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Ragnarok  

He could barely breath. One moment he had courage the next, he wanted to run screaming to his aunt. Seriously. Like how is that even possible? Gulping Ragnarok sauntered through the camp, orange eyes looking for one wolf.

Whom was so easy to find. Rag watched Tzuri for a moment before taking a deep breath and padding over.

“Master Tzuri….I need your expert opinion. I can't even talk to my aunt yet about this.” He said in a rush, eyes wide and pleading. He had to ask these questions. Otherwise he would worry himself stupid.

---

Tzuri

His hindbrain had registered what he took for panting before the words had reached his ears. The Vicar quirked an eyebrow, turning to look with concern at the other wolf. Unconsciously, he gave the tan wolf a once-over before he spoke, seeking physical injury or sickness. Seeing no obviously wounds, he put his mindset to that of the Spiritual.

“Ah, Rag! How can I serve you?” Tzuri asked, tucking his herbs to the side and turning to completely face his new patient.

---

Ragnarok

Ok first of all, he felt like a bug when Tzuri  gave him a once over. Like a tiny bug. Maybe a ant...shaking his head he took a deep breath.

Looking down he grimaced.

“Can I have your expert opinion in marriage jefe?” He squeaked, looking up with pleading eyes and a soft voice. His aunt didn’t know yet, the traditional customs needed to be done and he hadn’t even asked Kane yet. Dios have mercy.

---

Tzuri

The Vicar’s mouth unconsciously moved as he listened to Rag’s request. The One, marriage? How wonderful!
“What would you, uh, like to know, Warden?” Tzuri queried, a slight smile teasing the corners of his mouth.

Like, tell me who the lucky wolf is! How had this budding relationship go unnoticed? Usually, there were no secrets in Aryn when it came to love. Bravo to Rag for being stealthy! And, had he said that his aunt--Amara--hadn’t even heard about this yet? Impressive! Amara always kept an ear (no pun intended) to the ground on such matters. Outwardly, the Vicar was a picture of cool confidence; inside, he was hopping like a pup on honey.

---

Ragnarok

He straightened and blushed. He wasn’t a master warden! Not yet. Probably never will be. Oops. He needed to work on that. Shaking his head he gave a chuckle and forced himself to calm down.

“Is there a tradition that is followed here? We have one in sombra and I’m really nervous to see if I’m breaking rules.” He said seriously before he gave a little bounce and stepped forward.

“In complete secrecy- as auntie would kill me if I told you first - I want to ask Riga to marry me and I was hoping to combine all the traditions. Since you are happily married I would like your advice and guidance. I couldn’t ask master kane or the lord and lady. They like gossip too much!”  He said quickly but let his bob tail wag as he got his secret out.

---

Tzuri

This time, both eyebrows raised. Riga? Father, it was just yesterday….! But, wasn’t that always the case? It was always ‘just yesterday’. ‘Just yesterday’, Tzuri, himself, had proposed to Shoshana, and, the day before, he and Riga had played together. Everyone was grown now, and they were getting married!

He cleared his throat quietly and motioned for Rag to follow him. Once they were further from prying ears, he sat and inhaled deeply. Marriage was not something to take lightly, and, for someone to wish his advice, they deserved a good answer. He nodded to himself then spoke.

“Have you prayed about this? I know how passion sweeps you away like a hard wind, and you lose yourself within it, but it is only fair and right that you are absolutely sure this is part of your Song,” the Vicar explained.

---

Ragnarok

He followed Tzuri obediently and sat, listening like an obedient pupil. Once the dark wolf finished speaking Ragnarok gave him a wane smile.

“I’ve done all the prayers I can. Riga...Riga is so beautiful and high above me. How could she even care for me? The way I look, the way I was raised. Everything about me screams ugly and different yet she smiles with me. Is happy with me. I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve such generosity and by the One, I hope I can do all and more to repay his kindness in showing me the one I love.”

He took a deep steadying breath. How did he explain the dearth of emotion of just the rightness of it all. He honestly couldn’t.

“I don’t know how I deserved this second chance Uncle…” He whispered, eyes downcasted. He swallowed hard but the truth rang in his words. Tzuri was Amara’s brother. Better than his true uncles and better than his father. He was family.

---

Tzuri

The wave of emotion coming from Ragnarok shook the Vicar’s soul. Ah, yes, he understood this very well! Had he, himself, not gone through the same with Shoshana? The questioning? The feelings of being unworthy? The complete awe at this sublime creature whose very smile was sunshine and warmth, life itself? His shock melted into a soft, warm smile.

