Summer 1077 of the Mero's Calendar

The day of Nibotus’ return to his village, Anel is beside her husband, mounted on a calm and sturdy palomino horse, with Sival safely pressed against her bust in a wrapping scarf. The little girl is happily gibbering every nonsensical baby sounds, and it pierces the king’s heart as he thinks of all the things he missed during his son’s growth, far away from home to rebuild the Kars. To his relief, Anel doesn’t seem disgusted by his existence as he approaches, so that means her presence isn’t a show of possession over Suzir. Instead, she offers him another of her shy smile, but with eyes gleaming with delight and excitement.

- Anel, what do we owe ya company?

- Well, I do not know about the Kars customs for this subject, but in the empire, it is common for wives to develop friendships when their husbands get… rather close. Since you told me how important Wolf is for your village, I could not expect her to come to the city, so I was hoping to travel with you so we could meet. 

- That’s actually thoughtful of ya. But ya know that the Kars don’t marry, right?

- Yes, yes, of course, my apologies. I just… thought that since she is the mother of your son, and since you are talking about her with such love… Your relationship does not need vows to be considered equal to what me and Suzir have, does it?

Her face is in a lovely tint of red as she explains herself, embarrassed at the possible faux pas she might have made, and her eagerness to make a friend in Wolf is as adorable as it is sad. It’s a look so similar to what he had seen in Suzir, the small hope struggling to pierce the cautious loneliness, and it makes Nibotus hate the empire even more for crushing such kind people behind so much wariness. He truly wishes for her to get along with Wolf, but knows he can’t promise it. Like everything with his people, the woman can be wild, intense, and so many more things that Nibotus adores, but could be pretty intimidating for someone as delicate as Anel. 

- Well, I’d love for ya to meet her, and everyone else. Just don’t be too scared of us, we only bite when threatened, so ya’ve nothin to fear. 

Suzir barely says a word throughout their journey, his hands stroking nervously his horse’s reins as he takes the lead to watch the road. The king could almost believe that the man’s afraid of him, if it wasn't for the way his ears redden every time he accidentally glanced back at the Kar. Nibotus let him be, because it’s actually cute to see him getting so flustered about the possibility of something new. So he entertains Anel instead, talking about the landscape, how it differs from the south, and how she left her family at the capital. 

- I am the third of four girls, so my parents did not really expect that I would be marrying the heir of the emperor. I did not either, to be honest. Suzir was so young when he left the capital, and with the news about the war with your people, nobody really knew how he had grown. Everybody thought he would take on his father, come back boisterous and proud, but he was… He is different. The kind that could love someone like me. 

- Who made ya think ya not lovable? Some skulls need to be broken to let some senses enter, give me names!

- Oh, king Nibotus, please! I know the Kars do not mind exchanging partners, and I am happy that Suzir has found someone other than me to open his heart, but you do not need to bother charming me too. 

- Oh, I did not say that to get ya favors. I would do the same for any other friends.

- We are… friends?

- Yeah, are we not?

- Well, friendship between men and women is not really something that happens in the empire. Interests between sexes are so different… But I guess things are not the same for your people. It is… nice of you, to consider me as a friend. And if you permit it, I would like for you to be one of mine. All my friends have been left in the capital, and even if we still write to each other, and even with Suzir and Sival by my side… It does get lonely sometimes.

Pensive, one of Anel’s hands raises to stroke some of Sival’s curls, and Nibotus is struck by how much they are already thick and dark on such a young baby. Nivis hadn’t grown any during his first year of life, and they had been silky thin until his third spring. 

- Do you think… Do you think it would be possible for our children to become friends, when Sival is older? 

- I mean, that’s not something we can decide. But if ya don’t mind ya girl running around in the mud after some crazy kids, it could be possible.

The simple fact that Anel’s eyes glimmer at that idea, instead of conveying utmost horror, is enough to confirm that she’ll love her stay at the Kar village. The empire had shaped her too rigidly into one of its respectable citizens, so she may never be part of their chaos, but at least she would be able to enjoy it around her. Get that little taste of forbidden exoticism. He can see her tense in anticipation as they leave the fields behind to enter the shadows of the forest, her smile widening despite the fatigue of a long day of travel. 

