Chapter 53

Thefirst-ever SkaiSummitOpenHouse was a wild, chaotic success.

They'dfinished setting up right on schedule, and Louisa had felt almost nauseous as they'd waited for their official launch at noon. What if no one came? What if only a few people came? What if Louisa's old friends all came and mocked her and left?

Butas they'd waited, Rosa had remained unfailingly optimistic, pointing out that one could always rely on people to be nosy — and that even if no one else came, there were still dozens of orcs and women and children already here to enjoy the day's activities. But even all the Skai milling about had seemed nervous too, quietly murmuring to each other, and glancing repeatedly toward the road.

Butthen Ragni had called down from his watch-tree, and soon the first group of guests had come around the corner — a family who Louisa had invited, who'd once lived on her street in Dusbury. And she had almost tripped as she'd stumbled over toward them, shaking their hands, and welcoming them to the camp.

They'dseemed shy and wary at first, but unmistakably curious, too, just as Rosa had promised. And as soon as Louisa had sent them off with Jule for their first guided tour, another group showed up, and then another. And then a long steady stream of them, men and women and children too, all blinking up at the camp with wide, awestruck eyes.

Louisastayed on welcoming duty throughout, enthusiastically greeting anyone she recognized by name, and handing out the activity schedule and map Rosa had printed. And soon the camp was full of chattering voices and shouting children, and Louisa's heart skipped every time she turned to look.

Becauseit truly did look — wonderful. The camp was decorated with hundreds of paper lanterns and streamers, cheerfully waving and spinning in the branches above, and ropes and ladders also hung from every tree, inviting guests to climb and swing and explore. They'd also set up multiple snack and drink tables, along with signage and gathering points for their planned schedule of activities.

Andalong with the ongoing rotation of guided tours, many activities were well underway, too. Killik was leading the honey-hunting expeditions — the "honey" all dangling copper coins, tucked amidst the trees — while Ulfarr had begun knife-throwing lessons, showing their attendees how to throw at a huge wooden target, which had multiple funny creatures stamped upon it. Argarr had also set up a makeshift forge in the clearing, teaching guests how to make nails, and Thomas and Elgr were leading children and orclings in a treasure hunt, with clues and prizes hidden throughout the forest.

Therewere multiple activities set up down in the common-room, too, and during a break in the guest arrivals, Louisa ducked down to look. Filak now had three separate tunnels to explore, all winding off in opposite directions, and apparently — in some bizarre stroke of generosity — he'd even decided to allow each visiting child to mine a small piece of amethyst. While out in the common-room itself, Igull and Polly presided over a dice tournament at the tables, and by the fire, Flora and Galmr were demonstrating how to braid rope. And at yet another table, Rosa and Geva sat beside a large sign that proclaimed, Eager to educate your children in an enriching cross-cultural environment? Sign up for updates on the Wolf-Camp's new school!

"This is unbelievable, Lou," came a familiar voice behind her, and when Louisa whipped around, it was Joan, a wry grin on her face. And with her were Elise and Gladys and the children, too, all of them looking cautious but curious, while Halthorr beamed proudly behind them.

"Oh, I'm so glad you came!" Louisa exclaimed, lurching forward for a round of quick hugs. "Would you like to try mining some amethyst? Or braiding some rope?"

BothStefan and Ame shyly nodded, and then traipsed off with Halthorr toward the rope-braiding. WhileElise's wary eyes had caught on Rosa and Geva's table, as if she might actually be interested — so Louisa cheerfully waved her over and introduced her, while her heartbeat thumped oddly in her chest.

Gods, she wanted this so much. And they were so close. So close.

Shedrew down a deep breath as she headed back up to the clearing again, just in time for Killik's rope-walking lesson. A small crowd had gathered around where they'd tied a long, sturdy rope between two trees — not high enough to be truly dangerous, but still high enough that Louisa's breath caught at the sight of Killik easing himself out onto it. He was dressed in a crisp white tunic, and a pair of slim black trousers — all courtesy of Cecily — and he looked impossibly elegant as he held to the tree behind him, and felt the rope beneath his feet. His soft leather boots seeking, settling — and then he carefully released the tree behind him, and stepped forward.

