With a slow and gentle hand Necun of Clan RazorRiver pushed the aged wood of the door until there was enough of a gap to slip through. With a practiced step she slipped into the darkened hall, grateful that the carpeting muffled her footsteps. As with most raids she had bound her wild red hair, wrapping it in gray cloth to hide the distinct color. Her body was similarly garbed, eschewing the traditional bright and flamboyant feast robes for the grays and blacks of a Night Hunter.

Taking the opportunity provided by a conveniently placed window, Necun exited the hallway, utilizing her climbing hook to swiftly clamber up to the roof. She winced as she dragged herself across the wet grime of the roofing tiles before carefully standing.

Oh, wonderful, now I'm filthy. Necun thought to herself. Hopefully he doesn't notice in all the excitement.

Careful to keep her footing on the rain slick roof, Necun made her way to the lone tower of the mountain fortress. Her strides were long, her silhouette difficult to make out against the horizon of the cloudy night. She was borderline invisible.

Which was likely why she crashed straight into another figure traveling on the same roof.

The impact sent both figures sprawling, and both began to grab onto anything they could to stabilize their fall. When their panic faded Nacun found her self with one arm gripping the seam of a tile, and the other hanging onto the shirt of the lanky frame of a fellow Night Hunter.

“Kella?” Necun hissed in surprise. “What in the rot are you doing here?”

“I could ask the same, Cuncun.” Kella replied softly. “What is the Chief's favorite little rot-spawn doing out on a night like this? You do know it's the tithe tonight?”

At the embarrassed silence that followed Kella's face twisted into a ferocious grin.

“Oh, Necun.” Kella drawled “I didn't know you had it in you.”

“Silence your tongue.” Necun growled

“Little Necun, grabbing herself a human betrothed.” Kella continued unabated. “I never would have imagined. Did your mother approve? Your fathers? The Chief?”

“Don't pretend you're innocent Kella.” Necun snapped back. “Unless you're just out here for a midnight walk?”

By this point both women had dragged themselves away from the three story drop at the edge of the roof. Without the fear of falling off the edge, Necun could properly look her peer in the eye, noting the barely contained mirth in the woman's face. Kella shrugged off the question.

“Sure, I'm here to grab myself a human boy.” Kella said. “That's hardly gossip worthy, most of the unbound women in the retinue are out tonight.”

Necun's heart fell into her stomach.

“If so many are out tonight. Then?” Necun let the question hang in the air.

“What? Did you think that we sit around and debate who gets to claim the tithe?” Kella snorted. “There's always more demand than available men. It's a race Cuncun. Whoever gets to their target first gets to keep him.”

While Necun was still processing that information Kella took off at a jog. Necun, after a moments hesitation, followed.

“Why didn't anyone tell me?” she asked.

“You mean besides the risk of 'tempting' the Chief's house-daughter?” Kella replied. “Nobody want's the competition. If all the new girls trying their luck don't know it's a race it gives everyone else an edge.”

Necun felt the pit in her stomach grow. She had assumed she would have all night to make this work. Now she was in a race, and she might already be losing.

“Wait, there were seven names on the tithe.” Necun said. “Which one are you here for?”

Both women slowed as the reached the edge of the roof. Necun realized with horror there were four other silhouettes on the edge looking down into the courtyard. She could even see torchlight down near the entrance of the tower.

“Come off it Necun.” Kella said, the mocking edge to her voice gone. “Every woman knows what the top prize is tonight.”

As Necun reached the edge of the roof her fear bloomed with dread clarity. Kella had spoken false. It was not most of the unbound women out tonight. It was all the unbound in the retinue. And she was the last to arrive.

Oddly it wasn't just them either. A small group of the fortress inhabitants were present as well. Six Knights in shining armor stood guard by a pair of Mages, all lit by dull white mage lights floating above their heads. It looked to Necun like a human painting of the old war, a scant few huddled in the light against the darkness.

And we are the beasts, prowling in the dark. Necun thought to herself, feeling a touch of satisfaction despite her befouled mood.

“Didn't think you were going to make it Kella.” the woman perched to Necun's right stated dryly.

It took Necun a moment to place the voice. She had never worked with Clyla before.

“Almost didn't” Kella admitted. “Necun nearly tackled me off the roof.”

