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"Our yearly tournament for the best fighters is due to begin! All veteran warriors and those experienced with weapons of war are encouraged to attend! The tournament is held in two days' time, in By-The-Three-Trees!"

By then, Kingo was already sold on the offer, having been barked at in the center of his village, much like the last year, and the year before. His last visit to By-The-Three-Trees had been some span prior, visiting a friend to aid with repairs from a storm. His sheer size had been a boon; Easily standing at least a head taller than most of the larger equine around him, he had been a minor celebrity in his community and in the surrounding neighboring villages for some time, partially due to his size and stature, but also his prowess in a fight. Such things came naturally to him, and so there was no doubt in his mind that such a tournament would be worthwhile to attend.

Apparently, everyone else who fancied themselves talented in combat also had a mind to attend. Clearly, the offer had extended to many other villages in the area. For it being his first time attending the tournament, the village was much busier than he had anticipated, and found himself thankful he had brought supplies and funds to do business and partake in the village life. It was bustling, the streets crowded with zebras of all sizes and walks of life. It was obvious to see who had come for the tournament. There were even some who were not equine folk. There were some lions, a few antelopes, and even one large man from the semi-reclusive Elephant confederacy from the west had attended, so he was immediately able to see. After purchasing his supplies and a few baubles, he was directed to a large series of huts with a line proceeding from each. Signage posted indicated that this is where one signed up for the tournament.

He took his time in line to examine the soon-to-be competition. His previous estimate of word having traveled was correct. Hyenas, zebras, lions, and even the odd elephant were in attendance. Young and mature, scarred and unmarred, male and female, it was a hodgepodge of everyone imaginable. He was surprised to see a group of wolves in attendance, having thought them unwelcome due to conflicts in the northeast. Clearly that was not the case, or no one minded, and so he didn't as well. In his mind, it spoke to how popular this tournament was, and he wondered why it had taken until now for him to have realized such a venue existed.

Before long, however, he had come to the front of the line. An older zebra woman was with a stack of parchment, with other such tables also receiving applicants. "Name?" She asked, a few assistants running back and forth with inks and more parchment. A new discovery, the art of making parchment, and likewise incredibly handy. "Kingo, of South's Eye Ridge."

She had to crane her head to properly look him in the eye, even as she asked him to spell out his name and where he came from for the records. She nodded, and turned the paper over to him, gesturing to a plate of ink. "Handprint, please?"

He placed his large mitt in the plate, and then pressed the ink to the parchment. His handprint left, properly applied, he nodded, and so did she. The older zebra woman smiled, and even winked at him while she placed the paper on top of a modest pile of other applications. "Good luck in there, Kingo. I'll be rooting for you."

Kingo gave an honest smile, and a nod of the head. "Thank you kindly, ma'am. I hope to see you there." And with that, he turned to follow the procession of applicants out.

He didn't know where they were going, but he decided to follow. It became apparent where when he approached a group of them holding jugs, sipping and singing. A mixed group of hyenas, zebras, and lions all chanting in chorus outside of the entrance to a bustling, loud hut, with large, toned figures walking in and out, some with jugs, but all with their right hands stained with ink. "Of course, a drinking den."

The next few hours were hectic, and he had trouble recalling what had occurred. He remembers a lot of booze and a lot of other drunk, rowdy warriors toasting constantly. Dancing girls, dancing boys, he thought he remembered kissing someone, but he wasn't sure who. He just remembers feeling lips on his, and the exchanging of tongues. He did, however, remember that he had stepped outside to answer the call of nature, only to see two men, a lion and a zebra, with lips locked. They separated, looked at Kingo, and grinned. They asked him something, but he forgot exactly what was asked. He forgot if he answered at all. A lot of celebrating, boasting, feats of strength, and some friendly wagers between warriors made up most of the night, he thought, though the morning after made it obvious that there was quite a bit he was either failing to remember, or remembering incorrectly.

