End Chapter 10 "Vasha.., La Quint..," Vyakles said sitting upon his throne in the Great Hall in the middle of a cool night as the couples stood before him. "My Queen has informed me of this.., unique situation.., though I must ask.., do you both know why my wife and I have called you from your warm beds?"
"Aye my lord!" La Quint said proudly. "I believe my seed has become fruitful in Lucia Vega's womb. Vasha also believes Lacuna to be with his child."
"It is true my King, and Queen!" Vasha said with such a glorious look of satisfaction his old friend Vyakles had never seen.
"We are delighted you both are so pleased." Thera said feeling this would go well. "Now the laws of citizenship are quite clear, here in Sparta, you are all well aware of the path you must travel, together, will lead you to marriage, and here in Sparta, my brave ladies.., the only way out of marriage is death." Thera paused here for dramatic effect. "So you must all speak truthfully! Is this the true matrimonial path you wish to journey down, for the rest of your lives.., together?"
"Allow me to answer first, my noble Queen." Vasha said interceding.
"Oh Vasha.., do not answer my question as I sit here, as your Queen, but rather, speak to me as you would your friend." Thera smiled "For that is.., if you will remember, what I truly am. For you have become like a beloved brother unto me, which I myself have never had. You stayed with me on that far-off island, for three years, providing shelter and protection for my children and my ladies, the Mothers of the Sons of Sparta. You sat with me all the live long days, listening to my tales of triumph and woe, my words like a hurt birds complaint.., you have spoken to me the history of your people, your life full of memories of home and war upon the waters, you have shared with me the hopes and dreams of your mind. You and I are the closest companions in friendship. You know the meaning of my heart and so I know you will speak to me only of the truth of YOUR heart tonight. You are free here, before the King, who cares for you more than anyone, go on now, profess your love."
"Oh Thera." Vasha smiled recalling all the long, lonely times spent upon that godforsaken island. "My Queen. My Friend. Above you there is no other." his dark eyes glistened in the warm flicker of the oil lamps then he turned to Lacuna, taking her hand "My King! Vyakles. You will recall I, myself, had been denied my opportunity to take on a Themiscyran partner during that first, and only, breeding season between our two nations." here of course he was referring to Vyakles dismissing Vasha that night many years ago, whereupon the King came into Thera himself "I conceded to you, my lord, out of Unity, Loyalty, Respect and.., Love." he bowed slightly then stood tall saying "I had made myself chaste to Thera, and ALL her ladies, there upon the Island of Hera, for many, many years. Then I was set free from that remote place, returned to mother Greece, treated like a hero of the gods, had my fill of women and wine.., then it came to pass, I sailed back to Themiscyra, by order of my King and Queen. Upon my arrival Queen Odessa, in her benevolent wisdom, sent out a party of her finest warrior women to greet us, to feed and entertain us outside the walls along the shoreline of the Black Sea. Then it was.., Lacuna came out to me. She was astride her great steed, dressed in a billowing white silk garment, that you could just barely see through, her long red hair shining in the sun like rare strands of copper, her blue eyes lit up like stars, skin as smooth as rose petals, lips like wine." here he paused gazing upon his radiant beauty all of his words served only to make Lacuna blush. "Lacuna to me.., is like the sun, may she shine upon my face with the light of her love all the days of my life. Please do not deny me this chance to have, and hold, my beloved Warrior Bride!"
Vyakles looked over at Thera who had little tears of joy welling up in her eyes and he gazed out at his dear friend telling him "Vasha..," Vyakles cleared his throat for he too was a bit choked up. "I will not, nor will I allow anyone to, deny you the happiness, love and joy you so deserve. For you have proven your faith to this kingdom by more than word of mouth." Vyakles gave up a flashing smile and Vasha was sore relieved.
"My dearest Lacuna.., tell me the truth of your heart. Do you love Admiral Vasha?" Thera asked softly, directly.
