We made it to part II, y'all!
The Great Merge: Part II
Upon their arrival at the encampment, the night swiftly dissolved. Fusun indulged in a cleansing bath, changed into fresh clothes, savored a nourishing meal, and promptly surrendered to slumber's embrace. As dawn broke, Fusun was roused by the resounding pitter-patter of raindrops dancing outside.
With a groan, indicating her still sleepy state, she cast her eyes upon an unexpected sight: a little girl, her tresses flowing in dark auburn hues, donning an eyepatch of all things.
Fusun, undeterred, bravely locked eyes with the child, embarking upon a silent battle of gazes.
"Good morning..."
Aracsilla cocked her brow. "I saw the maids bring clothes up here. Are you a princess?"
"Far from it."
Suddenly, a woman in a burgundy dress adorned with an exquisite veil entered the room with urgency. Fusun quickly covered herself with the sheets, becoming aware of her own inadequate attire. Judging the woman's attentive and concerned demeanor towards the young girl, Fusun assumed she must be another maid. However, this woman possessed an air of regality that surpassed any of the maids Fusun had encountered last night.
"I apologize. Nobody was supposed to come into this room. My name is Nasrin, I'm Queen Farah's chambermaid."
The queen's chambermaid. "Nice to meet you. I'm Fusun."
Nasrin gently nudged Aracsilla. "Did you introduce yourself?" she whispered.
"Ah! Hello, my name is Princess Aracsilla," she said, extending her hand. Fusun grinned and shook her tiny hand. "Welcome to Pannonia!"
"Thank you, princess," Fusun said, chuckling. "Um, is there a chance I could talk to the queen?"
"I'm afraid you won't see her for a while. She's in a meeting with the Khagana," said Nasrin. "I am overseeing your care. I have the seamstresses coming to measure you to make clothing. Do you prefer gowns or trousers?"
For the first time in five years, she had the opportunity to express her desires. Memories of her carefree days frolicking in her tribe's fields as a young child came flooding back. She fondly remembered donning her beloved brown trousers until they became too worn to be functional.
"Trousers," she answered.
Arielle certainly did not want to spend all morning getting dolled up to meet a Byzantine empress. She bore a headache from wearing her formal kozak for two hours. Her skin itched from the setting powder, and her eyes started to burn from the heavy kohl liner.
"It would've been wiser of you to send a letter before showing up in the middle of the night," said Arielle.
Farah sipped the warm tea. "I had to act quickly. I worked hard to get on Sophia's good side, Arielle," she chided. "She trusts me."
All Arielle could do was drink tea to soothe her headache. She didn't have to wait too much longer, thank goodness, because her head was throbbing, as Sophia entered the room. Arielle put on a smile and curtly bowed, offering the empress a seat on the floor.
"I see your people are not fond of tables and chairs," commented Sophia.
From the moment she arrived at the Adame, she immediately noticed every single room was without tables, chairs, and even stools. The dining halls and gathering rooms had large pillows and floor sofas lined against the walls.
Arielle smiled. "I could grab a chair for you, but then our conversation would be very awkward."
"Indeed, it would be," Sophia tensely replied.
"So, you wanted to discuss the proposal made by your husband."
The Augusta wasted no time in retelling the plan that she worked out with Farah. She explained everything from the four installments of the military stipend to the possible alliance between the two empires. The location of the desired land was also amenable. It was far away enough from the mainland.
The proposal was very well put together and Arielle was rather impressed with Farah. At first, she was angry about her sudden arrival, but now she was elated to find that Farah's punishment proved very useful. There was just one question Arielle had.
"I am not opposed to the proposal," said Arielle.
Sophia smiled in delight. "Excellent. I was told you were a difficult negotiator, but that seems to be untrue," she added.
Arielle forced a smile and looked over at Farah, whose face was a scarlet red. She had been in the politicking game long enough to realize she had just been insulted. Her tongue scraped over her teeth and she leaned back, straightening her posture, exuding her prowess.
"I was not finished, empress." That shut her up quickly. "I would like to know why you want to purchase our land."
Now, there was hesitation on Sophia's part. Without giving away too many details, she explained, "We have information about a possible uprising in Lombard and Gepid territories. Your land is closest to those tribes."
