^^ you know I always have such trouble drawing things out, eight thousand
words, and I feel like I am moving too fast! Sorry for the errors, I just
send this through the word processor once then post it up!
_______________________________________________
This was the hardest part of recovering from battles, dealing with the dead. Fortunately the spell that ended the battle had revived more people than she had originally thought, without the rune they would have had maybe a fifth of the original forces left, and Percival would be dead. With the rune they had half their forces left, bad losses, but it could be much worse.
Now they had to begin the funeral for the fallen, giving them full honors. The general mood was somber, but not overwhelmingly so. The hardest part for Chris wasn't this actually, it was that tales of her actions had spread through the ranks. She was becoming deified, everyone was treating her as some sort of goddess, and it grated.
Chris had always been a religious women, and the very tribulations screamed at her. The only thing that was keeping her temper in check was actually Hugo, the ride she had with him after battle had been divine. Though she had found peace in her faith, she had also found peace in the songs of the spirits. Just remembering the wind and earth racing along with her was enough to calm the most violent irritations.
It had also been amusing, especially when Hugo began to tease those spirits. They had begun to chase him after a few strange taunts, and he had spent the rest of the ride weaving and dodging with Fubar. Chris had laughed at the sight of Hugo and Fubar dodging the invisible spirits. Hugo had explained later that he had learned how to avoid others so well by actually learning how to dodge spirits, using his hearing more than his sight.
The funeral procession was almost over, and Chris was mildly surprised that it had passed so quickly, she had been immersed in her memories so deeply she hadn't noticed the time. She sighed, one more duty to wrap up the aftereffects of the battle. She had to make a personal report to the council, and that was probably going to be insufferable.
Walking into the stables she found her white mare, saddled and ready to go. Louis had apparently anticipated this and helped accordingly. Chris spared a quick smile for the boy and mounted it, getting ready to leave. Fortunately it was a simple thing to visit the council, so she had no real need of an escort. She left Brass castle at a slow trot.
The trip was uneventful and soon she was at Vinya, leaving her horse at the barracks stables she walked through the city to the council building. As she walked she was saluted and cheered by several of the inhabitants, not surprising considering her almost mythical reputation. It was irritating, and though Chris put on a happy face for those who greeted her, she was not in the best of moods when she entered the building.
Expecting the customary wait for an audience, she waited in the chapel to cool down. This was probably one of her favorite places to be, aside from listening to the spirits, nothing could calm her down better than praying at the chapel to the goddess. Surprisingly even her new sense was silent, here even the spirits were quiet, giving a soft whisper actually reverent in nature. Chris felt herself at peace now, and was glad, she would need it for the meeting ahead. The messenger came soon, apparently they had been waiting for her, she had barely waited ten minutes.
Entering the chamber she gave the customary thanks to the goddess, and took her seat. The interrogation would begin soon, but for now they confirmed the losses. After confirming their initial reports they began.
"Lady Chris, please relate how you became engaged with the Tinto forces."
Chris folded her hands in her lap and began "We had been called out on patrol to engage and repel a scouting part of Tinto, unfortunately the force was much larger than expected, and the forces we had brought had no chance to wining the fight."
One of the members interrupted here. "Too few, what was the composition of the forces at the battle?"
"The enemy had a force of about a thousand. We had a force of two hundred men, plus three other great knight besides myself."
"What were the two others doing at this time?"
"Salome was at the castle, dealing with any duties that may come up, while Borus was in disciplinary duty."
The members seemed surprised "What was his crime?"
Chris hesitated slightly, she had to word this correctly, or there could be serious trouble "He had attacked a representative of the Karaya clan, no damage was done, but Borus needed to be disciplined."
The other members nodded, though a few of them seemed unconcerned, probably didn't consider attacking a barbarian a crime. "Please continue."
"When we realized the forces were so large we retreated to find a defensible structure, and wait for reinforcements, unfortunately we were unable to find anything remotely useful. They began to gain on us, so we found a rock gully, and dug in, it wasn't much but it was the best we could do. Our only hope was to hold on."
