Yar

[Widgit]

Reaching out Yar touched her face as his fingers brushed alongside it to her hair where he stroked it softly. "I can see, by the look on your face, that you are not so pleased. Is there anything I can do? Or perhaps there is something you can do, maybe you could say something...talk with your Father...he may understand."

They could hear Thomaston talking, but it seemed like he was talking to the horses that pulled the wagon rather than to them.

"Sometimes..my people would promise two poeple to have a marriage as well. But the custom may be different, and it was a rare thing. When my people had arranged such things it was more for the Bride than the Groom." He looked at her and smiled "Lets say...a girl who is attracted to a really attractive boy, and the boy has almost every girl in the village fawning over him, then the girl who is attracted to the boy can have her parents go to hhis parents. They would talk things over, then talk it over with the boy. If all goes well then the girl would go to the boy and give him something of hers with a symbol of herself..usually an embroidery on a scarf...if it is a scarf, the scarf would be tied off around either the wrist or thigh. Anyone seeing this symbol would know that he is promissed to someone else. But things like that are rare, and the practice was usualy done far between. Although eight seasons ago there was a girl who wanted two boys, both of them brothers..." He just left off with a laugh.

 

[intriguess]

"Breaking such an agreement would be possible among the lower classes, but this was arranged just recently. It is not like I have a ton of suitors," she had laughed about the girl who wanted two brothers as it sounded like a way to breed jealousy. "If he were to die before we," she paused blushing slightly, "physically confirmed the union, or if I were to lay with another man. That is the only way to break such a contract." She sighed, "I'm just the daughter, and once my father makes up his mind things happen."

She was twisting and tugging on a stray strand of dark hair, "There was nothing I could do about it before and there is nothing I can do about it now."

 

[Widgit]

"Hmmm...so those are the only two ways..."

Thomaston chuckled "Yes, the only two...and I doubt he'd die before he could quite thoroughly physicaly consumate the union! He came back from that crusade of your Father's QUITE invigorated!"

"What if..." Yar looked over at her and shrugged "What if someone was to speak for you, on your behalf?"

 

[intriguess]

Marina looked at him with sad and hopeful eyes, "I could not ask you to do such a thing, besides you have your own path to follow." One that would lead to her father anyway, but she knew it would not be a good idea to have Yar speak for her, it would only further enrage her father especially when Yar was planning on telling him that his crusade to destroy his tribe had not suceeded.

She did not wish to see either of them come to blows and feared such a fate was becoming more and more inevitable. She also doubted Yar would think so kindly of her when he discovered her father was the one that had ordered the genocide. Marina was trying to enjoy the journey but Thomaston kept dropping hints about what her father had done.

"Let us speak of more pleasant things," she almost added 'while we still can.'

 

[Widgit]

"Very well..." he began as he smiled to her "When we were at the Oracle's...I really liked the way your eyes shone brigth in the light of the fire, and the way your hair looked as though it had a light of its own, it made you seem like you had the Halo of an Angel...."

From the front of the wagon they could hear Thomaston chuckle.

"I am pleased to be in the company of yourself Marina..."

 

[intriguess]

It was not what she expected, then again she realized that Yar was definetly not something she could have ever anticipated. Marina knew she was blushing and for once fumbled for words. "Thank you, but I was not fishing for compliments." She paused and thought that considering all the pain they had recently gone through finding a pleasant topic of conversation would be near impossible. Especially as the weather was not cooperating.

"We should be there soon," Thomaston interupted.

 

[Widgit]

"You do not have to fish for a kind word or complimant from me Marina...I gave it freely..."

Within the next twenty minutes they were passing through the gates of the city of High Moon, the Capital of the kingdom...Thomaston decided to take them straight to the castle, the large structure on top of a hill that overlooked the city, from the top wall of which you could see beyond the cities walls and for miles beyond that.

As the wagon came to a stop Thomaston looked back at them as the guards began to draw near, wondering at the old mans business this day. "You are home my Princess."

"Alright Thomas..what is your business this time..the Duke already said he has no need for your wares this...." the guard stopped as he caught sight of the Princess and he bowd his head to her breifly..

"Princess Marina!" he exclaimed as his partner rushed up to the wagon. Yar was just starting to get out when the other guard came around the side and bumped into him. "I'm terribly sorry..." the guard began "I did not se...YOU! The one form the INN! Gerald it's the one form the Inn!"

