Happy Rangers
Godwin didn't have the time or the patience to deal with what he'd just seen. He couldn't believe his best friend would actually betray him like that. He'd give Grayson anything in the land that was his to give, but Zalaya… she was the one thing he couldn't bear to lose. It was time he addressed the people, no more stalling. He headed through the great front doors of the palace to the courtyard. Aragorn was waiting along with his father, Uncle Thelyn, Legolas and all the captains were there, except Grayson. Godwin heaved a sigh and headed up to the battlements where everyone would be able to see him. As he reached the stair, Grayson ran up and caught his shoulder.
"I can explain," Grayson said quietly.
Godwin looked at him with a strange mixture of anger and pain, "Save it, Master Ranger. I see I learn the harshest lesson the hard way. Friendship means nothing when a woman is the prize. Release me; I have a speech to make. Apparently the throne is all I have left."
Grayson let go of his arm and watched him make the climb with a lump in his throat. He couldn't leave things like this, "There is nothing between us; I offered comfort to a grieving lady, that is all." He said before Godwin got out of earshot.
Godwin turned and looked at him, and the apologetic look was indeed sincere. But as much of a struggle as his relationship with Zalaya had been lately, it still hurt deeply to see his best friend as a rival.
"I would fall on my sword before I'd hurt you, boy," Grayson whispered. "Forgive me."
Godwin closed his eyes and cringed. "Be at peace, Grayson. The fence is once again mended." And with that, he returned his attention to the battlements and made the climb to meet his people.
Grayson watched him with pride, remembering the day he met him. He'd been six, but already carried himself like a king. And look at him now, tall and strong, with wisdom beyond his years and a heart so big it amazed him. His attire was simple and functional, not at all pretentious or arrogant. He didn't need fine tunics or shiny armor for you to know he was a king. You had only to look into his eyes and see his strength. He was a good boy, and now he is a great man, destined to be a greater king. Grayson was very proud.
"What happened?" Alcon asked softly from behind Grayson.
"Zalaya was crying so I held her. Godwin saw only the embrace," Grayson answered remorsefully. "I never should have gone to the garden. I was trying to help, but…"
"Many friendships die from good intentions, but yours is strong enough to get through this. My attempts have failed as well. They will simply have to find their own way," Alcon said. He looked up at his son and smiled. "Just look at him, Grayson."
"Hard to believe he's only eighteen," Grayson said.
Alcon furrowed a brow, "How old is Zalaya?"
"I think… I have no idea," Grayson said with a frown. "Sometimes she seems older, and then other times she seems quite young."
Alcon just nodded and waited for his son to speak.
Rowyna tried to find a quiet place to fall apart, but there were so many people in this keep it was impossible. Finally she rounded a corner and found a darkened archway. She leaned against the wall in the shadows and hung her head. Her captain had shown every sign of caring for her, and now, he chose another woman to woo with kind words and gentle embraces. How could he do that? And with Zalaya of all people? She loved her dragon more than any man in the army including Godwin!
"Rowyna," Zalaya called as she headed through the passageway. "I know you came this way."
"Go back to your captain!" Rowyna said in annoyance.
"Your stupid Ranger forgot himself today, but I assure you it was quite innocent. I was crying, and he seemed to think I wanted his comfort," Zalaya tried to explain. "He did nothing but offer me a shoulder to soak with my tears. I assure you, he cares nothing for me and I feel the same about him. He is annoying and irritating and meddling and infuriating…"
"He is not! He's the kindest, gentlest, dearest man I have ever known!" Rowyna retorted quickly and then she stopped and stared at Zalaya's bright smile with annoyance. "You did that on purpose."
"You love him," Zalaya accused.
"I have no room in my heart for a man," Rowyna said lightly. "You may have him."
"I don't want him," Zalaya said with a wrinkled nose.
"No, you are pining away for your dragon," Rowyna said with a cocked brow.
Zalaya crossed her arms and looked at her friend with confusion, "Skrug needs me."
"That dragon is standing between you and real happiness," Rowyna said. "What about Godwin?"
"The Ranger has his throne," Zalaya said. "Somewhere around here is some princess. I expect he'll marry her and have a wonderful life. That is as it should be. When Skrug is well, we will leave here." Her last statement was said quietly and with a crack in her voice. She couldn't help it. She hated the way this was working out.
