[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

*runs in with a pile of typed paper and skids to a halt. panting* Oh my Odd, I’m so sorry about the hiatus on this fic…long story short, in the next week I’ll be finishing my two year science course, of which I’ll get a National Diploma at the end, anyway, I’ve had to finish all my work, but I’m on schedule now, so I’m BACK! Woot! Ahem, anyway, here’s the latest chapter, it’s a load of mushiness so don’t say you weren’t warned. Thanks go to Alector for this one for inspiring me with Steef bonding ideas! Cheers matie!

Love, Honour, Respect, Protect

Loki stood as still as she could as several older female Steef flitted around her, her mother among them. They were pinning up her dress. The green swath of satin material felt silky against her fur and Loki had no doubts that when it was finished it would look magnificent. But still the young Steef maiden felt a coil of apprehension stir in the pit of her stomach. Alika noticed her daughter’s tense stance and her silence. She smiled slightly.

“Nervous my dear?” Loki nibbled her lip and nodded. Alika, sensing that Loki wanted to talk to her alone, glanced at one of the other dressmakers. The seamstress nodded.

“I think we can take it from here.” The older female said, she and her younger assistants packed up the dress with the adjustments firmly pinned into place. Finally they left Alika and her nervous daughter to themselves. Alika took Loki’s hand and led her over the couch and sat down.

“Now,” she said soothingly, “Do you want to tell your mother what’s bothering you?” Loki chewed her lip and twisted the hem of her shirt in her hands. “Second thoughts?” Alika ventured. Loki looked up quickly,

“What!? No, of course not. I love Chiron, I really do, it’s just…I don’t know, I’m just nervous…” she smiled ruefully. “I’d happily skip the ceremony and just be bonded to him.” Alika smiled as she combed her claws through her daughter’s hair,

“I felt exactly the same way about your father.” Loki smiled slightly, calmed by her mother. “Have you thought who you want to be your maid?” Loki smiled, slightly guiltily.

“Yes, but I haven’t asked her yet…I’m afraid she might not want to…” Alika smiled knowingly,

“Bailey is you’re best friend, she watched over you when you were little. I’m sure she’d love too… Although I think convincing her to wear a gown would be as easy as asking a Steef to stand on it’s head.” Loki laughed as she thought of Bailey’s expression if she were asked to wear a frock.

“I wouldn’t ask her to be in a dress. It’s just not Bailey.” She said, it was true, making Bailey wear a gown just didn’t seem right, it was like changing a bit of the human that made her who she was. Alika shared her quiet laughter.

“I’ll see what the seamstress can do, I’m sure she’d love the challenge. But you have to ask Bailey first.” Loki nodded and stood. She hugged her mother before she went off to find the human.

“Thanks mum.” Alika smiled.

“Go on, we both have a lot of things to do.”

¤§¤

Loki found Bailey with the Steeflings, while the young ones played, Bailey stood by, keeping a watchful eye out. As Loki watched, the little Steef broke off from their game and huddled together in an apparently serious discussion. Loki watched as Bailey’s stance changed; from a relaxed, ready position – weight leaning on one leg and arms loosely folded, to a tense stance; eyes focused and expression intent, arms slowly unfolding.

Suddenly, the group of Steeflings turned towards the human and as one screamed;

“Get Bay-Lee!” Loki giggled as Bailey’s expression morphed from concern into mock horror as she was pounced upon by the baby Steef.

“Oh no!” she cried dramatically, “So many great Steef warriors! Can’t…fight…them all!” with which Bailey collapsed onto her back in the grass. The Steeflings stopped jumping all over her and cautiously approached her prone form.

“Bay-Lee?” one of the Steeflings poked her gently. When she didn’t move all the baby Steef went quiet, their little faces becoming anxious. “Bay-Lee?” Abruptly Bailey began snoring loudly. The Steeflings collapsed into giggles and began poking her with abandon. “Wake up Bay-Lee!” they called. On command Bailey say up and yelled;

“BOO!” the Steeflings all shrieked in delight and tried to scramble away. Bailey caught one little male by the hind legs, rolling him over and began tickling his tummy. The Steefling squealed and kicked his little legs and when Bailey let him go he scampered off and joined the other Steeflings in chasing leaves.

