Beats

[Disclaimer:This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance of characters to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. The Author holds exclusive rights to this work. Unauthorized duplication is prohibited.]

. . .


Ero watched Lan gather his things with a sneer on his lips. His hands ached to grab the smaller man and pull him inside the hut, and how he would make Lan scream ‘Ero’ until the entire tribe daren’t question his claim. The chief ruled and without a challenge to Kinma there wasn’t any way he could defy the decision.

“I will be back to treat your wound when the sun sets.” Lan’s cold voice echoed the long, rigid arch of Lan’s back.

Words escaped him and a low sound in his throat was all the response Ero could make as the younger man walked away. Tying the sheath of his knife to his belt, Ero moved from the now empty hut into the humid air of the forest. There wasn’t much that could be done for the moment other than wait and hunt.

. . .

Lan gently lay his things down in the small corner of the hut. Behind him, he heard the movement of cloth and turned to help the woman into her home. Her large pregnant belly stood out as her most prominent feature despite the warm, soft honey of her eyes.

“How’s the baby today?”

“He still kicks viciously. It must be a boy or the village will have its first female warrior.” She smiled as she slowly made her way to the floor of the hut with a softly grunted sigh.

“I made a tea that should help calm the baby.” Lan smiled and strained some of the herb water into the drinking bowl. “You should rest after you finish that.”

“I have two hides to stitch and I still have yet to cook dinner for Mali’s return from the hunt.” She shook her head and took a long drink from the offered tea.

“No. You can’t be up and over-working yourself. The baby will come soon.” Lan took the now empty drinking bowl. “Sleep and I will take care of things.

Parting her lips to speak, Phena tried to stand up.

With one hand on her shoulder, Lan stopped her movement. He kneeled down and caught her eyes. “You’re tired. You need your rest so close to the baby’s birth or you’re going to be exhausted before the time comes to do all the hard work.”

“Fine, I’ll rest.” She sighed and half waddled, half crawled to the large soft pile that Mali and Phena slept in.

“Thank you. Mali will be back with the rest of the hunters, and then I will go tend to Rosh and Ero.”

“I’m sure you’re eager to be off to them.”

“Not at all.” Lan mumbled.

“I’m sorry Lan. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“You didn’t upset me.”

“I didn’t mean anything by my comment.”

“It wouldn’t bother me even if you had.” Lan soothed, “Now rest.”

. . .

Ero walked back into camp slowly, trailing behind most of the other hunters. He looked to the sun and found it higher in the sky than he liked. Steady footfalls sounded against the dirt of the center square. Finding Kinma deep in discussion wasn’t quite what Ero expected to find. The two men seemed to be enjoying themselves as Kinma laughed heartily. A few more words and the two parted.

Ero strolled toward Kinma; his eyes followed the limping Rosh. “Isn’t he supposed to be resting?” Ero’s voice sounded forced and clipped.

“He came to see me about Lan.”

Ero’s response was a growl.

“I told him there was nothing to discuss for the time being.”

“He wanted claim.” It was a statement and not a question.

Frustration pierced the chiefs tone.“He didn’t say.”

“How long before Phena has her child?”

“You’re anxious to have Lan return to your hut.” Kinma nodded as he led them over to the secluded shade to one side of the square.

Ero nodded once. “Acknowledge my claim and he’ll be back before nightfall.”

“No. I ordered he live with Phena for a reason. The women have seen signs of a tough labor. They may need him after the child is born. I won’t risk a woman’s life because you’re in heat.”

“You will give him back when the child is born?”

Shaking his head, Kinma sighed, “We shall see what Lan thinks then. I won’t even consider your claim until I know he is inclined to accept it.”

“He wants me. I know he does.”

“I don’t.” Kinma held up his hand, “Before you say anything, don’t. I don’t want to fight with you, Ero. Leave Lan alone and maybe he’ll forgive whatever you did.”

“I doubt that,” Ero mumbled, squinting as he surveyed the village.

“I ruled that he had to honor your trade. That is all I can do, Ero.”

A long silence passed between them. For a brief moment, Ero considered pushing the matter further. Kinma didn’t know of their kisses or the look in Lan’s eyes as he hungrily offered his body for pleasure. Rather than embarrass Lan further he stared out at the groups of people talking here at there. A few children played here or there or raced between huts.

“The rain season will be bad this year. Most of the hunt has already begun to travel or cave.” Ero stared at the group of villagers sitting and stitching together.

“The rain will come sooner than we thought,” Kinma agreed. “The holy man already spoke with me. He things that this is a test from The God.”

A quick nod of Ero’s head showed his affirmation. “One we will pass.”

“We will feast in a quarter of a moon. We will remind The God we belong to him.”

“My hunters will work hard for the feast; we will have a fine offering for the tribe.”

“I’m announcing it at the fire tonight. I think a quarter moon will be enough time to prepare. On the night of the new moon, The God will be at the height of his power.”

Ero nodded. “I’ll be getting along.”

“Luck with The Hunt,” Kinma nodded.