There were several rangers practically running past them down the hall and it interrupted the conversation. Rowyna was worried and called to one of them, "What is amiss?"
A young ranger halted and turned to answer, "Nothing, my lady. Godwin is going to address the people form the battlements. We are in a hurry to hear his speech."
Zalaya's face took on a smile that was nothing short of dazzling, "Let's hurry," she whispered and then took off down the hall. She had followed him all the way from Forochel. She would not miss this moment.
Godwin looked out over the gathered crowd and couldn't believe how many there were. Some, he knew were from the ships. His men had finally all made it ashore and were setting up camp at the edge of the city behind the palace. But before him was gathered a crowd of people to rival any gathering in Minas Tirith. They stood quietly, almost reverently waiting for someone to speak, and when he'd stepped up to the edge of the wall to look down, he apparently had their complete attention. A hush fell over the crowd, and the silence was so strong it was almost a presence in itself. His heart boomed in his chest, the blood throbbed in his ears and he wished more than anything that he was not the one that had to shatter this moment with his clumsy speech. But the time had come for him to reveal himself, and he couldn't make them wait any longer.
"People of Rhûn; sailors, fishermen, traders, craftsmen, shopkeepers, builders, lords and ladies… My name is Godwin, and Colwin Silverhelm was my father." He paused here, so everyone could process the name and its meaning. "I have returned to reclaim the legacy that my father left vacant. By blood right, I am your ruler, but only by strength and your support can I hope to keep it. The ages have been tedious and unbearable in the east under the rule of Overlords. The very title means oppression. I do not want to be the next Overlord, to rule the land with terror and violence. Instead, I would be your King, and would establish a council of the wisest and most learned men of the country. Will the people of this land accept such a rule? Will you stand with a boy against the evils that have plagued the land for far too long? What say you, men and women of Rhûn will you have this boy as your King?"
The people had listened, almost holding their breath, but when he actually asked if they would accept him, they raised such a shout that it was almost painful to hear. "Yea!"
"Then on this day, I make my first decree. Slavery is hereby abolished in Rhûn, now and forevermore! On this day, all men and women are free. Servants and workers are to be paid a fair wage, and any wishing to leave their former masters face no penalties…" The joyful cries and shouts of the people went up again, interrupting him, so he paused. He offered a warm smile and waited for them to quiet before continuing. "But though I stand before you here, in the capital, victory is not yet won. There are warlords preparing to return in force to reclaim this land for themselves. We need to prepare for a battle; we need to fortify the city against attack."
"Command us!" a man shouted from somewhere in the crowd.
Godwin was nearly moved to tears, seeing that everyone was with him. "We need… a wall."
There was a murmur in the crowd and Godwin knew he was asking much of them. Building a wall was no small task, and it was labor intensive. "I know the work will be hard, I will only take volunteers. I will not order anyone to such difficult labor…"
"I volunteer!" one man shouted, and then another, and another… until the shouts were no longer discernable, becoming a roar.
"I call the builders and planners to the gate. Everyone else, return to your homes for now. I do not recommend travel out of the city until the enemies of freedom are dealt with. Thank you all for coming to hear me today."
The courtyard had filled up while Godwin was speaking, and Alcon looked out over the crowd of long time friends and allies that had all left their homes and families to help his son get to this place. They all seemed as impressed as he was, and then his eyes fell on Zalaya. She stood almost hidden in the bushes and watched Godwin with a smile and tears. It was obvious his son had no competition for her affections. As the speech ended, and the people dispersed, Godwin joined him at the base of the battlement.
"Well, now what?" Godwin asked him.
Alcon smiled, "Build your wall, son," and then he paused, directing his son to look across the courtyard to the bushes. Zalaya quickly turned and disappeared, heading back to the garden. "And make peace with Forodwaith."
Godwin's expression sobered, "Forodwaith cares nothing for the east."
"Forodwaith was weeping during your speech, son," Alcon said softly and then gave him a nudge. "Go."
Godwin sighed and headed through the courtyard. He spared only a brief glance at Grayson and kept moving. It was time that he and Zalaya got everything out in the open. Whatever it was about him she objected to, he would gladly change. Today was going to be the end of their unspoken truce. She wasn't going to run from him this time, not this time!
