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Chapter 44 - Arions Arrive

Pepper walked with Lewis through the hallways of the grand castle. Pepper wore a lovely, black dress and her hair down.

Pepper looked around at all of the ornate carvings throughout the ancient castle. Scenes depicting battles with species she didn't recognize, with large space ships she couldn't even imagine. Throughout the hallways, hung paintings of the former Kings and members of the royal families of the past. Lewis stopped at one painting in particular and smiled at the young man who looked back at him.

Pepper stopped and looked at the painting with Lewis. "Who is he?"

Lewis smiled, "His name was Lavatch. This was painted when he was really young. Probably, in his 20s, 30s."

Pepper smiled, "Just a kid, then?"

Lewis nodded, "Yes."

They walked a bit further and Lewis stopped at another painting. This one was of a King, Queen and a small baby. Lewis chuckled, "That's Lavatch when he was a baby. Wow. I wonder if he had so much hair."

"Not as much as his sons had later. I remember it clearly." A voice called down from down the hallway.

Pepper and Lewis turned to see Tony walking with a man who looked younger than Tony. Tall, with dark hair and extremely handsome.

Tony took Pepper's hand and smiled warmly at her. "King Lartius. May I present my Princess? This is Pepper."

The King bowed his head. "It is my extreme honor to meet you."

Pepper smiled at him. "It's wonderful to meet you. I'm sorry, but I'm not certain what I should do?"

Lartius smiled, "Tony said the exact same thing when he met me."

Tony smiled, "And then I remember I asked if you wanted to play cards with us."

"And if I brought any money. Yes." Lartius laughed.

Lewis crossed his arms and laughed. "That sounds right. Did you play?"

Lartius pointed at Lewis. "Against your brother, Lance? I do love a challenge."

Lewis chuckled, "Of course, sir."

Lartius laughed, "We're rather informal. Tony is a dear friend of mine. I prefer to treat everyone as family. Treat me as you would…." He pointed at Lewis. "Primus Lewis."

Pepper nodded. "Alright."

Lartius smiled at Tony. "You did not exaggerate when you described her beauty. Wow."

Tony rubbed his eyebrow and noticed Pepper blushing a bit.

"Well, thank you." She smiled.

Lartius asked Tony. "May I?"

Tony looked confused. "May you, what?"

Lewis smiled, "He wants to know if he may touch her. It's a tradition among some cultures."

Tony nodded in understanding. "Oh. That's completely up to her. I don't make that decision."

Pepper smiled back at him. "Thank you, Tony." She held her hand out to the King. He took it in his own and kissed her hand.

"Wow. What a precious thing you have, Tony. Such a lucky man. Are you….from…..Terra?"

Pepper looked confused.

Tony quickly explained, "Most people from other worlds call Earth, Terra. Yes. Pepper's family is from there."

Lartius touched his own hair. "Your hair."

Pepper smiled, "Yes. It's red. It's common with the part of Terra where my family is from."

Lartius smiled and shook his head. "I've never seen hair like that before. Beautiful."

Lewis cleared his throat.

Lartius chuckled and let go of Pepper's hand. He nodded to Lewis, "Indeed. Thank you, Lewis. So, what were you saying about Lavatch here?"

Lewis crossed his arms and looked at the painting. "Did he have this much hair when he was born?"

"I have no idea. But, let me see the picture of your son. I wonder how much they resemble."

Lewis handed the King his phone with a photo of Arles. He looked at the painting and nodded. "Yes. He looks a lot like Lavatch." He handed his phone back to Lewis. "No doubt, Lavatch would have been extremely proud of his grandson. Grandchildren, are like nothing else."

Tony took Pepper's hand and looked back at Lartius. "Who is this, Lavatch?"

Lartius smiled at Lewis. "A very, honorable Quauthin. Father of four sons. One a Primus. All of them, great men."

Tony pointed at Lewis. "Your father?"

Lewis nodded. "Yes. Lartius. Excuse me, but, if you don't mind-"

"Yes. Of course."

Lewis smiled at his king and walked back down the hallway with his hands in his pockets.

Lartius looked back at Pepper and Tony. "He has other arrangements. It is my understanding that no one knows of your intentions to make the life promise to one another."

Pepper smiled, "That's true. Just us. You."

Tony nodded, "Primus John and Rose. That's all."

Lartius nodded, "I understand. Well, I realize it was probably something you wanted to keep to yourselves a bit longer. So, forgive Tony for telling me."

Pepper grinned. "He explained to me that you were playing cards."

"I was….losing badly."

Tony nodded, "So, was I. So we left and had a drink instead."