The members looked at each other and then back at her. "If it was as hopeless as you say, how did you survive? Does it have something to do with those rumors of a spell being cast?"
Chris nodded "While we were waiting for the enemy to attack the Flame Champion, Hugo, arrived and offered his assistance, we accepted, having little choice. When the battle was engaged, he used his fire rune to decimate several hundred soldiers, and near the end we were forced into a corner, using both of our runes we managed to cause the enemy to retreat by combining their power."
"Why didn't you do that earlier, and save half your troops?" One member said, leaning forward.
"We had no idea what would happen, true runes have almost godlike power, only limited by what we can channel. If we try to use too much, they go wild, decimating everything within several miles. Fortunately the combination healed our side, and saved those who weren't too far gone, without that we would have had even more severe casualties."
"Very well, we give our thanks to you Lady Chris, and because of such a trying battle, we are going to grant you and your knights a thirty day leave, after that time you are to return to duty."
Chris nodded and rose, placing her hand over her heart and leaving the building. The council members sat in silence for a time then spoke once more.
"Well, this was an unexpected surprise."
"Yes, very, that Lady Chris is becoming to popular for her own good."
"What are we going to do?"
"We can turn this to our favor, but for now, let us send someone to talk with that knight currently being disciplined, he may give us something better we can use. Once lady Chris is neutralized we can throw out that ridiculous peace treaty."
"Agreed."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
Did this man ever shut up? Hugo sighed, running his fingers over Fubar's feathers, being clan chief was hard yes, but dealing with this was absolute torture. This man had been speaking for the past hour about some such dispute he had with his neighbor. The most agonizing thing was that Hugo had no real way to get rid of him, he had a right to demand retribution. Fortunately he was almost done, and Hugo would be free to do some of the other duties, dull, but a lot less than this was.
Involuntarily he found his mind drifting to thoughts of Chris, she had been on his mind almost constantly these past few days. Hugo had actually taken up the mantle of Chieftainship after watching her, his mother had been delighted, but the only real reason was that neither he nor he believed Chris respected anyone who shirked their duties. He had only really decided to court her after visiting Lake, but he was already changing himself, if that didn't say he was serious, nothing did.
The annoying man had finally shut up, and Hugo was able to pronounce the verdict he had decided in the first ten minutes of the speech. With that done he was able to leave his dwelling and visit the other villagers. After a quick walk he heard something from the front entrance, it sounded like a horse. It was worth investigating.
He got the beginnings of the challenge from the guard. "State your business Zexan!"
"I am here to speak with clan chief Hugo." He recognized that voice, with a smile Hugo began to jog, stopping at the entrance.
He addressed the guard first "Didn't I tell you to allow the Silver Maiden to pass?"
The guard looked at Hugo, looking rather chastened "Forgive me, I forgot that directive."
Hugo glared, then sighed "Forgiven, but do not allow it to happen again."
Hugo then turned up to Lady Chris, giving a smile. "I am glad you came, let us take your horse to the stables, then we can talk." It had been rather amazing that she hadn't been recognized, she was in her typical armor.
Chris smiled then dismounted, leading the horse. Looking around she was surprised at the appearance of the village, having never really seen it whole. It looked primitive, with all of the furs adorning the sides of the houses, but it was surprisingly clean. The most unusual thing about it was that most of the population was outside, the houses seemed more for basic shelters, and the people worked outside.
The stables themselves were outside as well, with a low fence surrounding the horses. Since Chris' horse was a different breed, the ones occupying it currently were skittish, but hey got over it rather quickly. Hugo stayed and watched as Chris removed the girdle and other accessories adorning the animal. Once Chris was finished they began to walk around the village, Hugo pointing out several of the basic buildings.
As they walked they seemed to draw a bit of attention, several children began to follow Chris, whispering amongst themselves. Chris, rather used to people whispering ignored it, but Hugo didn't, turning around to confront the children.
