Arranged

by Spears, Jessica

  From day one, they were fighting for land down here. They fought off the strange creatures that lived in the forest area. Then when they started digging and clearing land for themselves, the Torin appeared. His father fought valiantly, losing his sight in the process from Torin poison, but he used his knowledge and magic to grant his other senses enough power to finish the Torin king off.

  Once the king was dead, the others fled wildly, having no leader and confused. That's when Qwinn's people built the wall that surrounded their city and gated off the forest and all of its horrors. The problem with the Torin, is that once they found a new leader, they were lethal once again, attacking at the opportune moment, trying to kill the men and steal the women for breeding. In a sense they had organization, yet they were so savage, Qwinn assumed that they hardly felt remorse for what they did.

  Thankfully, the elders and the rest of the soldiers dug enough to have a substantial amount of room to live and grow. Much of the forest was uprooted or moved, again by magic. Ahanu was angry at first for the destruction to her land, destroying a good amount of the crops they had attempted to grow.

  Qwinn shuddered at the thought of that first year.

  His sister and him had been kept indoors, as did most of the children too young to fight. It was a dangerous time. Every time his father ventured out of the house, he remembered wondering if he would ever see him again.

  So, he threw himself into his training with a obsessed drive, learning to fight so that he may protect what was left of his family.

  In times such as today, centuries later, life seemed almost too easy and simple. Many of the younger Vidarian's we're not around to witness the struggle of his people and so would never know what it was like to struggle to survive, to be unsure of tomorrow. He swore to himself that when he became king, that his people would never know that suffering again. Alison would never know the struggle. His children would never know. And once the Torin were destroyed, his kingdom would be safer.

  After a moment, he wondered if his people would be safe enough during the festival. They hadn't had a large gathering of every Vidarian for a long time. It may be too tempting for the Torin to resist. Then again, if they were still unorganized, they would be in no shape to attack.

  Then a thought slammed into him, making him swallow stiffly. How was he going to ask Alison to marry him? His grip on the lance slacked enough that it dropped with a thud that matched his heart. He would scare her away. What if she said no? He was going to have to marry her anyway...

  He was angry with himself for not stealing himself against her. She was too far under his skin that her rejection would hurt him; he knew that now. A growl sounded low in his throat. He had sworn that after Shea he would never let another female get hold of his heart. He picked up his lance and threw it will full force into the wall, it hit with a shower of sparks and landed in the dirt. Frustration overtook him as he ran a hand through his hair. He couldn't let her in any farther than she was already had, for his own safety.

  ALISON PICKED UP THE TAMBOURINE again, for what felt like the hundredth time. Adalia reassured her that she would get the hang of it as she turned her sights to the three seven and eight year old looking girls that Alison had seen dance with the hoops in the market place. Now they held sticks that were almost as tall as they were.

  It seemed that everyone in the tent was busy and at work and Alison felt like a fool for not being able to master a twirl with a tambourine. She held it once again over her head and brought it down to her hip as Adalia had showed her. In what was supposed to be an easy rush of motion, Alison tried to spin while keeping her balance and lifting her hands over her head to clap at the same time. The result was an ungraceful stumble and an even more frustrated Alison.

  She stood straight once again, taking a few deep breaths to calm herself.

  "Humans are not made to dance like us," she heard a sneering voice. At a quick glance, she realized that it was the woman called Shea. Shea was bent toward another dancer, pretending to be whispering, but Alison was no fool, the comment was meant to be heard.

  Lifting her jaw Alison set herself up for another try, fierce determination rushing through her. She listened to the drumbeat that someone was playing in the background and for a moment let the sound consume her. She bent her knees slightly, allowing her body to be ready to spring. This time there would be no mistakes. She raised the tambourine above her head and clapped it against her hand, then brought it down toward her hip. Pushing off with her good leg, she spun herself while lifting her hands again, the tambourine singing to the beat.