Loki trotted over to where Bailey still sat on the grass and lowered herself down next to the human. For a while neither of them spoke, just watching the Steeflings play.

“I remember when you were that big.” Bailey said at last.

“I’m a lot bigger now.” Loki replied, Bailey smiled,

“And getting a mate already.” there was a pause as one of the smaller Steeflings trotted over and flopped down beside Bailey. Bailey put her arm around him and he snuggled into her ribs, promptly falling asleep as Bailey gently stroked his hair.

“They love you, you know.” Loki said.

“An’ I love them too.” Bailey grinned to herself and continued stroking the Steeflings head, he sighed deeply and cuddled closer. Bailey grinned all the more.

“Bailey…there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.” Loki said hesitantly. Bailey heard the uncertainty in her voice and looked at the female Steef curiously. “It’s about…the bonding…”

“You an’ Chiron yes?” Loki nodded.

“Has…anyone told you what happens?” Bailey shook her head, looking interested. Loki smiled slightly, “You’ll be the first human whose ever been present at a Steef joining…it’s…”

“Very special, yeah, I know.” Loki glanced at the human, Bailey’s eyes expressed her understanding. “If I can help, in any way, I’d be honoured.” Bailey told her sincerely. Loki felt her smile widen.

“Well…there is something…”

“I’m listenin’.”

“I want you to be my maid.” Bailey frowned in confusion,

“Eh?”

“My maid, I want you to be with me, when I’m bonded to Chiron…Chiron’s asking Haigar…” Bailey’s eyes went round and huge. “I’ll understand if you don’t want too,” Loki said quickly, “It’s a big thing to ask of you…” Bailey laid a hand on her shoulder,

“Hey, Loki,” Loki looked at her human friend, Bailey’s eyes were bright with laughter, “Whadda I havta do?” Loki’s eyes brimmed and she flung her arms around Bailey’s neck.

“Thank you Bailey.” She whispered, “This means a lot to me…”

“I know.” Bailey said, “How could I refuse?”

¤§¤

Bailey saw each and every one of her young charges safely home before she allowed Loki to drag her off to see the seamstress. The older female Steef, named Seamere was delighted when Loki took Bailey to meet her and told the older female Steef that Bailey needed something to wear. The cream-coloured and blue-eyed female immediately pounced on the young human and enthusiastically took her by the wrist, guiding her to the back room of her hut.

Swathes of fabric in every texture, colour and hue were neatly rolled into thick cylinders. Three younger female Steef, all of them Seamere’s daughters sat in comfortable chairs, giggling together while embroidering the green material that made up Loki’s dress with tarnished silver thread and quick, deft fingers. They looked up as Seamere, Loki and Bailey entered and greeted them cheerfully.

“Terra, can you please help me for a moment.” The middle of Seamere’s daughters; Terra, nodded, she finished off the elegant swirl she was sewing and carefully put the embroidery needle and thread aside, rising swiftly. “The measuring tape and some samples we put aside for the complementary cloths please.” Terra nodded again and went over to a set of drawers and opening the top one, and brought out what was needed.

She handed her mother a deep purple measuring tape with silver markings and a book of fabrics that complemented the colour of Loki’s gown. Mostly green with a couple of yellows and a few silvers. Seamere held several scraps of material to Bailey’s face, seeing how her skin tone worked with each hue.

“She suits green, although if it’s too pale, it makes her look sickly. The yellow is hideous- no offence my dear,” she added to Bailey herself, “But yellow sets off the wrong tones in you skin pigment. The silver,” Seamere smiled, “It makes your eyes sparkle. But then again, it may make you look too pale…”

After several comparisons and discussion while Bailey looked on, her expression bemused, they finally decided. Much to Loki and Seamere’s delight and Bailey’s complete confusion.

“I think that’s it.” Seamere smiled, “A tighter shirt in this leaf green fabric, embroidered with silver, though less lavish then Loki’s, with a flowing tunic in this gauzy silver material. Trousers, with bells bottoms in the same green and silver embroidery.” Loki beamed,

“What d’you think Bailey?” she asked. Bailey blinked.