Afew whistles and cheers broke out around them, but Killik's eyes stayed focused straight ahead, and Louisa could see him drawing in breath, grounding himself into the rope. And then taking step after careful step, his arms outstretched, his lean body taut, the muscles shifting beneath his lovely clothes.

Andwatching him, Louisa's heart skipped in her chest, the longing pooling deep in her belly. Gods, he was stunning, he was one of the most beautiful things she'd ever seen in her life — and then his hand carefully reached up to his hair, and plucked out one of his daggers. Hurling it in a single smooth stroke toward the tree-trunk ahead of him, where it sank deep with a thud. And in another swift movement, he threw his second dagger to join it, as his hair fell long and black and shining over his shoulders.

Thesight of it skittered Louisa's longing even deeper, and she exhaled at the feel of Ulfarr settling behind her, his warm hand curving around her waist. And when she glanced up at his face, his eyes were fixed on Killik, glimmering with yearning and pride. "He is magnificent, is he not?" he murmured. "My fierce, perfect pup."

Louisaswallowed and nodded, and sank a little closer against him. "He is," she murmured back. "AndI think — I think he'd love to hear that from you, sweetheart. If you'd be willing to tell him."

Ulfarr'schest hollowed, his gaze catching strange on hers — but then he nodded, short and curt. And it was enough to settle Louisa's shoulders, sinking her even heavier against him. Ulfarr loved Killik, and Killik loved him. And they would finally talk about this, and sort it out. They would.

Shejoined the crowd's loud, raucous cheers as Killik reached the tree-trunk — where he made a show of yanking out his daggers, and then spinning around, and hurling them both into the opposite tree instead. Whipping up more delighted cheers around them, Ulfarr's perhaps booming loudest of all.

Afterwards, Killik helped multiple orclings and children give rope-walking a try, striding along on the ground beside them as they lurched and wobbled on the rope. One of the orclings was Simon and Maria's older son Bjorn, and as he walked, clutching tight at Killik's shoulder, Louisa's gaze kept darting sideways to Simon and Maria, who were both standing nearby, watching with fond smiles on their faces. They'd both seemed to enjoy the OpenHouse so far, and they'd often been surrounded by friends and well-wishers — and Louisa had even overheard one elderly Skai congratulating Simon on such an excellent Skai event.

Itall settled Louisa's hope even deeper, because damn it, this was an excellent event. They'd brought the Skai together, they'd introduced the camp to the community, they'd brought humans and orcs just a little closer together. And while some of the human guests had kept their distance, preferring to watch rather than participate, Louisa could still see how it helped. Showing them orcs who weren't warriors or enemies, but instead teachers, and athletes, and crafters, and engineers.

However, the sparring tournament was yet to come — and at a meaningful sign from Rosa, Louisa nudged Ulfarr over toward the pair of fighting rings they'd set up, just outside the clearing. The tournament's other Skai participants were already assembling, and at a loud whistle from Igull, their human guests began to filter over, too.

"Next, we welcome you to our SkaiSummitSparringTournament," Ulfarr announced in his deep steady voice, once the crowed had gathered. "Skai sparring is not meant to harm or wound, but only to test our speed and strength, and grant us joy with our kin. But to make sure of this" — he waved toward a bored-looking Rurik, standing at the edge of the ring — "our medic will stand by, and offer his help whenever this is needed."

Thankfully, no one seemed to question any of this, and next Ulfarr called forward four Skai — including Killik, now stripped to the waist — for their first pair of matches. And once Ulfarr had introduced each Skai by name, they paired off and bowed to each other, clasping their hands tight. And then, at another whistle from Igull, they faced off in the rings, and attacked.

Thehuman audience gasped, the tension and alarm rippling through the air — but once the sparring orcs had settled into a rhythm, punching and kicking and ducking and twisting, the tension seemed to skitter into curiosity, or even excitement. Because while it was clear that each orc wanted to win, it was also obvious that this was only a contest, only a game. AndLouisa's mouth drew up at the sight of Killik leaping and whirling and kicking, his movements exaggerated and flamboyant, perhaps intended less for combat effectiveness, and more to entertain the audience. To put on a good show.

"He's good, right?" came a familiar voice, and when Louisa twisted to look, it was Maria, with a wry grin on her mouth. "One of my absolute favourites to watch. Go, Killik!"

