He couldn't get what Vallkryie said out of his mind, though it had been long ago — he'd been swept away and returned since then. He hadn't changed the way he acted around Lenny, not in the slightest, but for him, things had changed. He was aware of her feelings — who better to know one's feelings than one's sibling? — and it had made him think about things that he boxed away for later.

He always thought that he would go on an adventure, win glory, then come home and get married. Settle down with a small plot of land near his father's, and raise pups with a woman of his tribe, or perhaps of another tribe. Love had little to do with his thoughts of the future — well, love for his wife, he knew he would love his children. This revelation changed things. Did she want to do that? Get married? Was marriage a thing her people did? Was he thinking too much about this? Perhaps she wasn't thinking of that at all. Maybe she liked the way he looked, but didn't want to marry. Perhaps her sister was just teasing? 

He went to find her, the thoughts piling up alongside worry for the pack. He wasn't sure if talking to her was the right move. This was something that was supposed to be mediated by parents and grandparents, between the adults of the family. A marriage was a contract. But things were different here. Perhaps he was doing the right thing? It would help to discuss things.

He couldn't help but smile when he saw her — ee mungu he was really in this, wasn't he? Wow, wow ok. She saw right through him. Did he look that concerned? Or was she just good at reading him now? Wasn't that something mama did to baba? Oh man. Wait, wait, no. They've been friends for a while, surely that's what it was.

He let out a huge gust of air, deflating somewhat as he let the tension leave him. They were alone, right? No one would hear. What was wrong with someone hearing anywa- just say something! Your sister said that you liked me. yaaaaaani... like liked me? That you thought I was, mm, sexy? he looked sheepish, not wanting to look at her directly. Is that true?

She didn't say anything at first. Why wasn't she saying anything? He panicked, more than he ever had fighting or hunting, because this wasn't something he could fight or chase. It was intangible, out of his grasp more than anything he'd ever encountered before. When she spoke again, she didn't deny it, which was a relief to him. She asked if it was a bad thing. Was it?

He hesitated, but not for long. No, And he meant it. He felt good that she liked him, he realized. It was scary because it was new, because he was so far from home and had none of his family to rely on, and now he was involved with a girl who he had only meant half a year ago. But he didn't not want it to happen.

He wrestled with the words, unsure how to say the things he had thought for the past six months. He couldn't say it in Common. It wouldn't work. Macho yako yanapendeza, he blurted. It was out in the air now, no going back. He took a deep breath. Nafurahia sana kuwa nawe. He didn't know if she could even understand half the things he was saying. Wakati maji yalinichukua, nilikuwa na huzuni sana kwamba sikuweza kukuona tena na kwamba hautaniona tena. He caught himself at the last words, realizing that he had not even thought about that, at least not deeply. But it was right. He felt right saying it.

She was crying. For a moment he panicked. He'd never seen her like this. It had to be a good cry, right? He didn't know what to do, and just sat there, waiting. It felt like he was frozen there, without any words of comfort to say, not knowing what the right action was in the moment.

She spoke. And when she did, it was in his native tongue. It made him feel torn apart and squeezed tight all at the same time. He smiled, the kneejerk reaction making him laugh softly. He didn't say anything when she finished. There was nothing left to say. He pressed his forehead to hers and closed his eyes, and just sat there, feeling her.

He was glad, so so glad that she did not freeze up. The image had flashed in his mind before he stepped forward, terrified that he had stepped too far. But no, she reciprocated, nuzzling his cheek. He felt himself relax, melting, really. 

I don't know, he said. They were on a roll of being honest with each other. It would be bad to end it now. What I would do, if you were of my culture, is that I would tell my father, who would talk to your father, and our families would work out a...mahari...a price? For you. My family would have to give your family something...or maybe I'd work for your family for a while. He didn't know how she would react to that. Did her culture have such a thing? He'd never heard of it mentioned before while he was here, but then again, he'd never asked. But that is such a big thing! That's marriage, and I'd — it's not that I wouldn't want to marry you, I'd just... he sighed. He was so flustered. The words rolled off of his tongue without I'd want my family to be there. And yours! It's a family thing. With a big ceremony with singing and dancing and cheering and flowers and blessings and gifts. Did he want that with her? Would she want that? So I don't know what we are, now. Just that I want to be with you. Whatever that ends up being.

He hadn't considered that her parents wouldn't be involved at all. Why shouldn't they care? She was their offspring after all. But, of course, it would be hard to negotiate a brideprice if one side had no history or interest with the practice. Perhaps Kyr could stand in? He hadn't heard of such a thing before...

But, this was all so out of focus. Yes, she was right. They had, if not more important things, things that required their immediate attention. He knew he could not sit right leaving Neverwinter to pursue his own desires, and that she would not either. She was a guardian after all, much like he. But it is good to know how you feel,