The smoke coming through the tree lines from their village is an indicator that they're almost home. Mingi sighs as he adjusts the deer skin sac on his shoulders dripping with blood. Another successful hunt, yet, he doesn't feel satisfied.

Especially since it's his wedding day.

"Why the long face son?" His father asks, clapping a hand on his shoulder. He gestured around them, "You had a successful hunt, you killed one of those beasts, you have an offering to the gods and to your soon to be husband. Yet, your face shows sadness."

Mingi sighs, "I don't know father, I just don't feel as excited about this kill."

His father hums, nodding his head towards their castle that will soon hold the entire courtyard and villagers for his son's wedding, "One of these days son, your children and their children will rule this land much like us. And just as your ancestor Björn had done in the past, we must rid the earth of these fire breathing creatures. We need to cleanse the soil with their blood. Their bones will form trees and their meat will feed the wolves and bears for centuries."

He takes the sac containing an object from his son, shaking the content in the palm of his hand to reveal a copper colored head of a small dragon, "Consider this one step closer to victory. A successful step to victory."

His father places the bloody dragon's head in his hand, and once more pats his shoulder before continuing the journey home. Mingi sighs, looking from his father to the eyes of the beast staring right back at him. The serpent like green irises seem to follow him everywhere as he studied the serpent.

"Oi, did you not listen to a single word your father said?" A hunter comments as he passes by Mingi. He then proceeds to smirk and nod towards a tall male ahead of them, "Besides, I think your husband is waiting for you."

Mingi did indeed catch sight of the man he was supposed to marry today, and once more a sense of doubt enters his mind. But as quick as it came, it also disappeared as he shakes his head. His destiny is to marry Seonghwa, he was a gift to Mingi because of Seonghwa's father's gambling stupidity.

He places the dragon's head back in the sac, hoisting it over his shoulder before trekking his way back to the village.

He must get ready for his wedding. His destiny awaits.

<<~*~>>

Written by JinJin0309