Louisablinked, but then grinned back, and loudly hollered Killik's name, too. Earning a brief glance from him over toward her, and even a swift sign from his hand — watch this — as he swung a sweeping kick to his opponent's head.

Louisalaughed and cheered together with Maria, while more warmth and hope bubbled in her chest. They were doing this. They were really, really doing this. And it truly was lovely to talk and laugh with Maria, and cheer Killik on together, until he finally did gain the win, tackling his opponent to the ground with an impressive flourish.

"Our first winner," Ulfarr announced afterwards, grasping Killik's hand, and raising it high. "Killik, of ClanSkai!"

Louisacheered as loudly as she could, while Maria whistled and stomped beside her. And as the rest of the tournament progressed, Maria offered helpful explanations and commentary, too — about different orcs' backgrounds and fighting styles, and which ones she favoured to win. Of course, Simon was her favourite, and he soon proved to be a truly outstanding fighter — but when Ulfarr finally entered his own first round, Maria praised his speed and technique, too. And then she even cheered along with Louisa as Ulfarr easily won his match, flashing a rueful smile through the crowd toward them.

Afterthat, Louisa was fully caught up in the excitement, cheering for match after match, as the pool of winners grew smaller and smaller. BothKillik and Ulfarr proved to be fierce contestants, and Killik finally only lost to the lean RightHandDrafli, who also turned out to be a stunningly vicious fighter. WhileUlfarr won every single one of his matches, wielding his size and weight to his full advantage — at least, until he found himself facing none other than — Simon.

Therewas an instant's hushed silence all around them, and beside Louisa, Maria had gone silent and still — but then Ulfarr gave a low bow toward Simon, his hand in a fist on his sweaty, heaving chest. "I should be glad to forfeit, brother," came Ulfarr's voice, decisive and carrying. "OurEnforcer deserves this honour, as our clan's faithful leader, and our Summit's favoured guest."

Therewas another moment's stillness — but then Simon reached out, and firmly clapped his hand to Ulfarr's shoulder. "Ach, come and fight, brother," he replied. "I ken we shall show our guests a good fair match."

Ulfarr'sastonishment flashed across his eyes, stilled his sweaty body — but then he smiled, slow and grateful, as he bowed low again. And when Igull gave the starting whistle, Ulfarr lunged forward with shocking speed, and blocked Simon's surging attack with a sharp swing of his forearm.

BesideLouisa, both Killik and Maria shouted at once — Killik had come over to join them, too — and Louisa's hands clapped over her mouth, her eyes frozen on the match. OnUlfarr and Simon punching and ducking and swinging and swerving, their big bodies moving almost too fast to follow, their heavy grunts ringing through the clearing. And despite her racing heartbeat, Louisa could appreciate just how well matched they were, with their similar height and weight, and their similar style of fighting, too. Enough that at one point, they both threw and blocked the exact same punch at once, a development that drew a genuine-sounding laugh from Simon, and a grin from Ulfarr, too. Almost as if — as if they truly were enjoying this.

"Watch his right, Wolf!" Killik shouted beside Louisa, prompting Ulfarr to duck just in time, while Maria signed at Killik with what looked like a curse, and shouted Simon's name even louder. Her voice carrying over the stomps and claps and cheers, enough that Simon glanced toward her, squared his shoulders, and then lunged forward again. And though Ulfarr twisted sideways, Simon just caught his arm — and suddenly it was over, Simon crashing Ulfarr to the earth and twisting his arm behind him, while Ulfarr shook his head, and signed his defeat.

Killikloudly groaned, glowering viciously toward Maria, but Maria was grinning and hollering, and Louisa couldn't stop smiling, either. It had been a fair, well-met match, and Simon had agreed to face Ulfarr, and treat him as an equal. Which suddenly seemed far more important than who had won or not, especially with this crowd of cheering, chattering Skai all around them. WitnessingUlfarr's defeat, yes — but also how Simon smiled as he reached down, and drew Ulfarr back up to his feet.

"Well met, brother," Simon's loud voice called, over the hubbub all around. "A good match."

Ulfarr'sgrin was broad and delighted, and perhaps a little weepy, too. Enough that Killik abruptly stalked back over to the ring, where he called out Simon as the winner, and then announced the final match of the tournament, between Simon and Drafli.

