They had left Ragnvard behind some time ago, with Lucivar carefully guiding the gentle female over the rough and rocky ground. He had been for a few minutes, turning his idea over in his mind. Not only that, but those words still circled round his head.

Wife.

And she hadn’t argued or even seemed angry at him. He already knew that despite their only recently being acquainted, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Indeed, worrying about her. And those fears had already been proven true. He longed to keep her safe, not tucked away somewhere, but truly, completely safe. Sheltered not only by his nearness, but by his name.

Glancing at her for the hundredth time he swallowed down the weird tightness that had taken hold of his throat. This was so strange, and certainly not how he had assumed he would find his life-partner…. He was going about it in entirely the wrong order… But… It felt right. Those words on his tongue, her warmth at his side…

Maybe she hadn’t argued because she approved?

Taking a deep breath to try and calm his racing, tangled thoughts he looked at her again, barely managing to avoid tripping himself in the process. Chuckling in a self depreciating manner at his own behaviour he sighs softly, a sound of quiet longing. All this arguing and uncertainty in his head was not going to be answered if he did not first ask the question.

So, with uncertain resolve and a shaky breath, he stopped their walk and carefully shifted to face her. They had left any crowds behind, being in a less densely populated part of the pride’s territory. They stood in a small secluded hollow, sheltered by a few large trees and bushes.

“Mbali… what I said back there….” His voice failed him and he closed his eyes, still unsure if he was strong enough to hear a rejection. Better to wonder and hope, than to loose even the chance of a positive answer..


Mbali walked quietly beside the strong male that she was rapidly falling for. Her mind too was swirling with what had just happened. Though of course she didn't realize how much danger she had been in when it came to Ragnvard. She of course had heard rumours about the brutal male, his way of life and how he treated his Thrall.

As the strolled Mbali folded herself neatly into Luci's side, she was so comfortable here, he had learned how to lead her so quickly, it was surprising to Mbali. Most tripped along when they had her leaning into their side, they always felt uncomfortable and as a result Mbali never felt safe. With Luci she began to realize she had never felt sager.

When the male spoke Mbali jumped just slightly, a motion he was sure to feel with their bodies against each other. She had been so deep in her own thoughts that the masculine voice had surprised her. When he mentioned what he had said before her body tensed, she hoped he wasn't about to take it back. Of course they had never officially said anything about their relationship, hell they had just met, but when he had called her his wife it all felt so right.

"Yes" she said quietly, encouraging him to continue. She moved away from him slightly so that he body wouldn't give her away, she knew that he was able to feel every muscle twitch and tension she had.


He felt her startle and then carefully move away. He understood why she did it, but he felt as if the lump in his throat had suddenly dropped to his chest, the slow and steady beat counting down the moments until his disappointment became reality. But having come this far, he couldn't stop. He had to know, not to would be too much like running away, and he was no coward.

Taking another careful breath he stared at her paws, unable to watch her expression, trying desperatly to delay what he was sure was the inevitable.

"I know we haven't talked about it yet, and really... we have only just met. But I meant what I said. I was so afraid when I couldn't find you, and then to see him there... " He had to stop or risk losing control of his voice. The remembered fury and panic he had felt threatening to close his throat. After a moment he managed to continue. "I know it's too soon, but I don't want to wait... and risk loosing you." Finally he looked up at her, his own expression torn between hope and nervous agony, and both reflected in his voice. "Mbali, will you be my wife?"



Mbali couldn't see his physical struggle he was going through but she could sure hear it in his voice. She fought the urges to fidget and hide her discomfort as he was speaking. The whole time believing that he was going to tell her that he had only said it to get her away from the other captain, never did she imagine that he was truly interested in being her husband.

When the words finally came from his mouth her mouth fall open and a noise of utter glee came out. She couldn't believe it. "Are you sure" she said, she was suddenly very insecure. "You could have anyone, why me, I'm blind, I'm damaged, I would be a burden." she said everything so fast, she didn't want him to change his mind but at the same time she didn't want him to regret it later.

