Authors Note: My apologies for the LONG wait for the update. You'll be please to know i'm already halfway through the next chapter. SO the wait won't be as long. RL got in the way as I became ill and was diagnosed with a lovely chronic illness. :( Sorry for the wait.

Historical Notes:

Tacticus said "In the assembly it is allowed to present accusations, and to prosecute capital offences. Punishments vary according to the quality of the crime. Traitors and deserters they hang upon trees. Cowards, and sluggards, and unnatural prostitutes they smother in mud and bogs under an heap of hurdles. Such diversity in their executions has this view, that in punishing of glaring iniquities, it behoves likewise to display them to sight; but effeminacy and pollution must be buried and concealed"

Male homosexuality while married was consider a grave error, and along with other forms of adultry. If someone was accused of anything, it would be done in the assembly.
There arent any notes I found on courtship rituals so I just guessed.

On to the story...

Chapter Seven

449 A.D.

Chatti Villiage

West of the Wesser River

The two women watched as the sharpened framm flew pass its intended target for the fourth time and lodged itself into the bark of a nearby tree. It was the second tree to be hit, along with the ground and a nearby small animal that neither Jane nor Maura wanted to recall.

"Have you been taking lessons from me when it comes to throwing a framm?" Maura asked with a grin. "Or is this a new method I'm just now seeing."

"Oh hush," Jane exhaled. Maura was picking up sarcasm much better these days. "I got zero sleep last night and I can't seem to get rid of this nervous energy." The warrior regretted her words the instant they came out, knowing that her friend would not stop until she got an accurate diagnosis.

"Jane!" the blonde said rushing over from her safety area to where Jane stood. "Why didn't you sleep? You should have told me, there are some drinks that we can use to make it easier to relax." Jane tugged her face away from the blonde's hands which were running along her cheeks and under her eyes, inspecting the dark circles.

"Maura stop! I'm fine!" Jane backed up several feet from the Greek woman, feeling her skin burn where Maura's hands had been. Despite the fact it was a familiar routine every time Jane said she wasn't feeling well or was tired, this time Maura's very touch brought back sensations that Jane had only experienced in her dream.

"Why are you so grumpy? Did you forget to eat? That might explain your listlessness and lack of concentration and aim. If your body is running off of stored energy it won't have extra to expend on…"

"Maura!" Jane growled then picked up her sword and threw the weapon straight ahead, hitting the wooden target and breaking through to the other side. "I'm fine," the warrior growled and stomped off to retrieve her weapons. Jane caught a glimpse of the blonde's face as she stormed off and immediately felt a familiar ache rise in her chest. Maura was biting her bottom lip and there was no doubt that the look on her face was one of someone fighting back tears. It wasn't her fault that Jane was having difficulty this morning. Well…actually…no no it wasn't her fault, despite the blonde's suggestion yesterday. Get a grip Jane!

The warrior exhaled shaking her shoulders as she placed her sword back on her hip and extracted the framm from the nearby tree. She didn't want to take her stress out on Maura, but unfortunately there was no one else ever around. It seems everyone except Maura knew when to keep a wide berth due to her complex moods. Franco, Thomas, and even her Ma knew when to take a step back and let her cool off, but not Maura. No, the woman just kept around looking for a way to make it all better, even at the expense of her own feelings. Jane grinned a bit thinking about the small woman. Despite her apparent fragility, nothing seemed to keep her down. She ignored the remarks made by everyone else in the village regarding her Grecian dress, her lack of enthusiasm in the art of war and her awkward topics of conversation. To Jane it seemed as if she didn't understand what was being said. She shrugged it off and continued on her way. It was only when Jane said something hurtful that she remembered Maura was not as invulnerable as she appeared.

"Maur…I'm sorry Maur. I know you're just trying to help." The blonde shrugged, keeping her eyes off to the side as Jane approached her. "I really am sorry. I….I'm tired."

"Then why won't you…"

"You can't help me with this 'kay. I'm going through something weird and I…"Jane suddenly reminded herself that she didn't want to talk about this. "Nevermind."

"No," Maura pushed her. "You what? Is this about what your mom said about Casey? I told you we can just…"

"Maur! No we are not talking about that anymore." Jane took a purposeful glance at the sky, marking the suns position. "I think it's time to eat. Let's get back and see what Ma made. I'm sure you can think of something to add to the meal."

