Patrol 4: Storm & Calm

Chapter 12

"So, T'kanna says," Vania said quietly, pacing in the room, "that if I marry him, they'll be forced to let him stay with me. It's some weird, old rule."

Derry nodded from his seat, the flames in the fireplace making shadows dance across his face. "Yes. The old newly wed clause."

Licia glanced back to the beds where the children lay sleeping, then looked at the pacing Vania. "Why would marrying him prevent him from fighting in the war? Derry was married to me when he was in the military. Your parents were married. None of them were dismissed from service due to being married."

"We weren't newlyweds, darling," Derry replied quietly, putting an arm around her and kissing her cheek. "And Starlin and Taila were both in the service, so they stayed together, even on the front." He looked back to Vania. "As T'kanna said, it's an old rule. From when the country was young. The rulers then wanted young people who'd recently married to have a chance to 'enjoy married life' before going off and getting killed. Also, since they were hoping to increase the population, they wanted the newlyweds to have a chance to have children."

"Oh," Vania said quickly, still pacing, hands clasping each other tightly behind her back. "But, I mean... that's not a concern anymore. That was a long time ago. And he and I couldn't— I mean." She swallowed loudly. "We wouldn't. But... would the people summoning him back to the front even still honor that rule? If it's that outdated?"

"They'd have to, if it's still in the laws," Derry reasoned. "But, you're forgetting one very important question. Vania."

Vania stopped mid-stride and looked at Derry.

"Do you want to marry him?"

"I—"

"Because if you don't, he won't want you to ask. Even if it means he's forced to return to Hursa and die. He's not the sort to use a woman for personal gain. So. That's the question you need to ask yourself. Then, if the answer's yes, go see A'lei'iana. She's his mother, and, as a traditional a'marlon family, you'll need her permission to ask him. She'll be able to tell you if, by marrying him, you'll be able to petition for him to stay."

"I don't know..." Vania mumbled. "This is too sudden." She paced agitatedly, hands flailing the air as she spoke, "What if he doesn't want to marry me, but feels like he has to? Because the alternative is to die overseas? Or because he's a gentleman and he'll do what he thinks I want, whether he feels the same way or not? And I'm already dealing with succumbing. And an evil woman trying to take control of me. How'm I supposed to think about anything like... like... getting married. When I might lose myself forever without warning?"

Derry stood up and walked to her, grabbing her hands. "Vania. Take a breath." He paused, drawing in a deep breath with her. After they'd both exhaled, he said, "Remember. One worry at a time." He paused. "He's made his feelings quite clear by his actions; he loves you. And if I've somehow misread him about that, he still wouldn't say yes if he didn't mean it." He paused again. "Your Mark episodes are few and far between. You have many years before you need to worry about fully succumbing." He paused once more. "The woman in your mind can be somewhat controlled with the seal from Aleira. You just need to buy time enough to find a temple that can help you." He squeezed her hands as he paused a final time. "Believe in yourself. Picture a future. Does that picture include D'merdon Buccareth, or not?"

Vania swallowed and pulled her hands free. "I... don't know, Derry."

"Then that's what you need to figure out," Derry replied quietly. "And you're the only one who can make up your mind."

Vania nodded. "Thank you, Derry. I'll... need to think about it. Good night." She turned and left the room.