"Who looked like he was in love?"
The twins' Baba entered the house carrying a bundle of firewood, his presence solid and earthy, like the land itself. He paused briefly in the doorway, arching a brow at the three figures seated upon the couch. After setting the logs down in the small kitchen, he returned and settled into the worn single-seater chair opposite his wife and sons.
"Vaath dor'kaarim dra'thar eir'mal? Ma'syr dra'karan dor'kael lor, aal dra'vaarn vaasir. Dra mama viir'mal, niir'sai ra'shen,"[1] he grumbled in his usual gravelly tone.
The burly man chuckled as he glanced at his wife, though she promptly returned the look with a sharp glare.
"Vaath dra'vir? Lorin ra'shen?"[2] she shot back, rolling her eyes in mock offense.
Baba only laughed harder, entirely unbothered. "Niir'saar. Lorin kei'draan shai'ael ael'ver?"[3]
He leaned forward, eyes twinkling as he repeated the question.
"Zekar!" Ryker answered with a grin—far too enthusiastically—as though his brother's sudden display of affection were the most amusing spectacle he had ever witnessed. And perhaps it was. Zekar, who usually spent his days hunting or stirring mischief, now appearing smitten? A rare sight indeed.
"Lorin ael'ver? Naal'tar dra'vaar,"[4] Zekar muttered, rolling his eyes as he shot his twin a sharp scowl.
He then turned to his father and added, in an unusually flattering tone, "Baba, you look radiant this morning," flashing his wolfish smile.
"Vaan niir e'laan! Aal dra mama nar'vir dra'mir," [5]Baba chuckled, leaning back with knowing ease.
"Oh, is that so?" their mother teased, crossing one leg over the other as she cast her husband a slow, seductive look. "I'm certain others would also tell you just how… skilled you are in bed."
"Woah, Mama! That's far too bold!" Ryker groaned, shaking his head with a wide grin.
Zekar, leaning against the arm of his father's chair, shook his head. "And to think you would say such a thing in front of us—your innocent sons."
Baba laughed heartily. "Do not worry, son. Only your mama dares speak like that."
"Ah, and here I thought you were different, Baba," Zekar joked, his grin turning mischievous. Tugging at his brother's arm, he added, "We'll go change and head out to hunt. You two may carry on flirting! Just spare my eyes, please!" With a dramatic sigh, he dragged Ryker toward their shared room.
After taking turns bathing in the small bathhouse behind their modest home, the twins donned their familiar, rugged Druvkaur hunting attire—clothes that had endured many seasons and were suited for little else beyond the wilderness. When they emerged, they found their parents still murmuring softly to one another, Baba whispering something that made their mother blush, her cheeks darkening beneath her deep skin. Zekar stifled a laugh as they set off, shaking his head, their makeshift bows and arrows slung in hand.
The twins were resourceful. Proper bows were a luxury beyond their means, but they were skilled with what they had. Even with crude tools, they could fell a small deer. Zekar especially was known for his sharp aim and silent step.
"Zekar, Ryker! How do you fare today?" a familiar voice called.
They turned to see Ches—a girl of fifteen with sun-bright hair and warm caramel skin—approaching them. She was a close friend to both twins, their families long entwined through years of shared lives.
"Ches!" Ryker greeted, his face lighting up as she stepped beside him, her smile warm and easy. Zekar offered a nod and his usual grin but allowed them to fall into conversation as he drifted a step behind, granting them space. He knew of Ryker's feelings for Ches—and it was just as evident that she felt the same, though neither had yet spoken of it aloud.
As they moved along the bustling road of Druvkaur, greeting neighbors and passing vendors, it was Zekar who drew the most attention. He stood apart—his untamed hair, his sharp, glowing gaze, and the ever-present hint of mischief in his eyes. Though the twins were of equal height, Zekar's build was broader, his presence unmistakably bolder.
Eventually, Ches parted ways to assist her mother at their shop, a place the twins often visited, where they were regarded as family. Ches's mother already referred to Ryker as her son-in-law, a title that left both him and Ches blushing fiercely. With a final wave, the brothers continued toward the forest's edge.
Once they reached the quieter road, Zekar finally broke the silence."Niir dor'kaarim Velanthri val'esh."[6] he said, the words hanging heavily between them.
Ryker halted mid-step, staring at his brother in disbelief. "Have you lost your mind? Why would you return? We have already seen the place." He resumed walking, hoping to downplay Zekar's interest, but his brother followed closely.
Zekar scratched the back of his neck, hesitating. "Well… I am going to see her. Emery."
Ryker spun around, astonishment etched across his face. "Woah, brother, aren't you moving rather fast? You only met her yesterday. Are you truly in love with her?"
Zekar's expression darkened as he shoved his brother aside, clearing his throat while his ears flushed faintly red. "Do not be absurd. I am not in love with anyone."
"Of course, of course," Ryker teased, smirking as he danced out of reach. "Your ears are nearly glowing, but if you say so…"
Zekar's mouth twitched, his wolfish smile returning. "What time are you leaving?" Ryker asked, his tone shifting from teasing to genuine curiosity.
Zekar paused, realizing she had never given him a time.
"Well…"
[1] ENGLISH: Where did you two disappear to last night? We searched high and low. Your mama even began to cry.
[2] ENGLISH: What are you saying? Who cried?
[3] ENGLISH: I asked. Who looked like he was in love?
[4] ENGLISH:In love? Don’t be foolish.
[5] ENGLISH: Of course I do! Not that your mama would ever say so.
[6] ENGLISH: I am going to Velanthri, today.