"Now, that isn't very polite, " Hugo began to scold the children, "if you are curious, come over here and introduce yourselves, she won't bite." Chris realizing that Hugo had stopped turned around curious.
The children, looking like scolded puppies approached timidly, one of them approaching Chris, and giving her name. Chris smiling gently kneeled down and gave her own. After that, the others approached and gave their name as well, parading around her, looking curiously. The one who had first introduced herself looked at her hair.
"Why is your hair like that?"
Chris raised her eyebrows, rather amused. "I was born with it."
"You look pretty." The little girl responded, reaching up to touch it.
"Thank you." The children their curiosity appeased for now ran off to return to their game.
Hugo chuckled indulgently as he watched them speed off, Chris rising from her crouch. "You would make a good mother Chris."
Chris blushed, trying in vain to hide her embarrassment. "Hugo!"
Hugo chuckled once more, turning to continue the tour. However Chris had something else on her mind, remembering the children's reaction. In Zexan territory she was recognized almost immediately, and was constantly harassed, and isolated because of her fame. But here, she was rather unknown, and accepted almost immediately with Hugo's help. It was a rather welcome experience.
Hugo realizing her preoccupation allowed her thoughts to be her own, going silent as they walked. Chris took some time before she realized, and looked at Hugo questioningly. Hugo smiled and entered the head tent, Chris following.
Lucia was there, and rose, slightly surprised. She looked at Hugo questioningly, then shook it off, embracing Chris, who blushed. "Welcome Lady Chris, my son neglected to tell me you were visiting, if he had we would have organized a welcoming feast."
Chris tried to get out of the uncomfortable embrace, glaring at the chuckling Hugo, when Lucia finally let go Chris responded "You do not need to go through any trouble for me, I just came to speak with Hugo."
Lucia raised an eyebrow "Really? Regardless of that, you will have to stay the night, it is far too late for you to be going back now."
Chris nodded "Thank you for that."
Lucia nodded and exited the hut, one could hear her distantly calling for preparations for the food.
Chris still rather red from Lucia's rather enthusiastic greeting, glared at Hugo who shrugged. "My mother can be very enthusiastic about certain things."
Chris gave an exasperated sigh, "I did only need to talk to you, but I suppose spending the night would be fine. I have a months leave."
Hugo nodded, then turned to leave the hut, explaining as they went "Usually half of the village is out at any given time, so we all eat at the inn, it should be ready soon, and don't worry you will be fine."
Chris was unable to think of anything to say, and so was reduced to glaring at Hugo. He wasn't supposed to muscle her into a dinner like that!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
Fortunately the dinner hadn't been that bad, in fact it had been rather nice. While Chris had been noticed, she had actually been toasted a few times and throughout the meal everyone had been remarkably courteous. Even more surprising was that Chris had actually been able to carry on a normal discussion with Lucia, and one or two of the children had kept near her to show her the different dishes.
From the almost too spicy dishes, to the childlike antics, to Hugo's patient explanation of several aspects of Karaya culture, Chris had been made to feel welcome. Not only that she had been accepted, and it was a rather unique experience. Though she had been teased a bit by Lucia for such a formal posture at dinner.
Now though it was over, and Hugo was nowhere to be found. The inn was still lighted, but the rest of the houses were dark, and everyone had retired. Hugo however wasn't in his bed, and Chris wished to talk with him. So she went outside, assuming that he would be there.
She found him standing at a rather large rock, quiet and peaceful. Chris approached, trying not to startle him, and stood next to him. After a time Hugo spoke.
"They buried those who died near here, a Karaya tradition, with death the body is given to the earth. Lulu is somewhere under here, as are all those who died that day."
Chris bowed her head, remembering the village in worse times, it was painful after seeing how much life it had now. "I am truly sorry Hugo."
Hugo shrugged "It was war, we were being manipulated, the sting is still there, but we can forgive. Karayans respect their rivals, we only hate those we swear to. On Lulu's body I swore that those responsible would pay, they did. And I forgave them as well."
Chris looked at Hugo "You still see it happen though, don't you?"
