Flowers and Stone

Mara stood upon the end of the dock carefully watching the horizon for the afternoon ship from Mithas, a summer breeze making her red and gold dress billow about her ankles. It had been two weeks since Marz had departed for Mithas and today was the first of his four-day leave, which he had decided to spend with her. Of course she had told her brothers that she was heading out to do some shopping. She hated having to lie to them but she knew that they would not understand, especially Kalas.

She had thought of Marz often since he had departed and she could hardly wait to see him again. At night she had lain awake thinking about him and remembering how his body had felt and her heart full of longing. She was curtain now that she loved him; all she needed now was the right moment to tell him. As the ship appeared on the horizon she felt her heart leap joyfully and she smiled. It was not a grand vessel in any sense, just a simple double mastted ferry, but to Mara it could have been the grandest of galleons just because of whom it had aboard.

He stood upon the bow; both hands on the rail, strong and proud even with out his military uniform. He wore a simple white shirt, a tan leather kilt, black boots, a red sash tied about his waist and a pack slung over his right shoulder. His war scythe was, as she had expected strapped to his back. Soldiers, she had come to notice, were never with out their weapons, even when they had time to them selves, not that she minded. He smiled at her and waved as the ship neared the dock, she returned it. The ship pulled in and she turned to watch the dockworkers tied it off and lowered the gangway before going to meet him.

Marz thanked the captain before turning to walk down the gangway. Reaching the dock he bowed to Mara, took hold of one of her hands, and pressed it to his lips.

"It gladdens my heart to see you again Mara"

"And mine to see you Marz" hearing her say his name again sent a thrill through his body and he smiled. He straitened and did a half turn.

"Well? What do you think of them?"

"Of what?"

"My civilian cloths. I don't get many chances to wear them. So what do you think?" Mara laughed lightly.

"And there are those who say women are vain" she took hold of his hand again. "I think you look even more handsome then the last time we met captain"

"Captain? I'm not on duty. For the nest four days I am Marz, a common, ordinary man. And you" he paused for a moment and took her other hand as his eyes roamed up and down her body, He grinned, "Are my extraordinarily beautiful escort"

"Escort? Me?"

"Of course, after all I am still very much a stranger here. I don't even know where there is a decent room for me to rent. You'll have to show me around" Mara chuckled.

"Alright there's a pleasant but affordable Inn in the market area. How does that sound?"

"I'd say that sounds like a good place to start. Lead the way Mara" she nodded, dropping one of his hands and holding fast to the other wile they walked up the dock to the road and then right to the market.

* * *

Once Marz had paid for and settled into his room he and Mara walked back out into the street.

"Where to now Mara?"

"Did you eat on the ferry?" Marz scratched the back of his neck.

"I tried to avoid that actually. See I've found that with me, food and boats just don't mix well. Have you? Eaten that is?"

"Just a light breakfast at home. It's getting on to the lunch hour so we could go eat if you like. I know a very nice restaurant not far from here" Marz smiled.

"It settled then. You lead and I'll follow" Mara returned his smile and the two started up the street.

"By the way did you tell your brothers you were coming to meet me?" Mara blushed.

"Well…not exactly. I told them I was coming here to do some shopping"

"Won't they get suspicious?"

"Not unless I'm not home by sun down. See they won't be home for a lager portion of the day since they'll be out at the farms. That's what they do when their not fighting for the Imperial League, they do work around the farms for what ever the farmers can afford to pay"

"That's very honorable of them" Mara smiled.

"It is and they are. I don't like having to lie to them about seeing you but Kalas would never let me leave the house if he knew"

"You will not have to forever. When the time is right they we will both tell them" Marz smiled at her and they continued onward.

The Farmers Way was small but cozy and located wear the afternoon crowds were their thickest, between one of the many grocers and a flower shop. They took a table near the front right hand window and were soon approached by a young waitress.

"Afternoon" she said while handing them two menus. "Can I get you something to drink while you decide?"

"An ale for me please" said Marz.

"And you miss?"

"Just orange juice please"

"All right I'll have those for you in just a few minuets. Take your time" she departed to the kitchen and the two looked over the menus.

"Is there anything that you would recommend?"

"Well the smoked ham is nice but I would recommend the mutton. They're seasoning is amazing. In fact that's what I'm having" Marz smiled and set his menu down.

"In that case I shall take your word for it Mara and let you order for the both of us" the waitress returned then with their drinks, a loaf of bread and a small plate of butter.

"Ready to order?"

"Yes, we'll have two plates of mutton please," said Mara.

"Potatoes spiced or mashed?"

"Spiced please"

"Right have that for you as soon as possible, enjoy the bread"

"Thank you" she made her way back to the kitchen and Marz and Mara helped themselves to the bread and butter.

"What was your father like Marz?" the black Minotaur shrugged.