Grayson knew a man on a mission when he saw one. Godwin practically stormed through the courtyard on his way to the garden. Maybe the two of them would finally work it out, whatever 'it' was. As for himself, he wondered if he would ever have a chance with Rowyna again. She was the strongest woman he'd ever known, but with matters of the heart, she was fragile. He had broken her trust, and that was hard to rebuild with someone who'd been hurt as much as she had. He returned to the keep looking for her. Maybe she wouldn't despise him… maybe.
He rounded a corner heading to the kitchen when someone caught his arm and pulled him into a shadowy doorway. He let himself be led and then looked to see who had snatched him aside. It was Rowyna, and she looked at him with a twinkle in her eyes.
"My Lady, I beg forgiveness," he said quickly.
Rowyna just grabbed the front of his tunic with both hands and pulled him closer. He leaned down, fully expecting a slap, which he would certainly deserve, but instead, she stood on her toes and kissed him. His eyes were huge with shock, and then they closed and his arms enveloped her in a strong embrace as he lost himself in the pleasure of her freely offered kiss. She clung to him, and he held her tight, but his kiss was so soft, so gentle, so very, very sweet. Finally, he broke the kiss and looked into her eyes with passion, and confusion.
"Rowyna?" he whispered, unable to think of any question that would explain his shock.
"Captain," she said breathlessly.
"Why now?" he asked.
"A friend made me realize that I've been lying to myself," she said. "I thought that men of honor were a myth. But since I've met you, I see there is at least one." She kissed him again and stepped back. "I know what happened in the garden, there is nothing to forgive."
Grayson looked at her with bright eyes and a warm smile, "Oh, Rowyna, will you ever accept the suit of a gruff Captain?"
Rowyna blushed and looked at the floor almost shyly, "A bride should be a maid, but I could be persuaded to share your room some night that you feel… lonely."
Grayson furrowed his brow, "Rowyna, I know such an offer comes from your heart, but I am lonely always; one night would never be enough. If you favor me, then marry me."
"I cannot accept; I have more than myself to consider now," she said, "The children need me."
"They will need a father too, will they not?" he pressed as he stepped closer, backing her against the wall. "Fairest Rowyna, your excuses are running out." He pulled her into his arms again and kissed her passionately. What was it going to take to get her to say yes? She was almost as stubborn as Zalaya. He drew back, and she was quite breathless. He smiled at the dreamy look on her face. "Say yes to this humble Ranger," he whispered.
Her small hands reached up and held his face as she looked into his eyes. "It will happen like this," she said seriously. "We will be traveling, and a man will stop you and ask where we are from. He will look at me, and recognize a woman he passed an hour with in Deadwood only months ago. You will swear to me it doesn't matter, it is the past, but in your heart, it will hurt. Every time it happens, the hurt will grow until you cannot stand the sight of me."
The slap was less painful than the truth. Of course it would hurt, but he loved her more than anything in Middle Earth. He swallowed hard and gave her a smile. He caught her hands in his and drew her close again. He looked right in her eyes and said, "Then we will live somewhere private and remote, and never speak to strangers." He kissed both her hands and looked at her expectantly.
Rowyna rolled her eyes, "You are asking for grief."
"I am asking for your love," he said softly. "You already have mine."
"You have had mine since the first day you stepped into that tavern," she said with a tear in her eyes. "When I saw you, and the way you looked at me then, I knew you were a good man."
"I never looked at you like this back then."
"No, you looked at me with sadness, not desire. You saw me as someone's daughter or sister, not a…"
Grayson kissed her to silence the rest of that comment. He never saw her as a whore, never. He could never think of her that way either. This time when he broke the kiss all he said was, "Soon, Rowyna, soon we will marry. The war will be over soon, and then you and I will marry and take the children to a quiet place and build a house."
She didn't argue or refute him; all she said was, "Yes."
Grayson smiled triumphantly, "Yes." He was a happy Ranger!
Leyna had heard the speech from her window and she was frightened. Father was still out there, and a battle would be coming. He was actually going to come for her? No, that couldn't be it. Why would he risk it only for her? No, he wanted the throne back, that's what it was. Well, fine, but she didn't have to be here when he arrived. The last place she wanted to be was here. She didn't trust her father, and she certainly didn't trust an army of strangers and this new King. It was time she left.
"Nurse!" she called as she closed her window. "Nurse!"
"Yes, my lady," Faiga said.
