewell and entered.
"Ah! Good, it fit. I see the shoes, however, did not," Iris chuckled. "Come in, come in, have a seat. Dai should be along shortly and we'll have a good supper. I look forward to hearing all about you."
Zihna smiled nervously. She did not approve of falsehoods, but how exactly would she tell Mrs. Birchfield that she was, in fact, a kurach and not a woman? Mrs. Birchfield made casual conversation as they waited. She told her guest about the history of the house and the family, what new plays were currently being performed at the theatre, where the best places were to shop and eat, and where they would go to have Zihna more properly fitted for clothing. When Dai appeared again he was clean and neat, and much better shaved since he had a more proper mirror to use. Mary called them in for supper and Iris ushered her family to the dining room.
Mary served freshly baked loaves of bread with strawberry jam, roasted quails with gravy, boiled skirrets, and cheese. Zihna looked curiously at the knife and spoon she was given atop the square block of wood placed before her. It had a shallow depression in the middle. She watched carefully how Dai and Iris served themselves from the supper dishes and then did the same. Mary stood patiently nearby.
"Are you not hungry, Mary?" Zihna asked.
"Servants always eat second," Iris explained. "But don't worry. I make sure everybody goes away with full bellies. Mary has been very good to me all these years and I believe in returning the favor."
Zihna nodded. Arnthians were much different from the kurach. She picked up her cup and gave it a cautious sniff. It made her nose sting. She took a small sip, and coughed and choked. "Gracious, what is this?"
"Red wine," Dai replied. "Mary, I think it may be too stout for her. Her people do not have any and I'd hate for her to get drunk on her first meal. Could you bring her some milk?" Mary nodded and went to the kitchen.
"I did not know you could put fire into water," Zihna shook her head. She was thankful when Mary returned and took the milk.
"That is a fairly apt description," Iris chuckled. "Tell me about yourself, dear. How did you meet my son?"
"Well, I was out on the prairie one morning last spring, and I came across one of the urych. It had been attacked by a rivercat. Dai came along shortly after, we started talking, and grew to be friends," Zihna stated.
"Out? All by yourself?" Iris inquired. "You didn't have a hunting party, trade caravan, or something with you?"
"No, just me," Zihna said.
"How long have you been out in the wilderness wandering alone?" Iris asked, surprised and concerned.
"Just that morning," Zihna replied. "My family were not far away. We live on the plains."
"Very brave," Iris said. "I would be too afraid of those big, winged monsters. Have you encountered many?"
"I have had frequent contact with them. They're not as bad as the stories say," Zihna said coyly.
"I see why you like this one," Iris said with a wink to Dai. "She's a capable one. She could keep you safe out there."
"Mother," Dai began and then thought better of it. He shook his head with a sigh.
"What domestic skills do you have?" Iris asked as she took another bite of her quail.
"All the ones expected of the ladies of my village," Zihna stated. "I can cook, weave, spin, wash, sew, build a... tent, and I'm good with horses."
"You must have a sizable dowry in your hope chest then," Iris nodded.
"Her people don't have hope chests, Mother," Dai said.
"Oh? And what do they have when they marry then?" Iris asked.
"A bride price," Dai explained. "I gave five young urych for her."
"Five?" Iris exclaimed, flabbergasted. "And no clothes beside buckskin? You must be able to spin cloth into gold to be worth five of those cattle."
"Usually the request is for many more horses, and with the strength, milk, and other attributes, it took fewer of the urych to satisfy them," Dai said. "I don't regret it."
"I suppose you'll be handling her dress and the wedding then as well?" Iris demanded.
"Yes, Mother," Dai replied. "I make plenty managing, selling, and breeding the cattle. I could easily provide for a modest wedding to satisfy Arnthian laws, just as I could when I satisfied the laws of her people."
"You always were a tad odd," Iris shook her head and continued eating. "Shouldn't the men build the tents?"
"Where I come from, the women manage everything to do with the house, including its construction. It is a point of pride and something we are taught to do from our youth," Zihna said proudly. "The men handle most of the hunting, war, and politics, but it is us women who keep the village solid and thriving."
"You may relax some while you're here," Iris replied. "In fact, tomorrow night is the play about two star-crossed lovers. We will get you fitted for a new dress and go see it altogether. It is one of my favorites! And you, son, will go talk to the minister."
Dai sighed and finished his meal. "It was delicious, as usual, Mary." Mary bowed her head.
After dinner, Mrs. Birchfield retired for the night, leaving her son and his wife to stay up.
"This is going to be more difficult than I imagined," Zihna vented to her husband. "I think we are too different! Another ceremony?"
"It's only for a few short months each year," Dai began and took her hand in his. "She means well. She's just never had any contact with anybody but other Arnthians. She doesn't know any other customs. It'll just be a quick and small ceremony at the church."
"What is a church, anyway?" Zihna asked.
"A house of worship for the Algod," Dai explained.
"I find it so strange that your people have a special building for reverence," Zihna shook her head. "Aside from specific dances, our spirituality is carried out from the time we wake to the time we sleep."
"Idealogically, we are the same way. We just need a bit more nagging," Dai chuckled.
"Do you want this ceremony or are you just trying to please your mother?" Zihna asked shrewdly.
"Honestly, I would like to do it," Dai said softly. "While the brides typically make a big to-do about their wedding day, some of us grooms do fantasize about it a bit too. Seeing her walk down the aisle in her best dress, having the feast, performing the hand-fasting, exchanging the rings, and hearing the minister announce to those gathered that we're married. It's quite nice."
Zihna softened. "You did court me as was customary for my people. It is only fair I do the same for you." She sat down on the couch and watched the warm glow of the fire. Dai sat down beside her and put his arm around her. She laid her head against his shoulder and they sat in blissful silence until they retired to their separate rooms for the night.