“Huh?” Loki giggled,

“Nevermind.” Bailey’s expression seemed to amuse all the Steef as they smiled broadly when they saw her befuddlement. No sooner had the fabric samples been whisked away by Terra, who went to find the matching rolls, then Seamere was taking Bailey’s measurements.

“Raise your arms dear, no no, not that high, just straight out, that’s it.” The older female measured Bailey’s arms and legs and around her middle, and to the human’s embarrassment, around her chest as well. Bailey sank into a kind of trance, thinking her own thoughts while she was told to turn around and stretch her arms and stand up straighter.

She didn’t think of anything in particular, just let her thoughts meander around by themselves. Without conscious thought she found her mind settling on Haigar. She wondered what Chiron was putting him through and she smiled vaguely. Poor Haigar. She could see him, in her mind’s eye; he was smiling at her, with that smile that seemed reserved just for her. Bailey made up her mind to go and see him after this.

Eventually Seamere was satisfied.

“There, all done.” Bailey blinked and came back to reality. “We’ll make them up, then come and see if we need to make any adjustments.” Seamere beamed, Bailey smiled in return, the Steef’s enthusiasm infectious. “Oh, my dear.” She added, turning to Loki, “I do hope these go with the flowers you’ve chosen.” Loki smiled,

“I’ll be doing that this afternoon.” She nodded. Seamere suddenly plucked gently at Bailey’s hair,

“And you’ll have to do something about this,” she said to Loki, “It’s like a haystack.” Loki giggled as Bailey’s expression became bemused again.

“It’ll be sorted.” She said placatingly to the older female. “I know Della’s being designing a style.” Bailey blinked.

“Huh!?” Loki giggled again,

“C’mon.” she took Bailey’s wrist and dragged her out again.

“Er…bye…” Bailey said, still confused. Seamere smiled.

“Goodbye dears.” She called.

¤§¤

Bailey flopped onto the grass, a little way away from the cluster of huts that made up her family; hers and Stranger’s, Daimen, Alika and Haigar’s, Ixion’s was nearby and so was the now completed hut that would belong to Loki and Chiron.

Bailey was completely exhausted, Loki had trotted her around all day, doing various tasks in preparation for the bonding ceremony.

After leaving the seamstress and her daughters to their sewing, Loki had dragged Bailey off the pick flowers. They’d been accompanied by several other female Steef around Loki’s age, and the human had felt somewhat out of synch with all these giggling females. They’d all chattered and babbled excitedly to Loki about her up coming Joining while Bailey remained silent, just listening. Soon the conversation had turned onto males in general, with more squealing and teasing. To Bailey’s embarrassment one of the young girls, a Steef named Laylana, who was older then Loki, had turned to Bailey with a teasing but friendly grin.

“What about you Bailey?” she asked, Bailey opened her mouth but another girl, the same age as Laylana and darker with green eyes cut in.

“Bailey’s very friendly with Haigar.” She said in a sing-song voice, her tone coloured with a small amount of sneering. Bailey’s eyes darkened. But she drew herself up and broke into a superior smile.

“Yeah, I am.” She said. Loki looked at her, slight surprise in her blue eyes. Though she was perfectly happy about Bailey and her brother, she was also aware what the other females thought. Haigar was quiet and gentle. Two qualities that were not looked favourably upon before a male was bonded. Young male Steef were meant to be loud and vigorous, itching for a fight. Haigar just…wasn’t… And he was teased for it. Loki hadn’t expected Bailey to openly admit that she and Haigar were close.

This made Bailey furious. How dare they tease her Haigar. There was nothing she could do about the other males, but females were easily handled without violence.

“Ooo, really?” Laylana said in interest. Bailey nodded proudly. “Go on then.”

“Eh?”

“Tell us about him.” Laylana grinned. Bailey blushed and cleared her throat. The other girls giggled and sat down in the grassy meadow they’d been hunting flowers in. Bailey sighed. There was no escape now… She sat down with them.

