Note: Tsu'Tey is OOC, because I imagine that he only became so surly after the events of the story.
Chapter Three
I couldn't believe that this man, who was a total stranger to me, expected me to tell him my life's story. Even stranger was the fact that I was willing to tell him. Lying on the grass and looking up at the clouds softened my expression. When Korac was totally relaxed, I began my story.
"Ever since I was born, I have been betrothed to a boy named Tsu'Tey. He's a fantastic hunter, but very arrogant. I've never liked him, but we were always told to play together and be nice to each other, so I obliged. Now I've turned eighteen and that's the age that Tsu'Tey's parents told us that this was the age that I would be when I married Tsu'Tey. So I'm seven days away from being wedded to a man who I dislike and cannot ever imagine living with."
Korac nodded like he understood. "So, what are you going to do about it?"
I immediately met his steely gaze. "What do you mean? There's nothing to do. I have been told that I must marry this man, so I will marry him."
"But you don't love him." he pointed out.
"Does it matter?" I replied. "Most people here don't marry for love."
Korac stared at me intensely. "I would."
At that moment, I began to realise how similar we were. But because I was so naive, I thought nothing of it.
"Aliya," he began. "You're eighteen. You need to start thinking for yourself, not for other people. You have to know what's right for yourself. No one can decide what's right for you, but you. If you don't love this man, you shouldn't marry him."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "You have absolutely no consideration for Tsu'Tey or our families. What would they think?"
Korac sighed. "That's the thing! It doesn't matter. All that matters is that you're happy and if your father really loves you, he will accept that."
I couldn't stand any more talk on this subject. "I have to go." I replied, immediately setting myself on my feet.
Korac stood too. He took my hand in his. "Please, Aliya. Please think about what I've said. You'll see that I only have your best interests at heart."
I nodded and continued in the other direction.
What a lunatic!
But, the irrational part of my brain interjected, if he's such a lunatic, why is everything he says perfectly right?
--*--
After I had returned to Hometree, I had nothing to do with the rest of my day. I tried to do productive things, but they lost my interest quickly. I was busy attempting to weave grass when my father arrived.
I stood. "I see you, Father." This was symbolism of the respect children have for their parents.
"Aliya, I have spoken to Tsu'Tey's parents." he smiled excitedly.
"What did they say?" I asked curiously.
"There will be an engagement party tonight!" Father exclaimed. "I wanted to tell you now so that you would have time to make yourself presentable."
I thanked him and he left me alone. I contemplated my impending marriage and decided that I would be a good sport, no matter what Korac said.
I was styling my hair in a different fashion than usual and preparing myself for the party, when Tsu'Tey appeared in front of me. We greeted each other in a polite manner.
There was an awkward silence in the air after our friendly greeting. He cleared his throat. "You look beautiful."
I smiled at his compliment. "Thank you."
"I want you to know that I'm looking forward to this. To marrying you." Tsu'Tey told me.
"Me too." I lied. "I'm sure we'll be very happy."
"And have numerous healthy children." he finished.
Goodness, I hadn't even thought of that.
I pretended to be joyous. "Yes. It should be a very fruitful arrangement. I will see you at the party." And I ushered him out.
I continued to beautify myself and was about to leave for the party, when Korac arrived.
"What are you doing?" I asked him, confusion colouring my tone.
"I wanted to visit you before the party and apologize."
"Apologize?" This was the last thing that I was expecting.
"Yes. I shouldn't be telling you how to live your life. In the end, it's your decision."
I thanked him, but really I was thinking about what Tsu'Tey had said.
...many healthy children...many healthy children...many healthy children...
"You look stunning, by the way." Korac noted.
I thanked him. He took my hand in his own and kissed it. "Shall we go?"
I nodded.
