A/N-Wow, this is the longest time that I have not updated one story. (I did
update living on Earth.) So, prepare yourself for a long one Mon faithful
reader. ^o_o^ P.S. I have finally begun writing from Noorlin's point of
view. Enjoy!
Chapter Five: They finally meet.
Forlay if I may speak to you. Kalafid said when Forlay and Binald had returned to the scoop.
I know Mother. Forlay told her softly.
How? Kalafid asked surprised.
I have my ways she said simply and shared a secret smile with her shorm.
I am sorry I did not tell you before, your father and I meant to tell you when we...when the time.. Kalafid stumbled over her words.
When you could be sure I could not bolt. Forlay said bluntly. She saw the slightly hurt expression on her mother's face and decided to soften her words. You both knew I like my freedom, but I have matured over these last few months. I have decided to fulfill my facial obligation and will accept Noorlin-Sirinial-Coorat as my husband.
Pride and relief swept over Kalafid. She reached over to press her tail blade against Forlay's. She placed her hands on Forlay's shoulders.
You do not know how happy this makes me. Kalafid told Forlay.
I can imangine. Forlay answered and forced herself to mimic Kalafid's smile even though she felt ill inside. She looked over her mother's shoulder and saw Bianld smiling smugly at her. They both knew there was no way she could get out of it now.
***************************The last day before Noorlin's arrival was spent cleaning out the small scoop. A family usually has two scoops on their property. The large scoop was the ancestral home and belonged to the oldest married couple, and was used to entertain guests. The small scoop was smaller than the large scoop and lacked a lodge large enough to hold guests, and belonged to the children and their spouses of the couple in the large scoop. In tradition, the youngest son moved in with his wife's family. Which was why Apalth's small scoop had to be cleaned, the scoop had not been used since his own parents used it as newlyweds, and had become overgrown.
The project took all day, cutting down the five-foot grass, repairing all of the holes in the plex of the lodge, and repairing the main computer. Vanart gave himself quite a few good shocks doing this, and looked like a Hoober with his fluffy fur by the end of the day. After they had all performed the evening ritual together, and then a ritual for the happiness of the marriage between Forlay and Noorlin, Forlay pulled Apalth to the side and vehemently thanked him for the use of his small scoop even she was not his child.
Your praise is not necessary Forlay. He had replied. It is part of my duty of being Kalafid's husband that I should view her children as my own.
Then she shocked him by quickly pressing her tail blade against his, before answering Binald's calls by running over to her. It was the first sign of affection she had ever shown him.
*********************Forlay shuttered, she had not slept at all last night despite her exertions of yesterday. The sun was now spreading its first rays in the east the day had now begun. Today was the day Noorlin would arrive and Forlay must face her anxieties. She had tried to imagine what he might be like. Kalafid had shown her the message he had sent, and he was attractive, but she knew nothing of his personality. Surely if her parents had arranged this match, they were compatible. She watched a family of hoobers, the offspring were rolling down the side of the scoop while the mother watched calmly, nibbling on a deerf berry. 'I may be doing the same thing within a year's time.' Forlay realized, and shuttered again.
***********************Noorlin sighed; he shifted his weight and stretched his tail slightly. He had been unable to move his legs for about two hours. The driver of the public transport was speeding, going faster than the standard 2000 G, but Noorlin wished he would go even faster. He knew the blood was pooling in his hooves.
He looked over at his father who was standing just as stiffly as he was. His mother was too ill to travel to her own son's wedding. It pained him even more than perhaps his own father to leave her in such a state. It could be as long as two years before he saw her again, and it was doubtful she would survive that long. However, he had agreed to marry Forlay before his mother had fallen ill, and they all knew he must fulfill his obligation.
He was nervous, the last time he had seen Forlay was when she had been small enough to walk underneath her mother. (Who was rather pretty if he remembered correctly.) When Noorlin had been an aristh on the Moon of Wilk and her father had been his Prince. Never had he thought within five years time he would be taking her as his bride. He had been pleased that Prince Elthiren had thought of him for his daughter, he had been a mentor to him over the years since his own father was rather ignorant of the military. He was saddened that the Prince had succumbed to the Volla virus that would ravage the Moon of Wilk every once in awhile. Elthiren had been good to him, and had looked forward to being his son in-law. It was one comfort, because Noorlin was slightly worried that Forlay's parents had found it necessary to find a husband. She was probably either ugly or a huge pain in the ass, or Noorlin would get lucky and he was just what her parents wanted for her. However, he was not sure whether that was good.
The public transport lurched to a stop, nearly throwing Noorlin into a nastily scarred male in front of him.
Oh, good we are here. His father said. Come on, it is never a good idea to keep in-laws waiting. Noorlin groaned a little at the stiffness in his legs, and grabbed his small bag of possessions that was at his leg, and followed his father out into the bright rising sun.
****************They are coming! Just saw them on the ridge! Vanart announced in a rather singsong voice as he cantered up to Kalafid and Forlay. He had become the unannounced look out for the day, and had done his job well; Kalafid had time to give her daughter some last minute instructions.