Itturned out to be another spectacular fight, drawing gasps and shouts from the crowd. But after a quick word to Maria, Louisa went over to join Killik — and now Sune and his friends, too — in offering Ulfarr their enthusiastic congratulations on such a well-fought match.

Ulfarr'seyes were still unusually bright, his nose betraying an unmistakable sniff, but he gratefully smiled and thanked them all, and then drew Killik and Louisa and Sune tightly into his arms. "I thank you, my kin," he choked. "You are all so, so good to me."

My kinagain. It shimmered yet more warmth and hope into Louisa's belly, and she squeezed him tight until his breaths felt steady again. And then they all cheered together for Simon and Drafli's match, until Simon finally tackled Drafli to the earth, and shouted his victory.

OnceSimon and Drafli had both risen to their feet again, Drafli wryly shaking his head, Ulfarr went and proudly announced Simon as their winner, to almost dizzying applause. And when Simon grinned over at Maria, she leapt up and rushed toward him, and laughed as he swept her into his arms. Both of them seeming so happy, at ease, even with Ulfarr standing there beaming back toward them, and then carefully placing a braided rope crown onto Simon's head.

Itfelt so right, so strong, a juddering ache in Louisa's chest — and then Ulfarr raised his hands, and called for the final event of the day. "Skai of ages past oft honoured hirthskalds, who battled each other with words, rather than blades," he said, his voice carrying over the crowd. "NowI welcome my kin to bring this back amongst us, so we can all share in this gift."

Louisa'sheart hammered as she walked with the rest of their group into the ring, where they all knelt together in a large circle. WithKillik and Sune to Louisa's right, and beside them were Ragni and Kori and Fasti, and Thomas and Angus and Elgr, and Igull and Polly. Orcs and humans coming together, kneeling and waiting together, as Sune began the beat, his daggers striking sharp and bright. And then more beats joined into it, deepening and syncopating it, until it echoed through the clearing, and rang through the trees above.

BesideLouisa, Killik drew in breath, drew up strength from the earth — and then he spoke. This one a new verse, one they'd created together just for this, fully in common-tongue. "Hail, my kin. Hale you be. Hie to the hall of the wolf, and hold high our home to the skies."

Killik'svoice thudded against the drums, striking like a drum of its own, and then he glanced at Louisa — and with a silent prayer to Skai-kesh, she spoke her own part of the verse. "Hail, my kin. Happy you be. Answer the call of the wolf, and howl our hymn to the sky."

Herheart was pounding, but she'd said it, she'd done it — and then Polly spoke beside her, adding her own variation. Sweeping around the circle, each speaker speaking their own truth, making the verse their own, deepening and strengthening it. Until they'd almost circled around again, Fasti, then Kori, and then Ragni. And next would have been Sune, but they always skipped him, and —

Andthen Sune — signed at Killik. Took a breath. And when Ragni finished his turn, Killik gripped Sune's hand, as Sune squared his shoulders, and… spoke.

"Hail, my kin," he said, his voice raspy, but audible. "Hale you be. Howl your thanks to our wolf, who holds you safe in his home."

Itwas the first time Louisa had ever heard Sune speak, and there were multiple other gasps around them, too — but beside her, Killik had already repeated Sune's verse, and after a swift sign toward the circle, they all repeated it together. Howl your thanks to our wolf, who holds you safe in his home.

Sune'seyes had flicked over to Ulfarr, who was at the front of the crowd, his hand over his heart. And there was water streaking down his cheeks, his hand thumping his chest, and then signing Sune's name. I love you too, Sune.

Itchoked in Louisa's throat, enough that she nearly missed her next line — but she somehow managed it, and the verse swung around again. And though Sune skipped it this time, there was a small smile on his mouth, his beats ringing a little louder than before.

Whenthe verse finished, there was a breath of hovering stillness — and then one clap, and another. Until the entire audience was cheering and whistling, and at the front of the crowd, Simon was clapping too, and stomping his feet. And several older Skai were full-on weeping, and beside Simon, even Drafli looked rather stunned, and drew his mates closer against his side.

