Several months had passed since the incident with Auk. And Manic's bold and courageous action, out of growing love for Frostfire, only brought the two closer together. Speaking of close together, their love had grown so infinitely more that their constant affections became more outgoing.
Manic and Frostfire held each other close, in a private dance within Frostfire's room. They slowly danced to the melody that played to the music in the background, both caught in the others gaze. They seemed rather nervous yet content with what was happening. They never could have asked for anything better.
"This is nice, my love." Frostfire was as calm as a flowing river. "We've had a number of adventures and upstirs, but this is the first time in a long time we have had peace."
"Quite a nice change isn't, beautiful?" Manic said, smiling. Frostfire still couldn't get over his pet names that he had for her. Especially as their love had grown exponentially. She blushed and giggled.
"Indeed! It is wonderful!" She smiled. "In these past months, I've come to believe you are perfect and completely sulijuq*1."
"I'm come to realize how lucky I am to even be dancing with you right now. Not every guy can say their dancing with the most inspiring woman ever."
Frostfire's blushing became intense. She removed her hand from his shoulder and gently hit him on the chest playfully. "Oh stop! I am not that inspiring…"
"Okay, you're that inspiring to me." Manic said, chuckling.
"But h-how?" She asked.
"Because you're an amazing fighter, a beautiful woman, an imaginative thinker and you are far smarter than me."
Frostfire hid her face. "I-I-I can't be smarter than someone who can break into things and get away with stealing!"
"Hey, just because I'm more experienced in that area, doesn't mean you're not smarter than me." Manic said smirking.
"I-I still don't see how I am smarter… You have more talents than me. I am as ordinary as they come. I pale in comparison to you." Frostfire's confidence hadn't changed in the years she's been on Mobius; not even being with Manic.
"Having many talents doesn't mean you're smart, Frost. You're smart because you know how to get what you want. You know, what's right or wrong. You know when you're upset. Most people dream of having those abilities!"
"It's like you idolize me…"
"Of course I idolize you! Have I not been making it obvious? I could try harder..." Manic said, wrapping his arms around her. He gave her a big smile. Frostfire was moved by his words and she could not reply back.
"You know I love you, right?" Manic asked her, leaning his forehead on hers.
"Yes, I do. You've been increasing your proof every day to me." Frostfire purred.
"Good because I'm gonna say it every day to you as if you don't believe me. By the time I'm done, you're gonna be sick of hearing those three words." Manic said, chuckling a little.
Frostfire giggled furiously. "How did I get so lucky?"
"I ask myself that same question every day and you know, I still don't get an answer."
"You don't?" Frostfire chuckled. "Well how can we change that?"
"Hmm... A kiss might help me solve this riddle." Manic said. A smirk was plastered to his face.
Frostfire giggled again. "Oh really, my handsome hedgie?"
"Really." Manic said, leaning closer, if that were possible. "Please?" Frostfire's cheeks flared as she gently laid her lips on his. Manic was deeply passionate with the kiss. He raised his hands up to her cheeks and then pulled away from her. He gently brushed some of her hair behind her ear and then pulled his hand away. "What's this?" Manic asked. He opened his hand to reveal the most elegant of rings. It was a gold band, its center jewel was in the shape of a purple heart. On either side of the center heart were stones that suspiciously resembled chaos emeralds. The pattern being red, blue, and green on either side. The stones could be recognized as the familiar precious gems; ruby, sapphire, and emerald.
Manic's eyes shone brightly with excitement. He looked at Frostfire and knew she didn't understand what he was holding. His face fell, just a tiny bit.
"I-I apologize!" She said being attentively remorseful. "I-I am a Tlavian with a culture who has rarely seen jewelry such as this! W-What is its symbolism?"
Manic smiled and kneeled on one knee. "This is how we outsiders ask pretty kitties like you to marry them. This ring symbolizes a promise, to never ever leave your side and never let you go one day without hearing the words 'I love you'. Frostfire, will you marry me?" Frostfire's heart about exploded inside her chest. She was so moved by his words that she nearly had none of her own. All she could do was leak out of her eyes and kiss him deeply. Inside, the residue of the shy girl who wanted to attract the Hedgehog's attention squealed energetically. "So... Is that a yes?" Manic asked.