In Arielle's mind, perfection reigned. Forging a genuine alliance with the Byzantines held the power to dismantle the Gepids. In this momentous alliance, a myriad of problems would find their resolutions: Bayan's thirst for warfare, Aurora's foiled betrothal, the empire's debt, a prevention of Gepids invading.
"And you want to use my army for your wars," stated Arielle.
"That is the intent, Khagana."
"I see. That just doubled your military stipend, empress."
She wasn't going to permit anyone to insult her under her roof.
"But I am fair. I recognize that's a large sum of money. I will allow you to pay in eight installments instead of four," Arielle said, with a wide smile. "How does that sound?"
Augusta Sophia had been bested and she lost the negotiation. She realized Justin would be sorely upset if she returned with the news of a failed alliance. She had no choice but to accept the Khagana's offer.
Arielle rejoiced in her triumphant victory in landing an alliance with the Byzantines. She dismissed Sophia and her eyes followed her leaving the room. Once the doors were closed, she exhaled a sharp breath.
"I can't believe she agreed," said Farah.
"She thought she could play the game and win," Arielle said, picking at her face. "I need to take this goddamn makeup off."
"Oh, but you look gorgeous!" Farah complimented her with a sparkling smile. "I rarely see you like this."
"Yeah, well, I hate makeup. Ku overdid it with the kohl liner."
Locked away inside the Adame, Aurora knew she couldn't bear living her life like that. Temporarily banned from the archives and assisting in reviewing her mother's work, she urgently craved a new hobby. What she greatly sought was an escape from her family. It was only after spending endless days with her sisters that she truly comprehended the need for a break from those little children.
She considered going to her uncle's home to see her cousins, Aman and Aladar. But she figured since Farah was home, everyone was spending time together. Then, she sought after Eksama's home, which she seldom visited. She wondered if Kurt wouldn't mind her company, but he was a bit older than her and probably had better things to do than entertain a fourteen-year-old girl.
As she strolled through the tribe, each person she encountered greeted her with a respectful head nod. It made her ponder whether her mother had ever experienced a sense of being overwhelmed, considering that everyone recognized her. Gradually, she herself was starting to experience those same sentiments.
Aurora neared the seamstress tent, where women were busy weaving large tapestries, rugs, and dyeing clothing, her eyes caught sight of an unfamiliar face. Filled with curiosity, she decided to approach the mysterious individual. Observing the youthful appearance of the person, Aurora concluded that she couldn't be much older than herself.
"I've never seen you around Pannonia before."
Fusun spun around, locking eyes with Aurora. Tongue-tied, she said, "I just arrived three days ago."
Aurora's breath caught in her throat. The young woman standing before her was a mesmerizing sight, radiating beauty that left Aurora awestruck. From the crown of her head to the tips of her toes, every aspect of her appearance was simply breathtaking. Her eyes, a deep shade of brown, mirrored the same hue as her wavy, cascading locks that effortlessly fell down her back. Complementing her stunning features, her skin boasted a sun-kissed tan complexion with faint freckles that added to her already enchanting allure.
She caught herself staring too long and quickly looked away briefly.
"Where are you staying?" she asked.
Glancing over at the Adame, Fusun took in a deep breath. "I...I'm staying at King Csaba's home."
Aurora's eyebrows arched. There were so many things she didn't know about the empire, she realized.
"The king's Adame," she mused. "Are you a princess?" she asked in a playful tone.
Fusun laughed. "I've been asked that twice already. I'm no princess, I can assure you that. I'm Fusun," she said, extending her hand.
Aurora's gaze fixated on the outstretched hand before her, her eyes widening in astonishment. It was a rarity for anyone in the tribe to dare extend their hand towards her, unless she herself initiated the gesture. Yet here was someone, oblivious to her royal status, offering a handshake. This act sent an exhilarating wave coursing through Aurora, causing her stomach to flutter with a mix of excitement and anticipation.
She took Fusun's hand. "Aurora. Welcome to Pannonia."
Fusun nodded with a smile. "Where do you live?"
In a moment brimming with anticipation, Aurora was left astounded at the girl's obliviousness to her family's notorious reputation. It was a revelation that struck her with disbelief, causing a surge of inexplicable impulse within her.
And so, she made a daring choice to lie.
Aurora waved off into the distance. "I live on the eastern part of the tribe." She dug her weight in her heels, awkwardly standing in silence. "Do you...want me to show you around? I know all the best spots."
"I would love that, but only if you have time. I don't want to take up your day."