  With a triumphant smile, Alison landed from the spin facing Shea. The move couldn't have been more perfect, for that Alison was grateful. She made no move to wipe the nervous sweat that had gathered on her palms. Instead, she aimed her smile at Shea.

  Adalia clapped and came over to her, grabbing her shoulder, "That was perfect!"

  Shea narrowed her eyes before turning away, pretending to be interested in something else.

  Alison's spirits soared.

  Without missing a beat Adalia began to teach her the next sequence in the dance that she called tosssdare'. This, she insisted, was performed at every special event.

  Alison paid attention closely, memorizing the sway of her hips as she brought the tambourine in a wavy motion, the bells tinkling happily. She repeated the movement one more time then handed the instrument to Alison.

  As soon as the instrument was back in Alison's hands, Adalia turned her attention back to the girls who were beginning to playfully smack each other with their sticks. Alison set her mind to the task at hand and began to slowly attempt the sway of Adalia's hips. She felt like she was doing it all wrong, but no one around her was paying any attention.

  The men who were on the drums changed the beat to a faster one. Alison licked her lips as she tried to match the movements of her hips with the beat. To her surprise, she found that it was easier than she had originally thought.

  The beat vibrated through the large tent and everyone seemed to be moving in unison to that beat.

  The atmosphere was one of excitement as a few Vidarian's arranged and created costumes, others stretched, cooked or cleaned and the rest practiced dance moves wherever they were standing. Alison was positioned almost in the middle of everything. She felt exposed and surrounded, but at the same time very excited. She knew that if she got the dance right, they would accept her. The thought stilled her movements. Did she want them to accept her?

  For the first time she realized that she did want to be accepted by the Vidarian's. When had this happened? She knew that Qwinn had something to do with her change of heart. If his people accepted her, then maybe he could like her in return. She sucked in a deep breath and sighed in frustration. She had never battled with insecurities as much as he had this past week or two.

  She returned her attention to the dance. Her hips swayed to the beat, once again, the drums taking over her. She waved the tambourine the way she saw Adalia do. The move was easy enough. When she had mastered it, she practiced the first set of steps then added the new moves. To her amazement, they flowed together easily. She did it again and again and again.

  Adalia watched with a pleased smile. "I knew you would learn quickly," she commented as she handed Alison a sweet roll, who consumed it, not realizing how hungry she was before that moment. As she chewed she looked around and watched the other dancers.

  "Why isn't anyone practicing the dance I am?"

  Adalia seemed slightly worried, but she hid it immediately. "This is a traditional dance. We already know it," she answered.

  Alison accepted the explanation, but puzzled over why Adalia had seemed so uncomfortable a moment before. When the sweet roll was finished, Adalia showed her the next sequence of steps. She made it look incredibly easy as she leapt through the air, her dress billowing like a beautiful cloud. She landed lightly on her feet, only to spin and spin.

  Alison was already dizzy from just watching her. T
hen she noticed a figure also watching nearby. Vin's eyes were glued to Adalia, watching her thoughtfully.

  Adalia repeated the steps, but Alison hardly watched. Instead, she was transfixed on the look Vin was giving Adalia. He looked…love-struck. Her heart ached. She wanted someone to look at her that way.

  Adalia must have noticed that her student was no longer paying attention because she followed Alison's gaze to Vin. Then she walked to him and playfully smacked him. He smiled devilishly as he reached for her, broken from his trance. She danced out of his grasp, chiding him in Vidarian.

  He teased her right back, grabbing her hand and pulling her to him. Before she could squirm from his grasp, he wrapped his arms around her, stilling her. She smiled up at him, no longer struggling, but now cupping his cheek. He murmured something down at her before covering her mouth with his.

  Alison looked away; it was hard for her to watch. At the same time she was very happy for Adalia, if anyone deserved a good man, she did. But Alison couldn't stop the ache that watching such affection brought. All through her life, she had never once witnessed such actions. Her father had remained single as she grew and her uncle never invited women to the manor so she had never known what love looked like, before now.