“Not surprising, at least ten of us choose to use the rooftops.” Clyla replied. “You shouldn't have rushed. Most of us got here a bell ago.”

“I was going to ask about that.” Kella admitted. “Why hasn't anyone grabbed golden boy yet? And what's with the Mages? I thought he was on the list.”

“He is.” Clyla said with a shrug. “But the Warden has … concerns, regarding the safety of her son.”

She was cut off from elaborating as a figure stepped closer to the humans. Necun had little trouble recognizing the woman as Kitcha. The woman was the oldest among the unbound at twenty-two Cycles, and Necun had heard pleanty of speculation about why she had not bound herself yet. The most prevalent rumor was that she was only interested in taking a human mate.

This is her third tithe, maybe even her forth. Necun thought. I always assumed she was too picky, or didn't like humans.

Necun was too far to pick up the words exchanged between Kitcha and the gray haired Mages, but she felt the tension rise among her peers as the Mage nodded. The tall dark haired woman turned from the Mage to address the orcs.

“SISTERS!” Kitcha called out “I KNOW WHY YOU ARE GATHERED HERE.”

There was a ripple of grunts through the crowd.

“WE ALL SEEK THE SAME PRIZE, HUNT THE SAME PREY.” Kitcha continued. “BUT ONLY ONE OF US CAN CLAIM HIM.”

Speeches like this were common before a hunt. Words meant to focus the mind, and settle loose nerves. A bit of noise before a hunt's silence. Necun had learned cycles ago to ignore the platitudes while she planned for the task ahead. Yet this was not just any hunt, and with her stomach curling into knots she found herself calmed by the familiar blustering, even if Kitcha was shamelessly copying the words of her elders.

“THERE ARE THOSE AMONG YOU WHO CLAIM TO BE THE SWIFTEST, THE STRONGEST, THE BRAVEST.” Kitcha shouted. “WHAT ARE SUCH CLAIMS WORTH?”

“NOTHING!” the crowd replied, completing the familiar phrase.

“ONLY TRIUMPH.” Kitcha screamed alongside her tribe mates before chuckling and lowering her voice. “With that said there are some boundaries for this particular hunt.”

Kitcha spared another glance towards the Knights behind her.

“Apparently the Warden's son is a rather spirited man.” Kitcha said. “The warriors behind me are here to ensure the safety of all parties, while we pursue a more traditional version of the tithe.”

Unsure murmuring rippled through the gathered orcs.

“The boy is alone in the room at the top of a tower.” Kitcha continued. “The first orc to get him out safely gets to keep him.”

“We are not allowed to fight each other while we hunt.” Kitcha emphasized after a moment. “That's why the Knights are here. As for the Mages-”

“They're here to make sure we don't die if the boy throws our limp bodies off the tower.” Kitcha said, her face splitting into a grin.

“Try not to fall outside the chalk circle.” one of the Mages interjected blandly, fingers combing his beard. “We didn't volunteer to scrape anyone off the ground tonight.”

“Exactly. Remember the boy may be pretty, but he's not worth dying for.” Kitcha continued. “Which brings us to the last rule. We can't fight each other, or climb the tower together without extra risks. So it's first come first served girls!”

Rot. Necun thought as she released a hiss of irritated breath.

She looked around at her gathered tribe mates. Every one would attempt the tower before her. She knew that most were swifter, or more experienced.

And yet, she knew deep in her heart she would win.

She had to.

For love.

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These girls don't mess around. Nickolas mused while looking down from his tower's window.

He had nailed his shot with the vase. Sending the second musclebound suitor crashing to the ground below, but already the third was scaling the thick wall of the tower.

Pushing a golden lock out of his face he waited for the moment she reached the lowest marked tile.

His thumb passed over a tiny rune on the windowsill and the corresponding brick exploded outwards in a shower of stone dust, sending the woman tumbling through the air.

Tough too. He thought in wonder as he watched her sit up, merely dazed from a blow that would have knocked any of his bodyguards unconscious.

Returning his attention to the base of the tower. The newest orc trying her luck was far more cautious, watching her handholds carefully, and keeping an eye for any projectile pottery from the window.

“Try left!” he called down. “Less traps on that side.”

Even in the darkness he could see her lock up, surprised by his advice.

