My Child

A Farsala Fanfic

Chapter One:

I was in love with her. There was no help for it. Katana had stolen my heart – and I couldn't be happier.

Well, maybe that wasn't entirely true. I would be even happier if I could find a priest who would marry us. 'It just wasn't done.' They'd all replied the same – as if they were brainwashed. 'It is not proper for a Deghan lord to marry a peasant.' I'd argued the same point over and over. I was as far from a deghan as you could get. I already had the light brown curls of a peasant, and I was the third son, fit only for a commission, but so far from inheritance that no one would care what I did.

Not that that was entirely true. My father would disown me when he found out.

That's why I was seeking out a priest on my own. He wouldn't know until it was over.

Though it was beginning to look like it wasn't going to happen. I'd exhausted everywhere I could think, and started wandering the streets of Setesafon, hoping for inspiration.

Eventually, I found myself at an inn, drinking away my sorrows. It hadn't been my plan, but nothing about this day had gone according to the plan.

I noticed a priest sitting near me. I didn't think they would patronize such an establishment. I shrugged it off. I was an abnormality to my kind. He could be too.

Yet, later, I found him sitting in the spot next to me. He saluted me with his glass. I nodded in return, then added, "You better not let the church see you with that. They're not exactly open to new ideas."

His smile broadened. "I'm a bit unconventional, I'll admit, but I find many lost souls here, and I've made it my mission to brighten their way."

I snorted. "The church is the cause of my troubles. I very much doubt you can brighten that."

He put his arm around me conspiratorially. "Let me try."

I knew I'd had too much to drink. I should have gone home to my bed. But his offer of help appeared so genuine, the concern in his eyes so real, I told him. Every detail. How much I loved her. How everyone was trying to dissuade us, if not outright forbid it.

I told him how we had met, of how I had fallen for her as soon as we had been introduced when her brother, Karim, one of the men in my command, had taken me to visit his family. I told him how I dreamed of a future with her. Of having a family with her.

He let me talk myself out. He offered encouragement whenever the words stopped.

He winked when I finally finished my tale. "Oh, lad, and you thought I couldn't help you. I may be the only one who can."

I looked at him skeptically.

"How quickly you forget." He gestured to his frock. "I'm a priest, and my heart has been moved by your story. Who am I to stand in your way?"

I stared at him, barely comprehending his words. Was this our chance? Was this a ray of sunshine? "You'll marry us?" I finally stammered.

"I will. As soon as you and your lovely bride wish it."

I left there in a daze, after arranging to meet again in barely a week.

It was a week of furious activity as we made our arrangements. It was certainly not grand by any standards, but we did have to find witnesses – who would support us when the news was sprung on our families.

I also arranged for a short trip away for our honeymoon. It was to be my wedding gift to her.

And so, we were married on a beautiful spring day. The sun could not have been brighter, the flowers more vibrant, or the light in her eyes more sparkling.

Afterwards, I handsomely rewarded the priest, who had winked at me and wished me every happiness.

We were wonderfully happy. We slipped away for a week of bliss. We returned home giddy with our happiness, and strengthened in our resolve to fight all the odds against us.

A/N: Thanks for reading - there's lots more to come! Originally inspired by the Tumblr prompt "My Child," this grew to encompass a lot of my headcannons surrounding Merhab's relationship with Jiaan. Some of our favorite characters will make appearances, so I hope you keep reading!