The Children of Fenrir: Eir

Chapter 4

“You’ve arrived just in time for supper,” our Alpha was saying, she put her hand on my mate’s shoulder with pride,  “My daughter took down an elk this morning, so we’ve fresh venison tonight.You must be famished, it is a long day’s journey from Thviti.”

“My thanks, Alpha. I could not have asked for an easier journey, but I will certainly sleep soundly tonight.” She laughed, thanking a woman who brought her a plate. I could feel the eyes of my mate on me, and I wanted nothing more than to go to her. A plate and a cup were put in my hands and I expressed my thanks. I ate and drank, sneaking furtive glances at her. I spoke when spoken to, and when the plates began to be cleared away our Alpha cleared her throat.

“I’ve given a great deal of thought to your placement, Eir. Though young, you have surpassed all your instructors asked of you. I have been hearing of the way you have managed your challenges with wisdom and skill for quite some time now. Frode, our healer here in Solsilva, has been in his position for longer than I have been around to bear witness. He is nearing the end of his 9th century and is ready to join the elders. I’ve decided to keep you here as his replacement, after an appropriate period of working alongside him. He deserves his time to rest after serving our clan so loyally for so many centuries. Tonight, I welcome you to share my hearth and my ale. Tomorrow, you will join him in service to our clan.” A few people clapped me on the back in congratulations. I smiled and bowed my head, thanking her for this honor. To be made the healer in Solsilva was no small thing. It was the center of our clan and, should it come to it, I would be serving the Alpha herself. It also meant I would stay close to my mate. Her eyes met mine, she beamed at me and I was again dumbstruck. Voices buzzed around me but nothing registered, I probably seemed like a terrible fool. It was as if my mind had turned to mud.

I had always been told that a mate is your perfect complement in all ways. As lycans we were able to sense the one with whom we would be able to create the strongest offspring, thereby strengthening our clan. Whatever I had expected, I didn’t expect it to be like this. I was absolutely bewitched and I didn’t even know her name. She stood and excused herself. Her hips swayed as she passed by me and I couldn’t help but inhale her sweet scent. She walked out the door and it felt as though a lamp had been blown out, leaving the rest of us in darkness. I half heartedly laughed at a jest made by the man next to me and felt an elbow dig into my ribs.

“Best follow her,” Dagr whispered.