Slowly, she shifted to her left, tapping her hand on the brick to search for traps or runes. When she found nothing she resumed her climb, pace increasing now that she was out of the line of fire from the window.

Nickolas had to lean out of the window to watch her now, and even then he had to rely more on the shifting movement against the static darkness to pinpoint her location.

Luckily the static rune she slapped with her hand required no aiming on his part.

"Sorry! Wrong side! I meant my left!" he added unhelpfully as the magic sparked.

As the woman's muscles locked up and she tipped off the tower crashing downwards he observed the gathered crowd.

The Knights looked on with amusement, watching their allies take it in the teeth was a touch rude, but seeing the blustering orc Hunters knocked down a peg by a single Mage was funny enough to be worth the blow to their honor. The Mages were far less amused, mostly concerned with keeping the circle of runic chalk intact while avoiding flying orcs and associated debris. Otherwise, they were grumbling about the tragic misuse of magic this was.

The orcs were split into three groups. The failures, who were mostly moping and rubbing wounds, save for Kitcha who seemed more stunned than anything. The hopeful, who eagerly counted down how many of their peers needed to fail before they would get a chance. Finally, the calculating watchers who seemed more nervous than anything, running the numbers on how many traps were left.

Nickolas observed each in turn, his eyes straining against the torchlight, judging the woman who would claim him as their 'mate'.

They were rugged young women, armored in the black leather they favored, axes and blades strapped across their torsos within easy reach. The shortest of them were a full head taller than him, and muscle bulged wherever their skin was uncovered. As the light flickered against their features he could see the hunger in their expressions, and the glint of their tusks.

He swallowed at the sight. Two parts anxious, three parts excited.

Withdrawing from the window to let the traps do their work in thinning the herd he checked his remaining equipment. The runes would do their work of course, but he knew not to rely on magic alone. No matter how potent his latest creations were. The crossbow lying on the bed would be useful, if only because it was the one defensive measure that could be reloaded, but the real prizes were the carpets.

They were thick, heavy things, weighting nearly as much as himself. He had resorted to bribing two of his mother's servants with bonus pay to drag them up. They were the greatest non magical tool in his arsenal, and with a grin he began dragging the first to the window.

What a lovely day. He thought to himself giddily. Hope the Green is just as much fun.

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Necun had been so caught up in her desperate hopes she missed the first two of her peers failing. The third flying off the tower in a explosion shook her from her thoughts.

"Look how far she flew!" Kella whispered. "Now that's a rotting spell!"

Necun nodded, putting together what happened even as another orc tried the treacherous tower.

"He's prepared for this for a while." she finally said.

"Before we set out." Kella agreed. "I wonder why. Does he think we'll give up?"

"Looks more like a challenge to me." Necun replied, eyes now glued to the tower, mapping out possible routes. "He must want the strongest and bravest to court him. A true champion."

"Calm down lover girl. He probably just wants to poke at us." Kella chuckled. "I bet he was passing fire at the idea that that mommy is giving him to the big bad orcs."

Necun hummed back, wincing as she watched another climber plummet to the ground, smashed by what looked like a rolled up carpet of all things.

"Assuming that he spaced his traps evenly it looks like we'll get a chance." Kella continued. "They've only cleared a path up a fifth of the tower!"

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Necun had tuned out her friend again, instead focusing on the silhouette emerging again from the window. The scant light that made it up the tower revealed his long silken hair, wafting gently in the warm breeze. Even when he was playing War Mage he looked delicate. Like a flower. Yet as colorful as a sunset in his robes. Her heart fluttered as she watched him push a lock of golden hair out if his face.

The effect was the same when she saw him in the main hall. She had already been nervous, sparing carefully concealed glances at the men's table, looking at the nervous pretty humans who were on the tithe list. Some were looking anywhere but at the orcish guests, while others stared openly. She had been eyeing up a tall butcher's son who had the most adorable smattering of freckles when the Warden's son walked in.

House guards flanked him. The women scanning for threats even in the heart of their own fortress, but she could hardly blame them. Their charge was simply too valuable to risk. He shone like the sun. Dressed in the full finery of a human Mage, all orange and reds, he strode in with his head held high and met the gazes of her tribe mates.

