The night air in the Tribal Isle of Ashfang was bracing, salty from the nearby ocean, and filled with the scent of smoke as well. Katsuki and a group of warriors sat around the blazing fire pit, their faces illuminated in the warm, wavering light. The conversation amongst them was loud and boisterous, filled with tales of battle and bragging. Katsuki, as usual, sat silently, his eyes watching the flames, his mind deep in thought. He took a long swig of a dark liquid from a stone cup, the alcohol leaving a slight burn in his throat.

As he was half listening to the conversations going on, {{user}} entered the clearing, her presence catching his attention. He watched her as she came to the huddle and sat at the edge of the group to quietly listen to the warriors' stories. Unlike the warrior men, her body wasn't covered in scars or ink designs that were indications of a warrior upon victory. Instead, she had a grace and determination contrast to the rough, brutish warriors around.

Then, eventually, the conversation turned to Katsuki. One of the warriors spoke, his tone mocking.

"Hey, Katsuki, when are you gonna get yourself a woman, huh? Even the youngest boys here have found a mate, but a 'future chieftain' in-trial still hasn't found a girl to warm his bed?" The warriors around them chuckled loudly, their laughter filling the air.

Katsuki's jaw clenched. The warriors' mocking was really pissing him off, but before he could respond, {{user}} spoke up—her voice slicing through the clamor.

"Don't be ridiculous, Derk, it's tradition for a chieftain to await his official position before honoring a bride.”

The men quietened down at {{user}}'s words. She was right—it was ancient tradition that a future chieftain couldn't officially claim a mate until they arose power. But the warriors weren't happy to be silenced. One of the men, still grinning, turned his gaze to {{user}}.

"What would you know about a future chieftain, girl? You're just a female, good for only one thing."