"I want to be your wife." she added after quietly. She didn't want him to think differently. Suddenly she was wishing she hadn't moved away from him she wanted to be close to him again, sad that she couldn't feel his body and know how he was feeling through that.


Her sudden cry startled him almost as badly as he had startled her a moment ago. Eyes widening as he tried to work out whether it had been an exclamation of joy or despair, only belatedly did he catch up with her words and unable to restrain himself, he moved forwards, drawing her against himself with his head arched over her own, eyes closed tight. "Mbali.... Yes I am sure. More sure than I have ever been. And you are not damaged. You are amazing..." His voice had gone all husky and rough, chocked with more emotion than he could ever express.

For a long moment he had no other words, could not speak about the lump that had returned to his throat, though this time it was of joy, not fear. "I promise, you will not regret it." He whispered against her silky ruff, carefully drawing her closer against him with a foreleg about her shoulders.

Finally, and with great reluctance, he released his hold on her but shifted round so she was tucked against his side once more. He could not bear to be parted from her yet, and they should probably get back home. ...Home. Their home. Unable to repress the broad smile on his muzzle he tenderly brushed his cheek against her own. "My Mbali..."



Mbali allowed Luci to gather her up, quite happy to be surrounded by him once again, her mind drifted slightly wondering what this male might look like, she could tell that he was large, much larger than her, though of course she had always been told she was small specially for a stormborn. As her mind drifted a little about her looks she realized she was imagining her husband because really thats what was going to happen, they were going to be committed she felt her stomach do another flip.

"I never thought I would have a husband, much less a captain." Mbali whispered. In truth her whole life she had always known that she was an outcast, and undesirable. Now she was going to be the wife of a very important pride member, she just hoped that he wouldn't tire of her, and having to lead her everywhere.

"No my Luci" she told him a sweet giggle in her voice as she leaned into his side again ready to go wherever he was leading her.

"Where are we going?" she asked as they walked, in truth she didn't really care where they were going, she would follow him anywhere.


Her whispered comment made his chuckle, as he was feeling so light, as if he had not a care in the world. He felt amazing, as big as the mountains and as powerful as the sea. And all because she had said yes.

“I do not see why. You certainly deserve to be happy, and cared for.” His voice rumbled against her, the low tones full of his own joyous happiness. Her giggle was irresistible and he leaned down again, drawing his warm, rough tongue tenderly along her cheek. At her question he hummed softly under his breath. “I thought… I hoped, you might wish to move into my den…. Our den, now. If you wanted it to be… “ He knew he had done everything all wrong. There was so much to discus, to organise, and yet he could not regret the rushed situation. He only wanted her home, safe and sound and happy.

And there was his other idea…. It had made sense in his head but he worried it was one change too far. Would Mbali agree with him? If she did not, he would simply think of another solution.. It mattered less, she was his only priority.



Mbali purred slightly, "Yes home sounds perfect." She told him. She had always shared a den with her sister but Mbali was sure that her sister would be happy to be able to have some free time and not to have to worry Mbali. She pushed her fears that Luci would grow to tire of her or hate the burden that she would put on him.

"I am happy to be your wife, and to share a den, I just I wonder what I am suppose to do when you our on raids?" she didn't want to feel trapped in the den all the time, but if she was to be married to Luci she really shouldn't be depending on her sister anymore.

She knew as she spoke that she would hate each and every time that he would go away but he was a captain and had important resources to go out and get and bring back to the pride. She couldn't expect him to stay home just for her. When he was gone though she would always worry and wonder if he was alright and if he would be coming home.


Her reply only made his grin all the wider, until he was sure he looked quite the fool, but he didn't care. He felt that for the first time, his dean really was a home, not just a place to shelter between Vikings. A deeply contented sigh breathed out of him, as if some ong held tightness had finally eased, unknown till Mbali had come along and released him from it.

