The following morning, the sun slowly rose over the treetops, as birds chirped in melodic harmony. The cool breeze signaled the changing of seasons, with summer giving way to the golden hues of autumn. The sound of warriors training was a familiar one to Zarda, reminding him of the days he spent practicing with Natia after a romantic morning together. Lost in thoughts of her, he wondered how she was managing the kingdom and how their cub was faring without him. He hoped Meeku was guiding their cub well and that his mother was enjoying time with her grandcub. Zarda was brought back to reality when Oridian, the bobcat, gently touched his bicep and looked up at him.
"Your not here right now" said Oridian. Zarda chuckled and looked away.
He responded, "And how could you possibly know that?"
"Her smile widened as Oridian had become familiar with Zarda's character traits, habits, and emotions. She could tell when he drifted off to memories of his family in Africa. His eyes would narrow and light up with happiness, sometimes filling with tears of either joy or sorrow, a clear indication he was thinking of a loved one. And then there were moments when his brow would furrow, signaling a flashback to his time at war, each memory etched into his face with a distinct expression."
"I can see the concern in your eyes. You're thinking of your family back in Africa," she responded, looking out at the battling warriors. Zarda glanced down at his small companion, watching her in awe for several minutes before turning his attention to Asger. Lord Asger was fully equipped and moving around his soldiers, issuing orders and instructing new recruits on sword techniques. Earlier that morning, they had held a recruitment drive for all able-bodied male animals to join their army for battle. Sindri was preparing the females for a potential escape plan if the battle took a turn for the worse. She also tasked slave Hemmings with updating the other kingdoms on their status. They had arrived just before dawn, with the kingdom of Arvid being the first to show up with their three counselors - Monarch Alister, Grand Duke Baigh, and Earl Erskine. Fljot arrived next with Monarch Gilroy, Marquise Iver, and Baron Firth. Hellir was the last to arrive, with counselors Haldor and Brynjar, both feeling remorseful for their past actions as they entered Havardr with their tails tucked between their legs."
Zarda shifted his body to directly face Oridian's.
"You captivate me. It appears that you understand me well, yet all I see in you is your keen perception of others, your prowess in battle, and your courage in the midst of chaos. Despite being alone without any offspring, you appear content." He declared.
Looking up at him with her beautiful eyes, she gazed deeply into his soul before saying anything.
"I was content. Until you arrived and made me question my purpose. I have always been independent, but being with you and experiencing family life has been a welcomed change. It is nice to feel loved and cared for. That is why I have chosen to follow you. Your swagger is irresistible," she said with a small laugh.
Zarda's cheeks flushed as he admitted he had a weakness for the female kind. He was easily influenced by them and would do anything to please them.
"Are you flirting with me, Oridian?" He asked bluntly.
Oridian blushed, feeling a bit embarrassed at being caught in the act, and nervous about how it would be received. She hoped he would still play along, even if he wasn't interested.
"I...I may have here and there. You're an amazing creature Zarda. It's no wonder your Queen and Delilah fell for you. You embody everything a female seeks in a partner. You are a great protector, an awesome provider, your faith is unshakable. You are handsome, strong, brave, masculine, irresistible, charming, kind, selfless, and wise. Not to mention you are really good with young ones. Jabari was adorable snuggled in your arms the first night we arrived. I'm sorry, I've said too much." She expressed.
Zarda felt guilty knowing that a relationship with her was premature. Despite finding her attractive and amazing, his heart wasn't prepared. He regretted having to disappoint her, but felt it was essential to do so now rather than leading her on. While he enjoyed flirting and planned to do more now that she had shown interest, he needed to prioritize honesty and respect.
"Asger shouted, 'Your knees are too stiff, bend them a bit. You don't want that to be the first thing to break, do you?'
He circled around a new recruit, a young fox who was nervously shaking and inexperienced in the ways of battle."
The faded red Armor made a clanking sound as he hurriedly walked. He promptly went to assist another novice soldier with his sword handling skills.
"It's better like this, watch carefully. Your arm is in control but still able to switch positions quickly when you lunge out to stab. Now, try to stab at the target," he instructed, observing the young badger closely. The young badger followed his mentor's teachings as best as he could.
"Look at that, you've got it. Excellent job, you're a fast learner. That will be very useful in battle. You need to be quick when there are swords coming at you from all directions. Being able to dodge one and attack an enemy will keep you alive. Keep it up, soldier," Asger encouraged.
Lord Asger walked in another direction to observe a warrior training a new recruit. He paused to carefully watch the techniques and offer feedback to the mentor. He was impressed that the young student had learned effectively and was doing a great job training another individual.
"Lord Asger advised the young pupil, "Remember, the key is to stay steady. Victory comes from keeping your feet and hands steady. If you are all over the place, someone may lose a life unnecessarily."
Lord Asger was satisfied with the progress of the training so far. He intended to extend their training sessions and then take them on a tour of the key locations in the kingdom's sanctuary. He planned to enlist the help of Arvid and Asger's best warriors to join them in an archery team, providing additional training. The residence of Havardr was diligently learning about their roles and responsibilities. Tomorrow, Zarda would commence training for those who acknowledged Elohim as their protector and highest ruler. They would continue training until the seer informed them of the arrival of the humans.
Zarda had departed from Oridian in search of Vidar and his small group of travelers. They had decided not to accompany Zarda on the journey back home. After a brief search, he found his group gathered together, deep in conversation.
"Vidar, I wanted to give you and your group a proper farewell. I have come to deeply respect each of you as friends and love you as family. Take care, my friends, and I hope to see you all thriving on the next trip I take back," Zarda said.
Vidar and eleven others gave Zarda a heartfelt hug before gathering their meager possessions and journeying Northward from Havardr. Their destination was to establish a new settlement amid the plains of Merigold Valley and Bolder Peaks.
Zarda was joined by some of the others as they bid farewell to their closest family members. The impending separation weighed heavy on them, knowing things wouldn't be the same once they were all split up. Tears flowed freely as they contemplated the possibility of never seeing their loved ones again, or at least not for a long time. Irabel's return brought a spark of joy to Zarda, seeing she had adventures to share and exchanged warm embraces with her family. After everyone had said their goodbyes, the thirteen travelers set off, wondering what fate awaited them. Zarda pondered if news of the humans would reach Havardr soon, and if his own group would receive a grand farewell or simply escape danger at the last moment.
Zarda curiously asked, "I heard you went to Fljot. Did you have any luck finding Oscar?"
Zarda felt uncomfortable as he observed Irabel's blank expression. A thousand thoughts raced through his mind like a speeding freight train. Irabel nervously clasped her hands together, briefly looking away before meeting Zarda's gaze again.
Irabel said so sweetly, "Let's go have a chat, shall we?"
Zarda followed her small companion to a flat stone boulder, nestled beneath the branches of an ancient willow tree. She breathed deeply and began to speak.