"I'd be foolish to say no!" She cried out, laughing through her tears. Frostfire had never been happier in her life but she knew that would change for the greater once the ring was on her finger officially.
Manic grew very excited, he picked up Frostfire by the waist and spun her around before setting her down. "Oh, right. Probably should put this on you before I lose it..." Manic blushed a little as he slid the ring on her finger.
Frostfire giggled and examined the ring intently. She sighed happily and then giggle once more. "Wait…" She abruptly had a thought. "You stole this didn't you?" She looked at it more closely. "I-It appears to be crafted specially…"
"Nope, did have it custom made with my own money. Wouldn't be much of an engagement ring if I didn't." Manic said, awkwardly rubbing the back of his quills.
"Thank you… I'd have loved it either way. So… Did you save up the money, my love?"
"Now, that I stole."
Frostfire's joy continued to germinate from within. And then something hit her. "Uh… I-I hate to be the bringer of bad news but… We have to have my parents' blessing before we can continue to make arrangements."
"Why is that bad news?" Manic looked confused. "They aren't like your brother, are they?" His eyebrows furrowed as he said this.
"W-Well, they might seem like it at first… I was exiled, you know. H-However, the question is that, well… Will they accept an Outlander? My lineage holds a number of them but that does not mean that if I were to be allowed back into the village and saw my father, he'd expect me to marry a Qikmiq." She blinked. "Of course, my engagement with Snejok was a long time ago…" The past had taken flight; her life was anew. "We'd have to gain the trust of my village before I could even confront my father. And it will take plenty of convincing to do so…"
"Then let's do it." Manic said with resolve in his eyes.
"You… Y-You would travel with me all the way to the Northern Tundra to possibly fail at such an impossible task and end up possibly being chased away or killed for this?" Frostfire was clearly taken aback.
Manic raised his eyebrows before pointing to the ring on her finger. "We may not have your family's blessing yet but that promise still stands."
Frostfire swooned like she usually did and hugged Manic very tightly. "You're so good to me…" She then let go. "Alright. If we're going to do this, we need to leave as soon as possible."
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Manic cried. Frostfire went and found a couple of parkas, put it on and gave one to her fiancé, took his hand and immediately led him out the door. Frostfire traveled by air with Manic following by hoverboard. It was about noon when they left and it took them two and a half days to reach the border of the Northern Tundra; factoring in the stops for sleeping in inns with the money that Manic stole as well as the food they ate on the way. Manic shivered a lot in response to the 15 degree Fahrenheit weather that came with the snow and ice. Frostfire only shivered a little. While she had grown up here in the Tundra, her body had grown accustomed to the weather back in Mobotropolis. Frostfire inhaled the wintery air. She had missed that scent. While Manic could barely see with the high winds and snow in his face, Frostfire expertly scanned the horizon for signs of igloos and huts. "I don't see any indication that the Tlavians were around here. We have to be several miles away from the border. The only problem is that this is like looking for an individual snowflake in a flurry. They could have migrated anywhere and searching for an entire nomadic village is no easy task. Especially when this storm is covering up pawpad tracks. Fortunately, it's the summer and the storm is not as strong as they usually are in the winter. That means treading the openness is doable. However, since you are new to this biome, it is best if we found shelter until it dies down. Come, my love. It will take us longer if we go at this pace; let's scoot!"
Eventually, they reached a large cavern like Frostfire had said they would. "Let us investigate. Sometimes Polar Bears migrate into these caverns." Frostfire lit her Pyrokinesis as a torch. They wormed their way inside the grotto. "So far it appears to emp- Wait!" She said in a normal voice then in a whisper. "I hear voices... Coming from deeper inside." Frostfire sniffed the air. In the fabric of crunching snow and crackling ice was the smell of misty smoke. "This cave has residents…" Frostfire stood her ground. "I think I know who is taking shelter in here…"
Manic got a little closer to Frostfire. "Are they some of your people or someone else?" He asked.