“Haigar’s…” she paused searching for a word to begin with, Loki watched her with an unfathomable expression on her face, while the others stared at her in anticipation and glee. “He’s sweet…he’s so quiet and gentle. He’s lovely.” Bailey said. “He’s sympathetic and loyal…he’s been my friend since I arrived…” Bailey’s eyes took on a longing, faraway look. Almost nostalgic. She smiled faintly. “He’s just wonderful…” she grinned, “And he’s a great kisser.” The young female Steef fell about, giggling delightedly. Loki stared at Bailey opened mouthed, but the amusement flared in her eyes. Bailey grinned hugely. “And he’s got a gorgeous body…” The laughter escalated and even Loki joined in.

“So…” Laylana said shyly. “Have you…you know…” Bailey looked at her, frowning in confusion, not understanding. Suddenly realisation dawned on her face and she spluttered and stared, gaping.

“W-What!?” she laughed, “No, course I haven’t.” Laylana smiled nervously,

“Sorry…” Bailey grinned and shook her head,

“Nah, s’ok.” She looked around at the other Steef, they weren’t laughing anymore, but giving Laylana reproachful looks. Bailey frowned confusingly. “It’s ok…I’m not offended.”

“No…it’s not that.” The darker brown, green-eyed female explained. “You shouldn’t have asked that ‘Lana…” Bailey frowned deeper. She looked at Loki,

“I don’t…I don’t understand…” Loki sighed, she glanced at the other females. They were no longer amused but serious. They nodded for Loki to explain.

“See Bailey… It’s a very touchy subject…it’s a Steef tradition that’s gone back since the first Tribe walked Oddworld and made the laws we live by…” Bailey nodded, listening intently. “One of them’s, ahem…” Loki looked embarrassed, “Not to…well…mate before being bonded…” Bailey nodded.

“Ah, I see.” She nodded again. “Smart move.” She said. There was an awkward pause. Then Bailey smiled and changed the subject…

Bailey found herself enjoying the company of the other young females of the Tribe and by the end of the afternoon, she’d made a few more friends.

So now Bailey lay on her back under a crooked tree, the same she’d been near when she’d had her pressure headache, and relaxing. Even with her eyes closed she knew when Haigar came and eased himself down beside her, a few minutes later.

“Hullo blue.” She murmured, smiling slightly. A gentle kiss was pressed to her forehead. Bailey smiled a little wider and opened her eyes. The dark Steef looked over her, his blue eyes shining.

“Hullo Bay.” He said softly. Bailey pushed herself up into sitting position. Haigar wrapped his arms around her and drew her close to his chest, rumbling a growling purr, knowing how Bailey liked it. He stroked her wild hair softly and looked down at her, smiling. Bailey ran her fingers through the fur on his chest, Haigar’s eyes closed lazily and the purr intensified. Bailey smiled fondly for a moment, then leaned up and kissed him softly. Haigar made a deep sound of pleasure and his arms tightened around the human, kissing her back.

After a moment they parted, Haigar made another deep sound that soothed his human and Bailey leaned against him. Haigar buried his nose into her hair.

“I love you.” He mumbled, his eyes closed in sleepy pleasure.

“Love you too.” Bailey whispered. She felt Haigar smile into her hair.

“I heard what you did.” He said softly after a pause.

“Did what?” Bailey asked, frowning slightly in confusion. Haigar’s smile grew and he nuzzled into her hair, kissing her neck gently.

“So you think I have a gorgeous body do ya?” he growled playfully. Bailey chuckled,

“Oh, that.” she said, she shrugged, “Hey, all I said was the truth.” Haigar pulled back and looked at her again. Bailey smiled at him and ran a hand down his neck, over his shoulder and across his chest. His fur prickled and he smiled warmly at her.

“You…really meant all that?” he asked softly. Bailey grinned,

“Every single word.” Haigar’s eyes glowed, he cupped Bailey’s cheek in one hand and kissed her deeply. It left Bailey’s mind dizzy and senses reeling. Haigar drew back from the kiss and smiled at her expression. He lowered his head and nuzzled her throat with his muzzle.