There was one memory he wasn't sure was actually real, halfway between memory and dream. A hut with dull red light, smoke hovering at the ceiling, drifting over his form. It smelled of pipeweed. The figures he saw were only roughly outlined by the light, and yet he wandered through the frankly aethereal atmosphere, guided by something he couldn't touch on. He rounded a corner and facing him was a hooded figure in a mask. It had one red eye, utterly featureless, made of a smooth-carved wood. No part of the actual wearer was visible. It's here that he's unsure if it was real in the first place, or a mere dream. The hollow, unfeeling eyes burrowed into his soul, frankly chilling him to the core of his very being. It reminded him of how his middle brother tended to look at him in the same way with his magic at times, but nowhere near like this. This was something else. His shamanistic brother's gaze was but a stone in the ocean compared to this. And he felt... Afraid?

There was an outstretched hand, webbed fingers grasping at him. There was a voice, but he couldn't make it out. He recoiled and gasped, the red light becoming blinding.

He came to in a common room, where other warriors were likewise either asleep, or just beginning to wake from a night of supposed drinking and other such debauchery. He had found some furs to sleep on, most were in some comfortable place on the furs, given how the floor was covered in them, along with pillows and cushions, or they were spooning and situated with others. Some naked, some clothed. He chuffed aloud, rubbing his head from the mild headache. He was always a heavyweight with drinking, and rarely did he get a hangover. His mild one was apparent when he stepped outside and blinked a few times in the morning light. He chuffed as he watched a lion, who emerged at the same time he did, do the same. They both exchanged grins. "Same with you, huh?" Kingo asked, and the lion chuckled. Female, tall for her species, broad shouldered, scar running along her cheek, along with one across her collarbone and several on her arms. "You've no idea." She retorted, extending a hand. "Mehani."

He clasped the hand and forearm in his own. "Kingo."

• In the interest of time... -

Turns out that tournaments were a bit more boring than Kingo had originally anticipated. A lot of waiting was involved, particularly waiting for it to start. He was slightly disheartened to learn it wouldn't be until the next day that it began. Thankfully, the company he found himself in was most agreeable. The lioness he had met, Mehani, was present, as well as another lion and a bull who was nearly as tall as he. They had likewise arrived early, much to their own amusement. The greatest struggle, it seemed, was finding something to do. And so they, alongside many other prospective tournament-attendees, were practicing in the large training field. There were, thankfully, practice weapons provided by the hosts to allow the fighters to sample what they can choose- Of course, all blades were blunted, blunt weapons made a little less effective, and less lethal. Kingo had gone with a large two-hander, though in his grip, it looked more like a bastard sword. Mehani had a one-handed blade and a smaller knife. The male lion had an axe, and the bull went with a sword and shield. The lioness had introduced Kingo to her companions: The lion, Jo, and the bull, Duran. Jo was a little taller than the broad, toned Mehani. Large chest, a proud mane, and sharp eyes, he seemed capable, twirling the head of his axe polearm in his hands. Duran was a large sort, just as tall as Kingo. His horns had a few rings, and his nose had a typical bull piercing, bronze colored. A chocolate base with a bit of white splotches across his body, he had a tiny bit of a gut to accentuate a powerful body. In the back of his mind, he remembered talking with a woman of his tribe as a similarly-built man passed by, the girl having referred to it as a "dad-bod", whatever that meant.

Jo was a proud sort, but not quite foolish. It was the sort of pride that came when one knew well their own limitations and capabilities. Duran was silent. Almost disconcertingly so. The way the bull looked at Kingo wasn't intimidating, but it was impossible to tell what he was thinking. Jo chuckled. "...Are you two going to kiss?"

Kingo and Duran realized they had been sizing each other up. Duran gave a small smile and a shrug, and Kingo laughed it off. Mehani, as it turned out, had known Jo for much of her recent life, but had only just met Duran during the span's length travel. "You lot came far, and for this?" He gestured around at the dirt, the large groups of sparring tournament-goers clashing with swords, shields, and other such implements of war. "And in zebra territory, no less. I'd imagine you lot would be more at home in the civilized East."

The lions shrugged in unison. Duran just grunted. His voice was resonant and deeper. "Actual houses would be nice. You lot aren't the lions with their cities of stone." Mehani bat him with the back of her hand. "Hush. Zebras've been nomadic for hundreds of years, give them a break."

Jo chuffed. "Aye, give them a break! It's not their fault they fuck in the streets and have little to no modesty."

Kingo laughed, as did Duran and Jo. Mehani rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help but grin. Kingo's chuckle tapered off. "How does it feel, though? Different, yes? I've been East once. Very... Organized, much less so than here."

