She took a deep breath, her nostrils flaring as she steadied her breathing, balancing her weight on her hooves. Her pale sea foam green eyes followed those of Silarian carefully. Her childhood friend gave her a smile, but patient determination burned in his gaze as he shifted his own weight, distributing it evenly.
Ready? He asked.
She observed him without an answer for a few more moments, almost for the first time. He was average in height, his muscles toned but soft, not well defined like a warrior's, yet his thin but well groomed ultramarine pelt definitely rippled softly under the moonlight in an attractive way. He held his tail casually, but alertly, and his arms were held at his sides, relaxed.
She let her eyes rove ever so slightly over his shoulders. Though he wasn't built like a fighter, the shape of him was most pleasing to her eye. The perfect mixture of the intelligent scientist and brawny soldier.
He noticed her watching him, and that she wasn't watching him for signs he was about to strike. He chuckled quietly.
You will not win any tail fights if you are day dreaming, Isteillia, he said, his voice firm, but his tone gentle like the breeze that stirred the blue-green grass under their hooves.
Without answering, she responded with a strike of her tail, cracking the air as her blade snapped towards his head. He didn't even blink, but she noticed with a bit of pleasure that he shifted his weight to his back right leg as he maneuvered his own tail to block her blow. He retaliated, and she jerked her tail back, the flat of her blade catching his. He withdrew his tail and smiled.
Very nice, Isteillia. Very nice.
Isteillia returned his smile and relaxed her tail.
Thank you, Silarian. For the compliment, and for training me as much as you are, she replied, frowning slightly as she did.
Silarian's smile evaporated, turning to a frown of his own.
You are not pleased? He asked quietly. I know I am not a warrior, or very strong, but-
No! It is not that, Silarian! Isteillia said earnestly, holding out her tiny hands, which made her frown more deeply as she looked at them.
It is…being a female. This training, while I would have never received it if not for you, it seems it is for naught. No female is allowed to fight.
She held up her hands to him with an expression of frustration.
These hands are only allowed to create art, to be tedious. They will never hold a shredder, be clenched during tail fighting, will never change shape during morphing. They will never do great things.
Silarian reached out and clasped her hands in his. Even though he wasn't a warrior, his hands swallowed hers in their grasp, making her feel all the more insignificant as a female. Even a scientist with soft hands, who hadn't made the cut as a warrior could do more things than she ever dreamed. She scowled and looked away. He made a soft, gently chiding sound and she looked up at him. His golden eyes looked at her intensely.
You think the things you can do aren't of merit? He asked softly. Only a female can touch her frightened child and make him calm again. A child responds to his mother's touch in a way he will never respond to his father. Your hands soothe, praise, nurture, comfort, and awaken the senses. Only a female's hands can make a broken warrior get back on his hooves, yet make a Captain fall to his knees.
He made a soft sound.
Your hands do more than you think. They make a warrior question why he leaves his home. They make children behave…He paused.
They make a scientist rethink everything he has learned, because he cannot explain why a single touch makes him feel like an unlearned fool.
Isteillia blinked, and the skin under the fur of Silarian's face darkened. Her breath caught in her throat.
Silarian…., She breathed. His hands tightened around hers, and he pulled them to his chest, looking into her eyes.
Isteillia, he said, hesitating slightly, his stalk eyes wavering in uncertainty. He regained his composure, straightening his upper body, and he began again.
Isteillia, I have been your companion for a long time now.
Since we were yearlings, she nodded, her own cheeks flushing a dark violet blue under her lilac fur. She tried not to think about how nice his warm hands felt enveloping hers; it only made her blush more. He took a deep breath.
Isteillia-Sarjila-Isthull, I cherish your company, and I would be honored if you would allow me to continue to enjoy it as your mate. I want to be the male that your hands would bring to his knees. I want it to be me who gives you the children who will find love and solace in your hands.
Isteillia struggled to stay steady on her hooves, her head going light, her hearts pounding erratically, a squeal threatening to escape her. Silarian looked at her apprehensively, his large gorgeous eyes gauging her reaction. She gave up on a formal acceptance, and squealed, lunging forward, sending them both tumbling into a tangled heap in the grass like a pair of yearlings.
Yes! She said happily. Yes, Silarian-Amith-Tashul, I will be your mate!
He laughed and stroked her temple ever so gently, and she laughed, moving her hands to his cheeks in a passionate kiss. His eyes went wide, but he returned her kiss swiftly, his hands stroking her cheeks lovingly. He entwined his tail around hers, sighing slightly.
Isteillia, you have no idea how happy you have made me. I would move the stars for you if you asked me to.
She giggled happily, drunk on his kisses, the scent of him in her nostrils and the feel of his fur against hers. She laid her head against his shoulder.
I would never set impossible tasks for you. Being at my side is enough, she said sincerely, and she meant it.
Courting her was not going to be an impossible ordeal as it was for other males. Never mind her parents had been after her to make herself presentable for him, or that they wanted the intelligent young scientist as a mate for their daughter- scientists could stay on the home world, and help raise a family, as well as honor for them both without being in danger of making their mates widows.
