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Story that goes with image
by TheBlackRook.

He walks with a confidence that is neither abrasive nor intimidating. He isn't rakish or pompous. He isn't taken to outburst of bravado or bluster. The strength he carries deep within is a tool like any other to him. To be wielded only when needed, not to be flaunted or boasted about. It serves it's purpose and nothing more.

I have felt that strength of his for myself. Not just the power of an Imakandi, but of a doyen. Torian is the alpha of his pack. The most talented and skilled warrior and hunter among other exceptional huntsmen such as himself. I call him, Manalaka , a word in the old tongue of my people. I tell him it means 'little warrior', but that is a half truth. The full phrase is ‘Mana laka tuwaka’, Manalaka is a diminutive version of it. The correct translation is; 'My Little Warrior”, for he is mine.

I do not think he quite understand this yet, and I have no desire to explain what is obvious. The huntresses of the Palawa choose our mates carefully, and in my culture it is the only choice that matters. If a huntress wishes a man to be her mate he, simply cannot refuse. It is a high honor that few would consider declining.

I have crossed many men in my life, quite a few of them have stood against me on the field of combat. None have ever been found anything but lacking, until Manalaka that is. My little warrior is the only male who I have found worthy.

Though I defeated him in our first encounter I saw his skill for myself. Fighting along side him, my suspicions that I wasn't the only one holding back during that conflict was confirmed. My scarred wolf has shown himself to be a powerful adept and the talents of his people are impressive, but none so impressive as his ability to simply fill my days with a happiness and contentment.

As he sits there, tending to his blade and humming to himself, he looks to me to be everything I needed right now in my life. I walked away from my people to find a purpose beyond what I am expected to be, to see what more I can be. At his side I no longer feel aimless or restless. I no longer feel like an Outsider. Sure, there is danger and our lives are full of peril, but as long as I can face it with him by my side, I will face it with a smile.

He is Manalaka. He is mine, even if he doesn't know it yet. One day, when he sees it for himself, he will know as I have; that it has always been this way. It just took a while for mother Anjea to lead us together. Some day he will know, until then it's enough to me that I do.