"Yes." Lacuna replied with great delight in her sapphire eyes "For I tell you this, the fates have brought us together.., ALL of US together. I see now what it means to live outside the walls of our city. I see the love you two have established for each other, here in this great nation of freedom and family. For family is not something we are familiar with in our society. I observed something between you Thera, and your husband as you interact with your children.., and that is Love." here Lacuna began to weep softly wiping away her tears "When I came out to meet Vasha, he was so kind, and handsome and brilliant, we did lay ourselves together.., that first night, to our mutual satisfaction, so much so that when the sun arose the following day, I found I could not bear to leave the warmth of his arms and his bed. Admiral Vasha has come into me, freely.., in Themiscyra, upon his ship as we sailed to Greece upon the Sea.., and every night here in Sparta, Vasha has come into me." Lacuna now gave a sly smile, then a look as serious as the grave came over her face as she stood before the Spartan Throne proclaiming "Now I am a warrior, and there is no one more capable on the field of battle than me, as I am sure you ladies will agree.., however I feel I can no longer serve a society whose ideals, and ideas, I no longer believe. Now is the time to turn my ambition for glory in another direction. I must fight for my right to establish and have a family, like any normal human being! I will not give up my sons, I will not lay down my life in wartime ever again! If I can not raise my family, with my beloved by my side I would rather die! For to put asunder my family as a whole would be devastating, to do so would be to me, as if I had died already. There would be nothing left for me in my heart and mind, there would no future if my children did not have both their Mother and Father." Lacuna bowed her head holding her beloveds hand.
"My heart is deeply touched by the words of your mouth, and we thank you for letting the truth come out." Queen Thera said softly knowing how hard it was for Lacuna to voice her opinion on such heartfelt matters, for she was a true warrior hardened in battle.
"La Quint.., I shall ask you the same, are you in agreement with everything Admiral Vasha has said?" Vyakles spoke turning his attention to the next couple.
"It is all true, for I too have come into Lucia Vega more than once each night.., and day, since we first laid eyes upon one another, to me she is the rarest breed of woman, unlike I have ever known or seen, and I myself was extremely covetous and jealous when the marriages of the Themiscyran women and you lucky men transpired." La Quint paused then he said the following. "My body has been bathed by her lips and kisses of her enchantments, to send her away from me would be the most cruel punishment ever hurled my way, the very thought of which gives me such a pain it feels as though I have been stabbed in the heart!. If my brave Lucia can not be by my side, as my Warrior Bride, then you had better send me away as well." his words were as sharp as a sword as La Quint implored the King to heed and understand his cause.
"Lucia Vega.., you have been silent and have heard all you will hear from these men and your friend..," Thera said looking at her dearest friend who stood in a defiant stance as if she were receiving orders before deploying her troop into war. "What say you?"
Lucia Vega closed her eyes for a moment as she made a deep bow at the waist before the Spartan Throne then she lifted her up face as she stood as still as statue then she spoke "I myself have never known what this.., Love, is like, I may not be as skilled at this, than others, but I do know one thing.., and that is this, La Quint has proven to be an amazing gift from the gods and goddess to me. He is strong, brave, powerful, his eyes burn right through to my soul, when I feel the touch of his soft lips my heart beats so fast I fear it will explode. The thought of his child growing inside my body fills my mind with the wonderful possibilities of a new and different life, far removed from the life of war, and destruction, and death I have known 'lo these many years. The Fates have delivered General La Quint up to me.., like rare golden pearls stolen from the sea. To be with out this man in my life would be completely and utterly devastating. I beg you MY QUEEN! Do not take him, and my chance for a family, away from me! Allow me to live life, as you, yourself, live here in freedom. Allow me to have a husband, do not deny us this opportunity."
Vyakles looked over at his wife and as their eyes met they both reached out taking each other by the hand. A knowing look and a sweet smile of loving kindness was exchanged between them then Vyakles stood to his feet and this is what he said "Come.., kneel before me." all four went down in an instant looking up at the great King "You women come before my court with love in your heart, and children growing in your wombs, yet your fathers are not here, so I, as King of all Sparta, will act as your Kyrios, your male legal guardian, and in doing so shall act on your behalf during this engye, the betrothal agreement." Vyakles went over up close to each of the women as they gazed up at him from upon their knees "Do you agree to these terms?" each woman spoke not a word only shaking their heads yes. "I hereby now proclaim and pronounce you, Admiral Vasha of Sparta betrothed, in Holy Matrimony, to Captain Lacuna of Themiscyra." Vyakles saw their happy smiling faces and he knew it was a good thing to see. Then he said "General La Quint of Sparta.., I do proclaim and pronounce you hereby betrothed, in Holy Matrimony, to Captain Lucia Vega of Themiscyra. We shall prepare for the wedding ceremonies and feasts to be held this week!" here a relieved cheer arose from the newly betrothed couples as they kissed one another fully upon the mouth in front of the King, who turned to his wife Thera and said "There now.., are you well pleased, my beloved Queen?"
"Well pleased indeed!" Thera said as she arose embracing and congratulating the happy couples, but deep in her heart Thera was gravely worried for she knew she must inform Katarina and the Elite Guard in the morning with the news and Thera knew when Odessa found out about this there was sure to be trouble.