"It's no trouble! Come, I'll show you the stables first," she said, grabbing Fusun's hand.
Estakhr, Persia
With Bawi and Shapur in the palace, Khosrow was careful not to reveal he had Huns close by. He permitted Xena to interrogate the soldiers who accompanied Esther while he interrogated Bawi and Shapur. Gabrielle and Nousha were in charge of going through Shapur's belongings to look for clues.
The entire plan was incredibly risky to carry out. There could be no mistakes made.
In the throne chamber, Khosrow questioned Bawi's whereabouts during the time of Esther's murder. As the questioning continued, Bawi gradually became more and more agitated.
"Do you know why Esther left Aleppo without telling you?" the Shah asked.
"I have told you several times, Shah, I do not know," said Bawi. "The way you are asking these questions implies you believe I am responsible for her death."
"I made no such implication. It's very serious when a member of the Sasan family is killed, especially when no outside enemies are attacking us."
Bawi cast his gaze to the floor. "I want to find who is responsible for the Shehzada's death, Shah. Believe me, I do."
Khosrow held onto his doubt internally. After talking to Bawi for a few days, he was unsure if there was a link between him and Adarmahan at all. Either Bawi was an excellent liar or there was someone else responsible for Esther's death. Either way, it didn't solve the issue with Zal Pasha's murder and Adarmahan's sudden disappearance.
"And we will," he said definitively. "Have you heard anything about Adarmahan? He has seemed to vanish off the face of the earth."
"I haven't, Your Majesty. I only know the information that you provide to me."
Gabrielle rummaged through Shapur's bag and found a journal, compass, short knife, and a calligraphy pen set. She then swatted the pillows and looked under the sheets, under the bed, and in the dresser's drawers.
"Have you found anything?" she called out.
In the bath chambers, Nousha looked through every bag, linen shelf, and any crevice she could find. She returned to the bedroom, irritated, and tired. The search took over two hours. While she and Gabrielle searched the room, Shapur was nowhere to be found, which was very bizarre.
"Nothing," she huffed. "This is insanity—all this mindless searching. Surely, there is something around here."
Gabrielle rose from the floor, groaning as her knees ached from crouching down. She definitely felt her age at this moment. Winded from the endless two-hour search, she joined Nousha in the center of the room.
"This could all be for nothing, for all we know," she said.
"Your girl recognized Shapur, and why would he come to my room at night to deliver jewelry?" Nousha scoffed, folding her arms. "Everyone knows Esther never liked material things. She was the only person in the family to open several charities across the empire."
Gabrielle smiled gently. "It's refreshing to hear you talk about her like this. I thought you two didn't get along."
Nousha shrugged a shoulder. "We had our differences. She did protect me a lot from Sambice, and she was fair in her judgment."
The muffled voices of men approached the room from outside. In a panic, Gabrielle grabbed Nousha's hand and quickly sought an exit. The terrace. They hurried out onto the terrace and hid behind a wall. They were dangerously close to tipping over the balcony's edge.
Gabrielle recognized the voices belonging to Bawi and Shapur. Finally, she would have some evidence to bring to the Shah. She looked at Nousha, who was green in the face.
"Don't look down," she whispered.
Nousha closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around Gabrielle. "We're going to fall off!" she hissed.
In surprise, Gabrielle embraced her. "No, we won't. I got you, don't worry."
For once, Xena enjoyed having a second pair of hands in the interrogation room. Gohar was excellent at executing orders and did what she was asked. After the eighth soldier, she figured the remaining two would've fled after knowing what torture their comrades endured.
The ninth soldier was one of the more senior of the guard. He answered every question correctly and honestly, according to the other soldiers' responses. As he was held down in a kneeling position by Gohar's rope, Xena loomed over him.
"You're one of the men who found Esther?" she asked.
"Yes, ma'am," he spat blood on the floor.
"How did you find her?"
"I...heard her gasping for air," he answered, staring up at Gohar. "She climbed out of the carriage."
Xena frowned. "So, she was stabbed in the carriage?"
"I do not know for certain, but it appears that way."
"And you didn't see who did it? Any shadows? A knife lyin' around somewhere?"
"I didn't see anything," he said.
Gohar kneed him in the ribs and he doubled over in pain, moaning loudly. Smiling, she sought to continue but was stopped by Xena's gripping hand. The soldier, once able to breathe, lifted his chin, sweat dripping down his cheeks.
