Chapter 4 Birthday
Ayame wiggle out from beneath her husband and began to undress for a bath. "Mmm." She smiled to herself as she lowered herself into the hot steamy water. Her mind began to race as she thought about everything that had happened over the past few months.
"Ayame, hon?" Koga spoke from the doorway. "Are you alright?" His concern for her heavily written on her face. "I am just thinking, Koga. That's all. It's my birthday and I don't want to think about me at all." She said as she looked at him sadly. All but a few strands of her red hair was pulled into a bun. "Ayame, do you wanna talk about it?" He asked as she sat on the floor next to her. "Not really, but I guess I ought to get to the point that I can talk to you about things." She said with a sigh. "Well, every year on my birthday my grandfather and I would go on a long hunt and when we got back we would feast on what we found. He would have always managed to get me something as a gift." A tear ran down her cheek as she thought about her grandfather and his recent death.
"He would always have a picture of my mother and father there with us, so in a way they would be there too. All I want this year is to be happy and I don't know if I can. I have lost so much." Her sadness broke his heart. "Ayame, you just relax okay?" Koga smiled as he kissed her. "Leave today to me." Before she could argue with him he had left.
"Okay, so today is Ayame's birthday. I think that it is appropriate that we pull something together." Koga said before the combined tribes of their two peoples. "Ayame has always enjoyed the harder to catch games on her birthday." A tall woman from the White Wolf Demons spoke loud enough to be hear. "Particulary things like bear, gator, and venison has always been a favorite. Venison is only when she can't get one of the other." Koga nodded at the woman's words. "Okay, hunters; you heard the woman. Now, get to it!" Koga spoke with the voice of a true born leader. Ten men, five from each group stood and took their leave for the hunt.
"Miss, what else does she enjoy?" Koga asked looking at the tall woman. "Lady Ayame has always ejoyed feasting with a picture of her parents near. It makes her feel as if they are still with her." She spoke softly. "There is also often duels, drinking and gifts." Koga looked at the woman, his face held deep thought. "Okay. So, we will have a competition." Koga began as he looked around for someone in particular. He spotted a young wolf demon dressed in a medium gray color. "Hey, I need a favor." Koga said to the demon in gray. "Of course, Koga. What can I do for you?" He asked with some enthusiasim.
"I need you to aquire some hard liquor for the party tonight. Be back before night fall." Koga spoke firmly. "Miss, tell me. What is it that Ayame would enjoy as a gift?" The woman looked at him, her expression full of thought. "Ayame's one wish would be to bring back the loved ones that she has lost over time. It is almost impossible to do. She enjoys many other things such as strong weapons, better foot attire and occasionally the fancier clothing." The woman smiled as she thought back over the years that she had been with the tribe.
Just After Nightfall
"Ayame?" Koga spoke as he walked into the house. "Yea?" She replied as she exited the kitchen where she was fixing to start cooking. "Come with me." He smiled as he held his hand out to her. Hesitantly she took his hand in hers and stepped out the door of their home. "I am going to cover your eyes. A surprise for you." Is all he said before he covered her eyes with a dark cloth. Koga lifted Ayame into his arms and began to carry her.
Koga stopped at a bench near the lake and set Ayame down. "Can I take this off now, Koga?" She asked slightly aggravated with the whole ordeal. "Go ahead." He replied with a large smile on his face. Ayame untied the cloth and put it on the table. Her jaw dropped as she looked towards the lake. The area was covered in decoration. In the center was a large bonfire with meats roasting near by. On a large table far enough away from the fire sat boxes wrapped for her birthday. She turned back to Koga and saw that the table behind him was filled to the very edge with liquor and mugs.
"Koga, you did all of this for me?" She asked as a tear ran down her face. "Of course I did. It is your birthday, you need to enjoy it while you can. Come here." He said with a smile as he held his hand out to her. A smile on her face she took his hand and followed him to a small table near the gift table. On the small table were photographs. One of her mother and father, as well as one of her grandfather. "Koga.." Was all she could say as the tears began to fall freely down her cheeks. "Hey, don't cry." His commanding voice seemed so calming to her. "Thank you, this is all so beautiful." She sniffled as she looked up at him. "You are welcome, Ayame." Koga smiled before leaning forward to kiss her. Her heart jumped when his lips touched hers.