“I love you.” He whispered. Bailey smiled and buried her face in his hair.

“I love you too Haigar.” She replied, matching his soft tone. Bailey drew away, out of Haigar’s arms. She sat on the grass before him and after a pause, reached up, pressing against his chest and tugged gently on his braid. Haigar smiled, head tilted questioningly but he allowed her to pull him down with her as Bailey lay on her back again, Haigar at her side, upper body twisted towards her, Steef legs curled under his stomach, one arm across her middle, head leaning on her shoulder.

Haigar rolled completely onto his side, stretching all his legs out comfortably. He took Bailey in his arms again and let out a satisfied breath, Bailey snuggled up to him, smiling. Haigar grinned and began kissing her neck gently, smiling widely as Bailey giggled and put her arms around his own throat. She loved the feeling of his lips against her skin, his touch soft and velvety. The young Steef pressed his muzzle to her throat and let out another sighing breath that tickled Bailey’s skin, a growling purr rumbled up from his stomach, into his chest.

“Love you.” He growled again.

“Love you too.” Bailey murmured, closing her eyes. Haigar held her tightly in his arms and he stroked her back gently with one hand. Bailey sighed happily into his hair, feeling safe and loved.

¤§¤

Over the next few days Bailey learnt more about Steef bonding traditions; they happened at night, under a clear sky when the stars were out and the moon was full. And more and more, Loki would steal her away – more often then not from Haigar – to prepare her. Her outfit had to be fitted, she had to be familiarised with the ceremony, her hair had to be done. All of which Bailey indulgently tolerated and remained patient, even if it was to her chagrin and she wanted to scream.

But while she was with Haigar, she forgot everything that bothered her. All that mattered was him. They didn’t really do much, just talked about nothing, held each other, kissed. Made the most of their time together. Relaxing.

Then, suddenly it seemed, the day before Loki was to be Joined to Chiron arrived. During that day the entire tribe was in a rushing frenzy, getting everything ready, as perfect as possible.

Haigar had finally managed to escape from Chiron and was longing to see Bailey, but – as always – Loki had dragged her off to do something or other. Not keen on being recaptured by a nervous Chiron, Haigar made his way into the wilds, to his special place.

And someone had apparently being thinking the same thing…

Bailey rubbed at her hair with the green herbal soap. She didn’t know how on earth (or Oddworld as the case may be) the Steef had managed to make soap, but really she didn’t care. She’d washed herself (as best she could in strappy top and shorts) and now she was washing her hair. Satisfied that the wild strands were completely lathered, Bailey dunked her head to be rid of the soap. When she resurfaced she brushed the soaked locks out of her eyes, just as arms slipped around her stomach and a soft, velvety muzzle nuzzled into her neck. Bailey smiled and ran her fingers through warm, wet fur.

“Hey blue.”

“Hullo Bay.” Haigar mumbled, too occupied with nuzzling her shoulder and neck to really talk. Bailey turned around in his arms and pouted playfully, swatting him off.

“None of that until you’ve said hullo properly.” She grinned. Haigar smiled guiltily.

“Hullo Bay.” He repeated, this time looking in her eyes. Bailey grinned, satisfied. She kissed his chin. Haigar smiled softly and brushed the tangled hair from Bailey’s face, stroking her cheek with his thumb. After a moment he buried his nose in her hair. “You smell like fresh plants” he murmured. Bailey laughed,

“S’coz I’m clean you daft Steef.” Haigar smiled.

“I knew that.” Bailey laughed again and wrapped her arms around his stomach. Haigar returned the embrace, holding Bailey tightly in his arms. Then, Bailey drew back, a devious grin on her face. Haigar raised an eyebrow and smiled slightly. “Should I be worried?” Bailey smiled.

“That depends…” she grinned. Haigar raised the other eyebrow,

“On?”

“Have you had your bath?” Bailey asked innocently, drawing small circles on his chest with one finger and not fooling Haigar for a second. His eyes twinkled and he leaned down, until their noses were almost touching.

“And what if I haven’t?” he asked in a low growl. Bailey smiled and kissed him softly.

