Hauntingly Beautiful Girls

"A Shield Husband"

The new warrior woman would visit the former archivist's brother-in-law. There was always a safe social distance for these conversations. Roof to ground or a solid door.

He was surprised at an invitation to come to the armory training building.

The warrior woman was there along with some of the new faces and some known townspeople.

She provides a small standard shield that can be held with two hands.

Centered in the room, she signals for him to move in and stand. "An example. To you know the evaluation's course."

The warrior uses her body to smack the shield with increasing force until the man at the edge of the sparring area.

It was unsettling. It came very close to being touched publicly by a woman. A social disgrace that would leave him even less hope of marriage.

The warrior calls for him to meet in the center. She tells him that the prohibitions are understood, but this time she will test with greater strength.

The shield is battered by her body and with the hilts of her sword. He is driven back even faster, despite a strong hold to her onslaught.

He is called back again to the center.

"I want you to imagine that a perfect future is in a place just behind you. A nice future, even children are there. You must defend that thing but also keep yourself alive. You are an important part of that perfect future."

The third onslaught is fiercer than the earlier ones. With the shield, he deflects blows to the side and counters before the next attack is in full swing. The woman becomes more clever and uses her feet to distract.

When her foot touches his calf, it sends a murmur in the crowd.

She calls off the trial and offers marriage. In her tradition, 'a shield husband' that travels with the wife. Travelling by land and by boats. The husband must be a 'line of defense' sometimes. Blocking arrows from behind and guarding the children during unsuspected trials.

It is all settled with approval of his sister.

They are married that day.