The Primitive King ~ ON HOLD ~

FIFTEEN

ALVARA

After a couple of days healing him and tinkering with the ship, Iden finally gave me the news that it was safe to meet the clan. I was nervous and excited, but at the same time, I was dreading it. I knew that there were very few females and that some of the males could pose a threat.

I was conflicted about my feelings for Iden, more so than anything else. Obviously, I had little experience navigating experiences like this. He'd respected my space the past couple of days and spoke very little. I could tell he had a lot on his mind, but we had that in common at the moment I suppose.

When we went back to the cave to pack up our belongings, I made sure to include the rocks that Iden collected for me. I grabbed my old clothes and my parent's picture. As I did so I surprisingly found myself a bit sad to leave the space. I was told that their houses were similar to Cuby and Bakra's dwelling, but Iden's was larger because he was the clan leader.

He was in high spirits today, excited to show me around and introduce me to his family and clan. It was a foreign concept to me, family. I was interested to see if it looked much different from families I'd observed that live on the planets within the League.

He happily padded down the path that I once took unknowingly and found Cuby, and led me towards where I heard voices that day. There were several, and the anxiety welled up in my stomach. Why did I care what these aliens thought of me? Cuby and Bakra seem to like me fine.

Iden glanced back and must have seen the anxiety on my face because he stopped and turned towards me with a small smile.

"Is the fearless little Alvara scared to meet my family?" He teased me, and his grunts were laced with good humor. I frowned at him and glanced towards the voices, then peered around to ensure nobody else was close.

"They won't... hurt me right? I know I'm one of the very few females..." I asked, ashamed that I couldn't put on the brave warrior mask that I used for the better part of 15 years.

He reached up and tucked a strand of dark hair behind my ear, and tilted my chin up so that I would meet his golden eyes.

"The only way they could ever harm you is if they defeat me in battle and take my place as Makokclao clan leader. I have earned my position through hard work and skill. We spar daily, and none of them are anywhere close to my skill level. They will respect, love, and treat you as family just as they do with my mother." He said confidently and smiled at me genuinely.

I nodded, feeling a little better about it. At least I had an overly invested alien hunk to protect me.

The thought caused a smile to tug at my lips, and as Iden turned back around I didn't miss the curious glance. He probably thought that I had a mood disorder.

When we got to the edge of what looked like a little village, Iden took me around the side to go directly to his house first. He said he wanted me to get comfortable with things before the clan overwhelmed me.

As we approached, my mouth almost dropped again when I saw their dwelling spaces. The large structures were incorporated into nature so seamlessly, and I couldn't help but compare it to the sterile designs of League-approved shelters.