Adeline, fully naked, dashed across the trees until Bihse came into view. Bihse gave her a fur coat as Adeline heated up. Thankfully, most of the trolls were able to retreat with some burn injuries, nothing they couldn’t heal. Her bck wolf also appeared and sat down next to her. Bihse looked very pleased.

  “Excellent performance!”

  “Why did you call me back? I was just getting to the best part.”

  “I don’t want you dead. I need to remind you those are sword masters; there is another one deep inside that fortification.”

  “Hmm, I see. I take it that’s your prize.”

  “Every human who intrudes into the forest is my target.”

  “As interesting as it all sounds, I need to return to the castle before I freeze to death.”

  “Some cold is good for your health.”

  Adeline gave her a sharp gnce as Bihse started to ugh. They made their way back. Thankfully, the shamans were able to make a hot bath and a temperature-controlled room with the use of magical runes of sorts. They used magic stones which had special characters carved into them. Adeline did not care as she bathed freely with a wide smile. Outside, the sound of swords cshing could be heard, which teased her. Time passed, and she was no longer able to hold back her curiosity as she wore leather armor given to her.

  She made her way back, her greatsword fastened on her back. She finally reached the source of the commotion and saw Bihse and Tymon fighting. Bihse’s fighting style was simir to hers. She could not believe the amount of destructive power on show; this was her physical prowess without any mana. Tymon relied on blocking and dodging, but he did not look bothered.

  “Are you fighting or floating?”

  “I am fighting, of course. Not everything needs raw power.”

  “One hit and you’re done.”

  “Then hit me.”

  "Don't tease a girl like that."

  Bihse advanced once more as her battle-axe collided with his, creating a bright spark. Tymon pushed her away and finally decided to attack back. It was then he understood why she urged him to do so. Violet mana rushed out of her body as she swung her axe, producing a massive explosion when the two bdes collided. Tymon covered his body in mana as he tried to withstand the attack. Once the dust settled, he could be seen still standing, but his feet were entrenched in the dirt. Bihse’s face was adorned with a smile as she pced her axe down while staring at him.

  “You are indeed a true fighter. Are you spoken for?”

  Tymon slightly tilted his head. “What do you mean by that?”

  “I am asking if you have a sexual partner or are committed in a retionship. If so, I would like to challenge them for that right!”

  Adeline ran towards Bihse and pulled her to the side, leaving the confused Tymon behind.

  “Something you should know: human traditions are different. There must be genuine attraction between the two.”

  “He was able to withstand my attack; he is handsome and strong. Our future children will surely rattle the mountains. He should also be thrilled.”

  Adeline tugged her down as the two squatted. She pulled Bihse closer. “Do you even know his name?”

  “I haven’t asked that yet. I am sure it starts with a T. How is this all relevant? I don’t understand these human customs. If you are compatible with someone, shouldn’t you mate?”

  “How can a troll and human even have a baby?”

  “I will make an offering to the goddess to make it happen!”

  “Don’t get ahead of yourself. Picture this in human terms: a stranger tries to beat you up, then asks to marry you – very odd, right? Get to know him better as a person, not a warrior. And that leads me to the second issue.”

  Adeline stared back at Tymon, who was staring at them intently with a slight frown.

  “His family was murdered, then he was framed, so talking about that might bring back bad memories.”

  Bihse stared at Adeline as she nodded slowly; she could understand losing your long-term partner. “Thank you for letting me know that. I shall sy the people who did this and bring their heads as tribute.”

  “No, don’t do that! You will make it worse. Bihse, you need to know him better, then naturally fall in love.”

  “This concept is very new to me. Does he need a Balowick to show my commitment to him?”

  “Just try and spend time together, okay? Things will figure themselves out.”

  Bihse nodded, which slightly worried Adeline, but they returned nonetheless.

  “Hello, I am Chieftain Bihse. Thank you for the spar.”

  “I am Tymon. Thank you for the accommodations.”

  Bihse turned to Adeline with a confused face. Adeline nudged her forwards.

  “So, umm, how long do humans live?”

  Tymon was confused by the sudden question. “I would say around one hundred years if you’re blessed.”

  “How long do you have left?”

  Adeline stomped on Bihse’s foot, who turned sharply at her with an annoyed look. “I am thirty years old, though I don’t know if the world tree will affect my age. It already made me feel very young, as if I am a teenager.”

  “We can have lots of…”

  Adeline pulled Bihse once again. “No, do not insinuate that you will have lots of babies. Anyways, that entire thing was a disaster. Ask him about his hobbies or something.”

  “Hobbies, okay.”

  When the two returned, Tymon was already walking away. Bihse raced to his side, but her brother appeared with the raid report.

  “Tymon, we need your help with something.” Adeline yelled as he turned and slowly made his way back.

  “How can I be of assistance?”

  “You know the empire well; help the chieftain formute a battle pn for the next raid.”

  Adeline winked at Bihse, who unfortunately did not know the meaning behind the gesture. Adeline stomped on her foot as she finally understood. “Oh, yea, yea, would you come this way?”

  Tymon, without hesitation, joined in. Adeline held the brother’s hand, who was confused. They watched as the two disappeared.

  “Do you need something?”

  “Yea, actually, show me to my room.”

  Adeline wished Bihse luck as she was escorted to her room. The sight of a bed made her very happy. She y down and instantly passed out. The next day, she took her customary bath, then made her way out. The trolls were lively as ever as they moved around the outside of the castle, while others were training under the supervision of the rger troll. Bihse and Tymon could also be seen, but it seemed as if they were discussing something amongst themselves. Adeline decided to get closer as the duo turned to her.

  “We need to talk.”