The Way of the Earth
Octavia could understand why people believed Lincoln and Luna were related. While Lincoln was taller than Luna, she was still above average height for a female. With the same brown complexion and similar features, Octavia could not help but marvel at the uncanny resemblance as she watched them reconnect. Gershorn and Connor observed as well, while Tobias and Emilia inspected the remains of the she-panther, the bear and of Cyrus.
"My brother," Luna said firmly, both hands on his cheeks. "You have not changed."
Lincoln, holding her wrists, did not reply, but stared deeply into her face. Briefly, they embraced again before Lincoln broke apart.
"Luna," he began "this is Octavia."
"We've met," Luna replied, turning the full force of her smile to Octavia. Octavia could not help but be dazzled. Now, even as Lincoln joined her and put his hand around her waist, Octavia could see how her love could have loved another. Luna was magnetic.
Luna swung around to Gershorn and Connor. "I remember you too; both of you." The men blushed and dropped their heads immediately into a bow.
"Frereshey" Luna laughed, using the Grounder word for friends. "Why so ceremonial?"
"You are the first wife of The Commander," was Connor's immediate reply, his head still bowed. "You deserve respect."
Luna laughed again, placing her hands under both their chins to lift their heads. "I know you Connor. We played together as children; you too Gershorn –although your girth has increased where your height hasn't." The usually jovial Gershorn, always with a witty, humorous reply could do nothing but beam and blush.
Emilia and Tobias had joined them by this time. "I know all of you," Luna stated her gaze resting on Tobias. Octavia saw something just then. Luna stepped forward and gently placed her index finger on the scar which her brother had left on Tobias' face. Softly, she traced the path of the blade from the remnants of his ear to his nose. "There is no need to formality." She was speaking to the group, but her gaze did not leave Tobias' face; nor did his hazel eyes leave hers.
Gershorn recovered from his stupor. "There is a need to get moving though," he volunteered. "Others from the tribe must be notified of the kill. The meat must be cut and taken to the village to be cured. The bear's fur will also make many coverings for winter, while the major bones can be used to reinforce structures."
Lincoln agreed. "Cyrus, Emilia – return to Yaheera and notify her of everything. We must get to work before other animals catch the scent. We will also need to give Cyrus a proper send off to the spirits."
There was a pause as everyone reflected on Lincoln's words.
"What about the panther's cubs?" Octavia asked, as the two warriors prepared to leave. "Without their mother they'll die."
Lincoln smiled down at her sympathetically: "To take the cubs back to the village would be to try to tame wild creatures – this is impossible."
"But-", Octavia continued.
"He's right, Octavia." Luna interjected. "This is the way it is. The way of the Earth, at times beautiful, but mostly cruel…"
Luna swallowed hard, her voice trailing off as her step faltered. Tobias rushed to catch her, but Lincoln made it first. She crumpled into his arms.
"Are you injured?" He asked. Luna's eyes searched, but did not find his. She was drifting out of consciousness. "Luna," Lincoln's voice was low but insistent. "Tell me what's wrong."
Luna's hand caught his and she placed it on her lower abdomen. "Nothing is wrong, brother. Everything is right."
Octavia, at Luna's side with Lincoln, looked closely for a wound; but Luna's ailment was becoming obvious. As her coat fell open, it revealed the swelling of her belly. Octavia understood in the same instant that Lincoln did.
Luna was pregnant.