"Aye my lord!" La Quint said proudly. "I believe my seed has become fruitful in Lucia Vega's womb. Vasha also believes Lacuna to be with his child."
"It is true my King, and Queen!" Vasha said with such a glorious look of satisfaction his old friend Vyakles had never seen.
"We are delighted you both are so pleased." Thera said feeling this would go well. "Now the laws of citizenship are quite clear, here in Sparta, you are all well aware of the path you must travel, together, will lead you to marriage, and here in Sparta, my brave ladies.., the only way out of marriage is death." Thera paused here for dramatic effect. "So you must all speak truthfully! Is this the true matrimonial path you wish to journey down, for the rest of your lives.., together?"
"Allow me to answer first, my noble Queen." Vasha said interceding.
"Oh Vasha.., do not answer my question as I sit here, as your Queen, but rather, speak to me as you would your friend." Thera smiled "For that is.., if you will remember, what I truly am. For you have become like a beloved brother unto me, which I myself have never had. You stayed with me on that far-off island, for three years, providing shelter and protection for my children and my ladies, the Mothers of the Sons of Sparta. You sat with me all the live long days, listening to my tales of triumph and woe, my words like a hurt birds complaint.., you have spoken to me the history of your people, your life full of memories of home and war upon the waters, you have shared with me the hopes and dreams of your mind. You and I are the closest companions in friendship. You know the meaning of my heart and so I know you will speak to me only of the truth of YOUR heart tonight. You are free here, before the King, who cares for you more than anyone, go on now, profess your love."
"Oh Thera." Vasha smiled recalling all the long, lonely times spent upon that godforsaken island. "My Queen. My Friend. Above you there is no other." his dark eyes glistened in the warm flicker of the oil lamps then he turned to Lacuna, taking her hand "My King! Vyakles. You will recall I, myself, had been denied my opportunity to take on a Themiscyran partner during that first, and only, breeding season between our two nations." here of course he was referring to Vyakles dismissing Vasha that night many years ago, whereupon the King came into Thera himself "I conceded to you, my lord, out of Unity, Loyalty, Respect and.., Love." he bowed slightly then stood tall saying "I had made myself chaste to Thera, and ALL her ladies, there upon the Island of Hera, for many, many years. Then I was set free from that remote place, returned to mother Greece, treated like a hero of the gods, had my fill of women and wine.., then it came to pass, I sailed back to Themiscyra, by order of my King and Queen. Upon my arrival Queen Odessa, in her benevolent wisdom, sent out a party of her finest warrior women to greet us, to feed and entertain us outside the walls along the shoreline of the Black Sea. Then it was.., Lacuna came out to me. She was astride her great steed, dressed in a billowing white silk garment, that you could just barely see through, her long red hair shining in the sun like rare strands of copper, her blue eyes lit up like stars, skin as smooth as rose petals, lips like wine." here he paused gazing upon his radiant beauty all of his words served only to make Lacuna blush. "Lacuna to me.., is like the sun, may she shine upon my face with the light of her love all the days of my life. Please do not deny me this chance to have, and hold, my beloved Warrior Bride!"
Vyakles looked over at Thera who had little tears of joy welling up in her eyes and he gazed out at his dear friend telling him "Vasha..," Vyakles cleared his throat for he too was a bit choked up. "I will not, nor will I allow anyone to, deny you the happiness, love and joy you so deserve. For you have proven your faith to this kingdom by more than word of mouth." Vyakles gave up a flashing smile and Vasha was sore relieved.
"My dearest Lacuna.., tell me the truth of your heart. Do you love Admiral Vasha?" Thera asked softly, directly.
"Yes." Lacuna replied with great delight in her sapphire eyes "For I tell you this, the fates have brought us together.., ALL of US together. I see now what it means to live outside the walls of our city. I see the love you two have established for each other, here in this great nation of freedom and family. For family is not something we are familiar with in our society. I observed something between you Thera, and your husband as you interact with your children.., and that is Love." here Lacuna began to weep softly wiping away her tears "When I came out to meet Vasha, he was so kind, and handsome and brilliant, we did lay ourselves together.., that first night, to our mutual satisfaction, so much so that when the sun arose the following day, I found I could not bear to leave the warmth of his arms and his bed. Admiral Vasha has come into me, freely.., in Themiscyra, upon his ship as we sailed to Greece upon the Sea.., and every night here in Sparta, Vasha has come into me." Lacuna now gave a sly smile, then a look as serious as the grave came over her face as she stood before the Spartan Throne proclaiming "Now I am a warrior, and there is no one more capable on the field of battle than me, as I am sure you ladies will agree.., however I feel I can no longer serve a society whose ideals, and ideas, I no longer believe. Now is the time to turn my ambition for glory in another direction. I must fight for my right to establish and have a family, like any normal human being! I will not give up my sons, I will not lay down my life in wartime ever again! If I can not raise my family, with my beloved by my side I would rather die! For to put asunder my family as a whole would be devastating, to do so would be to me, as if I had died already. There would be nothing left for me in my heart and mind, there would no future if my children did not have both their Mother and Father." Lacuna bowed her head holding her beloveds hand.
