Topic: Coming Of Age

Shai Vevea

Date: 2013-11-21 15:44 EST
Rochelle had been given the task of going through the piles of letter's that had been received dating back to before Nikolai was born. Shai was stretched piano wire tight and needed relief from her obligation's to them and the social etiquette.

Most were well wishes and congratulation's for the new birth, as it had trickled through numerous circles, from distant places. Rochelle was midway through the first stack when something caught her eye. It was a letter addressed to her, that had somehow been slid in with the rest.

The script was familiar and her eyes lit up as she began to read. It was from Beelah. That was a name she hadn't seen in a very long time. He was the Administrator to Tiro Mihai Bahir Ghazi. Reading the missive once and then twice, it was dated several weeks ago and Rochelle gasped aloud. "Qui? Belglade? Oh caro Santo."

Rochelle was not certain at this moment, if this was going to be a good thing or the work of the devil, and regardless of such, too much time had passed, there was no stopping what was the inevitable.

Shai was upstairs' napping with Nikolai, so it was with apprehension that Rochelle woke her gently and relayed the new's while setting the letter onto the bed. Assured the child was not disturbed, Shai got up and went into the sitting room.

"Tiro..." The name whispered, Shai folded the parchment and regarded Rochelle. "He should have been here by now, this letter is dated quite sometime ago. Prepare the house and the other's, Rochelle. We will have a visitor anytime now...."

(tbc)

Tiro

Date: 2013-11-21 17:39 EST
?Sir, we have been here for nearly a week, why are we waiting?? Beelah asked of his lord.

Tiro sat quietly at the small table in the room he took. The Inn was in a city over from Rhydin. ?Beelah, when have you ever known me to rush into anything??

Beelah laughed. ?Sir, you left Z?Rehen without final word. Meeza told you in three days time he would have more information.?

Tiro nodded. ?Point taken. Other than then??

Beelah nodded. ?Never sir. What will you do with the information you have now??

Tiro mulled it over. ?Beelah, you will send the documents I prepared by ship. You will have them approved by Karthiff.?

Beelah looked at the parchments and read them carefully. ?M?lord, aba-sellhul has not been used since the first.?

?I know, but it is necessary. She should not be shamed because of his infractions. How low a man is to abandon his wife and child, there is no one lower, except those who abuse them.? He was livid.

Beelah shook his head. ?Do you think Karthiff will approve it??

?He will take it to the counsel and the monks. I believe the will of the gods will be done and I believe they will see all the reasons why this should be done. There need be no more shame to Shai or any of her children, even the new one. He will be embraced as a son of Z?Rehen.?

Beelah shook his head. ?I see your logic m?lord. I believe that aba-sellhul is deemed necessary. When this man is deemed dead in the eyes of our gods for his trespassing, she will be a widow to a living dead man.?

?Yes Beelah.. this frees her from his shame of abandonment. It frees her to marry again if she desires. It brings no shame to her or her children.?

Beelah nodded. ?It is the best m?lord for all involved. Do you think she will agree to it??

?I do not know Beelah. You know she is a proud woman and if I know her, she has made it clear to him she will not be the one to do anything. Aba-sellhul frees her of this burden.?

?What about the laws of this land?? Beelah asked.

?She is a citizen of Z?Rehen, there is no higher authority. She will do it. I will convince her to do so. Make this done I want it returned in two weeks time.? Tiro said.

Beelah did as his lord requested. Tiro waited nearly two weeks before even thinking about making a visit to Belglade. At the end of his time, he was going to make himself known.

A few days later in the late hours of the night, he stood at the Belglade gates and hummed an old song Shai used to sing when she rocked the children to sleep.

Shai Vevea

Date: 2013-11-22 07:26 EST
Rochelle was bustling around the house like a mad woman and for the first time in week's, Shai was amused, visibly so. She couldn't tell if the Italian woman was excited or petrified.

It had been so very long since there had been contact with Tiro. The formal nature of things, could not be denied or ignored. That brought an array of things to mind for Shai. Political attributes were just that. The arena being one she had always fluttered through effortlessly. While that was handsomely priced, it was not the case with the Diplomat.

