The sun rose over the forest of many kinds of trees. The Moon tribes outpost was in a grassy clearing that was somewhat of a hill, so more defendable. Alaric was excited to reach the Moon tribes capital. He would get to know what his surprise was. Alaric was also wondering what the Princess looked like and if she would at all like to play any of the games he liked.
Soon after waking up, the combined caravan and outpost guards made their way to the Moon tribes main village, their capital. Alaric gratefully appreciated the sweet bread that Talloha had given him. It was a much nicer breakfast than hard crackers and jerky. Alaric was told that for the month the caravan would be in the Moon tribes capital, he would have no lessons. He was to accompany and play with the Princess. Alaric didn't mind. He thought it was going to be so fun! As Alaric ate, while riding NightDance, he observed the wildlife flittering around. Squirrels and other rodents chittered and ran about the trunks and ground. Birds sang and danced on breezes in the sky. The occasional forest grazer peeked out at them as the passed. Alaric had just finished his sweet bread when Talloha reached over and tapped his shoulder pointing out to a forest colossal. Alaric's jaw dropped in amazement at the sight of the Huge creature. "Talloha, what is it called?!", he whispered to her. She made a motion of later. Alaric nodded and they watched the colossal as the rode by. She, the colossal, paid no mind to them as she searched for good greens, fruits and grains to eat.
Only when she was out of sight did Talloha turn to Alaric and speak. "That, my Prince, was a Azorin. One of the most gentlest Giants to roam our lands, that is, until provoked. Show them respect and they will not harm you. it is said people of the Earth tribe raise domesticated Azorin. I do not know for certain, but if they do, they are a fierce people indeed. Azorin with those tusks, trunks, and massive size can be deadly as much as it is beautiful." Alaric was awed.
"One day Talloha, I want to travel and visit all the tribes on our Continent." Talloha did not scorn his grand ideas as Voutiq would have, but gently cautioned and encouraged him. "If you do go, You must keep in mind you mustn't be aggressive or passive. It is good to understand politics as well as battle tactics. If you are too aggressive, you may offended and get yourself in trouble. If you're too passive, they may think you too weak and attempt to bully you. But if you're physically strong, noticeably so, but are polite and courteous, you will be respected. If you travel with companions, You must be a good leader, and make sure your company is not rowdy or hostile. If you travel with a wife, you need one who is strong. Strong enough to fight at your side and to defend herself. If a day comes any of this comes about, I will be proud of you."
Alaric teared up. While he knew his parents loved him, they never encouraged him as Talloha did. They not once had told him they were proud or would be proud of him. He impulsively leaned over to Talloha and hugged her as they were riding at the same pace. Had Alaric seen her face he would of smiled and laughed a little at her surprise. She wrapped her arms around him and the bond between them grew a bit stronger.
Now in Talloha's heart, Alaric had been on his way to becoming someone she loved dearly as kin. His grateful actions just cemmented it. Alaric was now firmly in her heart. The love she now held for him was that of a son. Now in the future, when his parents neglected his emotions and well being, she made the decision to be his adoptive mother. She gently pushed Alaric back upright onto his mount. Talloha made eye contact with her best friend and secret wife, the Moon tribes outpost leader, Ari-uhn. Ari had witnessed what happened and agreed. Alaric, Prince of the Sun tribe, was a good boy. He would be their son in secret.
Now while these thoughts were passing through the two women's minds, Alaric was overwhelmed with love and gratitude towards Talloha. He loved his parents, but it was a thin distant love. The gentle encouragement Talloha continuously showed him only strengthened the love he was rapidly growing for her. Voutiq, had he witnessed it, would of been green with envy. But, he was at the far rear of the caravan, so did not see. The other sun warriors and politicians who witnessed it were pleased with the growing bonds between their fair leader and Prince. They had all witnessed the boys loneliness growing up. His parents were busy indeed. The Moon warriors paid no heed to the inner going ons, what they saw they thought was normal. They didn't fash themselves over it.
Finally, around midmorning, Ari-uhn called out to the caravan; "We arrive in ten minutes. Please remain with the escort until you have been assigned a guide and have been presented to the Chieftess!" There was a rustle and murmuring of excitement. Soon they would be done traveling! The politicians were especially eager. They would relieve their fellows who had been there for six Moonths already. After this month, when both parties of politicians were together and the caravan returned to the Sun tribes capital, the one who spent eight Moonths would accompany them home.
Soon the Moon tribes capital was in sight. Alaric and NightDance was bouncing in excitement. Talloha was laughing pleasantly. Within minutes they passed the Moon tribes capital gates. Alaric watched with wide eyes in fascination and astonishment. While it had been causally called a village, it was in fact a great city. The Moon tribes wealth was abundantly seen in the building materials they so casually used. Their houses, businesses, markets, and official buildings were made out of precious moonstone. Now they weren't made ONLY out of moonstone, but it was very abundant. There were Trade Buildings that were made out of brick and cobblestone Blacksmiths, Tanner's shops, and pottery shops were made out of the more readily available and less precious resources. That's not to say the architecture wasn't as grand as everything else was, because it was very grand. The Cheiftess, was equal to a Queen for the Palace she lived in. Alaric was suddenly glad he had come, however much he hadn't wanted to in the beginning.
Ari-uhn led them to the outer courts where the stables were. NightDance stretched out long as soon as Alaric hopped off. Many of the other Saborahs and Dyorahs did the same. Cloudburst, Talloha's Saborah hardly waited for his saddle to be removed before he flopped onto the ground and began rolling, much to the laughter of observers. Once the Dyorahs and Saborahs were stabled, Ari-uhn led them to the Great Room. where official court business took place. Alaric unconsciously slipped his hand into Talloha's out of nervousness. She smoothed his hair back and smiled gently at him. They entered the Great Room. There upon two thrones sitting on a daise, was the Cheiftess and the Princess.