  Suddenly she felt a hand gently on her shoulder. Adalia looked at her, worry sketched on her beautiful face. "Are you alright?"

  "I'm fine," she lied.

  Adalia narrowed her eyes slightly, then Alison felt the soft buzzing in her mind as Adalia tried to read her.

  "I'm fine, really," she insisted, stepping away.

  Adalia withdrew her power. "Tell me what's wrong."

  Alison looked around. As soon as Adalia had broken away from him, Vin grudgingly went back to work, stretching a new canvas over the hollow of a drum. When she was sure he was far enough away, she decided that it would be all right to confide in Adalia. She had to confide in someone or burst.

  "You and Vin make a beautiful couple," she started off, wrapping the strands of her braided belt nervously around her finger.

  "But that's not what's bothering you," Adalia nudged gently. "Come with me." She grabbed Alison's hand and tugged her toward the tent opening. She threw someone instructions in Vidarian over her shoulder before the pair exited.

  "Where are we going?" Alison asked.

  Adalia ignored her as she continued to walk toward a nice dark patch of grass. When they had settled themselves, Adalia turned all her attention to Alison. "Tell me what's on your mind."

  Alison couldn't find the words to explain what she was feeling, but she knew it was safe to confess her scrambled thoughts to Adalia. "Watching you two makes me…lonely."

  Adalia tilted her head slightly as she continued to listen.

  "I've never seen affection the way you two show it. I…I guess I would like to feel that way someday." She lowered her eyes, not wanting to see the pity in Adalia's eyes. The darkness surrounding them helped.

  "I'm sure Qwinn would show you that affection."

  Alison's eyes darted up in shock as a blush so deep lit her face that she could actually feel her head throb. "What…?" she asked. "W-why would you say that?"

  Now Adalia had an amused smile playing on her lips. "I've been watching him these last few days and I've seen the way he looks at you."

  Now Alison twirled the strings of her belt more tightly. "How does he look at me?" she tried to ask sounding as if she didn't care, but knew she failed. The butterflies in her stomach were in such a frenzy that she could hardly keep the shake out of her voice.

  "I'm sure you have seen it too. He likes you."

  Alison could hardly meet her eyes. Deep down she had hoped he would like her, but immediately doubts started flooding into her mind. "How do you know?"

  Adalia giggled slightly. "It's obvious actually. I think he's more protective of you than he is of me! He's always staring at you, and…" she trailed off dramatically.

  Alison met her gaze with curiosity. "And?"

  Suddenly her playful mood changed into a serious one. "I've noticed he's been reigning in on his temper more. The only reason I can find for that is because of you."

  Alison felt lightheaded. Was she telling the truth or was she just saying these things because she felt sorry for Alison's loneliness? "Adalia…why would he like me? I'm human."

  Adalia shifted closer and gently touched her arm. "Alison, you are so much more than just a race. If there is anyone I could pick for my brother, it's you."

  At that moment, Alison began to cry. She was as much surprised by the tears as Adalia was. Taking it in stride, the Vidarian princess pulled Alison into a tight and comforting hug.

  When Alison had gotten control of herself again, she pulled away and wiped her eyes. "Thank you…but I don't think he likes me."

  She studied Alison with a knowing smile. "You like him, don't you?"

  Alison's blush returned. "No!...I mean, he's a good friend…"

  Adalia giggled again, the sound tinkling through the air. "Don't worry. I won't tell him. It's too much fun to watch him squirm," she said with a smile. She helped Alison up.

  "But…I don't like him," Alison offered lamely. Adalia patted her shoulder and laughed again as she led Alison back to the tent.

  QWINN STUDIED THE LINE OF SOLDIERS CAREFULLY. They stood side by side in a line, waiting for his order. They were an impressive group; each had been trained to be deadly in battle. Many began training when they were youth, as he had. However, he knew they needed more training if they were to be ready for the battle that was coming.