"I...I am telling the truth. Please," he begged. "I know nothing."
With nothing left to ask, Xena released him from interrogation. This time, she saw Gohar hesitate, but eventually released the soldier. He left the room, dragging his feet, groaning, and coughing.
"Should I bring in the last soldier?" asked Gohar.
"No, we're done interrogating. It will be the same story."
"With no disrespect, Khanum, why didn't you continue questioning him?"
Xena turned with her arms crossed. "Sometimes not asking questions reveals a lot. Every soldier had the same story, except him. He said Esther was stabbed in the carriage. That means the inside of the carriage would've had blood in it."
"I don't understand how any of that matters."
"It matters because the Shah didn't know how Esther was killed. If there was blood in the carriage, he would've been told. Someone deliberately didn't tell him or got rid of the evidence. Are you following now?"
"The Shah is insistent that I am to blame for Esther's death," said Bawi.
His son simply shook his head out of frustration. "He talked to me yesterday and asked if I knew where Adarmahan was."
"I was asked the same. I do not know where that bastard is but I am sick of hearing his name!"
"Perhaps it would be easier to put the blame on him. He is at large, after all," Shapur lamented.
Bawi slapped his son's chest. "The last thing we need is Adarmahan intermingled in this. Don't be an idiot, Shapur. Tonight, we leave to return to Aleppo. Prepare your horse for departure."
On the terrace, Gabrielle consoled a very terrified Nousha in her arms, while also listening to the rustling in the room. She waited until she heard footsteps retreating. She wriggled her way out of the bear hug Nousha entrapped her in, and poked her head around the corner.
"They're gone," she whispered.
Nousha ran inside the bedroom, heaving, clutching her throat.
"I guess they aren't working with Adarmahan," Gabrielle assumed. "We should leave before he comes back."
"Give me a second..."
"I didn't know you were afraid of heights, Nousha."
The following morning after Bawi and Shapur left for Assyria, the Shah was met with alarming and confusing news. While he was partially relieved that Bawi and Shapur were not directly involved with the rebels and Adarmahan, the skepticism still lingered.
"Thank you all for your efforts," Khosrow said. "My scouts can take over from here. You've been here long enough; I don't want to keep you."
Gabrielle said, "It's our fight too, Shah. We want Esther's killer found too."
"And we don't want Adarmahan's rebels to attack us either," said Xena.
Khosrow smiled, nodding. "I have sent a squad to the Caspian region to investigate the hidden rebel camp. I'm sure Arielle will be thrilled to have another clan joining the empire," he aimed his attention at Gohar.
Gohar bowed respectfully with a beaming smile. "Thank you, Shah. I am honored to be a part of the empire and my ability to help you in any way I can."
Pannonia
Over the course of the past four days, Aurora was immersed in a delightful experience unlike any she had encountered in quite some time. Enthusiastically guiding Fusun through the tribe, she took pleasure in divulging all the tales and rumors. As they meandered through the encampment, Aurora emphasized the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of their meeting. Fusun, unfamiliar with the tribe's protocols, effortlessly upheld her commitment to the secret.
Once their stroll through the farmlands concluded, they proceeded to pluck ripe fruit and find solace beside a secluded alcove, mere yards away from the lively training ground. Aurora peeled the orange, sinking her nail into its luscious flesh. As the juice trickled down her hand, she savored it with her tongue, all while capturing Fusun's gaze, who reciprocated the moment with a warm smile.
Amid the training fields, a resounding and unrestrained voice seized Fusun's focus. While she savored the tangy sweetness of the orange, she found herself enthralled by the commanding tone emanating from a redheaded woman.
"What's going on over there?" she asked.
Aurora, indifferent, said, "Soldiers are doing their daily training for spring. There're quarterly trainings."
Fusun knitted her eyebrows. "And the woman screaming at them?"
"Eksama," she said, chuckling. "She's not to be messed with. She's one of the best swordswomen in the tribe."
Fusun, entranced by the soldiers in training, eagerly perched herself on the hill, her eyes fixed on them. And there, on the opposite side of the field, a woman with stunning hip-length auburn hair rode swiftly on her horse, commanding a legion of soldiers in her wake. As Fusun tossed the orange peels into the grass, she chewed with great intensity, her gaze locked on the soldiers as they rode in a calculated pattern.
