Warlord's Fierce Companion.
I'm so sorry this chapter too long wait. I'm so glad we're here now.
Warlord and Hunter becomes Earth's equivalent to Husband and Wife.
As two days were to prepare for marital ceremony between Warlord and Hunter, also training was more intense than ever. Tarr'kchak noticed how tense Warlord is. Marital mate ceremony and tensions with Ark'tak's clan made him more gruff than he used to be. In arena he was extra aggressive against the alien beasts, wrestling them and teaching Hunter some of moves. Tarr'kchak has to follow procedures as Heir to take over while Warlord and Hunter will be heading to battle against Ark'tak.
Everyone decided to lure enemy into area far enough from clan to keep everyone alert, but close enough when assistance may be needed.
Hunter was with Warlord's sister reciting vows in Yautjan for when mate ritual arrives. It was causing some difficulties, but after training she couldn't rest. She had to learn everything Warlord's sister Twir'ka. The attire, ceremonial weapons and what jewellery would suit her. Garments were measured, Hunter's hairstyle was discussed.
Hunter was indeed nervous. She never had relationship this serious before. It's basically "marriage" and Yautja takes it more serious than modern humans do.
Warlord himself was getting ceremonial attire fitted. Jewellery for his dreadlocks, ceremonial weapons and war paint. Necklace made of bones with skull of unknown alien beast. Feathers of bird like creatures and dried up tentacles used to give more colouration for his attire. Shoulder plate and loincloth were adorned in ceremonial symbols, very contrasting to someone who's from civilization several times advanced than one on Earth. Stark contrast between tribal lifestyle and high technology always looked odd to human eye, yet mesmerizing. Hunter will be one witnessing it yet again.
Following day arrived. As per tradition Hunter was remaining with Warlord's sister as she has no family of her own. Twir'ka was reassuring Hunter that being with her brother means safety and care. As he used to be with his first mate Irka'h.
Hunter has trimmed upper part of her hair, making it long mullet. Twir'ka was braiding small bones and jewellery into Hunter's long hair. Human hair strands were so delicate in female Yautja's clawed hands. Four braids being redone, this time in ceremonial matters.
Hunter applied ceremonial warpaint to her face and spiked short top hair of head into mohawk.
"Here we are, small ooman, power and fire." Twir'ka complimented as she handed Hunter her ceremonial garments.
"That's kind of you" Hunter said "I appreciate your guidance"
"Remember, this will be your life from now. By accepting my brother's claim to mating rights, you accepted more responsibility. I am very aware you took a lot of responsibility before you became his mare." Warlord's twin explained as her clawed hands placed on Hunter's shoulders
Hunter inhaled deep as she nodded while anxiety eating her up. Her mouth was drying up while she was starting at floor.
"As human, I am not feeling comfortable getting dressed with eyes on me, unless it's your brother. May I request you to give me space" Hunter asked
"As you wish. I could guess it's human custom, but I shall respect ." Twir'ka nodded as her red eyes lit up
Hunter dressed herself in ceremonial attire which was very gorgeous, perfectly fitted for her human form.
Ceremonial chest plate armour decorated with symbols representing Warlord's clan while shining in golden colours. Brim of armour had rainbow like reflection in sun. She had various sizes of bones hanging off chains around waist belt attached to ceremonial weapon belt. Loincloth reaching to her feet, embedded with feathers and gems in strings made of dried alien tentacles. She wore vambraces made of surprisingly soft alien material matching colour of her armour. Sandals were perfect for her little human feet, accompanied with silk like wraps to keep them attached on shin armour. Everything embedded in green and gold jewels, golden color scheme and bones. Her cloak was made of silk, attacked under armour to cover bare back. Shorts were made of cotton like material and had belt attached to carry pouches with extra daggers. Her ceremonial blade was sword just like one she had, but with bone hilt made of alien jaw. Silk like wraps were around her arms and legs for decorative purposes.
Hunter looked like one of these Amazonian women in legends while admiring herself in mirror. Black and gold coloured war paint, her short upper hair turned into mohawk while the rest was grown out long, mostly free in wind apart of with two braids on each side. Ceremonial jewelry was heavier than regular rings she wore on hunts, but it was shiny. Because Hunter is human, Twir'ka was putting effort to make sure fabric is soft onto skin. For Yautja female, supposedly more aggressive, she was very kind, but then females always are more laid back with one another. Only times could be competition for male which is rare in their ranks, but Hunter already knows some females in clan shown jealousy for reason. Hunter was nervous about few females possibly showing envy towards her for being chosen by Warlord as mate and Queen. Hunter's status won't be just Warlord's official mate, she will be ranked as matriarch. First human matriarch known for desert clans and the youngest too.