Jane knew her ploy worked when Maura went off into a lecture regarding the lack of vegetables and fruits in her diet and how they needed to expand some of Radulf's land allowance to try and cultivate more food types, despite the soil consistency. Jane nodded along, half-listening, and as they walked through the village. Jane nodded to a few people as they passed; mothers caring for their children, young boys replicating the same games she and Franco played as children, older boys comparing their small swords and arguing over who would be the best fighter among them. A small smile erupted on her face as she watched a fellow comitaus member wrap one arm around his wife, carrying his son in the other. She could have that. If last night had taught her anything, it showed her what she wanted. It was being offered to her, so why couldn't she just take it? Surely her father could find a way to afford the dowry.

"Hey Maur, about-"

"Maura!" The smile that was on Jane's face fell immediately as she heard what she considered the world's most annoying voice call out for her friend. Crowe jogged up to the two and, surprisingly, gave Jane a kind smile before turning his attention back to the woman he called out for.

"Hi Crowe," Maura said. "Can I help you?"

"Actually, yes. I was wondering if you might accompany me for a walk?" Both Maura and Jane raised their eyebrows in shock. Under what circumstances would a young man accompany a woman alone in walk. Unless…

"I'm sorry Crowe but-" Maura began, but was immediately cut off.

"What in Odin's name are you trying to pull Crowe?" Jane said moving to stand in between Maura and Crowe. "Where do you get off-"

"I'm not doing anything Jane, I am simply trying to have a private conversation with the lady here. So if you don't mind?" He said standing back allowing Jane to fume where everyone could see.

"She doesn't want to have a private conversation with you." Jane gritted out though clenched teeth. It was obvious what Crowe was getting at, and there was no way she'd even put Maura through the hassle of having to turn him down. Besides, she was pretty sure Maura felt the same way she did.

"Well she didn't tell me she didn't want to speak to me. So unless you have some right to her that I know nothing about, then I suggest you allow me to speak to her." Crowe kept his eyes level with the female warrior, something he hadn't done during any altercation before. Other villagers had stopped what they were doing to watch the two warriors argue.

Crowe's expression morphed into a smirk for a brief second, before returning to its previous grimace. For as long as she'd known him, Crowe was all talk, but the moment she showed any force, he backed down, especially when alone like now. So why the sudden bravado? Jane turned her head in a glance at the nearby onlookers. If she were to strike down at him right now, it'd be taking a stand for something she wasn't even sure about. Something she hadn't talk to Radulf, or even her own father about. It wasn't her place. Yet, something told her it was her place. The brunette's hands clenched into fist and her blood was rushing through her veins, urging her to pull her sword. It a spilt second before she felt a gentle hand on the back of her right shoulder, rubbing in circles attempting to calm her.

"Jane," the soft voice said. "Jane, its fine."

"But Maur, he-"

"I know what he wants Jane. I am fully aware of some of your customs." Jane walked backwards as the short woman pulled on her shoulder moving to where Crowe could see her. "I'm sorry Crowe, but now is not a good time. Perhaps we can talk another day. I told Jane we'd have a meal together." Maura didn't wait for Crowe to respond, but pulled her friend back on their original path to her dwelling.

A quick glance to her right showed the brunette's jaw tightening and relaxing as she walked quickly down the path, Maura struggling to keep up with Jane's long stride.

"Jane why are you so angry? He just asked to speak with me."

"Because he asked. He asked in the middle of the village to take a walk with you. Alone! That means he has permission."

"What if he has permission? He asked to speak with me. I have no problem talking to Crowe…" Maura realizes her words weren't the best when Jane stopped walking abruptly.

"Excuse me? You want to go prancing off into the woods with him," she yelled. "Is that why you didn't tell him know outright? You're planning on talking to him tomorrow, taking him up on his offer?"

Maura stared at her friend in awe. If this wasn't outright jealously, then she didn't know what was. However Jane had yet to be clear on anything.

"I never said that," Maura replied calmly. "However if I were to take him up on whatever he was going to ask me, what business is it of yours?"

"What do you mean-"

"I mean, why does it matter to you? We have no affiliation. I believe you told me to forget anything we talked about yesterday."

"Well, yeah. I did. But that doesn't mean I can't care about who you choose. And Crowe is definitely the wrong choice. He has no honor. He's a serious coward. He is only after you because of who you are."

"Fine. Please tell me which of your fellow warriors I am allowed to consider." Maura crossed her arms, and gave the head tilt that Jane was all too familiar with. It was a challenge. A passive, non aggressive challenge, but a challenge nonetheless.

"I….I dunno."

"Exactly," Maura gave an uncharacteristic huff. "While most would find your valiant defense of my person flattering, I do not."

"But.."

"But nothing. You are not going to marry me; you disapprove of every eligible young warrior in this village." Maura shook her head and started walking, leaving Jane standing in shock. "Jane, if you want me, do something about it. If you're not, then please don't keep me from someone who will.