Aurora took a seat beside her, feeling a twinge of irritation as Fusun's undivided attention shifted toward someone else. It was Cera, captivating Fusun's complete focus. Panic surged within Aurora, desperately wishing that her aunt wouldn't catch sight of them discreetly observing the rigorous training taking place in the distance.
"Um, we haven't seen the orchards yet," she said, hoping to pull Fusun away. "We should go before it gets dark."
Fusun absentmindedly nodded her head, her thoughts elsewhere, until she felt a gentle pull on her arm. Reacting to the tug, she stood up and instinctively grasped Aurora's hand.
Together, they walked away from the bustling training field, their steps gradually taking them further and further away from the activity. Feeling a sense of comfort, Fusun interlaced her fingers with Aurora's.
"It's been so long since I've had this much freedom!" she squealed. "You're so easy to talk to. I don't feel judged when I'm with you."
Aurora smiled. "Funny, I was going to say the same about you."
As they turned a corner surrounded by a thick forest, stepping into the livelier section of the tribe, Aurora was overcome with a sudden rush of unease. There was no mistaking those braided tresses that cascaded down their backs. It was her mother and grandmother, strolling only a short distance away.
With a subtle gesture, she redirected Fusun's path, eliciting an arched eyebrow and a mischievous grin.
"I thought we were going to the orchards? Don't tell me you're lost," she teased.
Aurora nervously laughed. "I think we should go to the orchards tomorrow morning. It's less busy around that time."
"You're the boss. I'm just following you," Fusun jested. "What else do you want to do? There's a couple of hours of daylight left."
Aurora arrived back home; her lips curved into a radiant smile that seemed to be permanently etched on her face. A whirlwind of emotions flooded her as she replayed the events of the day in her mind. The moments spent with Fusun had ignited a kaleidoscope of unfamiliar sensations, stirring her in ways she had never encountered before.
With a buoyant gait, she traversed the corridors, her steps infused with a sprightly rhythm. A melody escaped her lips as she twirled gracefully, surrendering herself to the cadence of her own creation.
Her impromptu dance abruptly ceased upon the sight of Xerxes approaching her path.
Xerxes arched an eyebrow, his step marked by a slight limp, as he made his way toward the princess. Aurora, to conceal her blushing face, delicately ran her hands through her disheveled locks.
"Did you just get home?" he asked.
"Mhm, not too long ago. I—I was reading outside," she explained.
"You read in the dark?"
"Well...no. That would be silly," she laughed lightly. "I walked around for a bit afterward."
Xerxes, having been a teenager himself once, was well aware of the unreliability of their words. He recalled the wild escapades he and his brothers had embarked upon at the same age. However, he also recognized that Aurora was a consistently well-behaved child, seldom engaging in mischief. Her behavior intrigued him, but he decided against probing further.
"Your mother wants to have dinner with everyone in an hour. Better go get ready so you're not late."
Aurora nodded. "I'll be there!"
For days, Gohar had eagerly awaited this moment. Sleep eluded her, and her anxiety only intensified upon reaching Pannonia. Wasifah guided her to the grand gathering room, where she beheld the Khagana partaking in a meal on the floor. A wave of apprehension washed over her, nestling deep within her gut.
Wasifah bowed. "Khagana, this is the woman from the Caspian tribe," she introduced.
Arielle grinned, cleaning her hands, and casting her gaze towards the woman. The young woman's abundant nervousness didn't escape her notice, amusing her. Rarely did she have the power to intimidate others, for she believed she hadn't yet achieved such authority.
"Sit, sit, please," she said, patting the floor. "Thank you, Wasifah. Tell everyone that I am in a meeting and not to disturb me."
Gohar lowered herself slowly to the ground, folding her legs beneath her. On the rug lay a tempting assortment of food, beckoning her. Her nerves had kept her from eating much in the past forty-eight hours.
"I am honored that you decided to come to Pannonia."
"Khagana, the honor is mine, really," said Gohar, touching a hand to her chest. "My name is Gohar and I'm from the Barsils clan. My people praise you all the time."
Arielle's eyebrows raised. "Really? That's good to hear. I don't hear that often." She gestured to the food. "Please eat. They brought me too much food."
Gohar, with a cautious touch, started serving herself a portion of food. The spread presented a tempting sight, bursting with delectable flavors. As the first morsel of piping-hot bread graced her lips, her famished belly experienced an overwhelming contentment.
