A troubled frown crossed Asher's face as Verissa tucked herself against him, her palms light against his built chest. How long had it been since he had held someone like this? The answer was 'a very long time'. He felt responsible for Verissa, protective, both qualities he considered good for a man in charge of a slave. But he didn't think of her that way, not really. He realized with a jolt that made his back stiffen that whatever these feelings were, they were close, dangerously so, to the way he had felt about Wren. And as soon as that connection was made, Asher felt a slimy shiver of guilt settle in his chest. What was he doing?

Thankfully, Verissa chose that moment to pull away, the mixed-herb scent of her hair lingering in his nostrils, his teeth gritted as he struggled with his emotions. Why were women so difficult to deal with? Exhausting himself through training and meeting the other tribe leaders to discuss day-to-day tactics and camp house-keeping was so much easier.

He swallowed and moved to sit back down where Verissa had put him before, his scarred eyebrow giving his face a grim expression. [color=707070]"I'm glad you feel that way. Talk to Shenzi. If she can't help you practice, she might know someone who can. It would be wise to ask around at the Gathering since there will be so many people."[/color]

He couldn't help but smile, his brooding banished temporarily by a beautiful smile on her face, the first he had ever seen. It suited her so much better than the haunting fear. [color=707070]"You're getting better at our words. We'll have to practice the hand-signals as well."[/color]

He took the food, automatically peering into the bowl to guess at the ingredients. He loved to cook, but it was proving to be fun letting her handle it tonight. [color=707070]"The Tribes are always on the move,"[/color] he explained, slurping a little at the hot stew, nodding silently in appreciation of the robust taste. [color=707070]"Not only do we not believe in settling in one place, it's not a wise move on the grasslands. There are always Kvaren traveling between the tribes, but twice every year, we all come together at a massive Gathering. It's a way for us to share news, trade goods, settle disputes. There are a lot of ceremonies that wait until then. Marriages, memorial bonfires, naming rites for babies. The Hunt can be taken any time of year but many youngsters will wait to take it during a Gathering because the prestige of returning triumphant is greater. Fighters who have slain a Knight are honoured, and rank sashes and pins are thrown in a great bonfire."[/color] He gave her a pointed look, as he had returned with one himself. [color=707070]"Anyone who has killed a Sergeant Knight and returned with the sash and the body is considered strong enough to start a new tribe. It's much like one of your festivals. There is lots of drinking, lots of music and dancing, lots of...sex.[/color]" He had been looking down at his bowl, but there was a liquid steel flash as he glanced up at that. [color=707070]"The Swordmasters and Shadewalkers host training for those who want to be like us. Craftsmen will hold their own competitions. Those in charge of the herds will lend each other their stallions and bulls for breeding. It's just a way for us to take advantage of having everyone all together, and when it's over we all go our separate ways again."[/color]