The very crux of their relationship, was almost clandestine by all definition. Their path's crossed through no effort of their own. Their lives intertwined and a certain mutual understanding shrouded any onlooker's gaze. He had his purpose. She had hers.

But, with his pending arrival, sadness once again marred Shai's feature's, as her thought's roamed where they hadn't in some time. Dante. Tristan. Molly. How she missed them.

Tiro had never passed judgement where the Courtesan was concerned. He knew her. He watched over her, even while she was destined to be an elusive butterfly. He knew what sacrifices she had made for those two children that were not by birth....her own.

She wondered if that had now changed. She wondered if he was here to take away what little pride she had left. Had she brought shame to him, to Z?Rehen? Not that she had ever bothered herself with such trivial nonsense. But, where the two children and now Nikolai were concerned, had she brought shame? Staring at herself in the mirror, a hand ran through her now unruly hair and she palmed the tear's away.

Did he know? Was he aware that she had taken a leap of faith, that perhaps she was worthy of being a wife, a soul mate, only for it to be proven that she was not?? That maybe she had deserved to be raped all of those month's ago?

Surely not. Not Tiro. She hoped, even through her now shattered faith, she hoped.

So restless she was, long into the night, she paced and paced the confines of the Master Suite and finally wrapped a robe tightly around her frame to go downstairs'.

Rochelle was still in the parlor, polishing the silver. Shai paused there in the doorway. "Please listen for Nikolai, I am going to walk in the garden for a little while." She didn't wait for a response, or to be told it was very chilly outside. She just went out.

It was in fact quite chilly, almost cold and to the point that she could see her own breath. But it mattered little, it helped her feel alive and made her veins pulse, her heart beat faster. It felt in a word, wonderful.

Antonio was just now coming back from the northern cliffs and spotted Shai. Before he could say anything to her, an almost melodic sound wafted it's way through the night's breeze and the familiarity of it, had slippered feet carrying her towards the main gates. "He has arrived..."

Antonio in his protectiveness that almost bordered obsessive was not more than four feet behind her. Stopping not far from the gates, Shai turned to speak low to him. "Our guest has traveled a long way to Belglade. You will aid me in assuring his needs are tended to in an appropriate manner, Antonio. You are relieved for the evening, do get some rest." Shai gave him a smile and knowing he was dismissed, Antonio grinned in response. "Yes, M' Lady....good eve to you and our guest."

When he had gone, Shai drew in a deep breath and the melody continued to be hummed. Her response while the gate was being opened, could have been unheard. "Golden slumber, kiss your eyes...smiles await you when you rise. Sleep, pretty baby, do not cry, and I'll sing you a lullaby."

At first sight, a peach pit sized lump formed in her chest and slowly made it's way to her throat. "Tiro...welcome to Belglade..."

(tbc)

Tiro

Date: 2013-11-22 10:21 EST
Beelah had warned him to keep his cool, to keep his temper, especially around a lady. He wasn't mad at Shai, he was on fire with what this man did to her. Shame aside, which there would be none as far as he was concerned, it was the vile act one human could betray another which made his blood boil.

Tiro stood on this side of the iron gates, leaving metal between them. How ironic. He watched as she sent her watchdog away. Who could blame him though? Women are the more gentler creatures. Did it mean they were weak? Never. In some ways women were stronger than men. He was from a place where women were not warriors. They could be, but there were few because women were cherished for their position. They were also used by some for pleasure. He walked in two worlds. Tonight, he simply was a friend coming to check on the well-being of Shai.

Smile, Beelah had said. Tiro thought about this, he thought, how he could smile through the harshness of the desert weather on his features or the sun soaked beaches of his beloved Greece. When she reached the edge of the gate, she saw iron and a grimacing smile. The words she said helped his cause, though she would know it was the way he always smiled.

Pushing the gate open he stood there not crossing over until she invited him. ?You welcome, but you do not invite an old friend to come? Beelah sends his regards as does Horatio and Plummet.? Horatio and Plummet are the canine friend of Beelah, who is known to be fond of any creature with four legs. It always struck him, Beelah offered his services to be advisor and administrator for the diplomat rather than serving as warrior. Tiro know the greeting would bring a comforting smile to Shai.