Hugo nodded, then after a time turned to Chris, and drew his dagger "Why don't we finish that ending, one last battle as enemies to clear those lingering spirits. With it we can finally move on to something else."
Chris looked at Hugo "Something else?"
Hugo chuckled, getting into battle stance "I will make you a deal, you beat me I will tell you, you lose, you spend your leave here."
"That seems rather one sided."
"The best you are going to get!" Hugo gave a feral grin. And Chris readied herself.
With that he darted forward, avoiding Chris' initial slash. He was unable to attack however, Chris was far better than Borus, and their blades collided. Locked together, they were eye to eye, gritting their teeth, and nearly even in strength. Chris however was slightly stronger, and had a better position so Hugo was forced back, skidding slightly and using his hand to balance himself.
During this time Chris had evaluated his style. Different than even fighters from his own village, he fought more like an animal than human, using blinding speed, and his dagger to attack weak spots on ones body. He probably learned to fight from Fubar, and it was deadly. She couldn't allow him to get close.
So the fight went on and on. Chris keeping Hugo back with her longer sword reach, and Hugo trying to get inside her range, their blades clashed a few times, but both fighters were surprisingly unharmed, aside from a few nicks on Hugo's part. It was all ended by one move.
Chris made a mistake, astounding fighter or not, small mistakes are common, one of her swings was perfect for Hugo. He used his blade to knock hers up, darting under it and inside her swing. Then using his pommel he slammed her stomach, causing an impact she felt through her armor, denting it and knocking the wind out of her. Simultaneously Chris had brought down her hand, blindingly fast, slamming into Hugo, knocking him into the ground.
Hugo managed to flip himself over, gasping and glad that she had pulled her hit, it could have broken his spine, regardless of the chain mail he routinely wore. Chris had fallen to her knees, holding her stomach, gasping as well. Hugo began to chuckle, then straight out laugh. Chris, staring down at his face found herself starting to chuckle as well.
Hugo sat up, while Chris sat down, facing him. Hugo was still grinning and chuckled occasionally, while Chris smiled and shook her head.
"Looks like a tie." Hugo began.
Chris raised her eyebrow "Well, what why don't you tell me what you meant by 'something else'."
Hugo continued to grin, getting up and kneeling next to her, looking deeply into her eyes. Chris still smiling watched him, wondering what he was going to do. Hugo then darted forward with characteristic speed, and capture Chris' lips with his own. Her eyes widened in shock. Hugo was kissing her! Unable to do more than think that, her eyes half closed at the sensation, as she unconsciously leaned into the kiss. Giving out a half moan of pleasure she was startled into action, grabbing Hugo's shoulders and pushing him away.
Looking at his face, eyes half closed as well she was stricken by sudden anger, slapping him hard. With her mailed glove the impact knocked Hugo to the ground. She was instantly contrite as Hugo sat up wincing, his face already blackening for the impact.
"Well, I suppose I should have expected that." He said, rubbing his now bruised face.
Chris winced in sympathy, bringing her hand up to his face. "Well, that was unexpected, but I shouldn't have hit you so hard." She concentrated on her rune, summoning a small amount of the icy power, feeling it wash across both of them, healing both their bodies. "But I would like to know why you did that."
"I didn't see you resisting that hard." Hugo grinned, then put up his hands in avoidance when Chris glared again. "I am attracted to you, very attracted." Hugo leaned forward toward Chris, who leaned back with a heavy blush. "And I figure that you could consider something."
"What?" Chris responded, very off balance.
"Stay for a month, relax here, see if you can consider it home. Maybe if you can, you can also consider me." Hugo leaned even closer toward Chris, who was unable to lean back anymore, trapped by his turquoise eyes. "Consider me, as a potential husband."
Chris captivated, nodded once "I may consider it."
Hugo nodded and grinned, kissing Chris' cheek briefly then jumping up. "Don't forget! And have a nice night!"
Chris still rather dazed put her hand to her cheek, and watched the night pass away, her mind confused. Her body flushed, and after some time she groaned, putting her hands in her head. She was going to have a very interesting leave.