"I'm leaving, and I need you to help cause a distraction for the guards," Leyna said.
"No, my lady, I beg you. It is too dangerous," Faiga protested.
"Just do as you're told. I know what I am doing. Get me some very plain clothes, and a maid's cap to hide my hair. He is setting the slaves free, so I will dress as one and walk right out the front door," Leyna said with a smile. "All I need to do is get past the two guards outside."
Faiga sighed, "There are clothes like that nearby. I will make pretense of getting your laundry or something. If you wish to kill yourself for a moment of freedom, then I cannot stop you."
Leyna looked at her nurse with deep affection, "You know, I never thought of you as a slave, Faiga. When I am gone, I want you to leave this place and find your happiness."
"Child, raising you has been my happiness. I'm proud of you, Leyna. You're a good girl, despite your father."
"It is only because of you and others like you in this place. If it had been up to father, I would probably be married off to one of the other warlord's sons by now," Leyna said with a shudder.
"Shhh, do not say such evil things. Stay here, I will return with everything you will need," Faiga said, and then she left.
Leyna hoped she could pull this off. Only a few of the soldiers had seen her. Her only worry would be if one of the servants gave her away. This would work, it just had to.
Godwin was thankful that Skrug's presence in the garden kept it empty. He came through a side gate that had been left open and stopped. Skrug was finally awake, and he and Zalaya were talking. He didn't want to interrupt their reunion so he waited in the bushes, out of sight.
"Does it hurt?" Zalaya asked as she checked the bandage.
Skrug stifled the grunt and gave her a brave smile, "Not too much, it's just sore. I won't be taking you on any wild rides for a couple of days."
Zalaya sighed, "And here I was so hoping you would do that loop you did before," she said in mock sadness.
Skrug chuckled, "And that is why I love you, little Vizzigru ze Drago, you're brave enough to let me play."
Zalaya sat down beside him and her face was quite serious, "I thought I lost you, you know. I think maybe when you are well, you should return to your lady and build that nest."
Skrug caught a whiff of the Ranger and was struck by and idea. Zalaya didn't like talking about her feelings much, but maybe he could get a confession out of her for her little king to overhear. "And what of you, Morzethu? What will you do when I am gone?"
"Oh, I don't know. He doesn't need me anymore, and it's certain that the last thing he needs is someone like me hanging around…"
"Someone like you?" Skrug prompted.
"I don't belong here; I'm no good for him… he needs someone the people will respect, like that princess. Everywhere I go people fear me or hate me. Just this morning some man went crazy when he saw me. Radagast was wrong, I was never needed here. He did it all on his own, without me, or the ring."
Skrug frowned, "Wizards are mysterious creatures. What was it he told you again?"
"Oh, you remember, do not dredge up unpleasantness that is past," she said, trying to brush it aside, but Skrug was going to see his plan through.
"What was the name, Arvedui, was it not? He was the one to give that ring to the first Morzethu, the only other woman to hold the power. You are a princess, that is what he said, one from a very noble family, the same as the King of Gondor himself," Skrug said with a cocked brow.
Zalaya stood and folded her arms over her chest, "What are you about here, dragon? Why are you asking me so many questions?"
"You seem to be lost," Skrug said lightly. "I just thought I would remind you why you came here in the first place."
"I came to help a friend," she said.
Skrug glared at her, "That you persist in holding onto that lie in my presence is most annoying, woman."
"Oh, fine, I came because I love him. The truth matters little, it was simply never meant to be." She sighed and hung her head, reminded once again of the butler's ominous warning, "I'm the one, he said. The one to end it all… What a horrible thing to do, follow him here and then cause the end somehow."
Godwin couldn't stand to hear anymore. He'd hard the truth he'd been so desperate for, but she misunderstood the man's words. She was going to bring evil to an end, not… How could she think that? And why would she keep a heritage like Arvedui a secret from him? Godwin stepped out of the bushes and went to her, catching her quite off guard. Skrug no doubt had known he was in the garden for some time, but still he pretended to just notice.
"Ah, how is the little King today? All settled into your new house?" Skrug asked with a smile.
"I am well, and I owe you two great debts. One… for intervening yesterday, and then carrying Zalaya to safety despite your wounds, and two… drawing out the truth for me to hear." He looked at Zalaya whose eyes were as big as saucers. The blush was darkening even as she tried not to meet his eyes. He just smiled, grabbed her wrist and led her away. "Come, your highness, it is time we talked."