"Now, tell me all about the Barsils clan."
Abbaseh and Boran wasted no time upon discovering the presence of gifts; they immediately made a beeline for the concealed treasure. Within the quarters of the Khanum and Governor, the girls settled themselves on the ground, methodically inspecting each gift contained within the expansive chest dispatched from Persia. In no time at all, the floor became a chaotic spectacle, strewn with an abundance of presents.
Xena, weary from enduring the unforgiving elements during their journey, leaned against the bed and indulged in a slow sip of tepid wine to ease her aching throat. Beside her, Gabrielle found solace in the wine as well, seeking relief for her parched throat.
"Nousha really went overkill," whispered Gabrielle.
"She almost sent us home with two chests," said Xena. "I had to tell her no."
"We barely made it back with one! How could she possibly think we could manage two chests?"
Xena sighed, shrugging. "She loves to spoil them. Who could blame her? They're adorable."
Impatiently, Boran was resolute in exchanging her attire for a fresh set of trousers and blouse bestowed upon her by her grandmother. She swiftly discarded her shoes and shed her dress, flinging it carelessly away. Left only in her stockings, Boran endeavored to remove those as well.
Xena abruptly stopped her side conversation, her attention caught by the sight of a princess, completely unclothed. A surprised gasp escaped her lips as she hastily swallowed the wine, feeling the fiery burn down her throat.
"Whoa there, what are you doing?"
"Changing clothes!" Boran yelped, as she tried to wriggle out of the stockings. Grunting, she finally gave up. "Can you help me?"
With a gentle demeanor, Xena suppressed a lighthearted chuckle as she aided the child in removing the stockings. Next, she adroitly dressed Boran's legs in the trousers, securing the laces around her waist. Lastly, Xena assisted Boran in donning the blouse and fastened each button.
"That outfit looks very nice on you," said Gabrielle.
Bursting with joy, Boran hurried over to the mirror, unable to contain her excitement as she admired her reflection in the stunning ensemble. She spun around in circles, examining each intricate detail of the clothing.
Xena whispered, "She sure loves to look at herself."
"I'll say." She touched her wife's hand, bringing them closer together. "Do you think it was okay to leave Gohar alone with Arielle?"
"She'll be fine. Hey," she jabbed Gabrielle's thigh, "I heard Augusta Sophia is here."
Gabrielle batted her eyelashes. "How did you hear that? We just got back!"
"Eyes and ears, Gabrielle. Eyes and ears."
The Khagana sat, engrossed in Gohar's tales of the Barsils clan's struggles and battles. It had been a while since she had felt a sense of accomplishment. Now, she would welcome a fresh clan into her empire and establish a newfound alliance with the Byzantines. It seemed as though fortune was finally smiling upon her. She silently prayed that this stroke of luck would not be fleeting.
"I can't thank you enough for expressing your desire to join the empire. I can't believe I haven't heard of your clan," said Arielle.
"Your grandmother said the same thing, Khagana."
Arielle released a sigh of relief. "My grandma wasn't rude to you, was she?"
As if insulted, Gohar shook her head vehemently. "Of course not, Khagana!"
Chuckling, she added, "She can forget her manners sometimes."
Gohar, a mischievous grin playing on her lips, revealed her secret plan to Arielle. "I have a proposition for you," she whispered, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I heard you're good with a bow. I would love to test your skills in a contest."
Nervously, Gohar wondered if she had gone too far, but as Arielle's face lit up with an electrifying mixture of curiosity and enthusiasm, she knew that she had struck the right chord.
"I'll have you know I am the best archer in the empire," Arielle boasted. "Nobody's ever beat me."
"Well, you haven't met me, Khagana," she playfully combatted.
"You got yourself a deal. How does tomorrow evening sound?"
Gohar, stumped for words, replied, "Oh, I thought you would want to wait until after you've had your child."
Arielle waved her hand dismissively. "I will be on leave after the birth. That is...unless you're afraid you'll lose," she hinted.
Her grandmother was not kidding, thought Gohar. The Khagana, with her unwavering lust for a challenge, held a deep disdain for individuals who failed to uphold their commitments. Gohar understood that there was no escaping the predicament she found herself in now.
"Tomorrow evening it is, then."