The older orcs simply nodded after a moment, returning to their conversations or meals. The younger women, meanwhile, were openly staring at the man, drinking in his form.

Then his eyes met hers, and her breath was stolen. She felt the room fall away. The din of the feast fading. All that mattered was him and her. She could feel the connection. The bond that had formed between them, and she knew that he could feel it too.

"With me Nickolas." The human Chief called from the center of the room. "I want you to meet our guests."

With that the moment ended. He broke the gaze and walked to his mother's side, flanked by his guards. She let out a long shaky breath, echoed by several others at the table.

"Who is that?" She breathed out.

"Oh right you're new." Bycia muttered "That's the Warden's boy. Made full Mage this cycle. Nineteen, and he can sling around combat spells."

Necun looked on in wonder as he bowed politely to a thoroughly flattered Chief Hevta before taking his seat between the Warden and his father. Immediately the older man fussed over his son, checking the binding on his hair and fixing a fold in his robe. The cold indifference of the boy's features broke under the attention as he screwed up his face in embarrassment, trying to shoo his father off.

Necun took a long drought of wine to steady herself.

"He's beautiful." she muttered.

"Aye. Got the best of the Warden's looks, only, you know, more delicate." Bycia continued. "Word is half a dozen human Chiefs want him for their daughters, or themselves."

Necun flicked her eyes away from the young man.

"He's unclaimed? Not even promised to someone?" she hissed under her breath.

"Not even a favored suitor. Some think the Warden is waiting for a better offer. Maybe a family from the human heartlands. Me on the other hand?"

Bycia leaned in close.

"I think the boy is waiting for some young warrior to woo him in the old way. Some grand gesture of love to make his heart flutter."

She winked.

"So if you want to toss your axe in that circle, make a splash. Stand out."

"Me? I'm not here for that!" Necun sputtered back, her cheeks flushing.

"Sure sure. You're just here to stare. Not find some pretty thing to warm your bed." Bycia shook her head. "Don't be a fool Cuncun. Love is a hunt like any other. It rewards the swift and the bold, and punishes a coward."

"I'm not prepared to form a house! I haven't even led a pod yet!"

"You think your mother waited until she was ready to settle before she was hopping into every bed she could find? Live a little Cuncun. That's half the reason we bring young warriors on trips to the human lands."

"That's not the point! I can't sully his honor and leave! I'd have to be bound to him." she spared another glance at the blonde man, sipping daintily at his wine. "There's no way the Warden would release him to me."

One of Nickolas's guards locked eyes with Necun, causing her to drop her gaze.

"Maybe not, but there are a thousand paths to victory Necun." Bycia continued.

"But all require the will to walk them. I know. I know. I heard enough of that as a welp." Necun clicked her teeth. "I fail to see the path here Bycia. Chief's housedaughter or not the Warden isn't likely to let her son be courted by one of our kin. As you said she's looking for a match deeper in human territory. Maybe even some Queen or other. He's suited for their courts and castles. Not the Green."

Bycia bit down on a sausage and chewed while considering Necun's words.

As she opened her mouth to reply there was a commotion at the central table. The Warden stood, mirrored by her bodyguard and brought her cup down on the table twice, sending an echoing boom through the feast hall.

The Warden was a tall woman, but was far slimmer than her orcish guests. Nevertheless few would mistake her for anything but a warrior. Her frame chiseled by cycles with the spear and longbow. Her face held an ugly scar, pitted flesh from some caustic attack. Her servants chose to accent it this evening to appeal to the orc's martial nature, keeping the scar framed perfectly by her long golden hair.

Her firm parade ground gaze swept the assembled orcs and humans alike, waiting for the last of the noise to calm.

"Once again we are gathered in this hall to reaffirm the friendship between two peoples, both alike in strength and pride." she began, her sharp voice carrying in the packed room

Necun resisted the urge to scoff at her claim. She, like every other orc, knew that it was the human's ability to bring overwhelming numbers to bear that had marked their victories in the early battles between their peoples. Something they had capitalized on with their extensive road and fortress building. She would pit one orc Hunter against any three human Knights, but that hardly mattered if they brought six Knights and a Mage to the fight.

Still it was a polite fiction, and there was little reason for the orcs to fight their neighbors now when the rich trade goods flowed into their city all the same. Better to use their Hunters to mark out new territory in the Deep Green. The riches within could be traded for far more than what could be pillaged from a dozen human settlements.