Soon enough there would be talk about what happened and her circumstance, but at the current moment she had to invite him and he would follow without pause.

Shai Vevea

Date: 2013-11-22 10:41 EST
Shai couldn't help but smile in Tiro's regard. He was always so pressing in his ability to remain hard on the outside, but could be gooey on the inside. The strained smile proved it.

Sliding easily into their rapport, Shai swept a hand, urging him to step through the gate. "Please, please, I beg every pardon, please come. Diplomat Tiro Mihai Bahir Ghazi, I am honored to have you within my midst and Belglade welcomes you with open arm's."

Once inside, the gate was closed and she took his side to the left and slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. "I almost expected Beelah to arrive with you, as well the two beast's." Shai had enjoyed the company of Plummet and Horatio, many time's and had been grateful they tolerated her. They could have certainly eaten her for a late lunch.

"You look well, handsome as ever. Time has served you well, Tiro...." Giving his arm a squeeze, she led him through the gardens that opened to the front of the house and motioned to the Fairy Primrose that seemed to be an enormously large centerpiece.

"I thought of you when these were being planted last year. I remember you told me in a rather commanding tone, that they were, not Fairy like by any definition, but were actually called Poison Primrose. I still believe you were exaggerating their deadliness if absorbed through the skin or eaten. Hence, the reason I have had them within every garden I have cultivated. I find them fascinating as they only bloom in the winter months and are dormant the rest of the year."

Lantern light lit their way and Shai ceased her footfall's a moment. "Would you like to go inside? I have the Guest Suite prepared for you and your favored Cognac waiting in the parlor."

(tbc)

Tiro

Date: 2013-11-24 15:55 EST
Gooey like hot lava, but cool and willing to be touched by very few, Shai being one of the very few he allowed. He offered his arm after the gate opened and he stepped through.

He had to let his thoughts simmer when she said he was welcomed with open arms. "I do not see opened arms, only that I take yours. I will accept your open arms when we are in a more suitable place." His sense of humor was dry and dull most of the time.


"Beelah is here. We have a pair of rooms in the next town over. His beasts are keeping him company and I'm sure when the time is right he will come to see Rochelle and bring Plummet and Horatio to torment you and wreck your home."

Shai's compliments did nothing to him, except made him think her tongue was extra sharp and silver. One thing he admired about her. She could charm a dead rock. "I will walk with you Shai, but I will not be staying, not tonight. I have the rooms and more business with Beelah tonight. I will walk with you and enjoy the Cognac if you join me?"

He escorted her, but allowed her to guide the way. "You have done much with this Belglade. I am disappointed you have planted the primrose." His smiled strained.

Tiro was never one for long drawn formalities, and it was part of the reason he waited until he knew news would be coming. "Shai. I have business with you. My visit is not informal. I have been in this Rhydin and have learned many things since being here. I do not like what I've recently heard in regards to you and your happiness. I have no reason to say this name. I have no reason to remind you what I mean. I know and you should know that I am here to make it right. Aba-sellhul."

All of his cards were on the table. The game is hers.

Shai Vevea

Date: 2013-11-24 16:52 EST
Where Shai was about to retort in equally dry humor, it was cut short when Tiro in fact cut to the chase and brought out the reason for his sudden appearance. She knew him to always tend to things in such a way, but she truly did not think it would have been catapulted the way it was.

Distressing, considering she had thought she would gain a slight reprieve from all of this within his company....if only briefly.

Allowing his words to sink in, Shai knew exactly what he meant and while her arm remained tucked against his own, it wouldn't be long before she gave it release and turned to face him entirely. She had always respected his ways, their ways. She also knew the protectiveness that came along with that. It could be fierce, as well deadly.

No matter how simple he had made -it- sound, it was far from that. Unfortunately so, on every level.

While he saw it as business, she did not....for once.

"Tiro, I appreciate your concern and willingness to come to me. However, consider your business with me complete." Plain and simple. "This matter I will tend to on my own, completely so." She wasn't angry, far from it in fact, but this was her matter to deal with. "There will not be Aba-sellhul."

"Now, will you join me inside for that cognac?"

