Disclaimer!!! I am not Kristen Britain, nor am I as awesome as her.
Sorry 'bout the short chappie, but I should have Chap. 3 up soon if everything goes to plan.
Early the next morning, probably around seventh hour, Karigan awoke from a fitful sleep. She had dreamt of seeing Alton's look of rejection wash over her, and of the atrocious manner that King Zachary had revealed his affection for her.
"To all the Five Hells! I am going to speak with Alton whether he likes it or not! I just have to find a way to get him up here, or to get down to Woodhaven," Karigan exclaimed. She was tired of waiting for the perfect chance. She would have a talk with Alton D'Yer within the week.
Karigan got out of bed and stretched, her arms reaching way up high and her back slightly curved. She walked over to her wardrobe and pulled it open, revealing a truly saddening amount of clothes. "Hmm, green or green?" she asked herself. "I don't know, this one is a bit more of a pine green, but then again, this one is the color of that delightful moss that grows everywhere." She stated that last part a bit sarcastically.
She picked out the "pine" green one and threw on the white blouse that went with it. After securing her golden, winged horse brooch to the short coat, Karigan strode out of her room, her steps full of purpose.
When Karigan reached Captain Mapstone's quarters, she hesitated. Captain Mapstone was in a heated discussion with a guest. "What do you mean that you don't want to marry her?" the Captain sighed with exasperation.
The guest muttered something unintelligible, and was answered with a grunt from Laren. "It's her, Karigan, isn't it?" Obviously seeing the expression on her visitor's face, she was silent, as if in thought. "I've seen the way you look at my Rider, but sire, we both know that you shall never marry from love, only in social status."
Karigan stoked up enough courage to knock lightly on the door, but was not heard.
King Zachary, as Karigan knew now who the guest was, said, "Laren, I've trusted your judgment for how many years now? I know that it could never be between Kari – I mean Miss G'Ladheon and myself. Anyways, my feelings are not returned by her."
Karigan knocked again, this time louder. Apparently, she was heard this time, as Captain Mapstone answered with a quick "Come in!"
Karigan stepped inside, closing the door behind her. "Your Majesty," she said, bowing. "Er, Captain? Could I speak to you in private once you are finished speaking with…"
"Oh, don't worry, Kari– Rider G'Ladheon," King Zachary stated. "I was just on my way out." Standing up, the he faced Laren. "I assume that is all you wanted to speak to me about?" he asked and after she nodded, left Captain Mapstone's quarters. The ever vigilant, yet elusive, Weapons followed him soundlessly out of the room.
After they had gone, Mapstone motioned to the now unoccupied chair. "Sit."
"Captain…" Karigan began as soon as she had settled into the chair, but was interrupted.
"Karigan," Mapstone said. "I know why you are here."
"Then you know why I must leave as soon as possible."
"No." With a look at her Rider's surprised eyes, Laren continued. "I know how much you need to see Alton, but now is not the time. I also have about as much of an idea of what happened as you do."
Before Mapstone could go on, Karigan put in, "But, please! If I don't go soon, Alton may…" she paused, then finished with a slight sigh as she said, "…leave me." At those last words, a cloud was cast over her heart. "Please?" she pleaded.
Mapstone just shook her head. "I'm sorry, Karigan, but the answer is no. We need you here, and as I said, now is not the right time."
Several long, silent minutes passed as both Green Riders stared into the crackling fire that burned in the fireplace. Thoughts raced guiltily through Laren's head. Alton had sent her a letter requesting that she not let Karigan visit for a while so that he could make sense of what happened. As much as Laren wanted to comply, she could see the damage the untold incident had inflicted upon Karigan's heart. It was as if she could hear the fragile wall breaking within Karigan's chest.
After the uncomfortably long silence, Karigan stood. "If we are finished, I shall take my leave." She pushed in her chair and bowed slightly out of respect. "Have a fair day, Captain." On her way out the door, Karigan paused. "Captain, if I may ask, what were you and the king talking about?"
Captain Mapstone shrugged and with a nonchalant tone to her voice said, "You."
Author's Note (that means that it's mine! growls) Yeah, again, sorry about the shortness, but I hit writer's block, and the chapter seemed good enough for this length.