Do your parents approve of me? He asked suddenly as they got to their hooves. Isteillia chuckled heartily as he slipped his hand into hers.
My mother calls you 'Son', and asks me if you want children when you leave from each visit, as though she could hardly wait for us to be married, and my father asks me if you have been seeing other females, and his tone is so angry it is like to make me laugh at his presumption!
Silarian laughed, his eyes smiling at her as he slipped his hand from hers to wrap his arm about her waist.
Shall we tell them of our engagement, then? He asked softly. She nodded.
We'll have to face the wrath of their joy sooner or later, she snickered, and they headed back to Isteillia's family lands, walking at first. She giggled, and slipped away from him, breaking into a canter. He stopped for a brief moment, then laughed, breaking into a run and easily catching her as her scoop loomed into view, where her parents would be watching with interest as their daughter was pursued by a potential mate. Isteillia stopped upon seeing her father.
Father! She cried. You are home!
She ran to her father, touching tail blades with him before lunging forward to embrace him. Her father smiled, his dark green eyes glittering as he hugged her.
Yes, Wildling, I am home on leave for now, he said warmly. His main eyes moved to gaze at Silarian.
Silarian stopped and bowed his head to Isteillia's father. Isteillia's mother came behind her mate, but she remained silent until the head male was greeted. She did make a gesture to keep the volume down, and mentioned to the back of the scoop where Lillanya, Isteillia's five week old sister was sleeping. Isteillia smiled tenderly at her tiny sibling before diverting her attention back to her father.
Good evening, Prince Aslirion. I ask permission to visit your scoop, he said respectfully. Aslirion inclined his head.
Good evening young Silarian. Permission gladly granted, he replied. Respects to the prince given, Isteillia's mother stepped forward to give him a motherly kiss on the temple.
Good to see you, Silarian, she said. Silarian bowed his head again, but not as low as he had for Aslirion.
As it is to see you, Edraela.
Aslirion eyed the younger male in amusement.
I take it this is no ordinary social call, seeing as you chased my daughter to our scoop, he said, his tone going serious.
Silarian widened his eyes in alarm slightly, but otherwise held his ground as the Prince took a few aggressive steps towards him, his main eyes staring directly at him, his tail held high. Isteillia and Edraela stayed still and quiet, waiting for Aslirion to assert dominance and evaluate Silarian's worthiness to be his daughter's mate, as was part of the ritual.
Do you intend to be my daughter's mate? Aslirion challenged.
I do, sir, Silarian replied, his gaze never wavering, but never becoming aggressive.
Aslirion circled the younger male, flexing his tail ever so slightly. It was hard not to be intimidated by the older male, with his dark cobalt coat that rippled with the sculpted muscles that lay underneath, or his unmistakable swagger that came from being a fighter pilot, and his powerful presence. Though no celebrity in the military, Prince Aslirion was no slouch, either, being second in command under the flight squadron leader, Prince Breeyar himself.
He stopped in front of the younger male after making a complete circle around him, and stared him in the eyes, even his stalk eyes looking him in the face.
Do you care for my daughter? He asked.
I…I cannot even begin to describe what your daughter means to me, Silarian said quietly, meeting the Prince's gaze.
She is like a run after long hours of standing still. She is a drink of cool water after a long day during the summer. She is the sunrise after a dark night. She is a lily blooming under the moons, the laugh of the breeze. I hear the sound of her hooves on the grass and my hearts race in rhythm. I see her smile and I am stunned. I am near her and am in peace, yet in torment, for until now, I did not know how to tell her how I feel.
Isteillia felt a pang in her hearts she had never felt before. It was sweet, yet it humbled her all at once. Was this what it felt like to feel another's love washing over you in a tidal wave of professed passion?
Ignoring the sudden emotional and passionate outburst from Silarian, Aslirion continued.
Will you provide for her? Will you always be faithful? Will you be an honorable mate and father to any children you may conceive?
On whatever honor I have or will ever earn. With every molecule of my body. With every fiber of my being, I will live for her, Silarian replied earnestly.
Aslirion nodded and smiled, grasping Silarian's shoulder.
I give you permission to marry my daughter. My your life together be fulfilling and full of posterity.
The dominant male was pleased, and thus the ritual was complete. Isteillia rushed forward and embraced her father.
Thank you Father! She said privately to him.
He smiled at her and stroked the long fur on her upper back as he once did when she was a yearling.
Live well together, daughter. Love him as I love you and your mother.
Turning from Aslirion, she stepped forward to embrace her fiancée.
Her mother looked at them happily, looking almost ready to burst in joy.
When will you marry? Do you have a date? She asked eagerly, earning a laugh from her mate.
That will be decided later, my love! He said amiably. For now, she needs to be formally introduced to his mother as his intended.
Thank you, Prince, Aslirion. It is an honor to be welcomed to your family, Silarian said, bowing again. Isteillia shoved him playfully, but her eyes already looked weary at the thought of meeting his mother as his fiancée.