Arielle smiled and shook the woman's hand. "If you win, I'll have a special bow custom-made for you."
"Khagana, that is too generous. I couldn't accept a gift like that."
"You are already assuming you will win." she noticed the smile wipe from Gohar's mouth, which made her laugh.
Rarely did the whole tribe come together for a celebration anymore. As the archery competition was announced across the encampment, anticipation grew among the onlookers. The night unfolded not merely as a contest, but as a wild revelry.
The air was filled with enchanting music, beckoning people to sway and twirl in exuberant dances that encircled the towering bonfires. The aroma of intoxicating spirits wafted through the air, as people indulged in the abundance of alcohol, their laughter mingling with the crackling flames. Amidst the merriment, the training grounds bustled with anticipation as it was prepared for the impending contest.
Augusta Sophia, feeling somewhat out of her element amidst the vibrant Hunnic community, chose to remain stationary, observing the lively celebrations unfolding before her eyes. Seizing a moment of opportunity, Gabrielle cunningly maneuvered her way through the crowd, securing the unoccupied seat adjacent to the empress.
"I don't think we've met. I'm Gabrielle, governor of the empire," she introduced herself.
Sophia smiled. "Ah, a governor. What is a white woman like you doing among these people?"
"I've lived here practically my entire life. I'm not seen as an outsider to the Huns."
"I imagine they must think I'm a snake in a lion's den," Sophia lightly jested, a tinge of sincerity in her tone.
Gabrielle shrugged. "Only if you let them think that. Byzantines and Romans aren't well-liked around here, but I don't see any swords pointed at your throat," she said with a light laugh.
"Very true, very true."
In order to gain intel, Gabrielle probed further. "You hosted one of our queens, right?"
"Yes! Queen Farah is a delight. I enjoyed hosting her in Constantinople. The Huns sure have a lot of monarchs. Does that not interfere with the way the empire operates?"
Politicking so early evening, thought Gabrielle. This woman wasted no time in poking her nose in other's business.
"It actually makes the empire run a lot smoother," Gabrielle explained. "It allows us to be in several places at the same time, like how Farah was able to travel to Constantinople while Arielle remained in Pannonia."
Sophia's eyebrows drew in. "I see. That's very strategic."
Quickly, she changed her tune and cast a grin toward Gabrielle.
"I'm hopeful of this new alliance between our empires."
Gabrielle played along, not knowing why the empress had come here in the first place. She nodded her head and watched a group of children run by, screaming and giggling.
"How long are you staying in Pannonia?"
"Queen Farah will show me the land near the Danube in a few days and then I will be on my way. I hope we will not come across any Gepids along the way."
Gabrielle scanned the crowd, fixated on finding Eksama amidst the chaos. Eksama, seated on the ground near a blazing bonfire by the training grounds, gingerly sipped from a cup of wine. Once a feared and powerful Gepid queen, she now posed no threat. Nevertheless, had Augusta Sophia been aware of the close proximity to one of the fiercest Gepid rulers, she might have reconsidered the alliance.
"I wish you a safe journey back home, empress. I need to leave, but enjoy the competition!"
Not far from the training grounds, Xena engaged in a stone-throwing contest alongside a handful of tribesmen. Thus far, she emerged victorious in each round, earning not only admiration but also monetary rewards.
She hurled the final stone, falling just shy of triumph in the fifth round. At last, the crowd erupted in applause, and she responded with a smirk, indulging in a sip of wine. In her peripheral vision, Gabrielle caught her attention.
"Hey, where've you been?"
Gabrielle hooked her arm through her wife's. "Just cruising around, you know. Talking to people."
This elicited a skeptical look from Xena. "Uh-huh. Do we need to go somewhere private?"
"No, no. Keep playing your game," she insisted, rubbing Xena's arm. "What is this game anyway?"
"Gabrielle. Don't do that."
"Do what?"
"Play your little guessing game. I know you're up to something."
"I'm not!"
"You are."
Gabrielle huffed. "We'll talk later. Tonight, can we just enjoy ourselves?"
When the contest started, Aurora had to stay nearby, watching her mother and Gohar. She didn't care about the archery competition, instead, she scanned the crowd for Fusun. As arrows sailed through the air and hit their marks on the grasslands, sporadic applause, and gasps filled the air. The evening promised to be a lengthy one.