Mehani nodded. "But also less exciting. Sure our houses of stone and brass are impressive, but here is... Free?"

Jo was of a similar mind. "I concur. Less restrictions here."

Duran's voice echoed, even at normal volume. "It's less stratified due to the number of roles individuals are expected to fulfill in society. It's not productive enough for the specialized labor roles and professions you find elsewhere in more established cultures."

The three just stared at him. Duran shrugged. Kingo snorted. "You sound like one of my brothers. You two'd get along well, I think."

The four had paired off, now that practice was fully underway. Jo was with Duran, and Kingo with Mehani. They squared off, stances wide, weapons at the ready. Kingo held his two-hander high, braced up against a raised forearm. Mehani held the sword in a typical ready stance, but behind her back held a dagger with a reverse grip. With a silent agreement, they began. She was the first to move, using her feline agility to her advantage by dashing forward, then juking to the side. Kingo swung low and wide, a long slash, attempting to intercept her during her lunge. She backed off to avoid the humming iron, but Kingo was on her with a thrusting jab, one hand holding the blade at the halfway point for more precision. Mehani swiped at his face while attempting to sidestep the blow, but Kingo's knee jut out and slammed her in the side. She gasped and staggered back onto one knee, but then rolled to avoid a follow-up swing from the two-hander. She panted, her blood up. "You're quick. Quicker than I expected."

Kingo let a breath out from his nostrils. "I'm not used to fighting combatants with two weapons in each hand." He said, his hands tightening on the leather grip, raising it behind his head, pointing up. "Your best bet's to close the distance as much as you can- Mine's to keep you at a distance.

Mehani nodded. "Agreed." And with that, Kingo did the exact opposite and closed the distance, his hooves kicking up dirt. With a loud grunt, he raised his two-hander above his head. Mehani was quick in predicting the strike, and strafed to the side, her stance lowering. Kingo was ready for this, and his back leg came out and kicked her square in the gut. Mehani barely had time to double over and soften the blow before she was knocked back. The zebra's blade came hurtling down, but Mehani raised her sword above her head, angling it down across her head and over her back. The impact rang out, Kingo's blade meeting the spine of hers. The lioness let the iron grind up along the two-hander, closing the distance from under it with a lunge. That dagger came out from behind her. Kingo turned his entire body as quick as he could, kicking up dust and attempting to strike her with a knee. She was ready for it, rolling into the strike, catching the zebra off-guard. His blade's tip met the dirt, and he raised it back up, briefly disoriented from the sudden flash of movement. Until, that is, he noticed the tip of a blunted dagger at his face.

Mehani was grinned, showing off teeth. Kingo let out a disappointed groan between pants, his own blood now up. She lightly tapped at his neck with the dagger. "You like to throw knees and kicks. It's easy to dodge unless you catch them off guard." She chimed in, but then, Kingo felt a tapping at his crotch from underneath. A glance down under showed that she was tapping at his unmentionables with her sword- A man's worst case scenario. He sighed and relaxed, letting his two-hander hang loose before explaining himself. "I'm used to fighting larger, less mobile targets. That gives me trouble."

She nodded, likewise loosening up and stepping back, weapons at her side. "It's a big change, isn't it? I thought you'd have had experience with smaller opponents. How old're you, anyway?"

Kingo thought about it for a second. "...Nineteen years, give or take."

"Nineteen? You're only nineteen, that's it?! Gods, you're so young!"

He raised a brow. "...Is that surprising?"

Her eyebrows were up. "Well, yes! I pegged you for your twenties. You looked like you knew what you were doing with a blade."

Kingo actually felt a little offended by that. "I do know what I'm doing, thank you!"

Mehani squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, face tightening. She immediately wished she worded it differently. "No, you're right, you do. It's just that you don't have the experience I do. You can have a ton of talent and teaching, but I beat you in experience. You have... What, two scars? One on your back and another across your hand. I have a lot more." She showed, gesturing to her collarbone, face, arms, legs, and her back until Kingo cut her off.

"Okay, okay, I get it, Mehani. No need to rub it in. So what advice can you give me right now, right here, aside from that I need experience?"