_______________________________________________
This was the hardest part of recovering from battles, dealing with the dead. Fortunately the spell that ended the battle had revived more people than she had originally thought, without the rune they would have had maybe a fifth of the original forces left, and Percival would be dead. With the rune they had half their forces left, bad losses, but it could be much worse.
Now they had to begin the funeral for the fallen, giving them full honors. The general mood was somber, but not overwhelmingly so. The hardest part for Chris wasn't this actually, it was that tales of her actions had spread through the ranks. She was becoming deified, everyone was treating her as some sort of goddess, and it grated.
Chris had always been a religious women, and the very tribulations screamed at her. The only thing that was keeping her temper in check was actually Hugo, the ride she had with him after battle had been divine. Though she had found peace in her faith, she had also found peace in the songs of the spirits. Just remembering the wind and earth racing along with her was enough to calm the most violent irritations.
It had also been amusing, especially when Hugo began to tease those spirits. They had begun to chase him after a few strange taunts, and he had spent the rest of the ride weaving and dodging with Fubar. Chris had laughed at the sight of Hugo and Fubar dodging the invisible spirits. Hugo had explained later that he had learned how to avoid others so well by actually learning how to dodge spirits, using his hearing more than his sight.
The funeral procession was almost over, and Chris was mildly surprised that it had passed so quickly, she had been immersed in her memories so deeply she hadn't noticed the time. She sighed, one more duty to wrap up the aftereffects of the battle. She had to make a personal report to the council, and that was probably going to be insufferable.
Walking into the stables she found her white mare, saddled and ready to go. Louis had apparently anticipated this and helped accordingly. Chris spared a quick smile for the boy and mounted it, getting ready to leave. Fortunately it was a simple thing to visit the council, so she had no real need of an escort. She left Brass castle at a slow trot.
The trip was uneventful and soon she was at Vinya, leaving her horse at the barracks stables she walked through the city to the council building. As she walked she was saluted and cheered by several of the inhabitants, not surprising considering her almost mythical reputation. It was irritating, and though Chris put on a happy face for those who greeted her, she was not in the best of moods when she entered the building.
Expecting the customary wait for an audience, she waited in the chapel to cool down. This was probably one of her favorite places to be, aside from listening to the spirits, nothing could calm her down better than praying at the chapel to the goddess. Surprisingly even her new sense was silent, here even the spirits were quiet, giving a soft whisper actually reverent in nature. Chris felt herself at peace now, and was glad, she would need it for the meeting ahead. The messenger came soon, apparently they had been waiting for her, she had barely waited ten minutes.
Entering the chamber she gave the customary thanks to the goddess, and took her seat. The interrogation would begin soon, but for now they confirmed the losses. After confirming their initial reports they began.
"Lady Chris, please relate how you became engaged with the Tinto forces."
Chris folded her hands in her lap and began "We had been called out on patrol to engage and repel a scouting part of Tinto, unfortunately the force was much larger than expected, and the forces we had brought had no chance to wining the fight."
One of the members interrupted here. "Too few, what was the composition of the forces at the battle?"
"The enemy had a force of about a thousand. We had a force of two hundred men, plus three other great knight besides myself."
"What were the two others doing at this time?"
"Salome was at the castle, dealing with any duties that may come up, while Borus was in disciplinary duty."
The members seemed surprised "What was his crime?"
Chris hesitated slightly, she had to word this correctly, or there could be serious trouble "He had attacked a representative of the Karaya clan, no damage was done, but Borus needed to be disciplined."
The other members nodded, though a few of them seemed unconcerned, probably didn't consider attacking a barbarian a crime. "Please continue."
"When we realized the forces were so large we retreated to find a defensible structure, and wait for reinforcements, unfortunately we were unable to find anything remotely useful. They began to gain on us, so we found a rock gully, and dug in, it wasn't much but it was the best we could do. Our only hope was to hold on."