"It's them." She simply said. The Snow Leopard led the Hedgehog slowly deeper into the cave. The voices inside the cave grew louder as they got closer. Eventually, both parties saw each other.
"Halt, Nakkertok*2! Why do you trespass here, Hingitaq?" A Qikmiq stopped Manic, then he noticed Frostfire. "A Kayi? With a Nakkertok? And separated from the Village? Who are you?" As the stranger stared, it dawned on him. "It is the Exiled! She should not be here… Get her!" As the group of Huskies and Snow Leopards got up to attack Frostfire, she cried,
"No, please! I will not harm you!" Out of habit Manic stood protectively beside Frostfire. He definitely didn't want to get on these peoples' bad sides but his concern for her safety was far greater than his fear of disapproval. "I am no longer a detriment of the Village! But verily, I tell you, you have been lied to! My brother has been jealous of everything I've earned! Open your eyes and ears before you ready your spears and bows!"
"She's telling the truth." Manic said. He didn't really expect them to listen to him but anything was worth a try.
"What could you possibly know about this, Outlander?" The leader of the group asked with doubt in his voice.
"I happened to meet this Auk guy. I watched him brutally attack her." Manic said, pointing at Frostfire. "If I hadn't gotten lucky she would have been dead and most likely I would've been too. He put her in a state of unconsciousness and the Inferno Choker was the only way I could wake her."
"But the legend was thought to be a myth! How could you possibly find an item with an unknown location?"
"Why do people always ask that? The important thing is I found it and now we have it." Manic said.
The group took a good look at the Choker. "Then it must be true… D-Does it shield us from attack?"
"It does more than that. It suppresses the inner fire." Frostfire explained.
"So you can no longer wield fire?" The group felt very relieved.
"Even better – I have more control over it than I ever did. In essence, I will not end up like my brother and destroy nearly an entire village. And unlike him, I will not allow the power to reach my head." Frostfire further clarified.
"A-Amazing! There might be chance for you to be accepted back into the Village, then!" The group was less hostile and all smiles. "If I may, why are you two here?"
"To get blessings." Manic replied. The look on his face was one of pure excitement, now that he knew there was some chance of meeting Frostfire's parents.
The group at first looked confused then they understood. "You, an Outlander, wish to marry a Kayi? That is rare among our culture!"
"Yeah, well, Frostfire's a rare kind of girl." Manic said, putting his arm around Frostfire. She blushed at his comment.
"With her unique makeup, I can agree. Since you require her parents, we must take you to them. But first, you must see the Chief." The group motioned the two to follow them.
Frostfire swooned at the idea of seeing her parents after all these years. "My love, I am so excited!"
"Not me. I'm nervous. But stay excited. I like that." Manic said, taking hold of her hand. Frostfire giggled.
They eventually reached the village of igloos and huts. Frostfire actively looked around as they were led within the hamlet. "This place has grown in number since I last was here... I never expected such growth!" Frostfire said. Those who were familiar with the incident that happened years ago began to stare at her with disdain. Of course, with her unusual features, Frostfire had always been used to gawking. "It appears that many have not forgot the mishap…" Manic eyed every person. He looked each one of them up and down to make sure they weren't going to try anything. He was being just a little too overprotective. Frostfire nudged him a little. "Babe, it is alright. They may be giving me looks but deep down, they are all like my family."
They had finally reached the Chief's igloo. He was currently dealing with some other matter. When he saw the face of Frostfire, he was both glad to see her and angry that she had returned after she had been exiled. The group of Tlavians that had led them into the village defended her and explained everything. Sangilak looked at Frostfire and then to Manic. "So… I have been duped? How did I not see the evidence before me…?" He shook his head. "No matter, the past is past and if your brother ever comes back, I will punish him accordingly." Frostfire knew that meant he would be put to death. "In any case, since you adorn the ancient Choker and have already stepped foot into my village, I will grant you access to it once again. The villagers may take some time before adjusting to see your face but I assure you, protection will be provided if necessary." The Chief cleared his throat. "Now then… You wish two to become betrothed?"
Manic took hold of Frostfire's hand. He smiled. "Yes." He said.