"What are most soldiers like? Strong and at times far too proud for his own good. He was one victory away from being a general when he died defending a wounded man. I was fifteen and set to take the trials with in the year. He was a good man and there were some who said I had gotten into the army on his reputation alone. My skill with this soon put a stop to that though" he placed a hand upon his war scythe, which was now leaning against the table.

"And your mother?"

"She grew tea at sold it in the market. While my father lived it was just a hobby. When he died it became a way to get a little extra money in until I started earning good pay. She died of fever and left me with the house to my self. Can be rather lonely" he smiled suddenly, "Even with friends, comrades in arms mostly, popping in and out as often as they please to ask me out to drinks" Mara chuckled and took a drink of her orange juice.

"Well your turn. I've heard all about your brothers but I don't know anything of your parents" Mara's smile faded and she looked down at the table.

"There is not much to tell. My father was also a soldier. He was murdered when I was just a baby so I don't remember much about him. My mother had to stay home to take care of me so Kalas and Khurn first started working upon the farms till they were old enough to begin training. When she died, about ten years ago now, we were all old enough to take care of our selves and that's what we've been doing. If you want more details about father you will have to ask either Kalas or Khurn" Marz sighed and shook his head.

"I'm sorry Mara"

"Don't be it was a long time ago"

"I am still sorry none the less"

"Here you go sorry for the wait," said the waitress as she set their plates before them, cutting off what Mara had been about to say.

"Quite alright, what do we owe you?" asked Marz as he reached for his purse.

"Two silver and four"

"Here's three, keep the extra for your self" he winked at her.

"Thank you sir, enjoy" she bowed and went to attend to the other customers. The two ate in silence. For Marz, who was used to keeping his peace while he ate, it was natural. But for Mara, it felt awkward and empty even with the noise of the almost full restaurant. She ate slowly trying to think of something to say but finding nothing. Should she tell him now? Was this the right time?

"Penny for your thoughts?" his voice broke her concentration and she smiled sheepishly.

"I was just. Well I want to ask you, well tell you actually. I" she stopped. The words failed her. She knew what she wanted to say but it wouldn't come. Not here, not now.

"Ask me what? Is something the matter?"

"No not at all. I wanted to ask…what do you do? I mean when you have leave from your duty's" she cursed her self inwardly for being unable to say what she really wanted and for asking what must have sounded like a rather ridiculous question. Marz smiled at her and took a drink of his ale before answering.

"Well when I'm not enjoying the company of a beautiful woman I usually spend time with friends. Or if there is a tournament on I'll sign my self up for it. If there aren't any I stay at home and…well I make things. Like this" he held up his mug.

"You're a silver smith?" he nodded.

"That's right. I've had an interest in it ever since I was old enough to be allowed near a forge. I want it to be my trade once I get out of the army" he pushed his empty plate a side and took another drink of ale.

"Get out?" Mara had never heard anyone say that before. She had not been aware that the army was something you could get out of. It was Marz's turn to look sheepish.

"Don't get me wrong. I know that as captain I have responsibilities that men below me wish they had and that men above me wish they had less of. Serving the emperor, and protecting my homeland is an honor. But Sargonnas knows how many battles I've fought and how many scars my body now bears as a sum total of the price of my honor. I would accept a death like to that that befell my father but I would regret it deeply" his eyes became far away then as he stared into his mug. "The army has given me more friends then I need, authority, an iron will, respect and honor but the one thing I really want is the one thing it cannot give me. Not to keep anyway" he smiled genuinely. "But the life of a silver smith might be able to" Mara's heart was beating fast, though she did not know quite why. These words had been said with a confidence and tenderness that had not been born from the heart of a soldier but from the heart of a man who was searching for, what everyone searches for, someone to share his life with. Noticing her silence Marz chuckled.

"Sorry I was rambling wasn't I? You probably think I'm foolish"

"No it's alright and no not at all. I think a person should do what ever he or she wants in life and that if you know what you want you should take it" he smiled at her again and a light that she was certain had not been there before appeared in his eyes.

"I'm glad you think so" she returned his smile and ate the last of her meal.

Once they had paid for their food and drinks the two walked back out into the street.

"Where to now?" asked Marz as he took hold of her hand. Before she could answer a voice rose above the crowd that had suddenly gathered down the street.

"All challengers welcome! Defeat the strongest swords man that ever lived and win ten gold pieces. An easier fortune you'll never find" Marz looked to Mara.

"Why don't we go see what all the noise is about?" Mara nodded and the two made their way toward the crowd. In the center of it stood two men. The one, a businessman by the looks of him, was dressed in a studded vest, black wool kilt, and a gold chain hung about his waist. The second was taller even then Marz, at about six foot nine inches. He wore leather armor and carried a broad sword. One of his eyes was milky white and he stood still as if he were made of stone. So far none had stepped forward. Marz side glanced at Mara, winked and began pushing his way through the crowd.

"I'll take your challenge" the businessman smiled.