Yar stepped back but made no move to show any sign of force, instead he gave Marina a glance as Gerald pulled her aside and behind him. "What is the meaning of this..." Gerald demanded.

Thomaston was watching this show unfold, he wasn't quite sure what to make of it.

"Yar did not want to fight, he had decided on the way here that he would come on peaceful terms "I am making sure Ma...the Princess...gets home safely. That is all...."

Gerald gave him a wary look as he spoke back to Marina "Is this true..."

 

[intriguess]

She watched as he stood protectively, unaware that he was in far greater danger than she was. Marina stepped between the guards and Yar and spoke softly, but with conviction. Her lowered tone made them have to pay attention to every word she spoke.

"Yar is under my personal protection while on my family's land." She paused her green eyes staring at the guard. She glanced back towards Yar and smiled, "He was my personal protector while I foolishly sought out the oracle after leaving my brother in the care of his in laws." The mention of her brother suddenly put a grim look on their faces and the smile quickly faded.

"Your father will want to see you as soon as possible, Princess," Gerald said his tone wary but not as cold as before.

She noticed the way they eyed Yar's weapons and with a wave of her hand added, "Yar it is expected that you will relinquish your weapons before meeting my father. If you'd feel more comfortable, I can take them." She gave the guards a look as if to dare them to deny her right to bear weapons and to have invited him to join her.

 

[Widgit]

Gerald wanted to protest but he bit his tongue. Yar unfasteend his sword belt as he looked upon Marina, then having remoed it he wrapped the belt around the sheathed weapon ane held it out to her. "Yes, I feel it would be safer in your hands.."

Giving Yar a glance that may have been less than kind Gerald turned. "Yes...well...your Father awaits...we mustn't keep him waiting much longer..." With that he led them up the steps to the door and had it opened, after Yar and Marina had passed through he re-took his position outside.

As they passed through theh alls Yar whispered to her "I feel I am not in friendly lands..." he said, noting how the people they passed regarded him with there eyes.

As they neared the door to the Throne Room one of the Guards outside the door held up his hand to stop them, inside she could hear her Father's voice, and it sounded as if her were outraged. "Princess Marina..." he said giving her a quick head bow "Your..your home! Your umm Father...should be pleased...although..ummm..." he glanced behind him to the door quickly as something heavy broke against it and the Duke began shouting again "he is in council now and does not wish to be disturbed."

The Guard looked then to Yar and had to do a double take "He...he is one of...oh my...ummm..."

"I am one of what?" Yar asked, trying not to laugh as the man stumbled for words.

The guard shook his head and recomposed himself, seeing that Yar was unarmed and he seemed to be in the company of the Princess. "Welcome to Castle High Moon" was all he thought of to say.

 

[intriguess]

Marina

She doubted there would ever be a good time to see her father, that seeing him now was just as bad as delaying as he would complain about her interupting or not seeing him immediately. He was one of the glass half empty/half empty kind of guys.

She decided to avoid confrontation for the moment and said, "Inform him that I'm home." She paused glancing at Yar with concern in her eyes. "Tell him that he can not fight the inevitable," she paused again. Yar was getting a lot of attention and hushed murmurs. "Where is my brother?" she asked, not mentioning which one.

"He should be in bed, but I believe he's in the library."

"I'll be in the library then," she smiled to Yar, "it would be my pleasure if you would accompany me." She could have ordered him, but it felt wierd to command him to be with her, especially since she was doing it for his safety. Heck, she didn't even know if he could read, but that was a thought for another time. She held out her hand and listened as those gathered grew silent.

Finally Yar nodded and stated his acceptance and took her hand. No one followed but everywhere they went there were hushed murmurs and glances in their direction.

The library was empty except for her brother who looked pale and was coughing fitfully.

 

[Widgit]

As they entered Jayden looked up from his book briefly. He gave Marina a quick smile and hardly gave Yar a glance, then he returned to his book.

Yar looked upon the many shelves filled with books and scrolls linig the walls, some of them standing out from the wall making small pathways here and there. Curiously he began to wonder about, he could read...basic stuff, but here he wiud hardly be able to understand any of it, yet alone pronounce most of the words.

"You have returned.." Jayden said before releasing a raspy cough. "I trust you are feeling well...."