Necun realized she was drifting again, and focused back on the Warden's peace speech.

"And that is why I shall mark this joyous occasion with a special announcement. To show my dedication to the trust between our peoples. My household shall finally join our guests in a bond of blood. This tithe shall include my son." the Warden announced

Necun's heart froze in her chest. She could hear every orc in the room sucking in a breath.

Some of the older orcs noted how the Warden growled the last sentence between clenched teeth, but were more amused by the younger generations reactions.

When Nickolas rose to meet the orcs' gazes he smiled at their predatory pressure, passing his panicked father to sit at the tithe table.

Necun could barely process the information. A thousand thoughts passing through her mind in an instant as she clenched the handle of her knife tight in her fist.

"I need to have him." she whispered to herself. "No matter the cost."

Now, several bells later, watching her peers fail to climb the human's tower she knew what that cost would be.

Kella was next, which meant as long as her friend failed she would get a chance.

"Don't curse me if I win!" the woman declared before dropping off the roof and charging for the tower.

Necun felt conflicted as her friend followed the safest path she could find up the now blackened stones of the tower.

If I don't do this one of the others will, their pride will allow it on their second try. She thought, working herself up for her plan. I'll be looked down on, but so what? I'll be the victor of this hunt. That's what matters.

She tuned out Kella, confident her intended prey would win that fight as he had the others, then one by one she let the distractions fade.

Gripping the trinket of iron she knew better than her own face she whispered her oaths, to her Gods, to her tribe, to herself.

Red light sparked and ignited around her, bathing her body in it's glow as her eyes lit up in crimson.

As her aura swelled to it's full might all eyes turned away from the tower.

"Necun? Really? Aura for a hunt like this?" Clyla growled

Necun rolled her shoulders while ignoring the grumbles of her shocked tribe mates.

Did this border on dishonor? Yes. But she hardly cared. She was going to win.

Her aura roiled in agreement, a hissing in her ear, and a burning under her skin. The darkness became sharper, then withdrew as her enhanced vision allowed her to examine even the deepest shadows.

It was difficult to stay still, her aura was not a patient one.

She held until she saw Kella's body flying out of the tower's window, her arms bound in what appeared to be a giant snake. Before her friend had even hit the hard stone below she was moving.

She launched off the roof in a monstrous leap, slamming into the side of the tower and sinking her fingers into solid stone. In a heartbeat she was clamoring up like a wild beast, complete with loud growls through her clenched fangs.

Necun and her aura were perfectly synchronized, even her most primal urges pushing her on to secure the pretty male. Her rational mind was practically giddy as she rushed up to the window, ignoring the safe path her competitors had created around the more obvious magical traps.

Many were revealed as fakes, simply chalk symbols left to direct the climbers into more treacherous territory. Other's lashed at Necun with blasts of force, or tried to lock up her body.

All shattered, or were rendered useless by her aura combined with the crushing grip she held on the tower's stones.

Above her she saw a surprised face. With her aura running she could see him clearer than ever before. How his long blonde hair swept across his perfect face.

She growled in triumph and increased the speed of her ascent, victory at hand.

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I might have made a mistake. Nickolas admitted to himself as he saw the snarling woman climbing the tower.

The last one had reached his window, and even dodged his crossbow bolt with shocking deftness before his last resort trap had activated.

Time to find out if I can punch through an orc's aura. He thought as he reloaded his crossbow slowly, unfamiliar with the weapon. Should be fun. Provided she doesn't rip my throat out afterwards.

Crossbow ready he hopped behind his bed for cover and took a deep breath, gathering the dregs of his magical power.

Hope I don't pass out. If my bride just drags my limp body out of the tower for the win Mol will never let me hear the end of it. He paused as the thought crossed his mind. I guess I won't be seeing Mol after this anyways.

The concept was odd, leaving behind everyone he had ever known. Yet at the same time the thought rang with new possibilities.

Provided he survived the next few moments.

The orc woman poked her head up to the window with a snarl of triumph. Her eyes flicking around the room before settling on his crouched form.

He gulped, staring down her fanged maw, freezing up long enough for her to drag herself into the room and stand to her full height.

