"Thank you for the warning." Iona sighed, "My aunts do the same thing, but maybe less fear-mongering. I'll be fine."
Her aunts did have the talk with her and explained how childbirth would work. The discussion was meant to prepare her for a raging beast who had a threat of brutality. They simply didn't know what to expect from the beastly suitor. So they carefully explained what may happen while trying not to scare her. Iona wasn't thrilled about a conversation with the women but she knew she could smile through it. She was lifted onto Rune and she gently held onto the mane. They trotted to the camp as the grand celebrations continued. A sea of women had gathered closer to them, staring at Iona like a cat would at a bird.
"The biggest traitor but easy to manage." She laughed.
Hana and the families were waiting for their return, though it was mostly her father and brother. Once she was on the ground, Jet smacked the back of Rune and sent him right off towards the grain at home. Her father walked up to her, clearly concerned about something.
"Iona I-" He began.
"Kylan needs some severe improvements." Iona said getting to the heart of the issue, "I've carried out my duties and it's time he completed his. Additional lessons, more training, harsher teachers, and anything else that will get the stupid out of him."
"Hey!" Kylan protested.
"When you finally realize that he is unsuited for the role of leadership then it's your duty to find someone else. Your personal affections for him can never get in the way of the tribe's future. Remember that, father."
Her words were cutting and harsh but her father and chief listened to them silently. The truth of her words, however painful they were, rang sharp and clear as any bell. Despite her serious expression, there was a sense of satisfaction in her mind. Her father had asked her to risk her love life and future happiness for her tribe. She obliged but she was determined to make sure he wouldn't ignore his own duties in turn. Kylan was a fool and she fully knew he wouldn't be able to handle the position, no matter the teachings. He lacked wisdom and the self-awareness that made a true leader. But her father knew the alternative family members who would be able to take his place.
Before she could say anything else, a group of women interrupted and whisked her away to have their own conversations with her. They were a bubbly gossiping group of women of all ages. They had her sit down with them and began their discussion. First, they discussed the ceremony, what they liked about it, their own ceremonies, their own marriages, marriage in general, then finally settled on the topic of childbirth.
"I don't mean to scare you, my dear," A woman in orange began, "But childbirth is one of the most painful experiences you'll ever find."
"Yes. It may seem nice and sweet at first but then you get to the birthing and the sickness before that." Another woman spoke, "I once had a cousin's cousin's twice removed sister who was very weak. She was so weak that when she gave birth to a child, she almost died! Thankfully the midwife saved her but she was never able to sit down after that."
"She was lucky! I've had a friend who had a miscarriage then died!" A woman in purple exclaimed.
"She can't have been a part of our tribe!" Someone jumped in.
"Well…no. But it was still grisly." The woman in purple admitted, "Oh and then there's the chance of illness. My great aunt-"
Iona began to scan the crowd of women for something else to pay attention to. She spotted Jet. He had a nice butt.