"Then you may go visit her parents for the blessing." Sangilak looked to Frostfire. "Iluq-Ikkuma, your parents have missed you terribly. They will be eager to see you." Frostfire squealed and tugged on Manic, pulling him along through the village.
"Even when the Tlavians travel, the Village itself always stays the same in format. I know where my parents are still." Frostfire could see her parent's igloo and her father, Dinliltla the brown eyed white furred Husky, returning home from hunting. At first, he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him when he saw the figure of his daughter. But as she got closer, his sore eyes were healed.
"My daughter!"
"Father!" Frostfire ran to embrace her father and they embraced for a good long while. Manic was smiling from ear to ear, watching the whole scene go down. He could tell Frostfire really missed this and he couldn't be any happier for her. He slowly approached, that nervous feeling rising to higher peaks.
"Hello, sir. My name's Manic."
The white Husky looked up at Manic. "A Nakkertok?" He looked down at Frostfire. "Who is this?"
"M-My fiancé, daddy."
Dinliltla was taken aback. "M-My little girl… Has someone to call her own?" Her father chuckled. "I suppose I should not be surprised… It's been years since I've seen you, my little Tlun*3."
"What is going on, my husband?" A female voice appeared in the doorway of the igloo. The embrace and conversation from before was done a second time with Frostfire's mother, Priyakli, the short-haired Snow Leopard. The older Snow Leopard's heterochromia eyes of green and blue scanned Frostfire's visage then at Manic. "A-A Nakkertok? Are you sure, Tlun?"
"Yes, mother. He is the one I want to marry."
"I promised your daughter that she would not go one day without hearing the word, 'I love you' and intend to keep that promise." Manic said, looking at Frostfire with loving eyes before turning back to her parents. "You raised a beautiful woman." Frostfire giggled and blushed at her intended's words.
"Well, thank you, Hedgehog. You clearly care about our daughter, and even though we never got to see her grow up and get close to you, we can see that she has made her choice." Her mother said smiling.
"You have our blessing. Just… Don't make her cry or I will come after you…" Her father added with a laugh.
"I can't promise she won't cry tears of joy." Manic replied, excitedly wrapping an arm around Frostfire. The also thrilled Snow Leopard kissed her groom-to-be on the lips.
"Mother, Father, would you like to meet up later during the Time of the Hunt?"
"Of course! But is your groom able to hunt?" Her parents asked. How unusual of a question to ask in Tlavian culture.
"Um..." Manic felt as if he had lost his confidence.
"Do not worry! For now, he can simply observe our hunts. One day, he will be a hunter like us!" Frostfire kissed her fiancé again. "I will teach you, babe."
"Feeling better already." Manic said.
"Is that sarcasm, my love?" He smiled and Frostfire took his arm.
"You two should go see the Chief again. He'll have to announce the wedding before it can start in a three days." Her father informed Manic.
Manic nodded his head and let Frostfire lead the way back to the chief. "Nice family, you've got there. Now I know why you're so perfect." Manic said, kissing Frostfire. Her blush said it all.
Frostfire and Manic told the Chief that they had been given the blessing and the Chief went to make the announcement to the Village.
"Hear my voice, my friends! These two have a fate with marriage! A blessing by me and Illuq-Ikkuma's parents has been bestowed upon them! I know that in the past, we have had our differences with her. But believe me when I say this – we are not grudge-holding people! I welcome Iluq-Ikkuma and her fiancé with open arms and you should also! Three days will begin their eternal journey into oneness! Let us celebrate with a feast after tonight's hunt! And after the feast, we shall further celebrate with our yearly sled races! For now, let us dance in joy that two new souls will become as one!" All of the village danced in sincere joy for Frostfire and Manic. The music moved her heart.
"Th-They are dancing to the song of the Rumbling Icecaps. That song is only danced to when the Village is truly happy…" Frostfire shed a happy tear then wiped it from her face. "I-I should not be crying… Tears quickly become frozen in this weather…"
Manic pulled her close to him. "There, now you can cry. I'll keep you warm." He smiled. "I love you, beautiful."