The members looked at each other and then back at her. "If it was as hopeless as you say, how did you survive? Does it have something to do with those rumors of a spell being cast?"
Chris nodded "While we were waiting for the enemy to attack the Flame Champion, Hugo, arrived and offered his assistance, we accepted, having little choice. When the battle was engaged, he used his fire rune to decimate several hundred soldiers, and near the end we were forced into a corner, using both of our runes we managed to cause the enemy to retreat by combining their power."
"Why didn't you do that earlier, and save half your troops?" One member said, leaning forward.
"We had no idea what would happen, true runes have almost godlike power, only limited by what we can channel. If we try to use too much, they go wild, decimating everything within several miles. Fortunately the combination healed our side, and saved those who weren't too far gone, without that we would have had even more severe casualties."
"Very well, we give our thanks to you Lady Chris, and because of such a trying battle, we are going to grant you and your knights a thirty day leave, after that time you are to return to duty."
Chris nodded and rose, placing her hand over her heart and leaving the building. The council members sat in silence for a time then spoke once more.
"Well, this was an unexpected surprise."
"Yes, very, that Lady Chris is becoming to popular for her own good."
"What are we going to do?"
"We can turn this to our favor, but for now, let us send someone to talk with that knight currently being disciplined, he may give us something better we can use. Once lady Chris is neutralized we can throw out that ridiculous peace treaty."
"Agreed."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
Did this man ever shut up? Hugo sighed, running his fingers over Fubar's feathers, being clan chief was hard yes, but dealing with this was absolute torture. This man had been speaking for the past hour about some such dispute he had with his neighbor. The most agonizing thing was that Hugo had no real way to get rid of him, he had a right to demand retribution. Fortunately he was almost done, and Hugo would be free to do some of the other duties, dull, but a lot less than this was.
Involuntarily he found his mind drifting to thoughts of Chris, she had been on his mind almost constantly these past few days. Hugo had actually taken up the mantle of Chieftainship after watching her, his mother had been delighted, but the only real reason was that neither he nor he believed Chris respected anyone who shirked their duties. He had only really decided to court her after visiting Lake, but he was already changing himself, if that didn't say he was serious, nothing did.
The annoying man had finally shut up, and Hugo was able to pronounce the verdict he had decided in the first ten minutes of the speech. With that done he was able to leave his dwelling and visit the other villagers. After a quick walk he heard something from the front entrance, it sounded like a horse. It was worth investigating.
He got the beginnings of the challenge from the guard. "State your business Zexan!"
"I am here to speak with clan chief Hugo." He recognized that voice, with a smile Hugo began to jog, stopping at the entrance.
He addressed the guard first "Didn't I tell you to allow the Silver Maiden to pass?"
The guard looked at Hugo, looking rather chastened "Forgive me, I forgot that directive."
Hugo glared, then sighed "Forgiven, but do not allow it to happen again."
Hugo then turned up to Lady Chris, giving a smile. "I am glad you came, let us take your horse to the stables, then we can talk." It had been rather amazing that she hadn't been recognized, she was in her typical armor.
Chris smiled then dismounted, leading the horse. Looking around she was surprised at the appearance of the village, having never really seen it whole. It looked primitive, with all of the furs adorning the sides of the houses, but it was surprisingly clean. The most unusual thing about it was that most of the population was outside, the houses seemed more for basic shelters, and the people worked outside.
The stables themselves were outside as well, with a low fence surrounding the horses. Since Chris' horse was a different breed, the ones occupying it currently were skittish, but hey got over it rather quickly. Hugo stayed and watched as Chris removed the girdle and other accessories adorning the animal. Once Chris was finished they began to walk around the village, Hugo pointing out several of the basic buildings.
As they walked they seemed to draw a bit of attention, several children began to follow Chris, whispering amongst themselves. Chris, rather used to people whispering ignored it, but Hugo didn't, turning around to confront the children.
"Now, that isn't very polite, " Hugo began to scold the children, "if you are curious, come over here and introduce yourselves, she won't bite." Chris realizing that Hugo had stopped turned around curious.
