Barbaric Spouse, Descry the Night's Lure-Chapter 52: Scene LII

Taking a seat on the wide fur of a carpet Kleifar’s head sat on, Aslak agreed to the man’s invitation for a meal.

"The woman will need energy as you say." — He then added, glaring while she stood prominently. — "Besides, we came here since I told you we would fall. But you didn’t tell anyone, warlock."

"I thought your youth would lock you to her legs, so I didn’t tell–"

Tuck... The void sound of wood being stabbed echoed, interrupting Otrur solely to be followed by the words of the man gripping the blade.

"Watch your mouth when she’s here, cursed fuck. Respect a Myrkzver’s wife." — Aslak warned... Almost stabbing the flesh of a warlock’s hand with the knife he had taken to pierce the meat on one bowl.

"... Hm... So you honestly cared to keep your word, Aslak?" — Taking out the knife with his grazed hand, Otrur asked impressed. — "Finding a mate does change a male."

"Shut up... Woman, seat already."

"..."

Hateful glare was directed at the warlock, yet coming back to ordinary as he retrieved the crafty blade, Aslak told his wife as the desired meat was taken.

Silent, Ewelina glanced at the two men before taking her place next to her husband. She was slightly bothered by the words of the Head, so rough in savage manners as he spoke to her mate... Yet mostly unsettled, by the certainty he had in his differing hues when they met hers. Mentioning the wisdom she possessed at a brief gaze.

However, the issue could not be discussed further after Aslak had impeded any possibility. Simply by his presence. Simply for the secrecy a long past demanded from the woman.

"So, female Myrkzver, what are your thoughts now that you are here at Kleifar? You can see it from that big stone up there, don’t you?"

"It... It is much more austere than it seemed from above... I find the air is filled with the people’s nature... Sincerely, it is much to my liking, Head... Otrur Nolsvun."

"... She was scared shitless when coming down here, though." — Aslak then told the man that intently listened to his Wife.

"Heh. Truly?"

"... I... I was ignorant of the paths used to get here..."

"Well. Blame cannot fall on you. That boulder does seem too high up. Eat some of this grease, child. It will do you well for the return."

Taking a bowl, she reached out so the Head would serve her, taking her time to process what his words could entail.

"... The return..." — Ewelina then repeated. Slightly turning pale at what her vision could provide. — "Husband... How is it that..."

"..."

Her eyes widened at the smirk her spouse gave as he also ate the grease along with the meat and dough provided by the tribe’s rustic table.

"Serve her more. She apparently eats nothing but I’m sure she won’t deny the food now." — Turning quickly to the Head the man gestured with his hand for more to be served, happy to tease the woman again.

"Is that how it is? Hmhm."

"..."

Leaning to serve more on Ewelina’s plate which she had already held forward, Otrur chuckled intrigued by the mood of a married Archduke.

The woman observed the enormous serving she had ended with and resigned, as she thought of how hazardous a return it would be, Ewelina commenced to eat obediently the offered meal finding surprise at its tasteful flavour.

"It’s good, huh." — The Head responded to Ewelina’s reaction.

"Beasts from below the crag are this good, woman. Nothing’s better when the hunt is fresh."

"... It is delicious." — She then answered as the food easily undid itself in her mouth.

Quiet, they continued to eat their food, tranquil and proud that the woman appreciated a good meal. Eating content and eager even in her proper manners. Only resuming conversations once Aslak decided to after filling his jack with the mead offered.

"Otrur" — He said, calling the Head’s attention. — "Any sign of the returning ones?"

"... No."

"... They are late... How much we don’t know? No sound or sense?"

"... Since the ground has been growling, their path should be a pain this time... They were taught well... Soon we will hear their hand’s song if the earth allows their crawl."

"Haaah..." — Frustrated sigh left him at the Head’s words. — "Hopefully it will be in the following ten days..."

A glance was given to the woman that ignored the matters discussed between the men, to which Aslak brought his eyes back to his leather jack and drank a continuous gulp of its mead as the awareness behind what this mentioned delay entailed for him and Kleifar’s people.

Solemnity could be felt even in their rough pose, for the food had started to be eaten slowly from then on.

Ewelina noticed that it was not her place to inquire at this time about what intrigued her.

As the Archduchess, many things in her duties were ignored. Therefore, as her wisdom guided, the woman decided not to say a word on the matter.

’... It is better if I teach myself before asking further...’ — Continuing to finish her meal, Ewelina acted indifferent to give the men the liberty to speak. — ’People of barbaric roots... If I am to treat with them as his spouse, respect is a must on my part.’

Considering the proper manners to approach the wild inhabitants, knowledge was needed for her to do so. To not contravene their culture, she was to listen and observe their ways and story. That one knowledge, which was deprived of any foreign to these nooks the savages pertained.

"..... If I may..." — After deep ponder, Ewelina spoke in their silence. — "Is it alright if I take a stroll while you men speak?"

"A stroll where, woman?"

"What are you asking, witless gut. The woman isn’t stupid to roam away from the village. Even a newborn would know."

The Archduke was displeased to listen Ewelina’s request for leaving his presence. Aware that she would not do as the Head implied, Aslak was doubtful of letting her pace around within the other savages.

Glaring in silence after hearing Otrur, permission was granted to the woman. Nonetheless, not by her man.

"Go, female Myrkzver. There is something I want to speak with this gormless Mate of yours."

"....."

Glancing to meet her Husband’s gaze, she found no return of such as he frowned, waiting apathetically for her to clear out of the tent as she had requested. Hence, granting a respectful bow to the Leader of the village, Ewelina stood slowly from her position to go outside.

"Hrom." — The head called at the man that peeked inside as she left. — "Have your sense on her."

Gesturing with his head, the warlock ordered for him to trace the woman’s path and once the leather was loosened to close, tense silence continued.

Solely for a moment... for Otrur’s meal had little remains to be eaten.

"The Female you got... How come that you got her, Aslak?" — Turning to glare at The reluctant Archduke, the warlock commenced.