Frostfire cried through the duration of the dance. It was a very passionate song that could make anyone cry, Outlander or otherwise. Once it had finished and she stopped crying, it was time to hunt. "N-Normally," She sniffled. "We hunt later at night, around the middle of the night, but I could use a good hunt now. It has been too long since I've hunted." Frostfire looked at her beloved. "Are you ready to have your first hunt, my love?"
"As long as it's with you."
Frostfire and Manic went back to her parents' igloo. "Mother, father! Come with us on the hunt!"
"Of course! Unfortunately, our hunting party must have an extra Qikmiq." Her mother stated.
"Of course, how could I forget? It's because both species must not go alone nor be outnumbered in a party! Unfortunately, Manic does not count!" Frostfire asked.
"Good memory, Iluq-Ikkuma!" Her father chimed in.
"Thank you father!"
Just then, a Husky named Piirpaa appeared. "Greetings! I have heard you are in need of an extra pair of Qikmiq hands so I thought I'd join!" The Husky smiled at the group.
"You are welcome to join us!" Frostfire bowed to the stranger slightly.
Dinliltla retrieved a bag chalk full of weapons, such as spears, bows, clubs, and axes. "Are we all ready?" He looked at the hunting party and nodded to himself. "Then let us go!" Frostfire's parents led the way, Manic followed them in the middle, and Frostfire and Piirpaa were behind him, to shield his back from predator.
Frostfire's nostrils once again inhaled the cold in the air, and the various odors of prey that traveled on the wind for miles. "Smell that, my love? We are following the scent of prey."
"No." Manic said. "But, I'm sure I'll get it eventually." He smiled and awkwardly rubbed his quills, trying to find his place out here. He was used to large buildings and the closest thing to tall buildings were snow covered trees, the few he saw anyway. He tried not to look too uncomfortable, after all, he did find all of it interesting. Frostfire couldn't fathom the idea of a scent unable to be picked up by anyone. But, of course, Manic was an Outlander, so she didn't question it.
"So, Tlun… I see that you have new appendages, now. When did those become part of your body?" One of her parents asked.
"It's quite the long story… To make it short, Auk did this to me."
"Your brother? By the Eos…"
"I know it is difficult to take in but I've been through a lot." Frostfire stated.
"I'm sure, Tlun." Suddenly, the snow scuffled with noise nearby. "Cut the chatter! Ready your bows!" Frostfire may have been out of practice, but no prey was going to make her look bad. Before the Caribou could outrun the Hunting Party, Frostfire fire the bow on instinct and, from a few yards ahead, an arrow hit the animal right in the heart and it fell. "Excellent job, Iluq-Ikkuma! Your skills have not waned a day!" Frostfire giggled, very proud of herself.
"That was awesome! Nice work, beautiful!" Manic cried.
"I have rarely seen a hunter as quick as the Tuttu*4!" Piiraa also complimented her.
The hunting party carried on along the border of the village and took down a Polar Bear, two other Caribou, and about a dozen Hare.
When they got back, the feast inside the Village Hall was already beginning. "What an exhilarating hunt! And each prey has given me plenty of skins, teeth, and claws to use as trophies!"
"My daughter, the best hunter of the village!" Dinliltla said, scooping up some meat on his plate before sitting down.
"Please, father, there are more practiced hunters than I." Frostfire giggled. She looked to her husband-to-be. "What would you like to eat, my love? There are plenty of meats to choose from."
Manic shrugged. He couldn't really decide, they all sounded so intriguingly unique. He looked to his soon-to-be wife and asked, "What do you recommend, magnificent hunter?"
Frostfire chuckled at Manic's words. "Well, Caribou meat is like any normal steak only with a slight meatier taste, Snow Hare meat can be tender when cooked right, and Polar Bear meat is very tough to eat. Perhaps Snow Hare is best for a novice taster such as yourself." Frostfire smiled brightly and took a chunk of everything she could find. "I prefer a little of everything. But my favorite is Caribou."
Manic took some of everything, copying his lover's actions. "Might as well." He shrugged. He didn't see the harm in trying new things.