Lartius laughed, "Yes. That's how it happened. We started to walk about the castle. Tony saw one of the rooms we have here, and told me of you. Follow me."

Pepper and Tony walked with the King down the hallway. He stopped at a painting and held up his finger. "Just a quick moment here. You would probably find this interesting."

The painting showed four boys, around five years old, standing together and smiling at one another. It appeared to be two sets of twins. Lartius smiled, "The sons of Lavatch. That's how they were known for years. But, you know them as," He pointed to each one individually, "Lance and Luce. Licius and Lewis."

Tony shook his head in disbelief. "Why is there a painting of them here?"

Lartius smiled. "I'm surprised you haven't already discovered this. They are members of the Royal family."

Pepper shook her head. "Are they really?"

Tony shook his head and smiled, "Their names begin with 'L'. I should have spotted that."

Pepper looked confused back at him. "What?"

Lartius smiled, "All male members of our family begin with an 'L'. It's to honor the King."

Tony nodded, "Girls' names begin with an 'M'. Because of your wife."

Lartius nodded, "Yes. It's an old tradition."

Pepper shook her head. "Well, wait a second. Arles' name…"

Lartius smiled, "Lewis named him that to honor his wife. It's a tradition, but not a rule. I've always told the family to try to make their own decisions. I was allowed to."

Tony pointed at the painting. "How are they related? Uncles?"

Lartius crossed his arms. "I'll have to think. My grandfather was their father's, brother. There is a grand story about it that has been told over and over to every Quauthin. Their father, was King. But, was very young and came to my father to ask him to rule in his place."

"Really?" Pepper asked.

"Yes. Lavatch never wanted to rule. Then, after his children were born, it was something he never wanted for them."

Tony was still processing this new information. "So, hang on. You're saying if Lavatch had ruled…one of the brothers would be king?"

Lartius shrugged his shoulders. "They still might be. It's up to them. Well, and my grandsons. One has already ruled off world and has asked not to return to that life."

"But, don't you have a say in this? I'm sorry, I just find this…odd."

The King smiled, "Most people do. We know it's a responsibility that one of us has to do. I was pleased to take the position. But, I understand why they prefer the life they live instead. There's more freedom. They can travel. Keep their families safer without this knowledge. They can be on their own. Without a Quauthin guard, because they are one for themselves."

Tony smiled. "Okay, that I understand. Interesting."

Pepper shook her head in disbelief. "This is just….I never knew."

"No one does. I only tell you because Tony is the sort of person that will explore it until he gets the answer."

Pepper nodded and looked back at Tony. "You have a good impression of him. Yes."

Tony shrugged his shoulders. "What?"

Lartius chuckled. "It's not a huge secret. But, it's something the brothers do not speak of. They are busy living their lives and protecting what is important. I want them to do that. That's what their father wanted for them. I'm to honor his wishes, and theirs."

Tony looked at the picture. "This is interesting. Who is the eldest out of the brothers?"

Lartius smiled, "I wonder if you can guess?"

"Lewis. Definitely." Tony nodded.

Pepper shook her head. "No. I don't think so."

Lartius smiled at her. "The lady is right. In order, they are Lance, Luce, Licis and then Lewis. Just as they are painted here."

Tony smiled, "Lewis is the youngest?"

Lartius nodded, "They were never told until they were older. That was my decision. They always seemed to be looked at as a quarter of a person, rather than individuals. I didn't want one to have more attention than the other one due to where he ranked in order of taking the throne. I told them for their birthday. They turned 200, 18 years ago. I decided it was time they knew then."

Pepper looked impressed. "Wise."

Lartius nodded, "That's why I'm the King. Come."

Tony took Pepper's hand and they continued to walk down the hallway with Lartius. Pepper smiled back at him. Lartius was nothing like she had expected. Youthful, and full of life. Quick-witted and surprisingly, he reminded her of Tony. She knew why they got along so well.

He opened a pair of tall, beautifully carved doors and led them into a small, round room with a very tall ceiling. It looked like it had been carved out of the inside of a large tree. Small, stained glass windows illuminated the room along with candles. It was beautiful and ancient.

Lartius turned around and held his hands out to present it to them. Pepper smiled. His movements even reminded him of Tony. She had seen him to do exact same thing.

"So, this is it. The Chamber of the Life Promise of the Quauthin. In Ancient Times, and even in modern times, this room is where two people would make a promise to forever love and care for one another."

Pepper looked around the room. "This is…beautiful."

