I Would Ask You To Dance (Mareven)

Part Nine (Cal/Gisa/Mare)

The youngest Barrow, Gisa if I'm not mistaken, was sitting on the floor, her back resting against the bed frame. Her two eldest brothers were leaning on either side of the window frame, and Farley was sitting up on Shade's bed. Cameron, Kilorn, and Shade all inhabited chairs, but Shade had moved near the bed. I, being the last one in, took the farthest spot away from the bunch, the door frame. The eight of us all shared the same eager look, but not all for the same reason. Everyone, minus Farley, Cameron, and I, haven't received the news regarding Elara's death.

Reluctantly, I broke the silence, "Elara's dead," the words come out with no emotion.

The room stayed silent for a few moments, "I don't understand," Shade inquired, "Why do you sound like her death is a bad thing?"

"Let me explain, Barrow," Farley rolled her eyes, "The Scarlet Guard is responsible for the attack and framed the Lakelanders."

Every time I hear her say it, the more it stings. Mare is still in Maven's possession, which in turn makes her situation direr. She needed to get out of there soon, but the real question was how.

"Shit!" Kilorn called out from across the room, "We have to get her out of there," I was surprised that he was able to understand why.

"That's evident genius," Bree snorted.

Before long everyone, excluding Gisa and I, had begun to fight. One person would spit out an idea, only for someone to slam it down. I wanted to join in and contribute a few ideas, but it would be pointless in this mess. I watched the ruckus continue and found myself surprised as Cameron eventually joined in as well. It was astonishing that she was actually partaking in planning Mare's escape, even if it was just insulting other people's plans. Finally, though, a small voice broke through the noise.

"Guys please!" Gisa whined, "We'll never accomplish anything if you won't hear each other out."

Everyone stopped and turned to watch her, "I might have an idea," she began, "It's reckless no doubt, and its not exactly the safest option, but it might actually work."

For some unknown reason, the girl turned to me, almost as if she was asking for my permission to continue. I gave her a light nod and she took a deep breath.

"Maven is marring Mare, correct?" she stated the obvious.

"Yes, Captain Obvious," Cameron retorted.

"Well I highly doubt that Maven would execute his fiancée's sister on her way to see the wedding, especially if she was only working for the Guard to stay with her sister," She explained.

"Then you'd be able to help Mare from the inside, tell her when we'd meet up, and rescue her," I smile, "It's brilliant!"

"Sure, it is Calore," Shade spat out, "If you don't include the part where Maven holds her captive and tortures her!" his voice came out with an angry tone.

"So, maybe that happens," Gisa snarls at him, "But Mare risked her life for me, and I'm not going to sit here and let her get tormented for saving me!"

The two went on for a few minutes longer before we all awkwardly backed out. Neither of them seemed to be backing down, and none of us wanted to watch them go at it any longer. After we had all made it out, Cameron turned to me with a smirk.

"Well that was intriguing."

/////

Shade was being completely unreasonable. If I wished to risk my life for Mare's, I should be able to. I understood where he was coming from, I felt the same way every time he went out to battle, but I couldn't let others suffer because I was too afraid to step up. Hence, I would sneak off without Shade's permission.