"At last a man with guts and already armed. Question is do you know how to use it or is it just for show?" Marz sniffed and pulled the scythe from his back. He spun it three times in a cercal around him and then over his head before bringing it in a sweeping arch toward the businessman, stopping just short of his neck. The other Minotaur licked his lips nervously.

"Well there is my question answered" laughter rippled through the crowd and Marz stepped back, resting the butt of his weapon on the ground.

"Right well the rules are simple the first man to draw his opponents blood wins. Good luck" he hurried then to the edge of the crowd as the armored Minotaur turned to face Marz, sword at the ready. Marz hefted his scythe and the two began circling. Having the skilled mind of a battle tested warrior it did not take long for Marz to calculate his opponent's skill and strength, as he was certain his opponent had also already done. Judging by the way he held the sword he did indeed know how to use it. But knowing how to use something and being skilled at it were two entirely different things and there was only one way to judge the later. He swept his scythe up left, his opponent blocked and reversed the strike, driving the scythe's blade into the dirt and leaving Marz open to a heavy kick to the chest. The force of the blow caused the black Minotaur to lose his grip upon his weapon and sent him back a good meter and a half. The armored swordsman didn't wait for Marz to get his wind. He lunged forward, sword whistling in a wide arch aimed for Marz's head. Marz ducked, rolled, snatched up his scythe and swung for his opponents back. Again the blow was caught, the armored swords man placing his weapon across his back and forcing the scythe blade away. Marz regained his footing and the two squared off again.

Calling this man a strong swordsman had been no idle boast. Marz had never fought anyone like him, except perhaps his uncle, but he was a general, and this man, though skilled, did not look nor act the part. He had tested his strengths now it was time to play his weaknesses. His blind right eye, he would never see an attack coming from that angle. A smile turned Marz's lips ever so slightly as a plan formed in his head. His opponent advanced. Marz faked right, aiming for the shoulder. The sword came up to block the blow and Marz went left, reversing the blade and striking a heavy blow to his opponent's head with the butt end of his weapon. The swordsman fell, a thin line of blood running from a deep cut above his right eyebrow, dripping into his sightless eye.

"Well looks like we have a winner" the businessman stepped forward and handed a leather bag to Marz. "Ten gold pieces, you've earned them"

"I'll say he has" this from the fallen swords man who slowly made his way back to his feet. "That's the first time I've had a decent fight. What's your name? Mines Darius"

"Marz, its an honor" he held forward his hand, Darius took it.

"The honor is mine. Don't spend that money all in one place" Darius smiled, Marz returned it.

"No fear of that Darius. And by all means if you ever find your self in Mithas pay me a visit. Just ask anyone and they'll tell you where my house is"

"You can count on it. Fare well" Marz reliced Darius's hand and bowed.

"Fare well" he strapped his war scythe to his back before turning and walking to where Mara was waiting. Once they were free of the crowd she turned to him.

"Ten gold pieces what are we going to do with so much money?"

"Well I have one idea but you have to close your eyes first and" he walked to the door of the flower shop. "Stand right here" she raised an eyebrow and he smiled. "I won't be long, please?" she returned his smile and closed her eyes. He went into the shop and was back moments later.

"Ok you can open your eyes now" she did so and in his hands he held a bouquet of a dozen pearl white roses.

"Oh Marz, their beautiful"

"I thought you would like them. Roses were made for beautiful women like you" she took the flowers from him and held them to her nose. Their sweet smell surrounded her and she sighed.

"Thank you" she looked up at him and gasped slightly for she had not noticed how close he had been standing to her. His eyes were so deep and the sent of the roses had her move a few steps closer to him. He leaned down, hesitated for a moment, and then pressed his lips to her's. Her first kiss, it was not what she had imagined, it was better. It was over too soon as Marz pulled away to look into her eyes.

"Do we have time for dinner?" she nodded.

"Yes, plenty of time"

"Let us go then" he stepped back and offered his arm to her. She looped her right arm with his left and the two started back down the street.

* * *

After dinner they wandered down to the docks to walk along the beach. Upon reaching its far end Mara stopped and turned to him.

"If I want to be home before sun set I had better go" Marz nodded.

"Alright" he walked her to the stables near the edge of town where she had left her wagon. After paying the stable master she turned to Marz and smiled.

"I'll meet you here same time tomorrow alright?" he returned her smile and kissed her.

"Alright" now, it had to be now. She threw her arms around his neck and whispered.

"I love you" momentarily surprised he stood with his arms at his sides. Once this subsided he wrapped his arms tightly around her.

"I love you too" they shared another kiss, longer then the first two. Neither of them wanted it to end but time was running out. They let go of each other slowly.

"Until tomorrow" said Marz as Mara climbed into the driver's seat of the wagon. She smiled at him and nodded.

"Tomorrow" she flicked the reigns then and was away. Marz watched her till she disappeared around a bend, at which point he turned and started down the road back toward the Inn.