"Just remember to chew the Polar Bear meat slowly." Frostfire giggled. The two of them sat down to one of the large tables and ate. Frostfire took a bite of the Caribou meat first. "Mmm, it's so good cooked! Especially well-done! So crispy and warm!" She began to eat as if it was the last meat she'll ever eat, which, in retrospect, might be the last hunted meat for a long while.
"You were right. The hare's awesome!" Manic cried, excitedly taking another bite.
"I'm not surprised my love." She said smiling. After they ate, the bell atop one of the large igloos chimed. Frostfire squealed. "It's been too long since I've seen a Sled Race! Are you finished eating, babe?"
"I'd say so..." Frostfire looked at his plate and noticed he only ate a portion of it.
Frostfire chuckled, saying, "Couldn't stomach all of it, handsome?"
"No..." Manic said, bowing his head a little. He was blushing in response.
Frostfire just smiled. "That's okay, I didn't expect you to eat very much but you've eaten quite a bit. Come, let's go watch the Sled Race!" She excitedly led him by the hand and to where the Race were usually held. They sat down and the sled runners already at the starting line. There were seven sled runners per sled, each Snow Leopards, and they held the reigns of seven Huskies per sled. As soon as the runners were off, Frostfire's heart soared. "Oh, what a glorious day for Aqqut! *5" One of the sleds immediately went down, leaving six left. "Ooh… I hope that Qamutiik *6 is still usable and that the Isuraqtujuq is not injured badly*7… Go ijjuqpaas! You can lead your teams! *8" She looked to Manic. "Isn't this sport exciting?"
"Certainly is. Never seen anything quite like it." He told her.
The race continued on, the runners staying clean and fun during the competition. Runners 4 and 3 were side by side, eventually winning the entire twelve lapped race with a tie!
"Amazing! Ties are very rare in these races! I had my hunting trophies bet on runner 4! Who did you have your trophies bet on, love?"
"Don't know who to root for. Perhaps, I need to learn more about the sport." Manic said. He found what he was learning exciting, especially since Frostfire was there with him.
"It's just like those vehicle races you see on T.V. only this involves Kayi and a number of strong Qikmiq- Oops, sorry, habit… I meant to say Snow Leopards and a number of strong Huskies working together. You see, my species are the mushers and the Huskies lead the sled but both species work together. The reason this sport is something we do annually is to remind us that we both rely on eachother towards a common goal. It's quite brilliant if you ask me." Frostfire explained.
"That's awesome. If Sonia were here she'd probably say, 'That is so adorable!'" Manic laughed at his horrible impression of his sister. Thank goodness she wasn't there to witness that!
Frostfire giggled at his little impression and then, as the winners of the race were being given their rewards of trophies like prey skins, large claws, and even a mount for their igloos, Frostfire looked up to the sky as it lit up.
"Oh my…" There were lights dancing all around the sky, shimmering and filling the heavens with wonder. Not a single color was left out - it was as if it were a rainbow!*8 "Th-The Aurora… Oh, I've forgotten how beautiful it was…" Frostfire gazed up as stars appeared with it, now as bright as they were back in Mobotropolis. "Remember what I said to you all those months ago? And how you wanted to see one? Well here one is!"
"Wow..." Manic said, wrapping his arm around her. "You weren't kidding when you said it looked better than the stars!"
"It's so majestic… It guides our nomadic lifestyle, you know. Solid colors tell us how plentiful our game will be and if prey is scarce, we move accordingly. But multiple colors have no meaning and we simply enjoy them for what they are." Frostfire sighed happily.
"Maybe they mean love." Manic said, looking in her eyes. He watched the colors' reflections dance inside them and he couldn't help but find her even more beautiful.
Frostfire could feel him watching her and blushing was inevitable. "M-Maybe… My people are built on a foundation of love and hunting. 'Hunt well, love often' is our motto."
"Great motto."
"It's as ancient as our collective races are… But originated after the war between our two species." Frostfire sighed again, watching the Northern Lights fixedly before it vanished from view. "Absolutely superb. I am glad I was able to share it with you, my groom." Frostfire smiled.
"Me too. It wasn't quite as stunning as you, though." Manic winked at her.