You are to stand up straight, you will not respond to any of his questions with a smartass response, no faces, and you will accept any invitations of his, except the ones that will make me a grandmother. Have I made myself clear?
Yes. Forlay said, she rolled her eyes; this was the same talk her parents would give her when she was young when their friends would come over.
And do not roll your eyes, and this goes for all present. Kalafid finished, giving their guests a look.
All right, we will not roll our eyes. Binald said quickly, grinning.
Before Kalafid could reprimand her, Apalth greeted the figures moving towards them. Welcome! I am Apalth-Sarnal-Tomass, and this is my wife Kalafid-Erdif-Lilan.
And I am Noorlin-Sirinial-Coorat, and this is my father, Sartol-Firet- Eluim. Noorlin answered. He looked at the small company about him. He recognized one as the older brother, but the other young male he did not, and Kalafid seemed not to be present. He assumed the rather cocky female was Forlay since she was the only female present. She was much plumper, and had not grown as tall as he thought she would, but five years had passed. In addition, he thought she looked rather cute.
It is very nice to finally meet you Forlay. He said to her.
Um, I am not Forlay. she corrected. I am Binald.
Forlay was actually hiding in the lodge. Kalafid had pulled her out of her original hiding place behind the computer. Please, Mother I no longer want to. she begged.
You cannot not want to do something if you have never tried it and I know Forlay you have not tried. My own marriage was arranged, and my husband turned out to be the love of my life. Do you not want the same? Kalafid attempted to reason with her.
No. Forlay answered simply, and began inching back towards behind the computer.
Too bad, because you are not shaming me. Kalafid answered sharply and grabbed Forlay's eyestalks and one ear and steered her back out to the scoop. Ignoring her protests and the fact that she kept digging her hooves into the ground.
That is Forlay. Binald said when Kalafid had dragged her from inside the Lodge.
It is nice to finally meet you Forlay. He repeated after Kalafid had released her.
Hello. Forlay answered, rubbing her ear, and avoiding even looking at him. She was so nervous; she knew she would become ill if she looked at him. Noorlin cocked his head in confusion; he had never thought that she might be terribly odd. At least she was beautiful, and the grass here was delicious.
You are very lovely. he complimented, and took a step forward.
Forlay grumbled a response; she was pleased, it would be better if she could look at him. Noorlin felt dread rising in him, this was not going very well. 'You must face him, be sensible, you cannot live the rest of your life with your head turned. 'Forlay thought to herself. She looked upon his face, saw that he was taller that her by about a head, and then all of her stress caught up with her. She expelled the morning and evening grass with a loud retching sound.
**********Time to review! How is my latest chapter? ****************
Chapter Five: They finally meet.
Forlay if I may speak to you. Kalafid said when Forlay and Binald had returned to the scoop.
I know Mother. Forlay told her softly.
How? Kalafid asked surprised.
I have my ways she said simply and shared a secret smile with her shorm.
I am sorry I did not tell you before, your father and I meant to tell you when we...when the time.. Kalafid stumbled over her words.
When you could be sure I could not bolt. Forlay said bluntly. She saw the slightly hurt expression on her mother's face and decided to soften her words. You both knew I like my freedom, but I have matured over these last few months. I have decided to fulfill my facial obligation and will accept Noorlin-Sirinial-Coorat as my husband.
Pride and relief swept over Kalafid. She reached over to press her tail blade against Forlay's. She placed her hands on Forlay's shoulders.
You do not know how happy this makes me. Kalafid told Forlay.
I can imangine. Forlay answered and forced herself to mimic Kalafid's smile even though she felt ill inside. She looked over her mother's shoulder and saw Bianld smiling smugly at her. They both knew there was no way she could get out of it now.
***************************The last day before Noorlin's arrival was spent cleaning out the small scoop. A family usually has two scoops on their property. The large scoop was the ancestral home and belonged to the oldest married couple, and was used to entertain guests. The small scoop was smaller than the large scoop and lacked a lodge large enough to hold guests, and belonged to the children and their spouses of the couple in the large scoop. In tradition, the youngest son moved in with his wife's family. Which was why Apalth's small scoop had to be cleaned, the scoop had not been used since his own parents used it as newlyweds, and had become overgrown.
The project took all day, cutting down the five-foot grass, repairing all of the holes in the plex of the lodge, and repairing the main computer. Vanart gave himself quite a few good shocks doing this, and looked like a Hoober with his fluffy fur by the end of the day. After they had all performed the evening ritual together, and then a ritual for the happiness of the marriage between Forlay and Noorlin, Forlay pulled Apalth to the side and vehemently thanked him for the use of his small scoop even she was not his child.
Your praise is not necessary Forlay. He had replied. It is part of my duty of being Kalafid's husband that I should view her children as my own.
Then she shocked him by quickly pressing her tail blade against his, before answering Binald's calls by running over to her. It was the first sign of affection she had ever shown him.
