CHAPTER 7: MARIEL
You shouldn't have stayed out this late, my mother's slight reprimand was springtime to my father's freezing remarks.
You should not have been out at all! I had no idea where you were. After I heard, I then wished I had never been told at all! It was not only irresponsible but just out and out stupid! Of all the blasphemous children in the world, mine had to be a female! Never mind the kind of reputation that gives you. Why when I was growing up you never….
That's how it went. For ten minutes straight. I counted.
My father was not mad, oh no. He was livid. After his tirade he whipped around and stomped indignantly away. It was a good thing, too. I could tell I had upset him to the point where he wanted to hit me. He would never have done it though.
One down, one to go.
My mother, if it can be believed, is harder to deal with than Breeyar. She makes my every shortcoming of mine seem like an unforgivable crime that would be heartbreaking to anyone else's mother. It was the sympathy that she offered me that was always so tough. The fact that she found it in her hearts to forgive me for any and everything I did was what always brought me to my humblest demeanor. She was the proverbial solid wall of guilt.
Why, Estrill? Why do you continue to do these things? You know it upsets your father and incidents like this just pile it on. Talk gets around, and this new development will be all over like wildfire. She looked incredibly sad.
What development? I didn't do anything, I answered her calmly. My mother never accused me of doing anything, so I didn't feel the need to be hostile like I was with my father.
That is good and well, but all the same, the fact that anyone could have seen you and that boy leave in the same direction is enough for most of the skeptic gossips, her voice quavered.
All I could do was watch the ground with all four eyes. I was hitting "the wall."
Maybe I can explain our concerns to you, she said taking on a more serious, and less emotional tone, Do you know who he is?
If you mean, "do I know his name?" then…
He is Alloran's son.
Enough said.
Alloran-Semitur-Corrass? The…the Abomination? I was stunned. But my surprise turned quickly into anger. Why should that matter? He can't help who his father is…was. I had to argue his case. It was in my best interests as well to take up for him.
I know that, my mother said wearily, but it does not change the fact that he associated with the most feared and hated Andalites there ever has been.
So that's how it goes? Despise the innocent to smite the wicked that holds him captive. It wasn't Alloran's choosing. It was an accident. It doesn't make the Andalite race look any better to turn our tails to someone because the circumstances surrounding them don't seem favorable.
It is fine that you think that, but do go acting like a fool and stating your views of injustice. It is hard enough to deal with the situation we are in with you now. The last thing your father needs is to hear more news of his fool daughter.
That was the harshest thing that she had said to me in a respectably long amount of time. But there were much more alarming things that were taking the place of shame now.
What situation? The way she had said it had made me nervous for some reason.
Well… she started. She picked up an object, a rock or something, and was turning it over in her hand. I watched her move it from one hand to the other. She always did this when approaching a delicate subject. This one seemed to make her exceptionally uneasy.
Your father has had his term of leave shortened because of one thing or another and we decided that we needed to hurry things along.
Things? What things?
Well, getting your brother off to the academy, sending your sister to finishing school, where we should have sent you, and your future as well.
Wait. Uh oh. My future?
Yes.
The future expressly involving me?
That's right. My mother could be so blunt.
My hearts sank to my hooves. Her statement could only mean one thing…
Your father and I have talked to some people and have decided that it is not too soon for you to settle down. Don't get upset, calm down. I know preparations usually take a good while, but under the present conditions, we have all decided to move ahead with your marriage. Your husband's family has agreed that it would be best, also.
I couldn't think, let alone form words for a reply. There was complete smothering silence for what seemed like ages.
I finally mustered the will to speak, Don't say that. I am not married to him yet and I'll be damned if anyone calls him my husband until that time. Do I even know him? What is his name at least? I sounded so weak, even to myself.
Your father knows the family quite well. You should consider yourself lucky that they like you at all. Theirs is a very prominent family.
What is his name? I growled through clenched teeth. For once, the way I spoke to my mother didn't bother me. "Reality" was too real for being nice.
Ajaht-Listom-Esth. she answered quickly and with finality. No argument of mine would seep pass the shell she had built around her. She continued on, I know it's hard, but try to look at the bright side of it all. I went through some of the same things when I got married. Trust me, everything will be fine in the end. Besides, a lot of young ladies would love to be where you are. Ajaht is a champion tail-fighter, a real master for his age range. This is supposed to be a happy time. You will see. She brushed my face lovingly.
I'm really tired now. I'm going to rest, or… I trailed off. The truth was that I really was exhausted. I let that be the end of it for the time being.
I found a somber patch of soft moss that suited my mood and settle… let's say, quieted down for the night. "Settle down" are two very evil words I thought soberly as I fell asleep.