Hunter arrived to clan's internal arena, same place where she and Warlord shared affection for one another. She was standing in centre waiting for Warlord to arrive. Priests wore very detailed armour made of bones, leather and covered in Yautja ceremonial symbols. They looked at Hunter and gave each other nod. Drums played and yautja warriors who gathered here raised fists in air. Not long after Warlord entered with two guards beside him, and plate with what appears to be heart - Yautja heart.
Hunter didn't notice heart at first as her mate looked beautiful. In warpaint matching colours to her, same with his ceremonial armour. Ritual blade sheeted on hip, dreadlocks decorated with bones and dried tentacles similar to hers.
Her blue eyes met his crimson ones. Soon as he approached Hunter, Warlord kneeled in front of her , placing heart on the ground. Left hand rested on his right knee, right hand on his hip. Tension thickened as their eyes were on same level.
Warlord looked beautiful with his bare face that's been painted up for this marital ceremony. Mandibles flared then moved in some interesting combinations before purring was to be heard.
"Are you ready for this? Because after this ritual you will be stronger, you will live longer and most importantly, you will be mine." Warlord started
"Yes, I am... As long as you are and as long you're going to be mine." Hunter responded
Warlord nodded, then looked at priests giving them side nod, typical Yautja behavior when gesturing to each other .
Priests raised their ritual staff, clan members rised their fists again this time to slit them to honour Warlord as their chief.
Hunter looked at her mate as she was memorizing all the vows she knew it was her calling.
Priest walked to them and placed ritual Combistick between them.
"Hold this weapon of unity while holding hands as you shall give each other vows ." Priest instructed them.
Hunter's small hand reached first, Warlord's massive hand was engulfing it. Both couldn't help but look into each other's eyes.
"Shall you vow yourselves to Cetanu and Paya as bonded mates, be united as hunters, warriors and leaders to fight by each other's side, protect each other and prove loyalty ?"
Warlord placed fist on his chest and looked in Hunter's eyes with raw vulnerability.
"Yes, in the name of Cetanu and Paya, I vow myself to be united with you as hunter, warrior and leader to fight by your side, protect you and prove my loyalty to you only." Warlord said as he was beaming with pride.
Hunter's heart swelled as she placed fist on her chest and her eyes lit up in joy.
"Yes, in the name of Cetanu and Paya, I vow myself to be united with you as huntress, warrior and leader by your side, to protect you and prove my loyalty to you only."words left Hunter's lips with confidence and generosity
Warlord's free hand cupped Hunter's face and pulled to his until foreheads touched. She used her free hand to cup Warlord's face and smiled as the intimate ceremony to be completed.
Warlord used his ritual blade and cut piece of Yautja heart. It was still steaming as it was freshly sourced. One of Ark'tak's soldiers who has fallen in arena earlier in morning. He handed piece of Yautja heart and clicked his mandibles in reassuring rhythm. Hunter didn't need to guess much, it was for her to extend lifespan and life long life. However bright green blood and strong tang of iron made her gag a bit.
Hunter swallowed hard and took piece with her fingers, still warm and stinky.
Wet taste of iron made her skin prick, the texture of heart muscle being leathery. Hunter chewed with all her might and swallowed hard. It took a lot of strength for her to eat Yautja heart, and she did it for love.
After at least fifteen minutes of battle Hunter finally finished heart and even drank up blood left on plate.
Warlord clicked his mandibles in satisfied rhythm while massive hands cupping Hunter's soft human face. Warlord leaned his face close to Hunter's and licked off neon green blood off her parted lips before pulling her in kiss. Hunter's free hand cupped his cheek and indulged in tongue action. As both pulled back from each other , priest Yautja approached and placed large hands on shoulder of Warlord and Hunter.
"I announce you both as truly bonded mates. May Paya's blessings never stop flowing and may Cetanu grants you two strength" priest said in his deep Yautjan manner.
Everyone in courtyard raised weapons and cheered loudly. Many, including Warlord's children, hammered fists against their chest. As Warlord and Hunter looked at their people, every adult Yautja raised their hands and did ceremonial slit of wrists as acknowledgement of their mate bond.
"You may shall feast and celebrate while me and your new matriarch have night for ourselves. Tarr'kchak, you can take my role for tonight once we do our marital blessings. " Warlord told his son.
He had to prepare Tarr'kchak before war as well entrusting his eldest son to lead when he's not here.
Twir'ka clicked her mandibles in soft manner observing everyone in training courtyard while holding her younger pup close.
Food hall was getting prepared, guards got given orders and everyone congratulated officially confirmed mates.
Hopefully I'll be able to write chapter 13 a bit faster.
Very likely to include wedding night smut. Thank you for patience.