The lioness ran a hand through her hair, having set down her blades. "Hm. You need to move your feet more. Stay mobile, wide stances. Never stop moving. I'd recommend a smaller, or more wieldy weapon when up against more agile opponents. Maybe just a one-handed sword. You like throwing kicks and punches, right? You can use that strength to overpower them."

The two turned to the side, sensing someone approaching. Jo and Duran came up, both breathing a little harder. The lion glanced at the two of them. "What's happening here? We can hear you arguing."

Kingo opened his mouth, but the lioness spoke first. "He's only nineteen."

Kingo let out an exasperated breath. Duran's eyebrows went up, and Jo's mouth went agape. "What? You're kidding."

"It's not an issue, don't treat it like one! Spirits, you're all fine until you learn how old I am."

Duran placed a hand on Kingo's shoulder. "It's..." Kingo turned to the equally-as-large bull, who sighed a little. "You're going up against men and women with decades of experience under their belt." Jo closed the distance and nodded. "The big guy's right; I've been a sellsword for over a decade, and so has Mehani. Duran's been a royal guard for... Forever." The bull shrugged while the lioness interrupted. "You're a sweet guy, and you've got talent, but I'll be honest; You might not last very long. These people take it seriously, and so do we."

Kingo thought about this in silence, staring at the dirt, not really focusing on anything in particular. He felt like he was under scrutiny, which he was. He thought about it again, and they were right. The others he'd seen were large, scarred, and older. Mature, some with greying manes and fur. He might've been convincing, but he was still much younger than most here. "Kingo? Look at me, please." And so he did, locking eyes with the lioness, and then he spoke with a sigh of resentment- Less at her, and more at himself. "I'm not supposed to be here, am I?"

Perhaps his three companions saw him in a different light. They exchanged glances, then laid eyes on Mehani, as if she was their spokesperson. She nodded. "I want you to succeed, truly. But I've seen people take loss hard, especially if they thought they were good. You were in a small pond until now, big fish, but now it's a huge pond. With huge fish."

Duran chuffed with mild amusement at the allegory. "She means that we're with you regardless. No one got better by staying at home."

Jo nodded. "You're probably not going to win. Just focus on learning as much as you can and having fun. That's the entire reason everyone's here; Learning and having fun. Just focus on that."

Kingo sighed through his teeth, nodded, and ran his fingers through his hair. "Ffuuuuuuck me this was a bad id-"

He jolted when he felt Duran's hands clasp his shoulders. "Hey!" He was suddenly rapt and at attention. "Don't feel sorry for yourself, just do what you can. That's all anyone can do."

Then he pulled back, looking down at the two-hander Kingo had set down. Duran picked it up, and tossed the blunted thing handle-first back at the zebra. He caught it. Kingo felt a small smile cross his face, and the bull nodded. "Now c'mon, let's see what you can do."

• In the interest of time... -

Kingo wiped the sweat from his eyes in the evening sun, his hair and fur matted and wet from exertion. He panted aloud, but likewise did his mock opponent, his muscles aching and throbbing. The lion sellsword, Jo, was likewise exhausted, leaning somewhat on the axe-polearm he was using as his weapon of choice. Kingo now, instead of the two-hander, held a handaxe in each palm, though they drooped head-down, the handles slick with sweat. Both had minor cuts, scrapes, and quite a few bruises and welts on their bodies. Kingo swallowed, his throat aching. "Call it... A draw?"

Jo let out a halting laugh. "Not quite." He breathed harder through his mouth, wiping his brow, sleeve coming away soaked. "I clearly got you in the stomach."

"After I kicked you and hacked your arm, yes." Kingo chuffed, tongue out while he panted. He leaned back, landing ass-first in the dirt, casting aside his practice weaponry. "Fuck. Feel like I just... Shit."

Jo likewise reclined, using the polearm for support. "Likewise. You're vicious with those things."

Kingo smiled a little. "Thanks. You're not so bad, yourself."

Jo crawled to one knee just in time for Duran to saunter to their gathering, with Mehani not far behind the bull. The bull-resonant tone was more breathy than normal. "...You two were going at it hard."

Mehani chuckled. "Like mortal enemies. Using the axe-blades to accentuate your punching was a nice touch, zebra. And I already know all your tricks, Jo."

Kingo felt his back hit the dirt, staring up at an orange-tinted sky. Duran stood over him, and extended a hand. The zebra took it, being hauled to his feet. "Let's get cleaned up, first. I think we should call it a day."