“Then let me help…” she said huskily. Haigar grinned. Bailey retrieved the soap bar and began rubbing it on Haigar’s chest, using her fingers to lather it into his fur. Haigar’s eyes closed and he purred, he held Bailey loosely in his arms, his hands lightly resting on her hips as she gently soaped his fur.

Bailey worked the soap in Haigar’s chest fur, then moved up to his shoulders and neck. Haigar’s purr intensified and deepened, he leaned his head back and his fingers flexed, Bailey grinned. Apparently the young Steef enjoyed that very much. Slowly, Bailey unwound his braid and began doing the same to his long mane, careful around his ears and making sure none went near his eyes.

Slipping out of his arms Bailey slowly moved around and began stroking the soap bar across Haigar’s shoulder blades and down his back. Haigar gasped and shuddered. Bailey smiled and continued gently working the soap into his fur. She paused a moment, then ran her hand down his spine. Haigar’s muscles arched and he shivered again.

“Bay…” he whispered, “Stop.” Bailey paused,

“Why?” Haigar took a deep shuddering breath,

”Please…just stop…I…I won’t be able to help myself…I don’t want to hurt you…” Any other time, Bailey would have softly reassured him that he wouldn’t hurt her. But something in his tone stopped her. She continued to lather the soap in his fur, but stopped teasing and tormenting him.

Soon he was completely covered and Bailey giggled.

“What?”

“You’re all covered in bubbles.” Bailey laughed. Haigar chuckled and went beneath the water, resurfacing a moment later, free of bubbles, his fur slicked down with water. He smiled tenderly at Bailey.

“S’you’re fault.” He stroked one finger under her chin. Bailey smiled and pressed his hand to her cheek. Haigar smiled gently and stroked her cheek with his thumb again, watching with loving eyes as Bailey closed her own and let out a slow breath. “Love you Bay.” He murmured. Bailey smiled.

“Love you too.” Haigar drew the young human to his chest, close to his heartbeat. There was a peaceful silence as they just held each other. Finally Haigar sighed.

“We’ll have to go back…you need to dry off before you make yourself ill…” he smiled ruefully, “Or before Chiron or Loki find us.” Bailey reluctantly nodded in agreement. Haigar smiled sadly, feeling what she was. He buried his nose in her hair and sighed. He gathered Bailey in his arms and picked her up; her arms around his neck, legs around his middle. Rubbing her nose with his own, and smiling reassuringly. He carried her to the bank and carefully set her down, running his hands down the back of her legs as he did. “I’ll see you later.” He said softly and kissed her tenderly. Bailey kissed him back, smiling. When he broke the kiss he smiled and stroked her cheek. Bailey smiled again and gathered up her things.

“See you later…” she whispered before disappearing, heading back to the village.

¤§¤

It was dark, the first stars were beginning to show as little pinpricks in the midnight velvet of the sky. The full moon, white and cold with its frosty halo, slowly rose, lighting the valley in a soft, silvery cast. Torches sprang into life, their bright, warm glows flickering. Little tongues of fire in the night.

In a simple gazebo of white linen embroidered with green, Loki stood, trembling ever so slightly. Seamere and her oldest daughter fluttered around her, arranging the dress and the greenery woven into the young Steef’s hair. Just then, Bailey came from behind a cloth partition where she had changed, already dressed. Loki looked over at her and smiled briefly. Seamere had done a breathtaking job and Bailey looked wonderful.

Bailey cracked a half grin in return. She felt a bit subconscious, the green shirt was rather too tight for her liking, hugging close to her body, but thankfully the gauzy silver tunic made her feel less embarrassed.

Seamere stepped back from Loki to admire her work, she sighed.

“You look beautiful Loki.” She breathed, smiling.

“Thank you.” Loki tremulously replied. The seamstress smiled and kissed the back of Loki’s hands.

“Go well my dear.” She ushered her three daughters from the hut, leaving Bailey and Loki alone. Bailey smiled and laid a comforting hand on Loki’s arm.