"No, there is nothing to say," she protested.
Godwin led her to a more private corner of the garden away from Skrug, pulled her into a hug and kissed her. She seemed to just melt into his arms and she reached up and slipped her arms around his neck, standing on her toes to give him better access. Godwin thought his head was spinning the pleasure of her surrender in his arms was so wonderful. Had he known it would be this easy, he would have kissed her like this before. He finally forced himself to break their kiss and he looked down at her with a mischievous smile.
"For a smart woman, you have been very foolish of late," he said.
"Insulting me will not get you another kiss," she said bitterly.
"The truth is no insult, Zalaya. There is no other woman for me. Were you a peasant, I would make you my queen, but to hear that you are royalty… Why hide it?" Godwin asked in confusion.
"Arvedui was not married to her, I cannot claim any birthright. Why would I speak of such a humiliation?" she asked defensively.
Godwin lifted her hand and looked at the ring she wore, "If he were ashamed, he would never have given her this," Godwin said. "Here is your birthright."
Zalaya sighed and drew her hand from his. He just looked into her eyes and smiled, "I love you."
Zalaya blushed and lowered her eyes, "Foolish Ranger," she whispered.
Godwin gently lifted her chin and kissed her tenderly again. She was quite lost in his caress and finally, when they were both quite breathless, he looked at her again and just said, "You are mine, Zalaya, can you deny it?"
She slowly shook her head and he smiled triumphantly.
"And as you are mine, I am yours," he said seriously. "You and I are betrothed, and I would hear you say it."
She looked at him with a smile so innocent and childlike, it tugged at his heart, "We're betrothed," she said softly.
"No, not that, I want to hear you say my name," he said with smoldering brown eyes.
Zalaya finally understood and her expression went from shy innocence to blatant desire. She looked at him with fiery green eyes and leaned close to his face and said, "I am yours, Godwin."
Her eyes were his undoing and with the confession that sounded too much like an invitation, he lifted her into his arms and kissed her. She clung to his neck as he cradled her against his chest and carried her to a bench hidden under a tree. He set her down and then sat beside her. "Why have you been torturing me so, Zalaya?"
"I didn't want to ruin this for you," she said, making a sweeping gesture at the grand palace around them.
Godwin sighed, wrapped his arms around her and buried his head in her shoulder, "This would mean nothing without you, my love, nothing."
Her fingers slipped into his hair and she smiled. He had never called her that before. "It is strange. We have been friends for a long time, but now I feel almost that we are starting over."
He lifted his head and smiled, "In a way, I guess we are. It is a big step to go from friendship to love," he said.
Zalaya leaned over and kissed him, "Not that big," she whispered. She still couldn't believe this was real, that she'd finally let him see the truth. She would never understand what would make a King choose her, but she didn't care. He loved her, oh, soft silver moon! He loved her!
Suddenly, they heard loud dragon throat clearing, and Godwin quickly straightened up, just in time to see Aragorn step into view. Zalaya was blushing darkly, but Godwin was just beaming. It didn't take a genius to know they had finally worked through their differences.
"Hi, Uncle," Godwin said brightly.
"Hi, indeed!" Aragorn said, trying not to laugh. "You give a moving speech and then run off to rendezvous with this lady, leaving me to deal with builders and planners. Please tell me it was worth it."
"We're betrothed," Godwin said. "So, yes, your sacrifice was worth it. Thank you and I'm sorry to have run off. I will meet with them."
Aragorn smirked, "You need only approve the plans. It seems you have many skilled men in the city. The proposal I saw was a good one, and the materials are near at hand. I would put the army to work on it right away. They can work in shifts."
Godwin cocked a brow and looked at his uncle seriously, "That is much to ask of them. Wall building is not easy labor."
"They are already volunteering," Aragorn said. "It seems you have an easy rule ahead of you. I have yet to hear you command anyone, and yet the people run to fulfill your needs and wishes."
Godwin's expression was grim, "The day for commands is coming, and peace will only follow a river of blood, or don't you remember the prophecy?"
Zalaya suddenly stood and stepped back, "What prophecy?" she asked nervously.
