Hoshor Plains [m] the tortured poets department

She made a fair point—but he didn’t have to reiterate that. As she opened the floor for him, he found his ears drawing back for a moment, gaze traveling back to the direction of the mountain before quieting for a moment as he considered his words.

“Moonspear is a different culture than what I’m used to,” he offered, icy eyes befalling her, now. “Intimate relationships are a way to bond, should one choose to, and relationships aren’t necessarily.. polygamous. So, I began courting the Chief, and while she had a few lovers, we grew close. Last year, she birthed a pup… the idea is that the entire village raises the children, regardless of parents. Another she-wolf—who’s also in a relationship with the Chief—carried my son last year…”

He snorted softly. “It’s hard to keep the explanation of it simple, really. I was given the bride price by the Chief’s mother to officially take her as a wife, and I’ve spent months from home, fulfilling this. I’ve missed many things—but now her season is upon her again, and once more, she’s coupled with multiple males… All who get the title of father… and I wish I could be a better man. A man who wasn’t jealous about it all.”

He lifted a paw, rubbing the side of his muzzle with his forelimb. “I can’t help but feel like I’m just one of many… not important. Worse, I think, is that I visited my mother during this bride price, and she was dying… And she basically told me I’m a fool.”