  He lifted his chin, pacing the line with hard eyes. "I have called you together today because our people are being threatened." He noticed a few begin to shift in anticipation. "The Torin have terrorized this land long enough. We have destroyed their military structure and left them confused without their leader. Now is the time to strike them down!"

  Some nodded in agreement, others grunted.

  "I have a week to make sure you are trained to be the most lethal soldiers ever known in Vidarian history, for, after the Eclipse, we are going to war with the Torin!"

  Now all of his men shouted in agreement, cheering.

  "We are men of honor," he yelled, gathering everyone's attention once again. "We will protect our families. We will protect our land. We will not stop until every one of them is destroyed."

  Another ear-splitting chorus of shouting, Qwinn's heart began to pound with adrenaline and excitement. It had been too long since he had a good fight. He summoned the captain and gave him a list of instructions. Together they split the mass of soldiers in two. There were many and the dirt courtyard was packed, but they managed.

  He gave one team wooden swords and his captain handed the others dull claw looking weapons that strapped steadfastly to their hands. When everyone was armed, again they waited. The teams faced each other and glared, some calling out insults while others growled. Qwinn raised his arm from platform set above the courtyard and his men grew silent. Without a word, he firmly dropped his hand and the fight began. Both teams rushed each other, meeting with a loud thunder of shouts and clangs as the soldiers fought, one the "Torin" and the other Vidarian's.

  As they fought, Qwinn and his captain watched with a critical eye from their platform. They had done this exercise numerous times; however, today they were searching for a few lethal fighters to be a part of the surprise attack they had planned.

  As people began to "fall", Qwinn closely watched the ones who were still fighting. A large man, who was well over two heads taller than Qwinn was barreling through soldiers as if they were nothing but bales of hay. He swung his clawed hand and knocked two Vidarian's off their feet. His head tilted back as he made a war cry. The next moment, he turned his sights on more fighters.

  Qwinn marked the big man's name down on his paper. His captain pointed out another man, this one thin and faster than anyone he'd ever seen, despite the fact that he had hooves for feet. This man "cut down" a few Torin and darted out of th
e way as another slashed a clawed hand at him. In a blur of motion, he was suddenly behind his opponent, smashing his wooden sword against his opponents armor and bringing the soldier down. Qwinn scratched his name under the first.

  Another soldier was plowing through men, literally throwing them over his shoulder. He was very stout, but had mighty arms. He rammed into men with his shoulders, taking out their legs. Since he was very short, they tripped forward over him. The sight was slightly amusing, but the man was indeed making a pile-up of stunned and aching soldiers. Another name.

  The fighting continued until only a handful of men were left standing. The captain bellowed, gathering everyone attention. As soon as all eyes were on them, Qwinn stepped forward. "Very well fought, now break into groups of ten. I want to see hand-to-hand combat. Return your weapons to the racks."

  His men followed orders, returning their weapons then grouping amongst themselves. Again, his eyes trained carefully on the groups. His men had different strengths. He needed an array of skill and talent.

  Qwinn and the captain separated, making their way slowly through the sparring circles, watching the way the men handled themselves. The air was filled with grunts and shouts as the men wrestled and tried to overcome one another without the use of weapons.

  Qwinn narrowed his dark eyes as one of the fighters was thrown out of the circle and fell in a heap at his feet. He looked up to the fighter and was surprised to find it to be a gaunt man, who even Alison looked like she could beat. Raising his brow, he stood by the circle, ordering another man to fight him. A larger man entered the ring, taunting the thin man, but soon found himself on the ground with his arm pinned over his head and the skinny man with his legs wrapped around his neck in a death grip.

  To say that Qwinn was impressed was an understatement. Again, he ordered another man to fight him. This time, a man with four muscular arms stepped in the circle. He looked as though he could crush the smaller man. Qwinn was sure that he had the smaller man beat. The four-armed soldier advanced, snarling. The smaller man simply stood where he was, allowing the large man to draw closer.