Chosen by the Pack

The major wedding is taking place tomorrow. A marriage between the Chief's daughter and Ahiga, a gallant warrior of great renown. That daughter is none other than me. Arranged marriages are very important in our tribe, the Asalog. Individuals marry one another because they are of like grade; two strong people get married together as much as two weak people. Historically, our customs were established to keep authority from controlling our lives. Yes, we have a Chief, but he was picked for his good acts rather than his power. Following his death, the tribe's protection is handed over to the next noble-hearted man who has shown himself worthy.A woman is unable to get the position of Chief. Not because she is a woman, but because our obligations are equally as vital as those of men. We are the chefs, instructors, healers, child carriers, and the ones that the men look to for guidance when it comes to making vital life and death decisions. Hunting and fighting are two things that

I was irritated by the prospect of my father removing me from such an important meeting. Yes, one of the reasons I wanted to stay was because of Calian. Okay, so maybe it was the main reason I wanted to stay after all! Even though I had more than enough legal authority to remain at the meeting, my simple query immediately informed my father that I was interested in more than just the reasons for the new tribe's presence. In this instance, there was no "me getting ready for the wedding." The entire event would be planned by the tribe, and all I had to do was sit back and wait until it was time to say, "I do."Traveling down the dirt route leading out of the village and west to the lake helped me to relieve my frustration. I managed to escape anyone's gaze for a while, which saved me from snapping at someone. After passing the final cabin, the dirt route came to an end. Now it was time to walk barefoot along the soft grass, passing a dense stand of oak trees. The simple ac

I awoke to the sound of bells ringing in my ears. It was the day of the wedding, and the bells signaled that everyone should get ready. From the kitchen, I could hear my mother whistling a lullaby. I suppose there was one positive aspect of the day; my mother was content, and I couldn't have asked for anything more.Rather than getting dressed as I normally would, I slid out of my bed and pushed through my fur curtain, wrapping myself in the sheepskin robe. My mother was seated at the kitchen table, doing the last few alterations to my bridal gown. She had spent months stitching it together with tan fur and silks, and she was proud of the result. It looked stunning, and if there was one thing that could brighten my day, it would be showing it off to the whole town.“Oh! Honey! I was just about to wake you. Are you ready to try it on?” She asked, beaming with pride.“I have to put it on sooner or later, right?” I giggled.“Did

After the unsuccessful wedding, duties returned to normal the next day. My mother and I worked together to manufacture new clothing for the tribe, as well as fulfilling requests from tribes all around the nation. When it came to sewing, our women were the finest in Nakinata. Considering our country's geographical location in the southeast hemisphere of Aerithia (our planet), we have seen milder weather conditions. Everything, from farming to construction, was less complicated for us. We were fortunate in that we were not affected by the cold. Because we were always working, we were not equipped to withstand colder conditions. Some of them from the North were familiar to me; they were covered in thick skin. When their clothing orders arrived, it was usually more difficult to fulfill them since they required more fabrics to accommodate their physique and heavier furs. "My dear, we will need to decide the next possible day for your betrothal."

Thank you for reading so far!!! Super excited to finish this story sometime soon! I picked up another job and I've been super busy. I am working on a chapter today and will publish it right after it is done! I've thought about how to write it for 2 weeks! :D Now just to get the time to finish it without interruption! Please don't be afraid to comment or review! Your interactions are what keep me writing! I enjoy the motivation in knowing I'm not just a book added in your library that's never touched! :p   Love you all! Also, prayers to all those that are fighting in the war and to the civilians who are in the middle of it!