Jane glanced up at the full moon as she made her way down to the thingstead for assembly. It had been a couple of days since Maura's ultimatum and she still wasn't sure what to do. It wasn't that she didn't know what she wanted, she did, but she wasn't sure how it would be taken. Surely her being a warrior meant that she as some status. She shuddered thinking about what she heard happened to some who were caught in relationships…of the kind she wanted with Maura. They had been buried in the mud along with cowards. Of course, they were men accused of not being manly...and cavorting with other married men for money. It hadn't happened in her clan, but she'd heard of it. Married men giving gifts for time with another man. Could a woman be accused of not being womanly? She clearly wasn't as she was tasked with holding a sword and not shining one. She was not married, did that make a difference. What would happen to Maura? She definitely didn't want Maura to be killed.

Maura seemed to think this was all easy, but she knew nothing of what life was like here. What was allowed in Greece, even under Roman rule, was not allowed here. No one spoke of two women, as if it didn't exist. But the punishment for being a "womanly" man was clear. Death. That was enough for Jane to decide that she should leave well enough alone.

Jane approached the group of men assembled and took a seat a few steps to Radulf's right. As he had been her mentor, she was given a seat of honor. She could feel eyes on her as she sat, and looked up to see Crowe giving her a smirk. She'd tell Maura for sure that she could marry any man she saw fit except that coward. His courage on the battlefield was a front. He was known to shrink back from enemies that were bigger than him, striking quickly at men who were equal or smaller. That was not courage.

"Brothers, welcome." Radulf rose from his seat, framm in one hand, brew in the other. "I am happy to have gathered with you for this moon." A roar of approval erupted from those present as they raised their spears in agreement. Radulf nodded and then took his seat.

"I am concerned as to the increase of attacks on our clan as of late. What was once something rare, has increase to multiple battles in one moon. We must discern a reason for this misfortune." The assembly brandish their arms in agreement before a cough was heard among the group, and Ingo, a well known warrior stood.

"Perhaps it is the gods raining punishment down on us." A murmur erupted among the crowd and Radulf slammed his framm against the ground. Though Ingo was a well respected and older warrior, it was not his time to speak.

"You speak out of turn brother," Radulf warned. "Why would the gods feel the need for punishment among our clan?"

"Teiwaz cannot be please with the betrayal of honor that has taken place against our clan leader. I have come to place an accusation."

"An accusation? What have you seen brother?"

"I myself have not seen it, but it was brought to my attention, a fellow clansman has seen someone betray you and dishonor your household." Radulf frowned and stood.

"I am not here to play games Ingo. If you have not seen anything, then the one who has must step forward. An accusation of betrayal is not something to be believed second-hand." Ingo nodded and stepped back, leaving way for Crowe to step forward.

"Radulf, I wish to bring an accusation upon another clansman...clan…clans-member."

"Out with it." Crowe inhaled before speaking.

"I believe that my fellow warrior, Jane, has dishonored your household by engaging in an unapproved relationship with your daughter."

Jane's eyes widened and she jumped up from her seat pulling her sword from its sheath.

"I have done no such thing." She began walking forward only to be stopped by Radulfs arm against her chest.

"That is a huge accusation Crowe. Have you any evidence to back up your claim?"

"Yes. I would come forward to state something so heinous without being sure." Jane's jaw trembles as she remembered Crowe stepping to Maura in the middle of the village a few days ago. That smirk she saw both then and tonight made sense. He has plenty of evidence…it wasn't true, but he had it.

"Radulf, I would never…"she whispered

"Silence!" he yelled at the female warrior who stepped back, her sword falling to her side. "Crowe, present your evidence. Do you have witnesses?"

"Radulf, as you know I spoke with you a while ago about your daughter's hand in marriage. At one time I sought her out to speak with her regarding this, several days ago to be exact, and saw the two of them behaving inappropriately outside near your dwelling. I also overheard conversation about subjects that I dare not mention in public." Jane lowered her cursing under her breath. They were discussing inappropriate matters, but it was nothing like what he was suggesting.

"This is on your word only?"

"Yes. However two days ago I attempted to speak again, and witnesses will attest that Jane prevented me from doing so, treating your daughter as if she were her mate."

"Is this true?" Radulf turned her head to look at the woman.

"Yes, I stopped him from talking to her but…"
"It is also known that she cooks your meals, attends to you at battles and that you have been known to keep each others company late into the night," Crowe stated.

"Ok you know what?" Jane grew angry at his evidence which at most, proved a friendship. "She is my friend. I am not engaging in ANY dishonoring behavior with her!"

"I know of no other friendship that has these traits. And as I received permission to speak with Maura, I assume that you had no approval for this relationship, thereby dishonoring his house."