Her next words drew his mind back to his next idea/solution. It had all come to him quite accidentally but if she agreed, he thought it would suit them all very well. And he supposed it was best to ask her now... before they got back.

"Do you recall the lioness we rescued not long ago? Mwana?" He looked down at her as they walked, his voice soft now, questioning. He hoped she agreed with his idea, it would give her the freedom to go about the pride as never before, and he would feel better about leaving her if he knew she would be safe. Or safer, in any case, than she had been today. he couldn't handle that kind of fear again... Not when it came to her safety.

"I want to introduce her to you. I thought that.. if you got along with her, she could be your guide." He paused, wondering if there was a better way to say what he wanted, but he had never been very good at this kind of talk. He could only speak honestly and hope it worked out. ".. she would like a friend, I think. And I would feel better if you had someone with you when I'm not around.."

Mbali listened to him speak, she of course remembered the lioness he rescued he had told her about her the first day they met. "I would love to meet her." In truth Mbali could use more friends too, even a thrall to be her friend would make her happy. She also wouldn't feel as bad having a thrall be stuck to her side all day, it was their job in the pride to serve, and if Mbali was going to be a captains wife she was going to have to learn how to be served, she had never imagined that she would be important enough to have a thrall.

"I was in danger today wasn't I?" She asked in a hush tone. She wasn't sure what she was expecting him to say but she had heard it in his tone when her found her with Ragnvard, he had called Mbali his wife out of fear, it was okay it had worked out for the best, Mbali was going to be his wife, but she felt a need to talk about what had caused it all to happen. She didn't move away from his body though she wanted to be able to feel his response as much as hear it, she was rapidly learning how to read the males body cues.

Her reply made him smile with relief. He hadn't been sure if she would have considered his idea as meddling. The fact that she was willing to meet Mwana and take the thrall on was almost more than he could have hoped. Being Mbali's guide and companion would give Mwana something to do and keep her out of trouble. And having the thrall with her would, he hoped, give Mbali a new freedom, and would keep her from being lonely while he was away.

Her question pulled him from his thoughts and he nodded slowly, knowing she would feel the motion where their bodies pressed lightly together. "I am afraid so... That male, Ragnvard, is know for his high temper, expert fighting skills and a particular brutality against less physically able members...." He did not want to contemplate what the other male had been planning, for it had been obvious to Lucivar that Ragnvard had been enticing Mbali away for a reason. Swallowing slightly to try and loosen the dryness in his throat he eased closer to her protectively.

"I don't know what I would do if you were hurt....." He added, voice barely more than a low murmur.

Mbali felt his body tense and it wasn't surprising that her body tensed in response. She didn't like to feel Luci so tense. If the large male was this worried she assumed that she must have really been in trouble. She slowly let her breath out counting to ten in her head before she spoke, she didn't want her nerves to come pouring out in her voice.

"You will never have to know, I have you now and Mwana when you aren't around. I will protection around me all the time." she told him her voice light but serious. She was a little unease about how close she had come to getting herself into trouble.

She leaned into his side giving him a bit of a nudge. "Come on now take me home and introduce me to this Mwana. I can't wait to meet her." Mbali said. She moved away a few steps ahead of him showing how eager she was to get back to her new home.


He hadn't wanted to distress her, but he would never lie to her either. And the trouble with Ragnvard was serious, even if Mbali's status as a freeborn kept her from the worst of it. But nothing had happened, and with her now his wife, Ragnvard was unlikely to try again. A taken female was off limits even to other captains.

Before letting her go ahead he licked her cheek, reassuring both her and himself. Finally her eager words made him smile and he chuckled. "Alright.... Beloved." He agreed, finally relaxing again and just letting himself enjoy the moment. Mbali had said yes! And now they were headed home. To their home.

Moving forwards to match her stride once more he led her onwards, home to their den where the ex-rogue female was waiting.