Mehani and Jo glanced around. Similarly, other very sweaty, worn-out trainees were likewise in various states of exhaustion, talking and chatting with their friends, or evacuating the field for somewhere cool, or for water. Jo practically purred, tail swishing. "To the river, then."

The river was wide, but not too deep as to keep people from crossing it. The water that ran through the center of the village, which had been built around it, was surrounded by foliage and farmland, though a sizable area had been left for bathing and gathering water. The shoreline on both sided of the bank was humming with activity, with bathers cleaning themselves in the vanishing sunlight. The village was beginning to turn their oil lamps on, and despite his exhaustion and the revelation that he was outclassed in this tournament, he couldn't help but feel wonder. The last time he had visited By-The-Three-Trees was to help repairs after a storm. It had been quiet and humble then, but now, the village was alive and thriving, the scent of fires, wet fur, and water mixing in with a humming river and vibrant laughter. There was an idea of this in his culture, of this magical hour where the aethereal world mingled with reality, but for a moment as the sun settled. He finally understood what they were trying to hint at. A sort of mundane magic, not the sort his younger brother practiced, but it was a much more special kind of magic.

His friends (he now had no issue addressing them as such) reached the bank, making way for passers by of other various races, from zebras to lions, a few hyenas, and even a fennec, who sauntered by with a shake of his hips. Kingo raised a brow at the sight of what appeared to be a hundred people bathing, relaxing, and talking jovially amongst themselves, with nearly everyone having their clothes discarded, bare as the day they were born.

Upon realizing this, Jo and Mehani seemed to blanch a little at so many naked people, and they weren't alone. Most of those who seemed to be holding back weren't other equine brethren. They were all a little nervous looking, and the lion pair were no different. They glanced around, and Jo had one arm draped across his chest, gripping his other shoulder. Mehani glanced back at Kingo, who was nonplussed. He raised a brow. "This is normal! C'mon, enjoy yourselves." He said, and started to undress, letting the leather and cloth shirt come up and over his head. "Can't get clean if you still have those clothes on."

Mehani let out a huff! "Out here? In the open? Hells no." Jo's head bobbed up and down. "I, uh, I'm with her. I can- SWEET NANA'S NETHERS-"

Kingo turned to see what Jo had exclaimed at to find a very tall, broad-shouldered, sweaty, and very naked Duran, just standing there. A few whose attentions were attracted by the sudden outcry laughed, and there were even a few vague words of encouragement shouted among the throng before they went about their business. Duran smirked at Kingo, who gave a thumbs-up to the bull. "When in By-The-Three-Trees, do as they do."

Kingo clapped him on the shoulder. "There's a good man. We'll be right behind you." And with that, the bull returned the shoulder-clasp with the other hand, and then strode to the riverbank. The zebra returned to look down (couldn't be avoided due to his height, like almost always) at the felines. "Come now, nothing to be ashamed of. It's-" There was a small yell from behind them, and the three of them cocked their heads at the source. A lion, brown mane with flecks of grey and scarred across his back, was "getting busy" with a very vocal, very ecstatic zebra girl on the opposite bank of the river, out in the open. They got a few glances and some admirers who cheered them on, but most went about like nothing was wrong. The lions looked back at Kingo, wide-eyed, and he just stared back. "...See? Nothing to worry about."

Kingo sighed as he sunk his lower, bare half into the cool water, planting himself on the submerged rocks below. He lounged back and groaned with the pleasure of finally feeling something cool touch and caress his body after hours of grueling practice. Practice that was well worth every drop of sweat shed, but grueling regardless. Unfortunately, as compromise, they had moved significantly upriver, almost to the edge of the city. With the day wrapping up, the sun having dipped over the horizon and giving up the ghost for the evening, night was descending. Thankfully, there was plentiful lamplight, so he could spot Duran, a stones-throw away, washing himself up to his chest in the middle of the river. It was much, much less crowded here, with the odd village native here and there washing clothes or bathing, but nowhere near as many as in the center of town. The zebra glanced back over his shoulder at the rustling of dirt and feet to see the two lions standing there, staring at the river. He noted that they had both stripped their clothing, and had put some distance between the other. Kingo smiled. "The water's fine."