"Why you lying…" Jane raised her sword again and tried to push past Radulf to get at Crowe, only to find Radulf facing her with barely concealed anger on his face.

"Sit down Jane."

"But-"

"Sit down!" he watched the woman back up, to assure she was sitting and that her weapon was down. He turned back to the accuser, exhaling deeply. "I have seen the evidence myself Crowe, but I will review your accusation and speak with others regarding this matter."

Radulf glanced at Jane quickly, returning to his chair and dismissing both Crowe and Ingo.

"Let us return to the matter of the increasing attacks."

"Jane, wait." She stopped, closing her eyes as she heard Radulf's voice stop her from leaving the thingstead. All the other clansmen walked out, even Crowe left, with a gleeful expression on his face. "I need to speak with you privately." This is great, she thought.

Jane straightened her shoulders as she turned back to the man who towered over her, despite her taller height for a woman. He towered over her and was at least twice her thickness. And he thinks I've disrespected his house by taking his daughter's innocence.

"Radulf, I know what Crowe said, but you have to believe that I would never dishonor you like that. I would never dishonor Maura like that. I would-"

"I know Jane."

"You know?"

"I know. I've trained you since you were young I know that you are incapable of intentionally dishonoring me in that way. I know you respect the laws we have regarding courtship. However, I must ask, have you considered Maura in that manner?"

"W-w-why would you ask me that?" Jane found herself chewing on the inside of her lip. This was not where this conversation was supposed to go. He was supposed to interrogate her regarding Crowe's accusations, believe her or not, and make a judgment call. Not ask her whether she was interested in his daughter.

"I, like Crowe, am not blind to the position you have given Maura in your life. By even the most loose of standards you have taken her as a wife. In addition to the help she have given you in making you meals, sharpening your weapons and mending your items, you have begun to bring her by your side in battles. That is a place that is only reserved for two people. A warrior's mother, and his wife. And Maura is not your mother."

"I, I didn't think of that. She is always helping me so, it just kind of happened."

"No to mention she is at your parents dwelling constantly helping to prepare the midday meal."

"I understand sir. That is inappropriate."

"I know you have not meant to dishonor me, but you have."

"Sir I've never touched Maura in that way…."

"Not in that manner Jane, but you have taken my daughter as a wife in most ways without giving any dowry for her, and without my permission."

"You have given me so much. You have trained me in the art of warfare and given me a place in this clan despite my being a foreigner and a woman. Please know I meant no disrespect."

"I know you didn't. Which is why I am going to ask you again; have you considered Maura in that manner?" Jane ran her hands through her loose wild hair as she turned away from his face. The floor was such an easier place to look, than to the answer this man while looking into his eyes.

"Yes," she whispered to the floor.

"Jane?"

"Yes," she turned back to face him, and then sat down in the seat she occupied during the assembly. "Yes I have considered her in the way, but only recently and I never intended to act on it. You must believe me."

"Any why had you decided not to act on it?" Radulf sat down beside her.

"I have no land. My father is in servitude to you because of me. Because he wanted to pay off a debt to a man who helped heal me. I have no prospects for her. I do not know how much time it will be till my father can be owner of a parcel in this clan."

"Had you come and talk to me, I would have given you permission." Jane raised her head rapidly, nearly dizzy from the speed with which she looked at her leader.

"Sir?"

"I am well aware of your family's standing, after all you father is bonded to me. However I also aware that you are by far an accomplished warrior, one I would not hesitate to have directly by my side in battle. You are also one of the only people who sough to befriend my daughter when she arrived. I am also aware that she trusts and cares for you, otherwise she would not have taken on the duties she has."

"But I cannot assure her future…"

"I can. Constance and I have no other children, yet we own the largest share of any place we settle. Land, cattle and goods is not something we are unable to supply for Maura and whomever she marries."

"And the dowry?"
"Well your father does excellent work. I am sure we can come to an agreement as to a price."

"Sir…are you giving me permission to…to…to marry Maura?"

"If you go about the proper way to request her hand through your father, I am saying I will not say no." Jane couldn't help the grin that erupted on her face.

"Thank you. Thank you Radulf."

"Jane, you are a warrior. Woman or not, you must abide by the same rules that all warriors do when in the presence of a woman they are considering for marriage."

"I understand sir. You will have no more reports of…inappropriate behavior." Jane arose from her seat, struggling to remain still as she wanted nothing more than to jump up and down. Even more than that, she wanted to run to Maura and tell her, despite the late hour. However, as per the conversation they had, this was not an option.

"Then all is settled. I will find the accusations presented by Crowe as without merit."

"Thank you."

"And I expect I will be receiving a visit from you and your father soon?"

"Yes. Yes you will."