waverider3

Sorry, I know it's short, but oh well!

Chapter 3.

And may I ask what on earth kept you out so late? Merilonna glared at her
mother, as the lady asked the question with one perfectly arched eyebrow.

Mer was silent, Tyr had been in port for almost a week, and they spent practically
every minute together. Laughing, joking, talking, whatever. He taught her about the tides
and stars, she showed him how to be a gentleman (on the rare occasion it was needed)
and to ride a horse.

He was shipping out on the morning tide, and they had gone out for a goodbye
feast. How was she supposed to explain all this to her parents?

I truly thought it was a bit early for this, but I see no other way to make you take
some responsibility for yourself and realize your place in the world. *Uh oh, this sounds
bad* she thought nervously.

Then, for the first time, her father chimed in, We will be announcing your
betrothal to Sir Richard of Estplain next week. She blinked several times in disbelief.
This couldn't be happening, it wouldn't happen! What was she going to do? What could
she do?

Without saying a word, she turned and stormed out of the study, making her whay
to her chambers with deadly determination, despite the fact that she felt completely lost.
She slammed the door of her room and flopped down on the bed. What in Mithros' name
was she supposed to do?

Merilonna made a mental list of her options: 1.) Go ahead and marry the guy; 2.)
Try to talk her parents out of it; 3.) Flatly refuse; or 4.) Run away.
She couldn't just marry somebody she hardly knew! (Option 1 exit left.) Attempt
to convince her parents not to go through with it? Better to convince the tides to stop
coming in. (Option 2 out the window.) If she completely refused, they could easily just
force her to do it. She definitely didn't want that. (Oh look! There goes option 3!)
That left option four. But where could she run away to? Her mind searched
frantically for an option, exhausting every possibility until finally she remembered the
storm...