"Now, this is just an option. I'm not sure of your customs on Terra. Here, it's just a promise between two people. I can witness it and it would be….official. Well, here. Well, several more places. I'm not sure of Terra. I have Quauhtin who serve there, so probably so. Yes, that seems right. Hell, I'll declare it so."

Tony looked around. "How do you even fit ten more people in this room?"

"Oh. In my presence, you just have to name them. Well, because of the room's size."

Tony nodded and looked back at Pepper. "Well, what do you think?"

"This is so beautiful. I love this." Pepper told them as she looked around the room. "This is just….perfect."

Tony grinned back at Lartius. "I knew she would love this."

Lartius brought their attention to a small box that sat on the tiny table. "Allow me to give you this as your first wedding gift. This box…I'm not sure what it would be called in your language. Forgive me. It contains stones from the creation of this room. You are to each take one, each day of your agreement, and name something you are grateful for. Let me show you. My wife is not present, so I will do hers as well."

He picked up the two stones. With each sentence he placed a stone back into the box. "I'm grateful that I will be with you soon. I am pleased you are enjoying spending time with your family." He picked up another stone and smiled at them both. "I'm very pleased that you are safe and well." He pointed at them. "It's a habit. I always end with that one. No matter how many I have put back into the box."

"So, we just do one a day?" Tony asked.

"You can do the entire box if you like. I have often done that. So, has my wife. Martiea. We have so much to be grateful for. It was easy. I encourage you both to see if you can fill the box, but together. Only positive, goes into this box. When you look for what is right instead of what is wrong, you're going to only find what is right. What is good."

Pepper smiled. "That's a lovely tradition."

Tony took Pepper's hand, "Can you excuse us, just a second?"

Lartius nodded. "I'll just be outside. Certainly. Take your time."

Pepper watched Lartius leave, taking the steps two a time. She felt Tony kiss her hand. She looked back at him smiling at her.

"Okay, you're going to think I've lost my mind." Tony started.

"Way too late for that, Tony."

He laughed. "Okay, fair enough. What do you think?"

She looked around. "Tony, this is so beautiful. Better than anything I could imagine."

He pointed up, "Magical, isn't it? And did you see that?"

She looked up and saw what appeared to be white stars that hovered overhead.

"What is that?"

He chuckled, "I have no idea. But, this is what I want to ask you. What if we did this?"

"Okay?"

"Here?"

She nodded, "I like that idea."

"Now?" he asked and grit his teeth as he looked back at her.

She didn't say anything and stared at him.

He held his breath, waiting for her to answer.

"Now?" She asked him quietly.

"Pepper, I love you. You love me. We know we want to do this. I think it should be something just we know for a while, to help you become more comfortable with the whole idea. I know I'm a pain in the ass, but-"

"Okay." Pepper told him.

He couldn't believe she had agreed to it so quickly. He smiled, "What? Really?"

She looked into his eyes and smiled, "I know I want this. I don't want a big wedding-"

"If you decide you do later-"

"Then we'll do that-"

"At the winery-"

She laughed, "Or somewhere."

"Not Vegas." He insisted.

"Not Vegas." She agreed and laughed.

He smiled at her. "So, just us? That's alright?"

"I think we need Lartius, too." She grinned at him.

He grabbed her face with both of his hands and kissed her. When he looked back in her eyes he asked her quietly, "I'm asking you again. Will you marry me?"

"Does this mean you will stop asking?"

He thought for a few moments. "I haven't decided."

She laughed in disbelief. "You are such a pain in the ass."

Tony called towards the door, "Hey, Lartius! Come here. I need a favor."

Lartius stepped back into the room, rubbing his hands together. "Yes, Tony."

Tony held Pepper's hand in his own. "My princess and I have decided we would like to make the promise here."

He smiled at them both. "Wonderful! When?"

"What are you doing in the next ten minutes?"

Lartius laughed and pat Tony on the shoulder. "My dear friend. You remind me of myself. I was the same way with Martiea. Tell me your Ten."

Tony explained to Pepper. "I have to pick Ten people who will help you, in case I'm not able to."

Lartius nodded, "Tony is making this promise in the presence of the Quauthin King. It is our tradition. It is said that a Quauthin Warrior is worth ten men. I declared Tony worthy of a Quauhtin title, the last time he was here. He has helped out this world, and so many others with his brilliant mind."

Pepper looked back at Tony in surprise. "You didn't tell me that!"

He shrugged his shoulders, "It slipped my mind."

She rolled her eyes at him as Lartius continued. "The ten men he will name are bound to protect you, come to your aid, and anyone you consider family. In this tradition, these people become members of your own family. From the beginning of this promise."

Pepper smiled, "What a lovely tradition."

