Ardis walked beside Averin and her partners along the forest path. The sunlight filtered softly through the trees, and the air smelled faintly of damp earth and wild herbs.
She noticed they did not turn toward Sissira's hut like usual.
Instead, they continued walking in the direction of the Fox Tribe.
Ardis glanced at Averin but said nothing. Her aunt walked calmly as always, her expression relaxed, as if everything had already been decided.
After a short while, Averin looked over her shoulder.
"Did you bring it?" she asked.
Vaelrix, who was walking behind them, lifted a fur bag with a grin.
"Of course," he said, lightly shaking it.
Ardis looked at the bag curiously, wondering what was inside.
Seeing her expression, Averin chuckled softly.
"Well, I can't spend a night at someone's hut without bringing a gift," she explained.
Ardis blinked in surprise.
"A gift?"
"Yes," Averin replied simply. "Your mother always liked a few particular things. I thought she might enjoy them."
Vaelrix added teasingly, "Your aunt remembers everyone's favorites."
Averin ignored him.
Soon, the familiar shapes of the Fox Tribe huts appeared between the trees. Smoke curled from a few rooftops, and the village was lively with quiet morning activity.
Ardis felt a small sense of comfort seeing home again.
She stepped forward and lifted the fur curtain at the entrance of her family's hut.
"Mom, Aunt is here," Ardis called as she entered.
Inside, Astra was already sitting near the hearth, as if she had been waiting. The moment she heard Ardis's voice, she looked up.
Her face immediately lit up.
"Ardis!"
Astra stood quickly, excitement bright in her eyes.
But before she could take more than a step forward, Averin entered behind Ardis.
"Be careful," Averin said immediately, her voice firm but warm. "You're pregnant."
Astra paused and laughed softly, placing a hand over her stomach.
"It's been so long," Astra said with a playful smile. "You don't even visit anymore. It's as if you forgot about me."
"How could I forget you?" Averin replied as she walked closer.
She carefully wrapped her arms around Astra in a gentle hug, mindful of her condition.
"Don't think I'll forgive you easily," Astra said, though she hugged Averin just as tightly.
Ardis stood nearby watching them with mild surprise. The two women laughed easily together, their familiarity obvious. It was clear they shared a long history.
When they finally separated, Averin gestured toward Vaelrix.
"I brought you some gifts," she said.
Astra's eyes brightened with curiosity.
"Gifts?"
Vaelrix stepped forward and handed her the fur bag.
Astra accepted it eagerly and opened it, her expression turning delighted as she began taking the items out one by one.
Inside was a delicate pearl necklace that shimmered softly in the light, a beautifully patterned leopard skin folded neatly, and several bundles of dried fruits and smoked meats.
"I'm glad you didn't forget my favorites," Astra said happily.
"Sit down and look properly," Averin said, gently guiding Astra back to her seat.
"They are so pretty," Astra said happily as she admired the soft leopard skin and lifted the pearl necklace to the light. The pearls glimmered faintly, reflecting the firelight. She ran her fingers over the smooth surface of the necklace before carefully placing it beside her.
Then she picked up one of the strips of dried meat and took a small bite.
Her eyes brightened immediately.
"So tasty," she said with clear satisfaction.
Averin chuckled softly at her reaction.
"Come here, Ardis. Sit down," Averin said, patting the space beside her. "Let's talk while the males catch up with each other."
Ardis nodded and moved closer, sitting beside the two women.
Behind them, the males had already gathered together. Sylas, Varek, and Borin stepped forward to greet Maelor, Zayreth, and Vaelrix. The men clasped forearms and exchanged friendly greetings before sitting down near the fire.
The atmosphere quickly grew lively as they began speaking, their deeper voices blending with the crackling of the flames.
Meanwhile, Astra turned her full attention to her daughter.
"So," Astra asked with a curious smile, "how was he?"
Ardis understood immediately who she meant.
She began explaining everything that had happened that day, how Vaelor had greeted her calmly, how they walked through the forest together, how quiet yet steady he seemed, and the way he spoke about protecting his partner.
Both Astra and Averin listened carefully.
Astra occasionally asked small questions.
"Did he seem impatient?"
Ardis shook her head.
"No."
"Did he try to impress you too much?"
Ardis thought for a moment before answering.
"Not really. He just… showed what he could do."
Astra nodded slowly, clearly pleased with the answer.
After a while, she turned to Averin.
"I'm relieved you're looking after her," Astra said sincerely.
Averin shrugged lightly, though her expression softened.
"Well, I like her," she replied simply.
Ardis glanced at her aunt, feeling strangely reassured by those words.
The three of them continued talking for a long time—sharing stories, laughing quietly, and occasionally listening to the louder conversations from the men nearby.
Before long, evening arrived. The sky outside darkened, and more members of the household returned.
At one point, Zayreth even left with Sylas to go hunting, claiming that visiting someone else's tribe without contributing food was improper. They returned later carrying fresh game, which added to the already cheerful atmosphere.
That night, the entire hut felt warm and full of life. Everyone sat around the fire, eating and talking together. Laughter came easily, and even Ardis felt her earlier nervousness slowly fade away.
When it was finally time to sleep, Astra insisted that Ardis and Averin stay beside her.
The three of them shared the same large bedding area.
For a long time after the lights dimmed, they continued talking quietly—Astra asking about the other candidates, Averin offering occasional advice, and Ardis listening more than speaking.
Eventually, one by one, their voices faded as sleep finally claimed them.
The next morning arrived quickly.
After breakfast, Averin and her partners accompanied Ardis once again toward the meeting place.
The walk was quiet but comfortable.
When they reached the clearing where Ardis usually met the candidates, Averin stopped a short distance away with the others.
"We'll stay here," Averin said calmly.
Her partners stood nearby, watching the surroundings casually but attentively.
Ardis nodded, taking a small breath to steady herself.
From where they stood, they could see the meeting place clearly, but they would not interfere unless necessary.
Averin gave Ardis a small, encouraging smile.
"Go on," she said gently.
Ardis nodded again before stepping forward alone toward the clearing, while Averin and her partners watched quietly from afar.