“But, Nephew, you may never understand His ways, and that is fine. We spend our whole lives trying to figure out why, coming to the sometimes frustrating answer of ‘because’ and ‘He loves us’,” Tzuri answered happily. He continued, smiling at the tan wolf. “As for tradition? What mostly happens is very loose and spontaneous--like love itself. After the official announcement of the new couple, the couple gets blessed and anointed with oil, we have a feast where, sometimes, their love is pledged before the whole pack, and, recently, then we dance and eat until we fall over.”

He considered his response and added, “Now, if you mean ‘is there a formal tradition on how to ask your Cariad to spend the rest of your lives together’, well, no, there isn’t. Personally, What you told me would be a wonderful start when you ask Riga to join you. It was...ah, very beautiful. Yes.”

---

Ragnarok

He listened to Tzuri’s words and felt his soul settle a bit. Yes, how could he understand his God’s mysterious ways? Who was he to question His choice? Yet at Tzuri continued he felt the anxiety return. He didn’t want to mess up.

“How did you ask madam Shoshana? I really don’t wanna mess up. Plus there are some traditions that I know auntie would skin me if I ignored. Like presenting Riga with a bridal bouquet, or the dowry.”

He clutched a paw to his chest. Oh god he would have to speak with Kane. Fear spread through him again. The big white wolf was terrifying.

“I have to ask Senor Kane. Lord have mercy on my soul.”  He groaned, paws flying over his eyes as he collapsed and tried to hide. He was Amara’s nephew and thus just as dramatic as the she wolf.

---

Tzuri

“I….” Tzuri began then stopped. How had he asked Shoshana? It just felt like they had always been together. He recalled the happiness he felt from the moment he met her, but the words--the actual words--were lost. Still….

“I told her how I felt. I didn’t care if she thought I sounded ridiculous--I just had so much...ah, passion within me that I had to let it flow like a river. I told her I couldn’t live without her, I think, or, probably more to the point, I could if I had to but I didn’t want to,” the Vicar explained. “The important part, beside all my feelings, was getting my Lady Mother’s approval. I, uh, I cannot give you any more advice than that. I’m sorry.”

Love had come so easily to him, though. He had been hurting, about to give up, and Shoshana had felt the same--their broken parts fit together like individual twigs in a bird’s nest, making them whole. He hadn’t been nervous about asking her, and, perhaps, that was his arrogance. He never expected her to say ‘no’. The One had brought them together, and what The Father planned no one would deny. Or, at least, that had been his thoughts. Shoshana had every right to tell him ‘no’ at that point in time: She had been part of another pack, and he had been a stranger, even as they grew to love each other. It had been her that chose to leave her pack and not him.

Damn...I had asked so much of her! Tzuri thought, feeling both blessed and ashamed.

---

Ragnarok

Well that wasn’t what he was hoping for sadly. Tzuri seemed to have it easy. There was no father for Mistress Shoshana sadly. Taking a deep breath he gathered his remaining courage.

“Can you...would you...will you be willing to help me uncle Tzuri?” He asked before his courage failed and his eyes dropped to his paws.
“You are the uncle I never had, the brother my auntie never had. Lycan may be my father but it is you that has been there for me and auntie.” He choked out, letting the emotions hit him.

It was true. With so little male guidance in his life, Ragnarok truly looked up to Tzuri. One of the only wolves that could make his auntie smile. To make her happy. He could use the male’s help.

“Please? At least just helping me find the gift?”

---

Tzuri

Uncle-? He hadn’t thought of that, but, yes, being Amara’s brother did make him Ragnarok’s uncle. And, what was a good gift for Riga? Sadly, he didn’t know her as an adult. That was no excuse, though. His nephew had begged his assistance, and he would not abandon Rag in this, his most important hour.

The Vicar nodded, “I will do what you need of me—except tell dear Riga your heart. Ah, I am ignorant of her fancies, perhaps you could educate me in such-?”

What did Shoshana like? Father, he didn’t know! They both had their tasks, and they both just lived their lives. She’d brought him a rabbit once, but he’d not returned the gift. He felt ashamed now. I should woo her properly now. She deserves to be woo’d well and right!

---

Ragnarok

The young wolf bounced forward happily, the nervousness falling away as he gave the black wolf a hug. It felt right. He had a family still and to feel a connection between him and Tzuri was amazing. He backed up and his ears went sideways.

“Well she loves flowers. Especially unique ones but I know this is a long shot but do you have shiny stones? That’s what everyone used in sombra. Some used this stones that were hard and shined in colors of the rainbow and presented them to their beloved. I would like to do the same.” Ragnarok explained before sighing.

“As tradition I gotta get permission first. I must ask Kane, if he accepts my aunt and he will confer on a dowry to show that I can care for Riga. After that I purpose. If she says yes here is one more tradition my aunt won’t let me refuse but it can wait. Maybe you can just help me reign her in?” He asked hopefully, giving Tzuri a pleading look.

---

Tzuri

“Stones, eh?” the Vicar pondered aloud.

