Chapter Title: Outworlder

Word Count: 1,173

Note: Because I don't want to specify every time something is being spoken in Tamaranean, italics will be used for such occasions.

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It was mid-afternoon when Navi'a knocked on Starfire's door to alert the princess of an arriving outworlder. While Starfire was unsurprised to see Robin on the ship's gangway, it filled her heart with worry.

"You should not be here." Starfire reprimanded him as she walked onto the gangway.

"I needed to see that you were okay." Robin insisted with open palms.

"I will accompany you back to Earth," Starfire directed.

"I'm staying here. Maybe just for a day or two, but I'm not leaving you until I see the situation for myself." Robin stubbornly asserted.

Starfire sighed at him. He had no idea what kind of danger he may be putting himself in, but she knew he would be relentless in demanding to stay.

She turned to the guards, "We are married on Earth. Galfore has blessed the union. He is permitted in my quarters and he may touch me as he pleases."

"If you can prove Galfore offered blessings, then I will allow it." The head guard responded.

Starfire gave a curt nod and motioned for Robin and the head guard to follow her. She was lucky her k'norfka had left a series of documents to help her should he pass, one of which was a written blessing on royal parchment. Whether he did this as an accessory to the current predicament or a nicety in blessing a potential future union she was uncertain, but it would help just the same.

The guard walked between them, keeping Robin from getting close to the princess which did not go unnoticed by the perceptive human.

"One moment please." Starfire declared holding up a singular finger to additionally convey this information to Robin.

While she could have brought them both into her quarters, she was unwilling to share the knowledge of Galfore's log with anyone but Robin. She retrieved the parchment piece she needed and handed it to the guard.

"So it is. Very well princess. I will instruct the staff on this development." The guard nodded leaving the pair alone outside of Starfire's quarters.

"What was that about?" Robin asked curiously when the guard was far enough down the hallway and they were securely shut in Starfire's room.

"Now you are permitted to touch me. I had to show the grand ruler had blessed the relationship." Starfire explained carefully leaving out the marriage part. That would only serve to unnerve Robin. Starfire smiled in relief as her spreading this rumor also served as a protective measure to ensure no competitors would declare their love or propose to her during the tournament.

He embraced her readily, realizing the long space flight had left him eager for companionship.

"I was worried about you." Robin admitted sheepishly.

"It is too dangerous. You should not be here." Starfire urged, her face contorted with worry.

"Too dangerous? Star, I thought this was just a competition to see who the interim ruler would be. You told me it was fine." Robin worriedly snapped.

"Galfore's death was sudden and unlikely to be of natural causes." Starfire clinically explained. It would not serve her to get emotional about the matter, no matter how much grief she felt at losing her dear k'norfka.

"You think someone murdered him?"

"I suspect as much, yes."

"Why didn't you say something?"

"I did not wish for you to put yourself in danger; my people can kill you with little effort. You must now return to Earth. I fear what may happen if I cannot protect you."

"You realize I'm not going anywhere, right? Especially now."

While it was meant to be a declaration of camaraderie, she could not help the overwhelming sense of dread that filled the pit of her stomach.

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The tournament opened with a moonset ceremony. Thirty competitors entered the arena, eighteen female and twelve male, and all fierce looking warriors, with well earned scars on display.

"Our females tend to be our more fearsome fighters." Starfire whispered to Robin as the arena filled.

"Given what I've seen from you, I don't doubt that." Robin grinned in response.

Robin was seated at her side in what appeared to be a sporting box closest to the arena. The earned points and Starfire's evaluation would be weighed in equal parts so it was important her vantage point be the best possible one.

"So what happens now?" Robin asked curiously.

"The tournament is comprised of many rounds, the two competitors with the lowest scores at the end of each round will be ejected from participation. They are no longer able to challenge whomever from this assortment is chosen as the interim grand ruler as a point of order – our leader cannot always be the fiercest fighter, but must also possess diplomacy, litigation knowledge, and leadership abilities." Starfire explained. "The remaining two competitors will fight to the death to claim the throne."

"It all sounds good until the end, which seems a bit barbaric." Robin shuddered.

"It is only the final round. While I do not particularly approve of that end, it is a longstanding part of Tamaran's history. We do not often keep a grand ruler for very long unless it is times of peace." Starfire shook her head sadly thinking of her own parent's loss.

Robin grabbed her hand as a small comfort, noticing the pointed glare a few of the guards shot his way as he touched her. Guess he'd just have to get used to that.

"If you were to be grand ruler, would you have to do such a thing?" Robin asked her.

"No. My status ensures that if I wanted the crown, I could rightfully have it, however it is because I do not wish to take the crown, and Blackfire cannot, that the tournament must be adhered to."

They took in the opening ceremony with veneration though Robin understood little of the spoken parts. All competitors were asked to declare their loyalty to Tamaran and promise to protect and serve should they be chosen as the interim grand ruler. Robin spent more time observing the curious group of fighters, one of whom stood out for the wrapped bandages that extended all across his face masking all facial features except his green eyes. Starfire seemed unbothered by the bandages so maybe it was just Robin's paranoia. Either way he made a mental note and planned to ask her about it later.

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At the end of the ceremony they were walked to her quarters by several members of the guard. Now that the tournament had started, it was imperative that the guard keep an eye on the princess should a competitor try anything underhanded. The guard sealed the door to Starfire's quarters after she and Robin entered the room.

"Um...Starfire," Robin nervously spoke.

"Yes?"

Curious, unblinking green eyes set upon him.

"We just started dating...It's kind of awkward to be sharing a room." Robin blushed.

"Given the circumstances, I do not wish you to be away from me unless you are returning to Earth and even then I would accompany you to ensure safe travel. The risks are much too high right now." Starfire shrugged indifferently.

He nodded while the red on his face refused to dissipate.

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Review if you'd like.

-FWFT