Then suddenly, Suzir’s horse starts to show signs of agitation. Its ears fall back against its head, its hoofs trample the soil nervously, and the general’s calming voice is lost under the guttural huffs and puffs of the beast. It doesn’t take long for Nibotus to spot it ahead on the path, grey fur and golden eyes that he knows well. The spiritual guide is waiting for them, when normally it would patrol away during Suzir’s visits to not scare his horse. If it’s there, that means the spirits already know, and Wolf with them. For a brief second, the king fears that it wants to punish him or attack Suzir, but the wolf's calm demeanor reassures him immediately. If the spirits are not angry for his attraction to a Mero, then they have sent their avatar to investigate the man and judge if his heart can join the pack.

- Ya said ya trusted me, right?

- Yes.

Suzir has spotted the wolf too, green eyes fixed on it with the intensity of a soldier. He always puts on his armor when escorting Nibotus, and it makes him look so much more dangerous than when he's simply in his senator toga. But his hand hasn't got to his sword yet, and the Kar hopes it’ll stay that way. It would be difficult to feel attraction for someone threatening the symbol of his tribe, especially when said symbol is showing no sign of aggression. 

- Guess it's time to prove it. Dismount and follow me. Anel, if ya want to stay back for a lil bit, please. I promise it’ll not take long.

Both green eyes are on him now, Anel’s ones big and scared while the general brows are furrowed and his lips pinched in a thin line. But Suzir slides down, and gives the reins of his chestnut horse to his wife before matching his steps to the Kar. As they get closer, Nibotus can see the tremble of fright in Suzir’s hand, the dilatation of his pupils as his breath quickens. If those are so apparent, then that means the Mero is terrified to the point he can’t even keep his unshakeable control. But still, he walks on, and stops beside the king right in front of the wolf. It’s an impressive beast, tall enough to reach a man’s waist, with a maw capable of sawing a hand off. 

- Palm up. Let it greet ya.

And Suzir does it, doesn’t even hesitate even as he’s clearly pierced by fear. The wolf comes close, sniffs the hollow of his hand near the wrist, and for a second Nibotus holds his breath, hoping he hadn’t made a mistake. Then the beast is gone, disappearing in the understory of the forest the same way he appeared to them, so calm it almost seems disinterested, and both the men let out a heavy breath of relief.

- They trust ya too.

- Wh… What?

- The spirits. 

- Was it… was it one?

- It’s inhabited by one. It doesn’t see ya as part of the pack, or else it would’ve licked ya, but it turned its back on ya when leaving so it’s a good sign. They wouldn’t have done that if they thought ya would be a danger for the tribe. That ya first time seeing a wolf?

- Yes, they… they are way bigger than I thought. But still, I do not know why I…

He’s looking at his fingers, the tremors slowly receding, but still there. His expression seems close to anger, as if he’s disappointed in himself for experiencing a strong emotion. Nibotus wants to hold his hand again to reassure him, but doesn’t know if he would be allowed to do that. Sure, the spirits gave them their blessing, but that doesn’t mean Wolf will give hers. It would be unfair to feed the embers so soon when they don’t even know if she’s at peace with their fire. 

- It isn’t a simple animal. Ya felt their presence around it. Any human would be shaken by that first encounter. It’s the same for me whenever I feel the presence of ya gods, even if I don’t worship them. 

- So that is why you have always stayed clear of the temple district.

- The air’s heavy around there. Stinks too. I don’t think they like me much.

It pulls a sad smile at the corners of Suzir’s lips as the man shakes his head, maybe pained that his gods wouldn’t take a liking of the Kar as he does. But as he gets back on his horse, now calmed again by the departure of the predator, he seems in way better humor than before. Something in his eyes that seems stronger, a mixture of relief and determination. Nibotus likes that look on him.

He loves even more the way Wolf walks to him when they enter the village, before pulling sharply on his beard to kiss him in the most passionate and filthy way known to mankind, with tongue and teeth and hands tightly pressed against his jaw. When she finally lets him breathe, it’s only to bite at his lower lips with a satisfied purr, before offering him a smirk full of mischief. Well, she does know how to give her approval while still making sure he remembers who will always come first. 