"You're mine now." she purred, her eyes a deep crimson

Nickolas looked on in wonder at the clear red aura twisting in the air around the woman. With the dim red light she was the first of his suitors he could clearly see.

She was the one staring at the feast. He thought while pointing the crossbow at her chest. The one with the nice face.

She watched him carefully, waiting for him to make the a move. Waiting for a mistake.

Nickolas felt a bead of sweat roll down the side of his face.

He pulled the crossbow's trigger and activated his final spell at the same time.

The orc let loose a cackle as she pulled an axe free in a sweeping motion, deflecting the crossbow bolt and leaping onto the bed.

Nickolas let out a tiny squeak and tossed the spent crossbow at her maw while falling back onto his rear. Another sweep of her axe smashed the weapon to the side as she leapt again directly at his prone form. Luckily for his dignity the crossbow had bought the heartbeats he needed, and a rune formed just to the right of where he was crouched a moment before.

He could see her eyes widen a fraction as she passed in front of the rune, her leg lashing out against the bed to try and redirect.

She was too late. A mistake she had no time to regret as a blast of blue lightning slammed into her side.

Nickolas blinked, and so missed the moment she was flung into the wall with a crash. Her aura twisting and bucking as it tried to protect her from the electrical energy that was still coursing around her body.

As the woman grunted and twisted, trying to break the spell that continuously tore at her aura Nickolas stood on shaking legs. With the spell's rune anchored to her body he just needed to keep the proverbial juice flowing until it overwhelmed her aura and did enough damage to knock her out.

He took a step forward, dipping into the last of his reserves to push the spell to it's maximum.

The woman's aura flared bright, spikes of the red mist thrusting out against the delicate magical threads surrounding her. Nickolas narrowed his eyes, looking for the trick as he watched his spell easily flow around the basic countermeasure.

Surely she doesn't think that would work? Even the simplest of war spells wouldn't-. his thoughts were cut off as the woman reached out with a hand. She stripped the aura from the limb at the last moment, and gripped the now concentrated threads of magic.

He winced as the spell began electrocuting her flesh, but the woman hardly seemed to notice a she yanked the cluster of threads, snapping them off the main anchor. She spiked her aura again, forcing the treads into valleys where she could get a good grip with her naked hands.

Nickolas's was transfixed by the strange technique.

I've never seen a woman tactically drop her aura like that. Astonishing. His mind was already reeling with possible counters, as well as defensive runes that could replicate the process.

Still as surprising as the technique was the stress it placed on her already flagging aura was obvious. With a whisper and a twist of his hand he intensified the power, spending the rest of his reserves precisely as the spikes pushed out.

With a harsh crack her aura failed and the room filled with the sizzling of skin as the electricity flowed into her body.

The biggest surprise was the lack of screaming.

Nickolas had expected more screaming.

After a moment he snapped the spell, letting the remaining magic dissipate harmlessly. He sat heavily on the bed, sweat dripping from his brow as both he and the Orc Hunter steadied their breathing.

"So." he began "Ready to give up? I'd rather not toss you out of the window in your condition."

The Hunter had managed to drag herself into a sitting position, leaning against the wall for support.

"Still got some fight in me." she rasped "Just need to catch my-"

She broke off into a coughing fit. Nickolas winced in sympathy as her frame shook.

"You're done." he interjected "I doubt you can walk in your condition. You're unlikely to beat me into submission."

"Wasn't going to beat you." she replied furrowing her brow "Would never hurt a cute little thing like you."

He rubbed his eyes with a hand.

"I'm not even going to go into that right now." he sighed, looking back up "I have just enough in me to get you to the ground without breaking anything. Think you can crawl to the window?"

The warrior woman grunted in refusal.

"Not done yet. You'll have to throw me out yourself." she growled softly

Nickolas continued to stare at her.

"Even if I don't move you your companions will get restless eventually. I doubt you'll be in any shape to challenge them, and I'm low on tricks." he replied "Assuming the next one is willing to use her aura I'll be going with her anyway. So let's just get you out the window so the healers can take care of you."

Her eyes narrowed as she considered his words.

Letting out a low growl she hauled herself to her feet, leaning on the blackened wall for support. Once at her full height she stared down at Nickolas.