Aurora cautiously retreated from the gathering, silently yearning for invisibility. Her grandparents occupied seats at the forefront, accompanied by Xerxes, Cera, Mirac, Csaba, and Farah by their side. She persistently observed them, praying that their searching gazes would not discover her vacant spot.
She was able to slip away and internally cheered.
Fusun couldn't be far.
She maneuvered through the bustling tribe, her flowing veil floating behind her. As she scanned the lively scene, her eyes locked on Fusun, who was nestled by a crackling fire, indulging in a mug of frothy ale. Aurora hastened towards the radiant bonfire, her heart pounding in her chest, until she plopped down beside Fusun, accidentally knocking her arm.
"Aurora," she chirped. "I haven't seen you in a couple of days."
"I had to spend time with my family. It can be hard to get away," she lamely admitted.
Fusun drank from her cup. "I figured that's what happened." She offered the ale, and Aurora gaped at the cup.
Aurora grinned, recalling a memory. "You know, I stole wine from my mother's cabinet once. I drank the entire bottle. I thought I was going to die the next day."
"Well...this isn't an entire bottle. You'll be safe with me," she said, swaying the cup.
With a hint of uncertainty, Aurora cautiously brought the frothy mug of ale to her lips. As the amber liquid trickled down her throat, she could taste the bittersweet malt that danced on her taste buds. She released a soft cough, the warmth of the alcohol tingling in her chest.
A mischievous glint sparkled in Fusun's eyes as she bit her lip, unable to contain her glee at Aurora's reaction, her wide grin stretching from one ear to the other.
A loud roar of applause interrupted their quiet moment. Fusun raised her chin in intrigue.
"That woman is crazy for even agreeing to duel with the Khagana! There's no way the Khagana won't win."
Inwardly, Aurora groaned. She did not want her mother to be the topic of their conversation.
"Hmm."
"From what I heard tonight, she's the best archer in the empire."
"I don't really want to talk about the Khagana right now," said Aurora.
Fusun sipped the ale. "You sound like you don't like her."
"No, I do! How could I not? She's the ruler of the empire," she added, trying not to appear irritated.
"So, I was thinking of another place you can show me," Fusun hinted, quickly changing subjects.
"Yeah?"
"The river isn't far from here. I haven't gone swimming in ages! We should go."
The river, a forbidden destination for Aurora, lay distant from the encampment, possibly encircled by nearby European tribes. And in all honesty, she was not permitted to wander too far unaccompanied.
"Isn't it kind of cold to go swimming?"
"I don't mind if you don't. What do you say?"
Aurora anxiously chewed on her upper lip; her mind consumed with the potential aftermath should she choose to embark on this adventure. The intensity in Fusun's gaze was so captivating, that it became nearly impossible for Aurora to deny her desires.
As the final round approached, Gohar could feel the weight of exhaustion settling deep into her shoulder, causing her muscles to ache. She glanced over at Arielle, her competitor, and noticed the determined look in her eyes. Exhaling a heavy sigh, Gohar reached for an arrow, her fingers trembling slightly, and placed it onto the taut bowstring, her mind filled with a mix of anticipation and weariness.
"You first, Khagana," she prompted.
Arielle readied her bow, her grip firm and her aim steady. With unwavering concentration, she fixed her eyes on the soldier stationed on the field, clutching the torch. Inhaling deeply, she let loose the arrow, propelling it through the sky until it found its mark, a mere foot behind the intended target.
The distance was further than expected. Gohar loosened her shoulder with a swift roll, preparing her bow. With bated breath, she let fly the arrow. Her eyes followed its trajectory, vanishing into the obscurity of the night sky, until it met its target on the ground.
All held their breath in anticipation. The air was void of sound as the soldier calculated the arrow's distance.
The soldier waved the torch. "Khagana's arrow!" he shouted, and the tribe erupted in applause.
Gohar's sore shoulders slumped and she gave a gratuitous smile. "Your skills are...truly unmatched, Khagana."
Arielle lightly clapped a hand on her opponent's shoulder.
"To be honest, if we went another round, I probably would've lost. That was the closest contest I've ever seen! You're a fantastic bowwoman."
"Thank you, Khagana."
"I would still like to commission a bow for you."
Gohar shook her head. "Please, Your Highness. I can take the loss."
"You didn't lose. I've never been challenged like this by anyone. You deserve it."
"Khagana..."
She gripped Gohar's shoulder. "It's an order."