"My heart is deeply touched by the words of your mouth, and we thank you for letting the truth come out." Queen Thera said softly knowing how hard it was for Lacuna to voice her opinion on such heartfelt matters, for she was a true warrior hardened in battle.
"La Quint.., I shall ask you the same, are you in agreement with everything Admiral Vasha has said?" Vyakles spoke turning his attention to the next couple.
"It is all true, for I too have come into Lucia Vega more than once each night.., and day, since we first laid eyes upon one another, to me she is the rarest breed of woman, unlike I have ever known or seen, and I myself was extremely covetous and jealous when the marriages of the Themiscyran women and you lucky men transpired." La Quint paused then he said the following. "My body has been bathed by her lips and kisses of her enchantments, to send her away from me would be the most cruel punishment ever hurled my way, the very thought of which gives me such a pain it feels as though I have been stabbed in the heart!. If my brave Lucia can not be by my side, as my Warrior Bride, then you had better send me away as well." his words were as sharp as a sword as La Quint implored the King to heed and understand his cause.
"Lucia Vega.., you have been silent and have heard all you will hear from these men and your friend..," Thera said looking at her dearest friend who stood in a defiant stance as if she were receiving orders before deploying her troop into war. "What say you?"
Lucia Vega closed her eyes for a moment as she made a deep bow at the waist before the Spartan Throne then she lifted her up face as she stood as still as statue then she spoke "I myself have never known what this.., Love, is like, I may not be as skilled at this, than others, but I do know one thing.., and that is this, La Quint has proven to be an amazing gift from the gods and goddess to me. He is strong, brave, powerful, his eyes burn right through to my soul, when I feel the touch of his soft lips my heart beats so fast I fear it will explode. The thought of his child growing inside my body fills my mind with the wonderful possibilities of a new and different life, far removed from the life of war, and destruction, and death I have known 'lo these many years. The Fates have delivered General La Quint up to me.., like rare golden pearls stolen from the sea. To be with out this man in my life would be completely and utterly devastating. I beg you MY QUEEN! Do not take him, and my chance for a family, away from me! Allow me to live life, as you, yourself, live here in freedom. Allow me to have a husband, do not deny us this opportunity."
Vyakles looked over at his wife and as their eyes met they both reached out taking each other by the hand. A knowing look and a sweet smile of loving kindness was exchanged between them then Vyakles stood to his feet and this is what he said "Come.., kneel before me." all four went down in an instant looking up at the great King "You women come before my court with love in your heart, and children growing in your wombs, yet your fathers are not here, so I, as King of all Sparta, will act as your Kyrios, your male legal guardian, and in doing so shall act on your behalf during this engye, the betrothal agreement." Vyakles went over up close to each of the women as they gazed up at him from upon their knees "Do you agree to these terms?" each woman spoke not a word only shaking their heads yes. "I hereby now proclaim and pronounce you, Admiral Vasha of Sparta betrothed, in Holy Matrimony, to Captain Lacuna of Themiscyra." Vyakles saw their happy smiling faces and he knew it was a good thing to see. Then he said "General La Quint of Sparta.., I do proclaim and pronounce you hereby betrothed, in Holy Matrimony, to Captain Lucia Vega of Themiscyra. We shall prepare for the wedding ceremonies and feasts to be held this week!" here a relieved cheer arose from the newly betrothed couples as they kissed one another fully upon the mouth in front of the King, who turned to his wife Thera and said "There now.., are you well pleased, my beloved Queen?"
"Well pleased indeed!" Thera said as she arose embracing and congratulating the happy couples, but deep in her heart Thera was gravely worried for she knew she must inform Katarina and the Elite Guard in the morning with the news and Thera knew when Odessa found out about this there was sure to be trouble.
No comments:
Post a Comment