"I will fight. Until my body betrays me." she gasped out

"Why?" he asked the wounded woman "There are other men in the tithe, and even if you don't get married this cycle you can always come back for the next tithe. And that's just if you desperately want a human. I'm sure you have plenty of Orcish men you could court."

The woman shook her head while trying to steady her legs.

"Has to be you." she rasped "No one else makes me feel this way."

He blinked

"You're going this far because you're smitten with me? A man you haven't shared a word with before this moment?" he said, hardly believing the words

Her eyes met his, and he could see the cold certainty in her eyes.

"It has to be you. My gut knows it. My aura knows it." she managed a weak smile "Perhaps the Old Ones know it too, and they ensured I would get this chance."

She tried to take a step forward, stumbling to her knees instead, her face tightening in pain.

Nickolas considered for a long moment, listening to the woman's ragged breathing as she tried to rise again.

"Very well." he began "Make me an offer."

She blinked up at him, confused.

"I'm either leaving home with you or the next woman who makes the attempt. The only real choice I have is between you and whoever climbs the tower next." he allowed a smile to touch his face "So make me an offer. A promise. An oath. Anything to tilt the scale in your favor."

"You want to barter yourself? Like some marketplace bauble?" she gasped out, disbelieving.

"Why not? My mother's been trying for cycles." he grinned "At least this way I might get a price I'm happy with."

And maybe ensure I'm going to be more than a trophy for my 'beloved'. he thought, watching the wounded woman carefully as she considered his words.

"I swear." she began after a moment of contemplation "To protect your honor, defend our household, and ensure you never go without for so long as I draw breath."

Nickolas raised an eyebrow.

"Pretty words." he stood and walked up to the kneeling woman, looking down at her for a moment.

Squatting down he stared directly into her eyes.

"And while I don't wish to diminish the sentiment, I would hope you would have done each of those without any oath." he continued "I'm afraid I'll need something more...difficult."

The woman ground her fangs together and he barely kept himself from flinching.

"You want....assurances?" she said slowly

He shrugged.

"I do, yes. I'm leaving my home behind. My family. My people." he said "I want to know it will be worth the sacrifice. That you will give me something they do not."

The gleam the warrior got in her eyes sent a shiver down Nickolas's spine.

"You are a clever trap maker Warden's son." she gasped out before a wet cough made her body shudder "What can I give you, for you to become mine?"

He wanted to grin, to laugh, to hug her broad shoulders. Instead he held back his hope and told her what he needed.

"An oath of partnership, of equity." he said quietly "An oath that ensures I won't be a trophy or a petty bauble for you to play with. That I will have a proper say in the life we share."

Her eyes narrowed at the language, almost disbelieving.

"Is that....all?" she rasped.

Nickolas nodded slowly. Holding his breath for her response.

She drew in a breath of her own. Holding it for a moment of perfect stillness.

"Necun Fellborn RazorRiver makes an oath to you." she began, her voice deep and commanding

Nickolas felt the magic in the room still, reverberating with her words.

"I shall be loyal to you, and fulfill my duties as your bond, heedless of rain or blood." she continued, eyes flashing open "I shall hold you as my partner and nothing less. I shall consider your word and actions with proper contemplation. I shall not shackle your body or spirit. I shall be yours, as you are mine."

With the final word both of them sagged slightly, as if they had both been carrying a heavy weight on their backs, and were just allowed to release it.

After a few short breaths Nickolas straightened his back and spoke again.

"I am Nicholas, Eldest son of the house of Blightstone, and I present myself to you as your husband." he said, a slight tremor in his voice "Should you take me in the manner of my people's customs I will join you in the manner of yours. I will be your bonded, and so long as you keep to your oath I will ensure you will never regret our bond."

Nickolas smiled brightly at her.

"We are one household now, Necun. Joined into something new." he said "Let's make something wonderful together."

He kissed the musclebound orc on her forehead, as tenderly as he could manage.

"Now!" he said, rocking back on his heels "Let's get you downstairs, I'm sure your companions are worried."

Nickolas slid himself under the slightly stunned Necun's arm and helped her rise to her feet.

"I'll do what I can to make this less painful, but I'll warn you there are quite a few more stairs than you may expect." he said cheerfully

Necun simply grunted in response, her expression unreadable as he helped her shuffle to the door.