The children, looking like scolded puppies approached timidly, one of them approaching Chris, and giving her name. Chris smiling gently kneeled down and gave her own. After that, the others approached and gave their name as well, parading around her, looking curiously. The one who had first introduced herself looked at her hair.
"Why is your hair like that?"
Chris raised her eyebrows, rather amused. "I was born with it."
"You look pretty." The little girl responded, reaching up to touch it.
"Thank you." The children their curiosity appeased for now ran off to return to their game.
Hugo chuckled indulgently as he watched them speed off, Chris rising from her crouch. "You would make a good mother Chris."
Chris blushed, trying in vain to hide her embarrassment. "Hugo!"
Hugo chuckled once more, turning to continue the tour. However Chris had something else on her mind, remembering the children's reaction. In Zexan territory she was recognized almost immediately, and was constantly harassed, and isolated because of her fame. But here, she was rather unknown, and accepted almost immediately with Hugo's help. It was a rather welcome experience.
Hugo realizing her preoccupation allowed her thoughts to be her own, going silent as they walked. Chris took some time before she realized, and looked at Hugo questioningly. Hugo smiled and entered the head tent, Chris following.
Lucia was there, and rose, slightly surprised. She looked at Hugo questioningly, then shook it off, embracing Chris, who blushed. "Welcome Lady Chris, my son neglected to tell me you were visiting, if he had we would have organized a welcoming feast."
Chris tried to get out of the uncomfortable embrace, glaring at the chuckling Hugo, when Lucia finally let go Chris responded "You do not need to go through any trouble for me, I just came to speak with Hugo."
Lucia raised an eyebrow "Really? Regardless of that, you will have to stay the night, it is far too late for you to be going back now."
Chris nodded "Thank you for that."
Lucia nodded and exited the hut, one could hear her distantly calling for preparations for the food.
Chris still rather red from Lucia's rather enthusiastic greeting, glared at Hugo who shrugged. "My mother can be very enthusiastic about certain things."
Chris gave an exasperated sigh, "I did only need to talk to you, but I suppose spending the night would be fine. I have a months leave."
Hugo nodded, then turned to leave the hut, explaining as they went "Usually half of the village is out at any given time, so we all eat at the inn, it should be ready soon, and don't worry you will be fine."
Chris was unable to think of anything to say, and so was reduced to glaring at Hugo. He wasn't supposed to muscle her into a dinner like that!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
Fortunately the dinner hadn't been that bad, in fact it had been rather nice. While Chris had been noticed, she had actually been toasted a few times and throughout the meal everyone had been remarkably courteous. Even more surprising was that Chris had actually been able to carry on a normal discussion with Lucia, and one or two of the children had kept near her to show her the different dishes.
From the almost too spicy dishes, to the childlike antics, to Hugo's patient explanation of several aspects of Karaya culture, Chris had been made to feel welcome. Not only that she had been accepted, and it was a rather unique experience. Though she had been teased a bit by Lucia for such a formal posture at dinner.
Now though it was over, and Hugo was nowhere to be found. The inn was still lighted, but the rest of the houses were dark, and everyone had retired. Hugo however wasn't in his bed, and Chris wished to talk with him. So she went outside, assuming that he would be there.
She found him standing at a rather large rock, quiet and peaceful. Chris approached, trying not to startle him, and stood next to him. After a time Hugo spoke.
"They buried those who died near here, a Karaya tradition, with death the body is given to the earth. Lulu is somewhere under here, as are all those who died that day."
Chris bowed her head, remembering the village in worse times, it was painful after seeing how much life it had now. "I am truly sorry Hugo."
Hugo shrugged "It was war, we were being manipulated, the sting is still there, but we can forgive. Karayans respect their rivals, we only hate those we swear to. On Lulu's body I swore that those responsible would pay, they did. And I forgave them as well."
Chris looked at Hugo "You still see it happen though, don't you?"
