After the bitter misery that had been the winter without end, spring and then vibrant summer had illuminated the darkest corners of Samo’s heart. Or so he believed, and hoped; his new scars itched and scabbed as they healed, black pigment fixing their shape in place. The wetu gradually filled with his and Elk Charm’s industry, the scent of drying herbs and deer-skins overlaying their own. The season of plenty added fat and muscle to his frame. Walosi prospered as they did.
Then caribou came in great numbers, bearing many-pronged antlers and shaggy brown coats. With them came their hunters. The Lanzadoii had none of the gentleness he saw in Elk Charm. They were hard and cold, warriors like those he had known in another life. Samo was disinclined to trust them, or believe that they might ever desired peace. Men who spent too long honing their weapons began to see every problem as something to be solved with a sword; wolves were no different.
Trouble stirred within, too, albeit of a different nature. Elk Charm had been named chief. It did not surprise him, and he was glad for her; he understood now the need for such a large home. The village must be welcome in a chief’s wetu, and in this Samo could only offer his delight and support. No—what troubled him was that as chief she must have a chief’s wedding. A chief’s feast, a chief’s hunt, and a chief’s husband. There was already another chief, and his name was not Samo.
He was not fool enough that he could not see Nate and Elk Charm held some affection for one another. He was not fool enough to deny that the match would be very suitable. When neither of them held any title it had not mattered, but now she was above him. Now she must lead alongside Nate. It would not be a long step for Eagle and Raven Chiefs to unite their lives in another way.
And as the leaves began to turn, cold reality crept under his skin once more. He could still feel the stigmata beneath his new scars. The scars Elk Charm had given him. Without her, he thought, he was nothing.
He tried not to let jealousy and anxiety gnaw at him; Nate was a good man, a fine man. A handsome man, worthy of her, if that was the choice she wanted to make. But for now she chose Samo, and he would do all he could to honour her. He would not think of such things, and would not let doubt cloud his heart or weaken his resolve. Not in the face of the war-hungry Lanzadoii, or in their life barely yet begun.
It was on a cool foggy morning that Samo lifted his voice to the sky in a howl. After parting ways with Elk Charm, smiling, it was time for him to begin his side of the preparations. He called to his fellow Waya and the Iawi, and to all who wished to watch. Perhaps even some stray Lanzadoii would be in attendance; so long as they did not interfere, Samo would accept their presence. It would be good for them to see how a trained gladiator fought; perhaps peace might seem more appealing.
He sang a prayer in Gaulish to the gods, promising the boar’s tusks and heart in return for success. Then he began to move among the undergrowth, slow and careful as he tracked his prey.
Then caribou came in great numbers, bearing many-pronged antlers and shaggy brown coats. With them came their hunters. The Lanzadoii had none of the gentleness he saw in Elk Charm. They were hard and cold, warriors like those he had known in another life. Samo was disinclined to trust them, or believe that they might ever desired peace. Men who spent too long honing their weapons began to see every problem as something to be solved with a sword; wolves were no different.
Trouble stirred within, too, albeit of a different nature. Elk Charm had been named chief. It did not surprise him, and he was glad for her; he understood now the need for such a large home. The village must be welcome in a chief’s wetu, and in this Samo could only offer his delight and support. No—what troubled him was that as chief she must have a chief’s wedding. A chief’s feast, a chief’s hunt, and a chief’s husband. There was already another chief, and his name was not Samo.
He was not fool enough that he could not see Nate and Elk Charm held some affection for one another. He was not fool enough to deny that the match would be very suitable. When neither of them held any title it had not mattered, but now she was above him. Now she must lead alongside Nate. It would not be a long step for Eagle and Raven Chiefs to unite their lives in another way.
And as the leaves began to turn, cold reality crept under his skin once more. He could still feel the stigmata beneath his new scars. The scars Elk Charm had given him. Without her, he thought, he was nothing.
He tried not to let jealousy and anxiety gnaw at him; Nate was a good man, a fine man. A handsome man, worthy of her, if that was the choice she wanted to make. But for now she chose Samo, and he would do all he could to honour her. He would not think of such things, and would not let doubt cloud his heart or weaken his resolve. Not in the face of the war-hungry Lanzadoii, or in their life barely yet begun.
It was on a cool foggy morning that Samo lifted his voice to the sky in a howl. After parting ways with Elk Charm, smiling, it was time for him to begin his side of the preparations. He called to his fellow Waya and the Iawi, and to all who wished to watch. Perhaps even some stray Lanzadoii would be in attendance; so long as they did not interfere, Samo would accept their presence. It would be good for them to see how a trained gladiator fought; perhaps peace might seem more appealing.
My friends,said Samo.
Thank you for coming. I seek to marry Elk Charm. To honour her and the gods, I must hunt the boar. I ask only that you witness me. If I am successful, we will have a great feast!
He sang a prayer in Gaulish to the gods, promising the boar’s tusks and heart in return for success. Then he began to move among the undergrowth, slow and careful as he tracked his prey.
Samo is leading a boar hunt to prepare for his wedding with Elk Charm! Anyone is welcome to join him and help, though by tradition Samo must be responsible for ultimately capturing and killing the boar. Visitors to Walosi are permitted to watch but may not interfere!