 

[intriguess]

She had been prepared for many things, but he looked worse than she remembered. She recalled when they were young he said he wanted to read every book in the library and write just as many. They had laughed and now as she saw him focused on the pages in front of him quill in hand, she felt as if she had interupted something important. He barely even noticed Yar and she doubted he would have recognized him as the last of his tribe anyway. Marina noticed his scarf was spotted with blood and quickly removed any hint of pity or sorrow from her voice.

"I'm sorry to interupt, but I figured Yar would be safer here." She watched Jayden look at Yar again.

"Can't he take care of himself?" he said with a wheeze and exasperated tone, before a wracking cough overtook him.

She opted to change the subject, "I hear my betrothed is in the castle. Have you met him? What do you think of him?" Marina noticed a sudden change in Jayden's posture hatred and protectiveness hardening his features.

"I sooner see you marry a barbarian." He wiped away the last traces of coughing from his lips and his eyes narrowed in on Yar. His eyes light up with both seriousness and humor. "You know I have the power to officiate at weddings."

 

[Widgit]

"I sooner see you marry a barbarian."

Yar couldn't help but to chuckle at his comment. Still browsing through the books he decided to pick one up and give it a try. "The cal...calwou...calwuno..." he shook his head...Jayden looked over to him and nodded "Calwuneity, jes gufer nostrame" he said. Yar only nodded and put the book away..too hard for him.

"Your friend...not educated is he?"

"As for your...betrothed...." he said with sarcasm...."such and obnoxious man. I don't see how you will be able to put up with him. I don't see how Father puts up with him. The man has oggled just about every female servent we have here, and his table manners...his manners themselves are absolutely...unmentionable to a ladies ears. I'll bet Barbarians are more civilized than he is...besides he is only a Lord by Birth and Title...not by standard or honor...even if he did save Father's life...."

Again he looked over at Yar. "You said before he you think he would be safer here...***s he in some sort of trouble? If he is you should take him to Jafa....the asylum he offers does have a price..even to those of Nobility...but it is well guarded...."

As they chatted Yar continued around through the maze of shelves until he came back to them. Lookingto Marina he offered her a couple of books "Marina...would you teach me?"

 

[intriguess]

Marina

Her green eyes were very serious as she looked at her brother and softly, not wishing Yar to overhear. "He's in more danger without me."

Jayden suddenly took interest in the barbarian and began coughing, "He can't be a," he stammered and stared at Yar. "Father will," he stopped speaking as he realized that Marina knew just as well as he did what their father would do.

Marina resumed a casual tone, "Well that's the pain of being the only girl. Father can only marry me off once." She tried to keep her tone light, but the idea of a man old enough to be her father touching her with lavishious intent made her skin crawl. "There is nothing I can do."

Jayden frowned at her admission and glanced up at Yar. "But maybe he can," he stated.

"Nonsense," she said and turned to see Yar holding several books and asking if she'd teach him to read.

"I doubt her future husband would approve," Jayden interupted.

Marina frowned at the thought, because it was more true than not. A frightened page entered looking as if he was being chased by Death himself.

"P p p princess, your fffffather is rrready to see you," the flustered man stammered, glancing over at Yar.

"I hope you know what you are doing," Jayden said before breaking into another coughing fit.

'So do I,' she thought to herself as she gently took the books from Yar's hands and gestured for him to accompany her. The walk to the main hall never seemed to take so long, each step echoing in the halls, people seemed to flee before them. At the same time it seemed all too soon before she was being announced and the doors to the great hall opened.

Her father looked more crazed than usual.

 

[Widgit]

((Sorry it took so long to post, work schedule changed on me along with a lot of stuff going on))



"Ahhhhh...my Dauhgter!!!" he nearly shouted as he threw his arms around her, dragging her the rest of her the way into the Hall with his hug and back steps. Yar followed them in, the Guards shut the door. In a far corner of the Hall some servents were cleaning up a mess, most of it wood chips and broken peices of ceramic and glass.

"I've been wondering where you have been...I was worried. It's not like you to go off for so long with no word as to where you are going."

Stepping back form her his eyes fell to the sword she was carrying..."What's this..." then he caught sight of Yar standing behind her "And who is this??"