Hugo nodded, then after a time turned to Chris, and drew his dagger "Why don't we finish that ending, one last battle as enemies to clear those lingering spirits. With it we can finally move on to something else."
Chris looked at Hugo "Something else?"
Hugo chuckled, getting into battle stance "I will make you a deal, you beat me I will tell you, you lose, you spend your leave here."
"That seems rather one sided."
"The best you are going to get!" Hugo gave a feral grin. And Chris readied herself.
With that he darted forward, avoiding Chris' initial slash. He was unable to attack however, Chris was far better than Borus, and their blades collided. Locked together, they were eye to eye, gritting their teeth, and nearly even in strength. Chris however was slightly stronger, and had a better position so Hugo was forced back, skidding slightly and using his hand to balance himself.
During this time Chris had evaluated his style. Different than even fighters from his own village, he fought more like an animal than human, using blinding speed, and his dagger to attack weak spots on ones body. He probably learned to fight from Fubar, and it was deadly. She couldn't allow him to get close.
So the fight went on and on. Chris keeping Hugo back with her longer sword reach, and Hugo trying to get inside her range, their blades clashed a few times, but both fighters were surprisingly unharmed, aside from a few nicks on Hugo's part. It was all ended by one move.
Chris made a mistake, astounding fighter or not, small mistakes are common, one of her swings was perfect for Hugo. He used his blade to knock hers up, darting under it and inside her swing. Then using his pommel he slammed her stomach, causing an impact she felt through her armor, denting it and knocking the wind out of her. Simultaneously Chris had brought down her hand, blindingly fast, slamming into Hugo, knocking him into the ground.
Hugo managed to flip himself over, gasping and glad that she had pulled her hit, it could have broken his spine, regardless of the chain mail he routinely wore. Chris had fallen to her knees, holding her stomach, gasping as well. Hugo began to chuckle, then straight out laugh. Chris, staring down at his face found herself starting to chuckle as well.
Hugo sat up, while Chris sat down, facing him. Hugo was still grinning and chuckled occasionally, while Chris smiled and shook her head.
"Looks like a tie." Hugo began.
Chris raised her eyebrow "Well, what why don't you tell me what you meant by 'something else'."
Hugo continued to grin, getting up and kneeling next to her, looking deeply into her eyes. Chris still smiling watched him, wondering what he was going to do. Hugo then darted forward with characteristic speed, and capture Chris' lips with his own. Her eyes widened in shock. Hugo was kissing her! Unable to do more than think that, her eyes half closed at the sensation, as she unconsciously leaned into the kiss. Giving out a half moan of pleasure she was startled into action, grabbing Hugo's shoulders and pushing him away.
Looking at his face, eyes half closed as well she was stricken by sudden anger, slapping him hard. With her mailed glove the impact knocked Hugo to the ground. She was instantly contrite as Hugo sat up wincing, his face already blackening for the impact.
"Well, I suppose I should have expected that." He said, rubbing his now bruised face.
Chris winced in sympathy, bringing her hand up to his face. "Well, that was unexpected, but I shouldn't have hit you so hard." She concentrated on her rune, summoning a small amount of the icy power, feeling it wash across both of them, healing both their bodies. "But I would like to know why you did that."
"I didn't see you resisting that hard." Hugo grinned, then put up his hands in avoidance when Chris glared again. "I am attracted to you, very attracted." Hugo leaned forward toward Chris, who leaned back with a heavy blush. "And I figure that you could consider something."
"What?" Chris responded, very off balance.
"Stay for a month, relax here, see if you can consider it home. Maybe if you can, you can also consider me." Hugo leaned even closer toward Chris, who was unable to lean back anymore, trapped by his turquoise eyes. "Consider me, as a potential husband."
Chris captivated, nodded once "I may consider it."
Hugo nodded and grinned, kissing Chris' cheek briefly then jumping up. "Don't forget! And have a nice night!"
Chris still rather dazed put her hand to her cheek, and watched the night pass away, her mind confused. Her body flushed, and after some time she groaned, putting her hands in her head. She was going to have a very interesting leave.