His mind went to the river. Those were shiny but only because they were wet. Every now and then, someone found a shiny stone near the various boulders and mountain paths that defined Aryn. Medicinal plants and roots--that was his forte. Tzuri searched his mind for an answer.

“I can do flowers--mostly ones related to medicine but pretty, nonetheless. Stones, though...uh, perhaps someone else knows more than me-?” he admitted. He cleared his throat awkwardly then, more confidently, “I will speak with Amara, although…’reining her in’ might prove difficult. She is quite spirited, isn’t she?”

Passionate. Amara was passionate, given to the same dark depressions and blinding enthusiasm as most Aryns despite her Outsider heritage. Though, he admitted, they had always been able to speak to each other levelly. Why would she be against this coupling? He would have to ask that of Rag or Amara herself.

With a smile, he finished, “I see no reason for either Uncle Kay or your Aunt to refuse this marriage. Ease your worries, Nephew.”

---

Ragnarok

He smiled happily and began moving with Tzuri.
“Flowers are much appreciated. Auntie can help me find a stone.” He said happily, bobtail going when he laughed.

“Auntie is the definition of spirited. She will not tolerate me skirting my duties. I would have to follow the traditions and then on top of that I’m pretty sure since she found out about Riga and me she has planned my wedding.” He sighed dramatically.

“Riga would need a say in this too!” He said happily, uneasiness now eating at him.

“Do you really think kane will be ok with me being a part of the family? I’m an outsider.” He asked gently and nervously.

---

Tzuri

Thick brows pursed together. “Dear boy, he was ecstatic when I introduced him to Shoshana--why would he have anything but pure delight in Riga joining you in holy matrimony?”

Outside of the Den, the Vicar sniffed the air. Spring had given to Summer, and that meant most of the wildflowers were fading while some of the more vibrant flowers were blooming. Roses loved the warm weather; he’d gathered their rosehips earlier in spring. (Good for a soothing tea and their oils eased bites and rashes). Sage soaked up summer sun and was a gorgeous purple. (Digestion issues, bloating, gas, and to treat depression and memory issues). Snapdragons. (Poultice for ulcers and inflammation). Zinnias. (Bruises. Tea helped heart issues). Either way, he began a slow walk towards the outer edges of The Wispwood.

He paused, blinking dumbly in the light. “Oh, that’s right. You haven’t told Riga yet. Have you...uh, even discussed a possible future together? I mean, I’m sure she’ll say ‘yes’, but have you ever broached the subject with her?”

I’d hate for you to be disappointed, thought the Vicar, though he couldn’t imagine Riga saying ‘no’ to someone as awkwardly charming and conscientious as Ragnarok.

---

Ragnarok

So many things. So many. There was now a list running through his head when his uncle asked his last question.

He had paused to sniff gently at a dandelion when his head whipped around so fast, jaw slack to stare at Tzuri. His chest heaved and he whispered.

“I uh...no we haven’t talked about marriage. It...it...it just felt right!” He stuttered, promptly face planting and passing out. His anxiety getting the better of him. Oops.

---

Tzuri

The black wolf opened his mouth then closed it with a soft chuckle. Love did that, didn’t it? Swept you away like...a fast-flowing river. Rhyme and reason took second place to passion and impulse, but oh-! How worth it! With a paw, he pat Rag on his shoulder.

“I believe, my boy, that you should, perhaps, first ask the future bride whether or not she wishes...uh, to commit so soon,” Tzuri smiled reassuringly to him “The males of Aryn--for the most part--seem to lose our heads in the throes of love and forget that a relationship takes two to be successful. She may love you just as passionately, but it might take some time for her to warm up to the idea of becoming an us after being a me for her whole life. Understand? This is a big choice for you both. Have you even discussed pups? They come fast, trust me!”

The latter was to said to make the other wolf realize the enormity of the choice he was going to make. The Vicar remembered the sheer dizziness and terror at learning that Shoshana was expecting. One, how he had been so happy to think their love had made life, but, oh, how terrified he had been when he realized that he would be ‘Father’ for the rest of their lives. At that moment, he had also realized that he was someone’s mate, responsible for her well-being as well as that of the life within her. His world became so much smaller and dangerous, and he had wondered what he had gotten himself into. What had he forced Shoshana in to? When the panic had passed, he came to terms with his fear, putting his trust in The Father to guide his paws and had looked to his own Father as to what a good mate and father was. Ragnarok would have to realize this himself.

Tzuri looked down at where his paw was patting, not an attentive nephew but an unconscious lump of fur.

“Oh, hum...been talking to myself, have I? Overwhelmed, are you? Quite so, ah!” The Vicar remarked, changing his pat from supportive to a waking one on Rag’s cheeks. “Come on, lad! Not all of that once you get into it!”

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