Jo was the first to dip into the water, hissing aloud at the temperature before he jumped in with a splash. His face emerged and he hooted from the impact of the sudden change in coldness. He felt the water some feet from him shift as Mehani began her descent, sinking in with grunts and hesitant shudders. After a few moments, she had sunk to her chest, only a bit of her collarbone and her head visible. She let out a sigh and closed her eyes. Kingo just watched her, unaware that he was staring. The lioness opened her eyes, and they locked with the zebras. Her cheeks reddened ever so slightly. "...You're staring."

He blinked. "Oh, apologies." And then he glanced away to take in the scenes of dusk. Cozy was putting it mildly, watching the goings on of a bustling town as it began to fall asleep. He ran his fingers through his mane, his fur, through his face and the rest of his body. "Hey."

He turned his head to the lioness, who was likewise running a hand through her matted, wet hair. "Hm?"

"Do you really think you'll do well tomorrow?"

"I don't follow."

"How confident are you feeling?"

Kingo let out a hum as he thought, staring at the star-riddled sky. "...Modestly. I'm hoping for the best, but... I have to be realistic." He gritted his teeth, and made a so-so gesture with one large hand. "It's a toss-up."

She nodded in the affirmative. "I hear you there." She glanced at the other lion and the bull as the other two chatted and laughed, Jo even splashing Duran a little, who returned the favor. And then it was on- A challenge as old as time. She turned back to the zebra. "You're really just nineteen?"

"Aye. Nineteen years. Why?"

"You look much older."

"How much older?"

"I dunno. Mid-twenties, give or take a few years?"

"And that makes a difference, eh?"

"It does! By my mother, you're defensive."

Kingo let out a small huff through his nostrils. "A little."

There were a few moments of silence while the two watched the other duo's splashing match, conveniently cleaning themselves off at the same time. They clearly had some energy to spare. They listened to the locusts chirping, the sounds of birds, the wind blowing through the trees and buildings, the river burbling, and the buzz and distant conversations of the village. It was peaceful in a way few would experience, and he was grateful for it. Reclining back, he felt his eyelids droop. A sudden sleep attack! He mentally stirred himself back to reality, breathing in an idle sigh. And then he had a question pop into his head. "And how old are you?"

Mehani halted. "Pardon?"

"How old're you?"

She took a breath and started counting on her fingers for a brief moment, staring at the river while concentrating. "...I'll be thirty-three soon."

Kingo's eyebrows went up. "Truly?"

She nodded her head. "Aye, truly."

He bit his lower lip when he thought of his next question, like it was one that shouldn't be asked. "Do you have children?"

"What?"

"Kids, a mate, a husband, partner, so on." And then he nodded his head over at the other very soaked lion. "Jo?"

Mehani let out a laugh. "No, we're just friends. But I don't have children or a husband. Or a mate, or partner, or so on, thank you." She scrubbed her hair with very determined fingernails. "In my line of work, those are a liability."

"You mean being a sellsword."

"Aye."

"Ever thought of settling down with someone? I'd imagine there'd be no shortage of men who'd court you."

"I've... Thought about it, aye, but I'm unsure yet."

"In my culture you would already have been mated with someone, most definitely with multiple children by now."

"Well it's a good thing I'm a lion instead of a zebra, now aren't I?"

"Perhaps if you were a zebra, we'd still be bathing where everyone else is."

They shared a laugh as they scrubbed, letting the few intervening moments pass between a break in the conversation. "Do you have anyone, besides your two brothers?" She asked.

He shook his head. "I don't."

"You're kidding."

"I kid you not."

"That's criminal." She said, disdain in her voice. "I'd imagine you'd be immediately paired off with the most available girl to keep you from taking everyone else's."

He gave a laugh from the belly. "It's a little more complicated than that."

"How so?'

"I... Uh..."

Mehani looked back at him. The silence was persistent, and he glanced away at her stare. She raised a brow, lowering the other one in a questioning stare. "Kingo, what did you do?"

He hissed through clenched teeth and sighed. "I may... Have, uh... Laid with the chieftain's daughter and wife."

Mehani's face went blank. "...What?"

"In my defense, they came down on me hard, and it was right after my coming-of-age. I knew it was a bad idea, but I wasn-"

"You fucked your chieftain's wife and daughter?"