Shai Vevea

Date: 2013-11-25 09:28 EST
She slipped her arm from his, that said she was upset.? He knew enough about women and their subtle actions and what it meant.? "Shai." He said in the way he normally said her name.? "My concern is for the children, all of them.? My concern is for you.? My concern is for Z'hren. My concern is for Beelah. For my people. For the right ways of the law.? You know this is not business. I am here to make a wrong right even if your heart is stubborn."

He stood there talking to her, not down at her, not treating her any different than any other time they have conversed.? There was a reason he was a diplomat.? "You ignoring the situation is not tending to it. There will be an Aba-sellhul. I've already petitions the monks on your behalf.? Whether you choose to acknowledge such things, it will be done.? You mistake my visit as business.? I regard you and the children more than business.? You are family, but this matter is not completely yours to deal with when it comes to others outside of your circle. You have been a good mother.? You are a good mother and this is why Aba-sellhul will be done."

He stared at her for a long time before he said anything else. "You have done nothing to bring this upon yourself.? This thing which has impacted your life. This man has violated sacred and holy laws. You expect me to stand by and watch it destroy you? You expect me to watch a fire and do nothing?" She had to know him better than that.? Fire in his eyes; he would kill the man with his bare hands if he could.? "Tell me.. if you saw someone you cared for drowning would you let them?" He knew the answer.

"So do not tell me you think I would let you drown, let your burn or let you suffer.? If the man has made amends with you, if he has made it right and found his way back into your graces and love, then I will go.? If this is not the case, do not except that Aba-sellhul will not happen.? Shai, I will not break a promise I made to you or to Dante."? A promise to make sure she and the children wanted for nothing, even though she was more than capable of taking care of them.? "I will not."? Break his promise. He would die first.

"The heart is not governed by law, Tiro. At least mine is not. Is your's...?" Perhaps it was a low blow, but there was a point to her words, the same as his. "This wrong will is not to be righted, not where it matter's, not within my soul, my very fiber. It is what happened and I will deal with it, not with my head down and while being governed by someone with a sovereign political agenda. You yourself stated this was business, this was formal. Your words and not mine, Tiro."

He was?crossing a line and she would not be dictated to. "I am far from destroyed. I have given birth no more than a month ago. The man I married less than a year ago has turned into a self righteous, martyr hypocrite, all of this after he lambasted another man for abandoning a woman my husband was involved with before he decided to rip my world apart. All in the name of honor and loyalty. No, he has not found himself back in my good graces, but he is my husband and even though he lied, does not mean I did. Tiro, I will ignore the Aba-sellhul, as is my right and my choice."

At the mention of Dante, Shai's shoulder's rolled back, perfectly erect. "You also made a promise that you would respect who I am and not tread in a knee jerk reaction to what you do not know. I am perfectly aware of what Aristotle Kruger Allen has done to me. But, I will not hide from it. I refuse. You cannot force this issue, Tiro. I won't allow it."

"I am here for business, but you are not the business."? He found his tongue tied. This was not an easy thing for him to talk to her about. His intentions were purely for her own good. "I will not withdraw. This is why.. because you will cling to what is duty. I know you Shai. I know you and your promises.? Me and my promises. I respect you Shai, this is why Aba-sellhul will happen." It was her choice whether to honor it or not. "I am aware of enough. You are not aware of all that I know, the secrets I've kept for 18 years Shai." He was here to tell her, maybe.? "I will not withdraw Aba-sellhul, Shai."?

Shaking his head. "I know you have not lied. I know you have kept your promise and your word.? You are the epitome of a woman who graces herself with dignity and the utmost care around others. "This is not a knee jerk reaction Shai, I have known for many years what path this would lead you to. I believe it's late for Cognac."

He took a card from his pocket and offered it to her. "Here is the Inn if you decide to take company with Beelah and I.? Since you refuse the Aba-sellhul, there is no need for me to inform you when it has been done.? Do not mistake .." He stopped himself.? "Mrs. Allen."? Extending her the card.? He would take his leave for now as soon as she took it.

The card would not be taken. She would not acknowledge the Aba-sellhul. Furious with him, Shai turned and made her way back inside, and promptly slammed the door.

End.