Lagi walked up beside her, crouching down to splash his face with water from the spring. “He’s not that great, you know.”

Samaria raised a brow, pushing herself up to lean back on her hands. She thought that Lagi and Kaipo were friends. Or at least, friendly. Lagi spent most of his time hunting alone or helping out in the tribe, which made having male friends his own age difficult. But everyone loved Lagi- he was like a helpful little brother. If anyone had an odd job, or needed help lifting something, Lagi was always there to help with strong arms and a smile.

His face was almost twisted in a grimace as he continued. “He’s not as great as everyone thinks. He’s strong, sure, but that’s not all that is important when it comes to being a great warrior. Even I know that.”

Samaria’s other brow lifted to meet the first. Was he… jealous? His voice had a vulnerable crack in it. It would make sense, of course. He had never had his first fire, and even at the age of twenty he had no fur to cover his broad shoulders. He wasn’t a man yet in the eyes of tradition. And yet, he wasn’t a child either. He was somewhere on his own plane- like a eunuch. But still, she had never heard him complaining before.

“He’s still learning, just like all of us.” Samaria defended. Even if she didn’t want to be Kaipo’s wife, he was still a friend. “Yes, being strong isn’t all that’s important, but that’s not what makes him a great warrior. He’s got fire in his heart. A fighter’s spirit.”