"A, uh, few times."

She raised a brow.

"A lot of times."

The brow shot up further.

"I lost track."

She rolled her eyes. "And he kicked you out?"

"Aye, along with my brothers, we were kicked out of our tribe, otherwise we'd cause a scene and upset the entire village. We were given a choice to either face punishment or to leave without another word, and we chose the latter."

"All three? Why not just you?"

Kingo chuckled. "They heard I was being thrown out, and they immediately, no-questions-asked, went with me. They packed up their things and were moving out that same hour as I was." His voice got deeper, as if quoting someone. "Family above everything! The one is weak without the whole to keep them ready and able!"

"Is that... Normal in your culture?"

"The brothers and getting kicked-out, or the having an affair with the chieftain's wife and daughter?"

"The latter."

"Sometimes. Much of the time we mate for one or two children, then we seek someone else to mate with. No one's really married, like in your culture. It's not considered an affair or cheating, but there can be people who feel attached, of course. Sometimes, though, people will just have one mate they grow close with. With the chieftains and noble-ish figures, it's different in that they're regarded as having the right to choose mates. Someone can't "yoink" a chieftain's wife, that's against the rules. The chieftain has dibs on mates as long as the mates approve, and so on."

"And the daughter?"

"She had her coming-of-age right after my own. It's very taboo for a man to take a woman as their proper mate without getting the approval of her parents, first. There's a difference between fucking for fun and mating, sure, but the line between the two gets awfully blurry."

"And that's what happened?"

"Yep."

Mehani let out a small giggle. "You know, for as strange as that sounds to me, I... I get that. Like, you're clearly... Virile."

Kingo turned to regard her with a smirk and a raised brow. Mehani shoved him on the shoulder. "Oh, please. I've seen the way women and some men stare when you're not looking. You're hot shit here."

He bobbed his head from side to side. "I guess, although I'm on the move too often to really have a mate. If I do lie with anyone, it's usually only for a day or a span before I move on. Me and my brothers are always on the move."

"What're you three searching for?"

"...We don't know yet. We're hoping to find out what that something is."

Kingo was about to speak, but halted when he heard a small commotion from further along the river. He and Mehani glanced out to see a couple of zebras talking and laughing, one man and one woman. Young. The male laughed before turning the woman around to kiss her, and she reciprocated the gesture, although it continued longer than a mere smooch. The lion and zebra found themselves staring at the couple. Mehani's voice pierced his focus. "There was one person."

"I'm sorry?"

"I, uh... I did have a man in my life, once."

There was a small silence. "...What happened?"

She swallowed a little, and ran a hand through her wet hair. "Illness took him when I was seventeen."

Kingo was quiet. "...I'm sorry."

The lioness nodded. "I know."

She jumped when she felt a hand envelop hers. Kingo's outstretched mitt took hers into his own, and he squeezed, ever so slightly. She relaxed, and she even squeezed back. "You're too kind."

"I'm sorry?"

"You want to be a warrior of legendary status, right? Defend your people from those that do them harm, master the art of war, yes?"

He nodded, albeit quizzically. "Aye, but I don't follow."

"I've taken more than my fair share of lives, Kingo. It... It takes a little bit of you each time. Have you... Killed, before?"

"Yes, actually."

"How many, if I may?"

He ran over the numbers in his head. He didn't remember their faces, or who they were. He didn't want to. It was easier that way, when he didn't consider them to be people like him. "Five."

She let out a breath through her nose. "You're kind. You're a sweetheart, I can tell. But this path, it hardens you. Changes you. No one who walks it comes back the same." She squeezed his hand tighter. He let out a sigh. "I know."

"Then why follow it?"

His other hand brushed a bit of hair from her face. She didn't mind. "Because it's what I'm good at."

They stared at each other for a few long moments, just taking each other in while the water rushed past their forms. "I wish you were good at something else."

"So do I."

Mehani's form met his, as submerged as they were. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders and neck, and his about her waist, squeezing. They relaxed into their hug, Kingo burying his face into her neck, and she did the same, holding him tight. After what seemed like forever, she pulled back a little, and he did in response. She leaned in and kissed his forehead, then pressed her own to his. "Fuck shit up tomorrow and win, you hear me? That's an order."