Page 43 of Captured By The Alien Barbarian
“Why does Melvall look nothing like you?”
As she finally turns to face me, she tilts her head back to take in my height.
“Because he is a nakar,” I reply simply. “Have you never encountered a nakar before?”
Ariana’s cheeks turn delightfully pink. “I feel stupid for never asking before, but what species are you?”
“I am a harkcana, born into the Ma’Korsh tribe.”
Ariana opens her mouth to speak, then closes it. She looks both adorable and confused. I wish I could understand her thoughts. Although I know my mate’s people come from the stars, Ariana sometimes treats me like a barbarian. I admit I can be a bit of a recluse, possibly even behaving like one, but I’m not as uninformed as she seems to think. Did I truly mislead her?
“When my people arrived here, we were told no one inhabited the planet. Yet, I met you and learned you have family here as well. Now, I discover another sentient species. It’s a bit overwhelming and confusing. Where did you all come from?”
Gently, I trace the back of my claw over her furrowed brow, soothing her distress. “Whoever told you this information was wrong, my mate. My people have been living on this planet for a few generations now. All of the tribes have.”
“Just how many tribes are there?”
I hum thoughtfully before answering, “Many. It’s impossible to count since they continually shift allegiances, joining and splitting apart. Some are small, like mine, with only a few members. Then there are others that are very large with hundreds of members.”
Ariana’s shocked expression concerns me. Did she truly believe the planet was abandoned?
“Are they all like you and Melvall, or...?”
I shake my head. “No, most tribes generally interact only within their own species. We are... not trusting of other species. Besides my own people, the nakar, like Melvall, are the easiest to interact with. You might occasionally see a winged warrior, a drakoon or melketh, flying over our territory. If you see a drakoon, you should hide. They covet what others have. A small female like you... you would look like treasure to them. I have also heard of a people who live near beneath the ground, though I’ve never seen them with my own eyes. I am sure there are more, but I have never had the need to engage with them.”
Ariana’s face turns pale, her shock evident as she stares at me.
“Do not be afraid, my little mate. I will protect you from them all. I will gladly fight any who dare challenge me. I am never letting you go.” For a moment, I worry that Melvall will challenge me. The male seems far too concerned about my mate’s well-being. I like Melvall, even if he is from a different tribe. It would greatly pain me to face him in combat. If he truly tries to take Ariana from me, I will have no choice but to kill him.
Ariana surprises me when she looks him in the eye, proudly lifting her chin and declaring her happiness with me. Never before have I felt so... words cannot describe the emotions that surge in that moment. I want to push her to the ground and reaffirm my claim, and I want to prove to her just how much she means to me.
Melvall is a man of words, and I am not. I might not always know what to say, but I hope Ariana understands how much I love her through my actions.
Love.
The weight of the word settles on my chest, heavy but so right in its weight. I have never felt so complete.
Soon Melvall returns, walking along the bank of the river with a pleased expression. He holds out a heavy sack containing everything we requested. It’s more than I expected him to have ready at short notice. If he is happy to hand over this many items, it means that either his tribe has had plenty of younglings born this generation or far too few.
Melvall’s expression darkens as he notices Ariana’s pale face, but I quickly lead her away without giving him a chance to question her further.
“Come, Nika. It’s time to leave. You have had a long day, and I wish to get you home before it grows dark and cold.”
I would have liked to give her more time by the river, but I am unwilling to risk her being outside once night falls. The days are warm enough under the two suns, but the nights are frigid even for me. My little Nika would surely freeze.
As we head home, I contemplate how Ariana has transformed my life and will continue to do so. I have always been hesitant to trade with others, even my own tribe. Melvall is pleasant enough, as much as a nakar could be. I have traded with my own tribe—or more specifically my brother Balroth—several times out of necessity, but I hate to ask them for anything. I prefer to make my own items when possible. But if I had tried to make this many items for my mate, she would have been waiting far longer than ideal.
Now that I have Ariana, I can see the benefits of having a tribe to stand beside you, to support you when you lack skill. They can make my mate items that I don’t possess the skills to make. I watch my mate as she walks ahead of me, exclaiming at one plant after another. Thankfully, this time she avoids the plants she doesn’t know. I realize I must teach her which ones are safe. She doesn’t know this world as I do. Still, I look forward to spending time with her. A mate is a blessing I never thought I would receive. To see her smile, to feel her joy, is all I need. All the hardships of my life seem irrelevant as long as I can be by her side.
And I will never leave her. She seems far more fragile than most. She would stand no chance against the predators of this planet, including many tribes. She needs protecting.
And this is why so many gather together to form tribes—to protect what they cherish the most. Now that I am responsible for Ariana, I see the benefits of having a tribe beside you. If any danger threatens her, they would defend her.
For the first time in a very long time, I consider returning home to my tribe.
* * *
Leaning backon the stool at the table, I observe my mate as she explores her home with newfound curiosity. Today’s outing has worked wonders in lifting her spirits. Gone are the days where she timidly sits in the corner every evening. Perhaps the medicine has finally healed those invisible wounds, or maybe this newfound energy is simply a result of happiness. I sincerely hope she is happy.