Louisa'sown eyes were still prickling, and when she met Killik's eyes, they looked unusually bright, too — but then he drew in breath, and signed at them to continue. So they launched into the next verse, now in the orcs' tongue, and then the next. And finally, they finished with that very first verse they'd learned, the one that still pulsed so often through Louisa's thoughts.I fear you not, feeder of wolves.

Whenthey finished, the entire camp echoed with shouts and stomps, and Louisa felt hot and fluttery as their group all smiled and signed back thank you, their hands flat over their hearts. And she scarcely heard Ulfarr's final thank-you and farewell to their guests, though she could almost feel his own emotion, his own simmering happiness. His hope.

They'ddone this. They'd held the Summit, they'd honoured their clan, they'd welcomed their community. They'd put on a magnificent show. And amidst it all, Ulfarr had shown himself a humble, capable, hardworking leader, worthy of respect and redemption.

Andas Louisa watched Ulfarr standing beside the road, saying farewell to their guests, and handing out paper lanterns and streamers as souvenirs, there was again that… rightness. That certainty. Because even if Simon still didn't see it, even if he didn't offer Ulfarr his forgiveness, Ulfarr had still done it. He'd still gained it. He'd still faced his past, faced his fears, and stood tall as the Wolf of the Skai.

Andwhen Louisa glanced at Killik beside her, she knew he could see it, too, his eyes blinking, his tooth biting his lip. He'd helped Ulfarr. He'd gained all he'd planned, all he'd set out to do.

Hedidn't resist when Louisa found his clammy hand, squeezing it tight. And they stood in silence together, watching, and perhaps praying, as Simon strode over toward Ulfarr, and clapped him firmly on the shoulder. And then Simon spoke something to Ulfarr, something that had them both glancing over their shoulders, toward — Louisa and Killik.

Louisatwitched, and she could see something shifting in Ulfarr's eyes, quivering on his mouth — and then he gave a low, jerky bow toward Simon, his hand over his heart. To which Simon smiled back, and again clapped Ulfarr's shoulder, and then… then waved him forward. TowardLouisa and Killik.

Louisawatched Ulfarr as he came, her throat tightening, because he was — smiling. Smiling at them, wider and brighter than she'd perhaps ever seen it, and his eyes were still so bright, his mouth quivering. As if whatever Simon had told him, it had been important, crucially important, almost as if… as if…

"What did Simon tell you?" Killik demanded, as soon as Ulfarr was within reach. "What, Wolf?"

Ulfarr'sbreath shuddered out, and he grasped both Killik and Louisa by the shoulders, steering them away. Away from the clearing, from their kin, from their chattering lingering guests. Deeper west into the forest, where they soon found Airik and another orc from the mountain, still armed and on patrol along Rikard's border. But after a quick sign from Killik, they nodded, and headed back toward the camp. LeavingLouisa and Killik and Ulfarr alone here, so Ulfarr could draw in breath, and say…

"Simon — praised the Summit," Ulfarr finally said, his voice choked. "He praised our work, and our cleverness, and our wisdom. And he praised my clever hardworking kin, and he said — he said —"

They'dhalted in the trees, and Ulfarr's breath was heaving now, his hand rubbing at his eyes. "He said," he gulped, "he wished to speak more later, but for now, he has — released me from my vow. My vow not to marry, or take a mate."

Louisa'sheart skipped, her hands spasming at her sides. Because yes, Ulfarr had sworn not to take a mate, not until he'd proven himself to Simon. And now — now —

NowKillik was staring at Ulfarr, his throat bobbing — and then he signed something toward him, too swift for Louisa to catch. ButUlfarr was nodding, exhaling, his hand over his heart, his head bowing low toward Killik, and then…

Thenhe turned to Louisa. Clasped her hand in his. And…

Andsank to one knee before her.

"Louisa," he said, his eyes shimmering on hers, his low voice barely audible over the screeching thud of her heartbeat. "You have been such a blessing, and such a joy. You have been so kind, so brave, so hungry, and so true. I have never longed for a woman the way I long for you, and I —"

Hebroke off there, heaving for breath, drawing her hand to his mouth. Kissing it so gently, so sweetly, so warm and hopeful and reverent, oh gods, oh gods…

"My sweet Louisa," he whispered, holding her eyes. "Will you marry me?"