“Relax Loki.” She said softly, “After tonight, it’ll just be you and Chiron.” Loki smiled and nodded, her heart pounding. “Deep breaths.” Bailey murmured, “This is about you and Chiron, only you two.” Loki did as Bailey suggested, drawing herself up and drinking in deep breaths. The young Steef grew calmer and smiled.

“I’m ready.” Bailey nodded, she crossed to the entrance of the small pavilion and drew back the curtain of green beads that served as the door of the marquee, opening it for the young bride.

Just outside, torches, that were fixed on poles embedded in the earth, ringed where the bonding would take place in a large circle. The tongues of flame glowed warmly, flickering redly over the many Steef of the gathered Tribe. They milled around, whispering quietly and a happy air filled the warm summer night. Under an arch, bedecked in flowers, in the middle of the throng, stood Chiron. He fidgeted nervously, picking at the velvety collar of the blue, silver embroidered tunic he was wearing, shifting uncomfortable, the cool material of the matching pants feeling strange on his fur. Beside him, Haigar chuckled deeply.

“Chiron, stop fussing…”

“I can’t.” muttered Chiron. Haigar smiled calmly and grabbed Chiron by the shoulders.

“Don’t worry about it, Loki loves you, you love her right?” Chiron nodded mutely, Haigar grinned, straightening his friend’s askew collar. “So what is there to worry about?” Chiron swallowed and smiled wanly.

“Nothing I guess.” Haigar chuckled.

“Exactly.”

“I…I just wish…that my mam was here…” Chiron murmured after a pause. Haigar nodded understandingly, Chiron’s mother had died giving birth to him around last autumn. Ixion had been crushed by his mate’s death, but he had been the Tribe leader and so he’d remained strong and become and strong and even wiser leader. He’d never taken another mate. Steef never did. Mates were bonded forever.

“I know buddy…but she’s watchin’.” Haigar smiled vaguely as his best friend looked at him, Chiron smiled wanly and nodded.

“Yeah…” he said softly, “She is…”

Just then there was a hush and the two young friends turned. Haigar smiled at his little sister, Loki blushed as her gaze moved from her brother to Chiron, who was gaping at her in awe. Bailey murmured something encouragingly and Loki lifted her eyes to meet Chiron’s again. Her anxiety seemed to melt away, wiped gently from her mind. She was being bonded to a Steef she loved more then any other and she smiled shyly, there was nothing to worry about, nothing to fear.

Haigar watched the exchange with a smile. Then his blue eyes found Bailey at his sister’s side and he felt his own eyes widen and jaw drop. His heart began pounding and a sweat started behind his ears. She looked beautiful. Her hair, washed and brushed and re-braided in the traditional Steef Guardian braid with the three green beads, was sleek and deliciously dark, a small wreath of winding green tendrils wound around her brow, where normally her bandana would have been. And what she was wearing made his jaw sink lower.

The flowing pants glimmered where the firelight caught the silver thread in the green fabric. The green undershirt she was wearing showed the shape of her body wonderfully and Haigar inwardly cursed the silver gauzy tunic she was wearing over the top.

Bailey smiled back at him, taking in his appearance with similar appreciation. He was wearing a rather tight blue shirt that came right up to his throat but had no sleeves, and some kind of blue version of his overalls, all embroidered with silver.

Bailey led her grown-up charge across the moonlit grass from where the simple gazebo of white linen embroidered with green had been erected to the little arch covered in foliage and flora. As soon as Chiron had taken Loki’s hand, Bailey left her and stood beside Haigar. Haigar moved his hand slowly and slipped it under the gauzy tunic, placing it on the soft fabric of the green shirt at the small of Bailey’s back. Bailey felt his hand, warm and comforting, lightly touching her spine and smiled softly. She felt his thumb gently stroke her then the bite of cold as he withdrew.

Silence reigned, an irrefutable master, only the crackling of the fire, and the breathing of many Steef broached that silence. And Bailey suddenly felt different. She felt as if she belonged. This was home, among these people, her people. She was one of them and joy blossomed in her chest. Her hazel eyes sort out Stranger, and found him, beside Daimen and Alika. As if feeling her gaze, he turned and looked at her. Bailey smiled. Stranger smiled back, a proud, loving parent.