Frostfire shoved him a little. "You're such a cad!" She kissed him with a laugh.
"I try." He said, with an evil grin. Frostfire kissed him but more deeply this time. Manic enjoyed the kiss. Every moment was like a firework. He kissed her back, only making himself even more ecstatic. Frostfire could barely enjoy his kiss back due to the passion that grew.
"Geez, we're just making this little date even better!" Frostfire's grin has never been filled with so much joy.
Just then, someone tapped Frostfire on the shoulder. Frostfire turned around, cocking her head in curiosity.
A girl about Frostfire's age stood in front of her. She had a happy look in her eyes and a big smile on her face. She was missing an arm but used her remaining one to give Frostfire a gentle hug. "You probably don't remember me, Iluq-Ikkuma, but I'm Angerut. I wanted to wish you a happy engagement and an even happier marriage. You've really caught someone special. I can tell."
"Thank you!" Frostfire said, totally caught off guard by the random compliment. "Actually... I do recognize you… Weren't you always sitting next to my old pal Boaz?"
Angernut blushed at this. "Um... Y-yes. He is a fine Tlavian." Out of habit, she rested her hand on where her other arm should be and frowned. She tried to swipe it away as she looked at Frostfire. "Congratulations."
"Thank you again!" Frostfire smiled at the female Husky then spotted two familiar faces. "By the Aurora, Manic! Both Snejok and Boaz made it here!"
Manic smiled. "Really? Cool. Maybe we can meet in better terms this time." Manic chuckled a little.
"Boaz?" Angerut asked. She looked in the direction Frostfire was. Her heart fluttered a thousand times a minute but she suddenly was reminded of everlasting pain. "He-He's here?"
Frostfire motioned the two of them to come near as everyone else exited the bleachers.
"I cannot believe you are here, Iluq-Ikkuma!" Snejok said as he dragged the forlorn Russian Blue with him to sit down by the three of them.
"It is wonderful to be back here! And to see both of you again!" She replied.
"How have you guys been?" Manic asked.
Angerut didn't say anything and merely watched Boaz. She knew she went unnoticed by him but her heart didn't stop pounding anyway. She did not wish to interrupt the moment between him and his one true love so she stood there, just watching.
"We've been good! I've had to deal with Boaz here being sad but I believe we are okay." Snejok told Manic. Boaz did not even look at Frostfire.
The Snow Leopard looked up at the night sky, seeing how late it was, and looked to Manic. "My love, we should leave now. We have to prepare for the wedding."
Manic nodded his head. "You're right, beautiful."
As the two left, Angerut sighed. Now, she was almost alone with Boaz, a moment surely to only last a good minute, so she decided to make the most of it. "They look very happy." She said. "What's her spouse's name? I forgot to ask." She laid her eyes on Snejok, knowing that Boaz was unlikely to answer her question.
"Manic, I believe." Boaz continued to mope as Snejok answered her question.
"Oh. Strange name. It's nice to see she's safe, as well as you two. I was afraid you weren't going to come back." Angerut said, trying not to look at Boaz when she said this. She tried to hide her blush. "Your father clearly missed you, Snejok."
"As the Chief's eldest son, I am not surprised." Snejok sighed unhappily. "Unfortunately, I have to train with the Elder very soon. It is not something I look forward to, not after all I've been through. If it was years ago, it would have been different." The Chief's son looked at Boaz and nudged him. "Please, Boaz, do not be dismayed."
"What's the point, Snejok? The girl I fell for as an adolescent is marrying someone else…" Boaz complained.
"Brother, you must let that go. You have to look for someone new." Snejok consoled him.
"Perhaps but who? Who would want to be with me? I am but a foreigner here. I am neither Kayi nor Qikmiq – not a soul among the village has ever looked upon me as belonging. Perhaps father's instinct to adopt me was misguided."
"No, you are wrong. He saved you when your Clan had abandoned you on the border of the Tundra during the incursion of the Machines and their Maker. His compassion for you equals his love for me."
"If you say so, brother. It does not change the fact that I am destined to be alone." Boaz sighed, nearly in tears.