Lartius took out a scroll. "I'll record your Ten here. You may announce it when you are ready. If you know their titles, include that."

Tony took Pepper's hands in his. "Okay. One. Honorem Quauhtin Soler of Chaomlean, son of Mageer, and protector of the house of Stark."

Lartius nodded and made a note. "Two?"

"King Lartius of the Quauthin people."

Lartius smiled, "It is my honor. Continue."

"Primus Johnathan Smith, Praetor Lance, Primus Lewis."

Lartius nodded, "Wise choices. Yes."

"Patriarch Peter Tyler of Terra." Tony smiled with Pepper.

"Okay, next is Seven."

"Legate, grandson to the great King Lartius."

Lartius smiled proudly, "Yes, and Eight?"

"Poltious. Father to Legate."

Lartius nodded and smiled. "And One to the King of the Quauhtin. Continue."

"Tony Tyler. Son to the Patriarch Peter Tyler of Terra and keeper of Zeus."

Pepper smiled at him.

Tony looked back at Lartius. "Is that ten?"

Lartius counted, "No. You need one more man."

Tony thought, "One more."

"It is your choice."

Tony nodded, "Got it. Gene. Gene Smith the Honest of Terra and Jalikapo. Worth at least two men."

Pepper laughed under her breath. "Indeed."

Lartius recorded it. Rolled up the scroll and put it in a compartment in the wall. Tony and Pepper watched as he turned around and spoke some odd words in the Quauthin language. The stars that Tony had pointed out before, floated down and surrounded them. Pepper and him smiled at one another.

Lartius spoke. "You have both asked me, as King of the Quauthin people, and as a friend to you both, to witness this promise to one another. Pepper. Would you repeat after me?"

She smiled without taking her eyes off of Tony. "Yes."

Lartius recited the words of the promise. She repeated them as she looked at Tony's smiling face. He rose her hands to his lips, more than once, to kiss her hands. She also noticed that he mouthed that he loved her as she listened to the words she was to repeat.

Lartius nodded to him. "Right. Now, Tony. It is your turn."

Tony glanced back at Lartius. "I've got it. I don't need help."

Lartius bowed to him.

Tony kissed Pepper's hand again and looked into her eyes. "Pepper. "You are what burns brightest in my soul. You are the reason I draw each breath, the reason my heart beats, the reason my skin can feel. You are the one that I choose to be mine. To live to serve. To share my life with. To protect what is most dear to me, you and your love. Please accept this as my promise."

Lartius smiled. "I declare this promise has been made! Please, Tony, thank your bride for us both."

Pepper held onto his neck and felt his hands on wrap around her waist as he stepped as close to her as he could stand. Her lips met his in celebration of their promise to one another. As they kissed, Pepper smiled at the realization that she had just married him.

He kissed the end of her nose.

She whispered, "Oh, Tony. I love you."

He smiled at her. "Always, I will love you."

She returned his smile.

He looked back at the King and offered his hand. "Thank you. So much, Lartius."

Lartius hugged them both. "I couldn't be more pleased! And of course, I will keep your secret. Please, let me know when it becomes known."

Pepper kissed the king's cheek. "Thank you."

The King spoke some more words that they didn't understand, and the lights danced back to the ceiling.

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Jack sat in the control room of the Doctor's ship. He was listening to music and singing along to the Isley's Brother's song, "This Old Heart of Mine" loudly. He had watched Ashena's ship and the small ship of Lenox's depart over an hour ago. He still had the ship cloaked and saw small ships running patrols around the planet.

He sang to the tune, "Turn on the thermal sensor for me, Friday."

The screen flipped to thermal imagery. He sat up in his seat as the screen showed a huge Arion ship that had just came out of orbit. "Friday. I need the Doctor."

"The comm is connected."

The Doctor's annoyed voice could be heard. "What?"

"I have an Arion ship off the port bow."

"What? Now?"

"Yep. Get your ass up here."

"Alert Tony and Lewis. Get them back aboard now."

"Copy that!"

Jack pressed a few buttons. "Tony and Lewis. We have company up here and your presence as been requested."

Tony groaned, "Who is it?"

"Arions. If you are near Lartius, have him alert his men. We're still cloaked and haven't been detected as yet."

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Tony looked at Lartius. "It might be the ones who had Soli."

Lartius nodded. "Go. I will serve as your Second, and protect your Princess. Go."

Tony looked back at Pepper. She looked frightened, but determined. "Please be careful."

"I'll come back to you." He kissed her again and ran out of the room.

Lartius put his hand on her shoulder. "It will be alright."

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