“Flameheart, my brother!” Rawson calls out as we approach.
“Flameheart?” I shoot a questioning look at Domanikk.
“My old Herd name. One that Rawson knows pisses me off,” he replies, shooting a venomous look towards Rawson.
Domanikk sits on an empty bench, and as I prepare to sit beside him, he grabs me by the waist and pulls me onto his lap, one arm snaking around my shoulder, his hand brushing the top of my breast.
“I see you’re enjoying your new pet,” the Equitae next to Rawson laughs. He has a similar build to Rawson and the same red hair, though his is long, and he wears a bushy red beard below bright yellow eyes.
“Samwell, Rawson’s uglier brother,” Domanikk says to me, and Samwell playfully reaches over, to punching Domanikk’s free arm.
The other Equitae stares at me, a small uptilt to her mouth. She’s striking, with silky blond hair cascading over her shoulders and flawlessly tanned light brown skin. Her eyes are the most captivating—a deep purple, almost black, with a paler violet ring around her iris.
“Lucky to still have that pretty head attached to your neck, I heard,” she says.
“Of which I’m grateful.” I smile back. She mirrors my smile, and in that moment, we connect on a deeper level without saying a word. Her eyes reflect the same warmth I’m offering, and I know we’ve established something genuine and surprisingly comforting.
“Viveen, our camp Healer and trainer of the newly mature,” Domanikk says. “And she can keep those Healing hands to herself. Watch her; she’ll have those trousers around your ankles quicker than you can blink. Sweet Viv, there are a few I share my spoils with, and sadly, you’re not one of them.” He laughs, shooting a pointed stare at Viveen.
I blush and laugh along with him. As Earthbound, we only marry or have relationships with the opposite sex. I’ve heard of other practices but have no real knowledge of what that entails.
“Did Reth tell you about the meeting he’s planned?” Rawson asks Domanikk.
“He did. Something about making plans in case the King decides to attack. We’ll meet soon, before the Gathering.”
“That bastard King doesn’t let up, does he?” Rawson sighs.
“We’ll need to arrange more training sessions in the Meadow. Many of the newly mature fighters need Enchantra training,” Viveen adds.
“I’ll bring that up to Reth,” Domanikk says.
“I was curious about your Enchantra. If it’s not impolite to ask?” I ask the group, shifting on Domanikk’s lap.
“Ask away, my love.” Domanikk traces his finger in swirls over my thigh, occasionally dipping dangerously close between my legs. The distraction makes me pause, but I continue.
“I’ve noticed the various colours. Are they tied to your herds or something else?”
“Good question, clever girl.” Domanikk steals a quick kiss. “Viveen, you’re probably the most knowledgeable about Equitae history.”
“I’m not sure about that, but I’ll try. Our Enchantra was bestowed on us by the Goddess Terra to keep Kaladia safe. Beyond general enhancements like faster healing and longer lives, each Enchantra significantly enhances our natural abilities. Blue for Strength, Yellow for Speed, Green for Stamina, and Purple for Spirit. Within each Enchantra, there can also be extra powers beyond the obvious, which is rare but makes those Equitae incredibly powerful.”
“That’s fascinating. Thank you for explaining, Viveen.” I smile at her warmly, genuinely grateful for her patience. I’m embarrassed by how much I don’t know about the Equitae—their history, customs, and way of life. I’m ignorant of even the most basic facts about their culture, making assumptions and filling gaps with my limited understanding.
“You weren’t taught this as a child?”
“We’re not taught anything about the Equitae except that they’re brutal savages,” I admit, feeling a little like one of those ‘uneducated heathens’ Domanikk mentioned.
“Nothing? We learn very early about your kind and Kaladia’s history.” Viveen says.
Rawson’s words come out clipped, each one sharp and deliberate. “That bastard King doesn’t want the Earthbound toknow the truth.” His voice drops low. “Keep them ignorant—that’s his motto. That’s your history, it belongs to you.”
“I’m afraid we must leave this riveting conversation if we’re not going to be late for the meeting,” Domanikk breaks the tension, grabbing my waist and lifting me to my feet as he rises.
We head back towards what I’m coming to know as Heartwood’s centre.
“What’s the Gathering?” I ask Viveen as we walk.
“It sounds so official when you say it like that. It’s mostly food and fun for those in Heartwood who need it—mainly those without families and newly matured Equitae looking for mates. It’s a custom from our time of freedom before The Corruption.”