Ero headed through the village, well aware that Lan wouldn’t be along until sunset. Ahead of him, Rosh’s small hut sat squat amongst a row of homes. “Rosh.” Children stared and seeing Ero’s grim face rushed off, most likely to gossip.

“Ero?”

“I want a word with you, Rosh.”

“Come in.”

Ero ducked into the hut and looked around. The small pile of furs and leaves that made up the terribly small bed caught his eye first. The pitiful space for the fire and small pile of water skins and bowls earned a disapproving sweep of his eyes. He wanted to bash the other man’s head in for even thinking Lan could live in such a small place. This man couldn’t possibly think himself worthy of claiming Lan.

“Why are you here?”

“I wanted to speak with you about Lan.”

Rosh looked at him with wary eyes. “What about Lan?”

“Stay away from him.” Ero stated plainly.

“Not going to happen, Ero.”

“You will leave him be.”

“He’s already said you have no claim over him.” Rosh smirked, “I don’t think he cares much for your attention. Perhaps he will respond to mine.”

“He was mistaken.” Ero stepped closer, noting the way Rosh didn’t move back. “Stay away from him.”

“I don’t know what you did to him, but be sure he’s not going back to you.”

“Don’t push me, Rosh,” Ero growled.

“I know you’re an admirable hunter, Ero. Lan doesn’t want a place by your side.” Rosh locked eyes with Ero. “If you push the subject I will challenge you for him.”

“He will be mine, Rosh. I came to make you aware of my intentions.”

“Now, I’m aware. Get out.” Rosh stepped forward.

The two men stood face to face for a long while: two muscled warriors, one fresh from the hunt with his long rope of hair frayed from the wind; one leaning distinctly on one leg, trying desperately trying not to let it affect his stance.

“Now, Ero.” Rosh barked.

“We will finish this when you are well, Rosh.” Ero’s voice was cold as a river stone.

Rosh didn’t move, just nodded stiffly as Ero stalked from the hut.

. . .

Night settled down over the village by the time Lan arrived at Ero’s hut. At the entrance, Lan made it a point to speak loudly and cool his blood. He would get through this night and every night that came after it; he had to.

“You’re later than you said you’d be.” Ero glared over the edge of the fire.

Lan noted the furs returned to the giant pile on which Eor lay stretched out. “I have other things to tend to.” The cool reply did not distract him from setting his water bowl down by the fire. He’d already prepared the herbs and cloth in hopes of treating Ero and leaving quickly.

“Other people, you mean.”

“Yes.” Lan affirmed, “That’s the nature of my work. Sit up so I can clean your wound.”

Ero sat up, offering his naked chest of Lan’s gaze. The firelight lapped at the ridges and lines of Ero’s body. Lan locked his eyes on the wound and fought the urge to survey every inch of that tan, scarred skin.

“How does it look.” The smirk in Ero’s voice told Lan he’d been caught.

“Fine.” Lan clipped and began to unwrap the cloth holding the bandaging fabric in place. As his arms went around Ero’s back, a deep breath rumbled in Ero’s chest.

“Your hair smells of fresh herbs.” Ero sighed, his arms warily came up, his palms caressing down Lan’s naked back.

“Don’t” The whispered hiss snapped. “We’ve been through this before. I thought I made myself clear.”

“You did, but I didn’t agree to anything.” Ero rumbled before burying his nose in Lan’s shoulder. “I haven’t kissed you. Yet.” The spoken ‘yet’ hung heavy in the air between them. “I’m not going to hurt you.”

Rolling his shoulder, Lan unseated Ero’s head and pulled off the cloth. “Keep your hands to yourself.”

“Fine.” Ero dropped his hands. He leaned back on his elbows and smirked at the heavy bob of Lan’s Adam’s apple.

Lan stared at the hot wet cloth in his fingers as he wiped away the dried herds. The wound was closing quickly. The hard, deep scabs split here and there where newer blood weld through to fill the gaps. “You need to give your body as much time to rest as possible. The scab keeps splitting because you keep moving and twisting around.”

“I can’t stop hunting, Lan.” Ero scoffed. “the village won’t survive without stores.”

“I’m just telling you how to heel.” Lan muttered. “You don’t have to listen.”

“But you care.” Ero pointed out.

Sharp eyes locked on his face, “I don’t.”

“I’ll be as careful as I can.” Ero assured him in a soft tone.

The gentle silence settled in the hut, interrupted only by the occasional crackle of the fire.

“There will be a feast on the new moon.” Ero watched Lan rewrap the cloth around his chest. “A Huntsman always acts as The God.”

“I know what happens at new moon feasts.”

“You’ve been before?”

“Yes. My village held them when I was a child.”

“Than you know what The God does?”

“He takes possession of The Huntsman’s body and will rule and sate his virility in the tribe if he is pleased.” As Lan spoke the words, they echoed in his head in the deep voice that once relayed the story to him.

“If I am The Huntsman I will take what I desire,” Ero pressed.

Lan nodded.

“I think I will be chosen.”

“Of course you do,” Lan snorted

Ero smiled, “They say The God comes to those that need sate their claim most.”

“I doubt that your selfish need will reach The God’s ear.”

