Chapter 13
17 Summers
When Thaliana was done hunting with Renn, she walked back to the camp with a string of ducks in her hand and her bow slung across her shoulder. Bale cried "Thaliana, wait!" He started walking next to her. "What." Thaliana said, angrily. "How old are you." He asked. She stared at him, aghast. He had just broken her heart and he wanted to know how old she was? She thought for a moment and replied suspiciously, "17 summers." "Well," Bale said. "I'm 18 summers and it," He faltered remembering their conversation, and continued more quietly, "It's time for me to find a mate." Thaliana stared at him. "I thought Fin-Kedinn told you to stay away from me." She said. Bale nodded. "I know, but I asked him and he agreed, so I've picked you." He said quietly. He took her hand. "Thaliana, please accept. I have nobody else who makes me feel this way." Thaliana could only nod, contemplating the sound of being Bale's mate. "Wonderful! We need to head over to the Seal Island's to tell my father and everybody and Asrif and Detlan will be so happy." Thaliana listened, confused, as Bale went on and on. Soon they were in two skinboats, off to the Seal Islands with their hair flying out behind them.