Come, Silarian, we should not delay to tell your mother, she said, leading him out of the scoop.
You are nervous of telling my mother, aren't you?
Isteillia turned doleful eyes on her fiancée.
I am more afraid your father will be home.
Silarian stiffened. He and his father did not get along, especially since he didn't make the cut to join the forces. It would make it even worse that he would be marrying the daughter of his father's superiors.
I….I did not think of that, he said. It could be very possible that he is home on leave as well. He will not be happy…he could even see this as my way of stealing time away from my mother.
Menirvea, Silarian's mother, had been trying to have another child for years, but she and her mate had had no success. It only made his father angry, and he found more faults with which to be angry at Silarian about. He wanted a child that wasn't a failure in his eyes, to follow in his hoof prints.
Silarian squared his shoulders.
That matters not. I do not need permission to marry you, not with your father's blessing.
His scoop came into view, and Isteillia's hearts raced in anxiety. Wanting reassurance, she clasped his hand in hers. He smiled at her briefly, but it dissolved as he wiped his face of emotion, completely blank.
Mother? I am home with news, he called.
They were greeted by a large male Andalite, his fur a dark turquoise, his muscles intimidating, but not sleek and elegant like Aslirion's- they were savage and harsh. His face was cold and had anger rippling over it, his gold and green eyes narrowed.
Of course you would return home before my run with your mother, he said simply. Silarian didn't back down, but his face lightened a bit as Menirvea came into view, who smiled at Isteillia fondly.
Hello, Isteillia, dear. Good to see you, she said privately.
Isteillia bowed her head to the male Andalite, loathe as she was to do so, even though she had never met him.
Good evening Warrior Tillanth. I ask permission to visit your home.
Tillanth eyed her for an uncomfortable length before her name seemed to register with him.
Isteillia? Isteillia-Sarjila-Isthull?
Isteillia nodded slightly, lowering her tail a notch. Tillanth grunted and swayed his tail in an indifferent gesture of welcome.
Father, I have come to announce our engagement. I have received permission as well as blessings from her father. I beseech your blessing if you deem me worthy of one, Silarian said humbly, lowering his head.
So. Couldn't get into the military, so you thought you would marry into a well off military family, eh? Tillanth sneered, his voice casual, harsh and drawling. Silarian gasped softly, and Menirvea's eyes went wide, but she could not say a word until Tillanth accepted or denied his son's request. Isteillia fumed quietly.
I won't give you a blessing. The blessing of Prince Aslirion is good enough, he said, sneering Aslirion's name. Isteillia looked up at the warrior with blazing eyes.
I would appreciate it if you did not show such disdain for my father.
Tillanth glared at her.
A young female should know her place. You don't carry the rank of Prince, your father does.
I do know my place, Warrior, and that is showing respect for my fiancée and my father, who is my Prince, and my place is making sure others show respect for them as well. I do not like your tone when speaking my father's name. Isteillia said softly, her tone dangerous.
You think I give a damn what you like, little girl? Tillanth roared, lifting his tail dangerously.
Isteillia glared at Tillanth.
I do not think I shall be calling you father anytime soon. Nor shall you be entitled to seeing any children I bear. I am sorry, Silarian, but I am going home.
She looked to Silarian and was horrified momentarily as it looked as though he might not follow, cowed by his enraged father. To her relief, he stepped towards her.
I'll escort you home, Isteillia. I shall return, Mother.
No, you won't! Don't you dare come home, you miserable failure! Go live with her family since they've accepted you so willingly! Tillanth snarled.
Tillanth! Menirvea cried. That's our son!
I disown him! I won't have him disgrace my family!
Menirvea wailed and fell to her knees. Silarian made to run back to her.
Mother! He cried. She shook her head slightly.
No. She said simply. She relayed something private to him, and his look of misery softened a bit, but did not dissolve.
Good bye Mother, he said softly.
Isteillia stroked Silarian's shoulder as they walked back to her scoop.
Silarian…I am so sorry…, she trailed off.
It is not your fault, liftat, he said, calling her the name of a delicate purple flower that only bloomed across the single ocean of the home world. She tried to smile, but failed. His sadness was pouring into her, despite his attempts to keep it in.
I will stay with a friend for tonight, let my father simmer. Do not worry about me. I most likely interrupted their attempts at conceiving again, in which case I deserved his wrath.
She kissed him softly, stroking his cheeks with her fingertips, sending him waves of comfort and reassurance, trying to hide her doubt that he was making excuses for his father.
No one deserves that. You will never hear such hurtful words from me or my family. My parents approve of you. They will love you as I do, she said tenderly.
He smiled slightly, stopping as they reached her home.
I love you, liftat, he said, kissing her chastely. I shall see you tomorrow.
Good night, Silarian. I love you.
She watched him go with heavy hearts, knowing his were breaking. She vowed she would mend them, and she cursed his father for marring her day of happiness.
I will make it all better, my love. I promise, she thought as she went to bed, her parents smiling at her lovingly.
I promise.