“I’m telling you so you know if I come for you, I will not be in control of myself.” Ero’s low voice, rough with passion and lust, sent a wave of warmth straight to the center of Lan’s stomach.

“If you are possessed, you won’t come for me.”

“I will.”

“You won’t. I’ve been to feasts before. The God doesn’t answer pleas for my body. If he did I wouldn’t be here today.”

“He will answer my claim. I am sure.”

“Or maybe he will answer Rosh’s” Lan sneered.

“Rosh will stay away from you.” Ero’s shoulders squaring at the challenged.

Two bright eyes rolled. “That’s not what he said today.”

“What did he say?” Anger and accusation seeped through the edges of Ero’s words.

A bitter laugh crept from between Lan’s soft lips. “He gave me his own version of this same little speech. He said he wanted our first time to be between us and not with The God between us. His plea was actually rather charming.” Lan shrugged as gathered his supplied. “What is it with the men in this village?”

“There is a tradition here.” Ero caught Lan’s face in one large calloused palm. “When a new moon feast is announced all men offer warning to those they claim, usually a gift is offered in exchange for accepting the claim.”

Lan shook his head.

“What did Rosh offer?”

“Doesn’t matter. I ddin’t take it.” Lan pulled away.

Broad arms circled Lan from behind, whispering against his body as the hands traced up to his collar bone. “Accept this gift.” Skilled fingers worked at the back of Lan’s neck.

A braid of leather felt soft against his neck. “On it are the sharpest teeth of every leopard I’ve killed.”

Lan’s fingers traced the four large sharp teeth that lay against his throat.

“The first nearly killed me. It took me moons to heal. The old healer thought I would die. The second I took as soon as I could hunt again.” Ero whispered against the shell of Lan’s ear.

“I can’t accept this.” Lan’s fingers raced to the back of his neck.

“If you won’t wear it, at least keep it.”

Long fingers entwined with his own to help remove the makeshift necklace. “It means something to you.”

“Yes. It is a warrior honor to adorn his hair with the bravest of his exploits.” Ero met Lan’s eyes with the burning amber of his own gaze.

“I can’t take it.”

A frown preceded a soft tone. “Please don’t reject my honor.”

“I can’t wear it.” Lan stared down at the soft leather of the leopard skin and the teeth that failed to protect the animal from Ero’s skilled hands.

“Than don’t. Keep it close.”

“Thank you.” Lan bowed his head and hurried from the confines of the hut.

.. .

Late into the night, Lan curled up in the small pile of furs and starred down at the braid of teeth. It smelled of Ero’s long bright hair. It felt sun warmed and smooth in his hand. He shivered at the thought of Ero’s long hair going untied. How would it look spread out against all that tan skin. Those fierce dark eyes would look down at him from the veil of that long light hair. Ero on the hunt probably looked much like the leopard’s he hunted. Beneath the safety of his eye lids he remembered the strong arms that circled his body and the calloused palms that stroked his naked flesh. Shaking his head, Ero tucked the leather braid into a pouch. The God does not answer selfish claims of lust. The God would not answer Rosh and he would not answer Ero; he knew it as surely as he knew that both men would soon lose their fascination and find mates. Burying his head in his hands, Lan sighed and forced his mind to focus on the many tasks of the days ahead of him. Somewhere between harvesting his small plot of land and sewing banana leaves together, Lan drifted to sleep.

. . .

R&R please.

. . .

Antaris: I’m happy that you love the story and the interaction of the village with Lan. Hope you enjoy this chapter as much as the last.

Takumi Fujiwara: No more predictions… your killing me on Possession! As for the winner of the Ero v Rosh situation you’ll have to wait and find out. I’m glad that your enjoying the story rotation. I’m always happy to hear from you.

Jeazard: I don’t think anyone is surprised by Ero’s decision. Rumors and generally disgruntled or threatened people rarely stop bullying when the truth comes out. Once Lan is officially mated they may calm down since he’s “off the menu” as he put it but they may not be pleased with his choices either.

Kasia-chan: I’m really ecstatic that you enjoy the story despite its time period. Next chapter is right here for you. I don’t think that Ero would agree with you position of competition. Lan’s problems aren’t just because he’s a pretty man but a lot of it has to do with his unwillingness to stand up for himself or to socialize with the new tribe. Rumors have traveled from the Amba, yes but sometimes people feed their own rumors. I agree claiming isn’t the way to end the rumors and it certainly isn’t a magic wand. Thanks for reading this writing! I’m not abandoning this story, no worries on that end. This one will continue to the end and go out with a bang!

JtheOne: I’m really excited that you love the conflict. I’ll keep writing as long as you keep reading. Deal? As for Lan making the ‘right choice’ who knows what’s right or wrong really.

Vicxn: I’m blown away by your enthusiasm. An update is waiting right here for you.

Kylee: I love tug of war, though Lan may not enjoy being the rope between Rosh and Ero. I think its delightfully wicked as well. I don’t think Lan is as naive as you think. Life is hard period and harder in the time period of the story. A bad season, an infection, a flu could be the difference between life or death. I’ve tried to keep that fear and that need for survival alive and kicking in this story. Next Chapter is right here right now.