Then, Chiron’s voice broke into her thoughts, the spell of realisation was broken and Bailey returned to the conscious world.

“Today begins my walk with you,” he spoke softly, but the hush of the Steef made the quiet so complete, that everyone heard his words.

“Where you go, I go,
Where you stay, I stay,
When you sleep, I will sleep
And when you rise, I will rise.” As he spoke he never took his eyes from Loki’s, though the vows were set words, each one came straight from his heart.

“I will pass my days within the sound of your voice,
And my nights within the reach of your hand,
And none shall come between us.”

“I will Love you,” as he said this, Chiron raised his hand and stroked Loki’s cheek tenderly with his fingers,

“Until the end of our days, and further still, to the ends of eternity.
I will Honour you, as my mate through this life and the next and no harm shall I ever inflict upon you, nor will I ever disgrace you.
I will Respect you, your thoughts and your opinions, your voice on any subject, you who are my equal and companion.
I will Protect you, from all others, from the dangers of this life and all harm that is within my power to shield you from, that no evil may touch you, that no harm or hurt will come to you, that no ill nor accident with befall you.
This is my oath to you;” he whispered,

“When you are sad...I will dry your tears.
When you are scared...I will comfort your fears.
When you are worried...I will give you hope.
When you are confused...I will help you cope.
And when you are lost...And can't see the light
I shall be your beacon...Shining always bright.
I will care for you and keep you…my love and my friend
This is my oath...I pledge till the end… I love you Loki.” Loki smiled up at him, but didn’t answer, it wasn’t the right time.

Haigar stepped forward and handed Chiron a necklace of beautifully carved green beads. Chiron nodded his head in thanks and turned back to Loki. With infinite tenderness, he fastened the beads around Loki’s neck.

For the first time, Bailey realised that she had seen beads like this before. She surreptitiously glanced at the Steef of the Tribe that she knew already were bonded to their mates. All of them wore the same delicately carved green beads.

Her attention clicked back to the couple under the arch as Loki spoke, repeating the words of the bonding. When she had finished her oath, Bailey came forward and handed Loki another necklace with the same green beads. Chiron bent his head slightly and Loki reached up to gently put them around his neck.

“I love you Chiron.” She whispered. Chiron smiled softly down at her and took her into his arms. Loki put her arms around his neck and he kissed her gently. A great wave of noise washed over Bailey like a tsunami as the Steef gathered began to cheer, drumming their hooves and whooping joyfully.

Bailey joined in, giving vent to a great yelp of delight and jumping into the air. Suddenly she felt arms go around her and hug her as music suddenly swelled. Bailey turned around and was met with Haigar, smiling down at her, holding her gently, his blue eyes tender and loving. He kissed her cheek softly. When he drew away Bailey smiled back at him, she stroked a hand gently from his stomach, up to his chest and finally to his neck. She tugged gently on the fur there, bringing him down to her eyelevel.

He kissed her again and Bailey slowly wrapped her arms around his neck. Her eyes drifted closed and she felt a thrill of pleasure as she moved her mouth against his, lips pressed to him. She felt her body shiver and his hands slid around her, pulling her close, the defined muscles of his chest pressing against her body, keeping her warm.

They parted only when they needed to take in air. Bailey breathed deeply, eyes half-closed as she drank in Haigar’s scent, the feel of his fur and his closeness. She felt one hand slide up her back and rest on the back of her neck as Haigar gently drew her into another kiss, his fingers brushing her cheek lightly.

Eventually Bailey reluctantly drew away. He smiled down at her and stroked her cheek again. Running his fingers through her hair, Haigar gently pressed her head to his chest and wrapped her in his arms.

“I love you Bay.” Bailey laid her hands on his chest and pressed her cheek to the firm muscle there. She let out a happy sigh, her content mingling with the music.

“I love you too.” She whispered.

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Okay, bonding ceremony = mine, bonding vow = er…well, most of it’s nicked…
First bit was from the Wind on Fire series, same place 95% of the burial speech for the old Steef came from.
Second bit, is completely mine
Third bit is basically from an email I got, but I’ve tailored the end slightly to fit better.