Yar looked to him and then to Marina. He started to say something but her Father spoke first..and rather loudly, having had enough time to study this man and know where he was from and where the weapon was from "GUUUUAAAAARRRRRDDSSSSS!!!!!" He shouted at the top of his lungs, his arms flailing wildly as he stumbled back, his hand going to his sword n a show iof blurred and fumbling movements.

In a matter of a second Guards began to fill the Hall, awaiting there duke's next cmmand. Having drawn his sword he held it aloft and looked to Marina. "So thisis where you have been....then you have done well. To bring me such a prize as this...now step aside so my Men can do there job...."

Yar was confused...shaking his head he sighed "Is this how you treat guests in your home..."

 

[intriguess]

Marina was afraid of this and with deliberate intention she drew Yar's sword. Instead of handing it over to her father as expected she wielded it, keeping herself slightly in front of the barbarian. She knew it looked odd, the princess protecting a man twice her size, but she'd feared this exact moment from the instant she'd said she'd take him to her father.

"Yar, I'd like to introduce you to my father." She paused, "The man who ordered and executed the destruction of your entire tribe." Her voice was oddly level, "Father why don't you tell him why you slaughtered his entire family?" She paused again meeting her father's incredulous stare, "Or are you going to do the honorable thing for once in your life and admit your mistakes and offer up one of your children to pay for the atrocity you committed."

It was a very old law, that if you killed someone's immediate family, they had the option of taking one of your immediate family members. It had kept many a blood fued from happening and she was surprised to have thought of it.

"I do not bring him here as a prize, I brought him here because he wanted to face the man who killed everyone he ever loved."

 

[Widgit]

Yar stood there for a moment, then he placed a hand on Marina's shoulder "Marina....please...lower the weapon...."

This may be the man who had destroyed everything he had known but he had not come here for violence.

The Duke looked to her...The Old Laws....they had not been used in two generations...and now she brings them up??? He knew the Laws well. And now she was wondering if he would do the honorable thing. Ohhh how he wanted so much to push her aside and finish this buisness once and for all.

But still, he could not....he found he could not do that in front of her as she stood there, in his mind she was just defending an old law and awaiting his answer...fine..verry well. He would honor the old system, but later on he would have his way..one way or the other.

"Good Sir...." he began as he looked back to Yar. "What I have done..was a terrible...and tragic...mistake. I know there is extremely little than could be done to repair it, but..." Looking to Marina he nodded "I offery you my only Daughter to take with you..as...yours." He had said it, had gone through with it, he would have ot tell her Betrothed the news...the man owuld not take it lightly but he was sure something could be worked out...about the Barbarian..

Yar..was now confused...his hand fell from Marina's shoulder, the Guards began to back off. "I..accept." Was all he said.

"We shall talk more later.." The Duke replied as Yar took Marina by the hand and began ot lead her out of the Hall. He wasn't quite sure what had just happened there.

 

[intriguess]

She lowered the sword only when the guards had lowered theirs. She felt an odd shiver run down her spine as if this was far from over. She could feel eyes upon her as they walked out and struggled with what to say. Marina found herself leading Yar to her personal quarters, she was unsure why he had accepted. After all he wasn't exactly subject to the law as an outsider, he could have refused or something.

"I hope I have not gotten you in more trouble than you are already in." She spoke softly, feeling relaxed and tensed up all at the same time. It was rather nerve wracking. "My father would sooner see you dead than wed to me. I fear he will do something drastic." She paused looking at him, "What did the oracle tell you?" She asked glancing into his eyes wishing she could see what he was thinking.

 

[Widgit]

"The Oracle?" He gave a passing boy a small smile as the youth looked up at him with big eyes full of wonder "I'm...not exactly sure....she said..she said I would have my revenge..but..it would not be the revenge I seek."

He still wondered what that had meant, he also wished that those gifted with the sight could answer a question or tell you something without it being a riddle.

"As for getting me in trouble....I would not worry too much."

What she sadi aout her Father rather seeing him dead was probably true, but for now he wasn't going to ponder it. If his visit here came to blows then what happens, happens...

 

[intriguess]

She paused at the door to her rooms, "Are there any engagement rituals you want to follow." She brought her hand to her mouth stunned as she realized he probably had no idea what he'd done. "I mean if you wish to," she blushed, "you don't have to," she stammered over the words.

She turned and opened the doors, and opted to try and change the subject, "You'll be safe here for now." The room seemed empty to her now, and it seemed almost foreign to her now.