*********************Forlay shuttered, she had not slept at all last night despite her exertions of yesterday. The sun was now spreading its first rays in the east the day had now begun. Today was the day Noorlin would arrive and Forlay must face her anxieties. She had tried to imagine what he might be like. Kalafid had shown her the message he had sent, and he was attractive, but she knew nothing of his personality. Surely if her parents had arranged this match, they were compatible. She watched a family of hoobers, the offspring were rolling down the side of the scoop while the mother watched calmly, nibbling on a deerf berry. 'I may be doing the same thing within a year's time.' Forlay realized, and shuttered again.
***********************Noorlin sighed; he shifted his weight and stretched his tail slightly. He had been unable to move his legs for about two hours. The driver of the public transport was speeding, going faster than the standard 2000 G, but Noorlin wished he would go even faster. He knew the blood was pooling in his hooves.
He looked over at his father who was standing just as stiffly as he was. His mother was too ill to travel to her own son's wedding. It pained him even more than perhaps his own father to leave her in such a state. It could be as long as two years before he saw her again, and it was doubtful she would survive that long. However, he had agreed to marry Forlay before his mother had fallen ill, and they all knew he must fulfill his obligation.
He was nervous, the last time he had seen Forlay was when she had been small enough to walk underneath her mother. (Who was rather pretty if he remembered correctly.) When Noorlin had been an aristh on the Moon of Wilk and her father had been his Prince. Never had he thought within five years time he would be taking her as his bride. He had been pleased that Prince Elthiren had thought of him for his daughter, he had been a mentor to him over the years since his own father was rather ignorant of the military. He was saddened that the Prince had succumbed to the Volla virus that would ravage the Moon of Wilk every once in awhile. Elthiren had been good to him, and had looked forward to being his son in-law. It was one comfort, because Noorlin was slightly worried that Forlay's parents had found it necessary to find a husband. She was probably either ugly or a huge pain in the ass, or Noorlin would get lucky and he was just what her parents wanted for her. However, he was not sure whether that was good.
The public transport lurched to a stop, nearly throwing Noorlin into a nastily scarred male in front of him.
Oh, good we are here. His father said. Come on, it is never a good idea to keep in-laws waiting. Noorlin groaned a little at the stiffness in his legs, and grabbed his small bag of possessions that was at his leg, and followed his father out into the bright rising sun.
****************They are coming! Just saw them on the ridge! Vanart announced in a rather singsong voice as he cantered up to Kalafid and Forlay. He had become the unannounced look out for the day, and had done his job well; Kalafid had time to give her daughter some last minute instructions.
You are to stand up straight, you will not respond to any of his questions with a smartass response, no faces, and you will accept any invitations of his, except the ones that will make me a grandmother. Have I made myself clear?
Yes. Forlay said, she rolled her eyes; this was the same talk her parents would give her when she was young when their friends would come over.
And do not roll your eyes, and this goes for all present. Kalafid finished, giving their guests a look.
All right, we will not roll our eyes. Binald said quickly, grinning.
Before Kalafid could reprimand her, Apalth greeted the figures moving towards them. Welcome! I am Apalth-Sarnal-Tomass, and this is my wife Kalafid-Erdif-Lilan.
And I am Noorlin-Sirinial-Coorat, and this is my father, Sartol-Firet- Eluim. Noorlin answered. He looked at the small company about him. He recognized one as the older brother, but the other young male he did not, and Kalafid seemed not to be present. He assumed the rather cocky female was Forlay since she was the only female present. She was much plumper, and had not grown as tall as he thought she would, but five years had passed. In addition, he thought she looked rather cute.
It is very nice to finally meet you Forlay. He said to her.
Um, I am not Forlay. she corrected. I am Binald.
Forlay was actually hiding in the lodge. Kalafid had pulled her out of her original hiding place behind the computer. Please, Mother I no longer want to. she begged.
You cannot not want to do something if you have never tried it and I know Forlay you have not tried. My own marriage was arranged, and my husband turned out to be the love of my life. Do you not want the same? Kalafid attempted to reason with her.
No. Forlay answered simply, and began inching back towards behind the computer.
Too bad, because you are not shaming me. Kalafid answered sharply and grabbed Forlay's eyestalks and one ear and steered her back out to the scoop. Ignoring her protests and the fact that she kept digging her hooves into the ground.
That is Forlay. Binald said when Kalafid had dragged her from inside the Lodge.
It is nice to finally meet you Forlay. He repeated after Kalafid had released her.
Hello. Forlay answered, rubbing her ear, and avoiding even looking at him. She was so nervous; she knew she would become ill if she looked at him. Noorlin cocked his head in confusion; he had never thought that she might be terribly odd. At least she was beautiful, and the grass here was delicious.
You are very lovely. he complimented, and took a step forward.
Forlay grumbled a response; she was pleased, it would be better if she could look at him. Noorlin felt dread rising in him, this was not going very well. 'You must face him, be sensible, you cannot live the rest of your life with your head turned. 'Forlay thought to herself. She looked upon his face, saw that he was taller that her by about a head, and then all of her stress caught up with her. She expelled the morning and evening grass with a loud retching sound.
**********Time to review! How is my latest chapter? ****************