Angerut almost felt like screaming her feelings out. He was clearly far too oblivious. She thought she had made her feelings rather obvious. It was like she stood in Boaz's position. She reached out her only hand and placed it on his. "Do not say that, Boaz. You are not lonely, you are among family. Do not shun yourself for being different because I appreciate you." She tried not to blush. Even now, it was hard to even say such things to him but now she had just given up. She could scream out her true feelings if she wanted to. Romance was not worth losing another arm. "So does Frostfire, even if she does not see you in the way you wish. So does Snejok. Clearly he is like a friend who respects you. I am in shame and even I know my father loves me. As long as he's here with me, I will not feel alone."
Boaz looked at Angerut. "Th-Thank you. I… I did not know someone actually cared about me…"
"I have, and will, always care." Angerut said, expressing her true feelings. She wrapped her arm around him and gave him a quick hug. "I understand your pain." She cowered before him a little. Finding her words just a little ridiculous. She was already regretting staying. She turned to Snejok. "I'm sorry, I forgot to wish you luck with the Elder. I'm sure you will do well."
Snejok just smiled. "Yes, we will see. I should probably go see him now. Goodbye, brother." Snejok said, leaving Angerut and Boaz alone.
"Why would you care about someone like me, Angerut?"
"Why wouldn't I?" She asked.
"I'm nobody important..." Boaz stared at the ground.
It was these words that almost made her slap him. "If you are so unimportant than why did I lose my arm for you? Why did I embarrass myself for you? Why do I even bothering comforting you right now? If you cannot see how important you are than you clearly must be blind." She told him. Angerut regretted this conversation and would have left but she was still captivated by him.
"F-for me? You did all that... For me?"
"Yes... F-For you..." Angerut suddenly felt awkward. She did not mean for her crush to come out that way...
Boaz stared into her eyes, unable to comprehend what he was hearing. "Y-You like me?"
"Y-yes. Very much." Angerut bowed her head and rubbed her side. She was nervous. She hated feeling nervous. Her cheeks were a very bright red color.
Boaz had no words. He thought about Frostfire, then she disappeared from his mind. He then pulled Angerut for a brief kiss.
Her heart was pounding a thousand times a minute, she could almost feel all of the pieces coming back together. Even though the kiss was short, she loved every second of it. She felt as if she was going to cry, it felt so impossible. She backed up a bit, feeling even shyer than ever, and fell over. Then she laughed. "I did it again!" She cheered.
"Huh?"
"I embarrassed myself in front of you. I should have come to suspect such things."
"Maybe so," Boaz said. "But you've earned my attention."
Angerut blushed an even deeper red. "That's all I ever wanted." She said. She tried to push herself back onto her feet, something she could normally do with one arm, but Boaz's reply had flustered her and she seemed to have lost all of her strength. The embarrassment continued.
Boaz smiled, put an arm around her, and then looked at the sky.
"What are you looking at, Boaz?" She asked.
"The sky is beautiful tonight, especially after that Aurora… Thought I'd spend the rest of it with you." He smiled at her.
"Thank you." Angerut said, nearly crying. "I wouldn't want it any other way."
As the Angerut and Boaz spent the night looking up into the sky, word had eventually got out to Manic's siblings and the rest of Mobians who were friends with his brother that they were to travel to the Northern Tundra and to the exact location of the village for the upcoming wedding. When they, the ones who would celebrate the marriage, had reached the village, they were warmly welcome and had settled inside the igloos and huts that were given to them by the Chief.
*1 – Sulijuq is Inuit for genuine.
*2 – Nakkertok is Inuit for something but I cannot remember for what so I'm using as a made up word, if you will, for Hedgehog.
*3 – Tlun is Inuit for "snow sparkling in the moonlight". I liked the visual I got from this word's translation and I thought it might be a nice pet name to use ^^
*4 – Tuttu is Inuit for Caribou.
*5 – Aqqut is Inuit for Sled Racing.
*6 – Qamutiik is Inuit for Sled.
*7 – Isuraqtujuq is Inuit for Husky Leader.
*8 – For those of you who have never seen the Northern Lights, here you go! For your viewing pleasure! .