Aragorn knew they needed to talk, so he made an excuse to leave, "I uh, need to talk to someone about… something. Walk in the open, and try to behave. I hate to be the one to say it, but you are going to be watched everywhere now. Keep your courtship formal, for me."
Godwin gave his uncle a smile, "I know Uncle, and I will."
Aragorn left and Godwin offered Zalaya his hand, "Come, we need to talk. There is a tree in plain view that will give us some shade and privacy." He led her across the side garden to a grassy spot below a tree that was indeed in the open. But everyone left them space for privacy.
"The man in the hall, he wasn't mad, was he?" she asked him.
"No, there is a prophecy, a very old one written in the hand of Alatar the Blue. I have read it, and it speaks of me, the army, the dragon, and… you. You are going to be the one to end evil in the east, Zalaya."
"But you are already King," she said in confusion.
"And two warlords yet live, and there are many evil men that will follow them. We snuck into the palace, but we will have to fight to keep it. The day is won, but not the war," Godwin said. "I never wanted you to fight; I wanted to protect you, to guard you…"
"I already knew I would fight. Radagast told me you needed my help," she said. "I wasn't going to follow you, that day you rode out of the wood with your army. He told me I had to go."
"Why, where would you have gone?" Godwin asked, suddenly feeling hurt.
"Anywhere that wouldn't remind me of you. I have loved you a very long time, Ranger," she said softly.
Godwin felt relief at the confession, "How long?"
"Since the moment I laid eyes on you in the north. I never saw a man so handsome, or one with such… stubbornness. To think that you would protect me from the wolves," she chuckled. "I was touched."
Godwin smiled, "There was a moment, when you first came to me in that hut. I finally asked you your name and you tossed your beautiful hair back and looked at me with those mesmerizing eyes. Your name spoken in your sweet voice… Zalaya... put me under your spell from that moment on."
Zalaya blushed, "Oh, Ranger…"
Godwin smiled, not caring that she still called him that, for there was infinite affection attached to the title, he could hear it. He took her hand and laced his fingers with hers. "You'll be watched now, just as I will be. I know you like your solitude, but this is the price you will pay to be with me."
Zalaya sighed, "I am a foreigner, Godwin. They were staring at me anyway."
Godwin kissed her on the cheek, "It was your beauty they were staring at. Come, it's well past noon and I know you haven't eaten."
"How could you know with all your duties?" she asked in surprise as helped her up.
"I have always made a point to know of your comings and goings, even when you were not speaking to me," he said with a smirk. "I had to look after my future wife."
"But I refused you," she said in confusion.
"Women change their minds all the time," Godwin said with a rakish smile. "I simply had to wait you out."
Zalaya gave him a light swat on the arm and he laughed. He was the happiest Ranger alive. Nothing could spoil his mood, nothing…
As they entered the hall, one of his men ran up to him, "Sire, she is gone… I'm so sorry, they tricked us."
Godwin was confused, "What?"
"Faulghaunt's daughter, she's gone," the guard clarified.
"Close the gates and start a search of the palace," Godwin said with a sigh. "I fear for her safety if she leaves."
Alcon quickly joined them, "Perhaps we should have listened to the scholar."
Godwin shot him a warning glance, "Just find the girl before she gets hurt." Zalaya stepped away from him and he looked at her. "What is it?"
"You have business, I will find my own way," she said.
"No, wait," Godwin halted her retreat. He turned to his father and stood tall. "Ada, I have chosen a queen, and she accepted me. I ask for your blessing."
Alcon looked at Zalaya with a genuine smile. "Welcome to the family, Zalaya."
Zalaya blushed, for the hundredth time in the last hour, "Thank you, Lord Alcon."
"Ada, to him, and now you," Alcon said with a grin. "It took long enough for you to say yes."
Zalaya couldn't help the laugh, and Godwin caught her hand and kissed it. "Go on. I have to take care of this."
Zalaya nodded and disappeared into the throng of people in the passageway. Alcon just looked at his son with a cocked brow.
"What?"
"What did it take?" Alcon asked.
Godwin smirked, "A conniving dragon and a firm hand."
"Not too firm I hope," Alcon smirked.
Godwin's expression was almost whimsical, "Only the gentlest…" he whispered.
Alcon rolled his eyes, "Let's find that lost princess."
Godwin's expression returned to one of business. "Where are those two cousins of mine, anyway?"