She looks particularly proud as she turns to their visitors, both adults bright red in the face while Sival watches her surroundings with curiosity. Right, Meros are not really known for public displays of affection, and even if Wolf had always welcomed him back with a kiss, it had never been with one so aggressive. No wonder they look so shocked, even if they try their best to act as if nothing surprising just happened. 

- Dad! Dad! Look! I practiced my net throwing like you showed me, and I got two fish at the same time!

Wolf barely steps aside before Nivis jumps into his father’s arms, oblivious of the power play that his mother just accomplished. Nibotus immediately raises him to his height with a bright smile, and everything else is relegated to the back of his mind so he could better focus on his son’s beautiful face, his excited voice, and the way the sun clings to his disheveled blond hair. He has finally taken back a good amount of weight, like everyone else since their arrival near the river, and his cheeks are now so full they look like two red apples. Even his ribs are nowhere to be found when he goes out for a swim in the shallow water. Every time, it makes Nibotus tears up in relief. 

- Are those silver breams? Good job, Nivis! You should show them to Suzir too, he is the one who taught me how to fish, after all. 

- You will tell him that I am the one who caught them, right? 

- Of course, little pup. 

Meanwhile, Anel has dismounted, and Suzir is still awkwardly keeping his distance by occupying himself with unsaddling the horses. His shyness is made even more evident by the language barrier preventing him from explaining himself to Wolf, the druids being naturally repulsed by saying anything the spirits wouldn't understand, and the general being a genius in a lot of things but absolutely terrible with learning a new language. On the other hand, Anel absorbed any teaching from Nibotus like a yellowing plant receiving rain after days of dry heat, and was proudly trying her first words with a pleasantly surprised Wolf.

- … and so I brought with me activities I like to do. I don't know what Kar women do to entertain themselves, but I would love it if ya could show me, if that’s okay with ya?

- You are absolutely adorable! What about learning some of our traditional dances, is that something that would interest you?

- Oh, I haven't danced since leavin the capital! That sounds delightful, I can’t wait! 

Of course, the two women are abruptly cut in their exchange as Nivis, fish already forgotten, is fascinated that there’s a Mero baby in the village, and pushing hard against his father’s torso to have a better viewing angle over the little face. His eagerness immediately charms Anel as she tilts her shoulder to give him a better look, her face lit in a warm smile as she addresses him with a pronounced nasal accent.

- Good day, Nivis. I’m pleased to meet ya. My name’s Anel and this lil girl’s Sival. She’s the daughter of Suzir.

Realizing that the Mero can speak his language, Nivis hides his face into the crook of Nibotus’ neck, and Anel graciously lets him be shy as she turns her attention back to Wolf. As the two are talking again about cultural exchanges, the boy takes that opportunity to whisper into his father’s ear.

- Dad, how can Anel and Suzir have a child? You said babies are made only when two adults love each other really really much, but you also said that Meros only know how to hate.

It’s like falling into the cold water of the river right after enjoying the scorching rays of summer, horror and guilt sloshing into the man’s guts. He had said these things, that is true. Thought they were true not so long ago. But now, as he watches Suzir petting his horse with a tender smile, and remembers how much the general had done the past months, the king wonders if he had not been a mirror of the same Meros he hated so much. And if he’s not already corrupting his son, his beautiful and pure and kind son, to be part of this circle of misery and anger. No, he can’t let that happen.

- Have you ever seen Suzir hating someone?

- Hmm… No, I do not think so. He is a good person. So that is why he can have a baby. 

- Nivis, where do you think all the Meros came from?

- … The south?

- Yes, but they were not borned adults, you know. They all have been babies and children before.

- You are so silly, dad. 

Nivis even rolls his eyes at him before jumping out of his arms, and Nibotus wants to crouch to his level so he would know it’s an important conversation, look him in the eyes while keeping a hand on his shoulder to make sure he would understand. But the kid is already running away, happy and carefree like the wind, looking for the next thing that will make him laugh and smile. He can’t be angry at him for that, he’s only four after all, so Nibotus let him go. It would be stupid of him to expect his error to be mended in just one little talk. This is something that will take time. Even more so with the adults.