Hodnes laik kwelnes (Love is weakness)

Welcome.

I rolled over and groaned due to the soreness in my muscles. I pulled up my shirt to reveal large maroon bruises on my ribs and stomach. I grazed over them with my fingertips and winced. Sighing I hopped out of my cot and got dressed. Making my way towards the kitchen I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My face was paler than usual, and my lip was still swollen and busted from yesterday. I shook my head and fixed my hair before heading off to get breakfast.

The table was quiet this morning for some reason; normally it's buzzing with excitement. I just ignored the silence though and ate. After I was done I cleaned up and Artigas' mom asked me if I could get some water from the river which I obliged. I grabbed the jugs and my club.

"Be back in a few..." I said in a monotone. They nodded and I sauntered out. Getting to the river was a hassle because you have to go down the side of the mountain which is rocky and dangerous.

I slid down the mountain side with the jugs making these awfully loud noises. I looked around to make sure no one was around. I finally hit level ground and tread off to the river. I hummed along and kept over a log. Right then a few leaves rustled and I stopped in my tracks. I tipped my head to the sky to hear better. I placed the jugs on the ground slowly and quietly.

My grip tightened around my club and I stepped towards the source of the sound. A twig snapped and I whipped around to find myself face to face with a warrior.

He grunted and threw a punch into my ribs. I dropped my club and let my now free hand connect with his face. I pushed him backwards and while he was in a daze I tried to catch my breath. By the time I looked up he was running towards me. He drew his dagger and lunged toward me, nicking my cheek with the tip. I hurled a short punch into his neck and spun around to elbow him in the ribs.

He doubled over and howled with pain. I grasped the clothes on his back and drug him to the ground. I straddled him and sent blows to his face repeatedly. I heard a yell come from my right and I looked to see a figure sprint towards me. I got up and squat down and screamed as I picked him up and threw him over my shoulder. I whirled around and jumped on him; I took my club handle and put it against his throat.

"Chon yu bilaik!" (Who are you!) I shouted into his face. His eyes were wide and his mouth twitched slightly. He coughed and looked to his left. Clapping arose from the trees and I stood up. Out walked Artigas, Nyko and the elders; I ran to Artigas and nearly collapsed in his arms.

"You've grown a lot since I first found you Rowan. You show such drive and courage and I appreciate that." Nyko said kindly.

One of the elders stepped out and started, "Rowan, though you have battered two of our greatest warriors with your new skills, you have shown us you too are a great warrior by this test."

I smiled sheepishly and saw the warriors on the ground start to get up. I staggered over and helped them up and shook their hands. I turned back to the elders, "Thank you for taking me in even though you risked it all. I am so grateful for you all."

I  walked over and hugged Nyko tightly, "Thank you especially, I would have never made it without you." I whispered to him. I recoiled and smiled  at him and he did the same. "Ai strik gona" (my little warrior)
Walking in the middle of the group I say, "So what now?" One of the elders spoke up, "You are now allowed to go out on hunts and supply trips."

I nodded, it didn't seem like much but it was enough for me. As long as I had part in this village. I grabbed the jugs and hoisted them over my shoulder. I swept up my club and nodded towards Nyko and Artigas. Looking into the horizon the sun was in the east, "I'll be back soon with the water."