| Chapter 2 Over time, Rathkanar did not have too many more problems with his condition. He experienced only few headaches and dizzy spells, and had an occasional nightmare every so often. After he turned 20 ladurs, he was more in control of himself. Mari had blossomed from a little girl into a beautiful adolescent wench, and Rathkanar had fallen secretly in love with her, even though both of them had only just finished their days of education and now lived almost independently of their parents. Rathkanar, however, became extremely shy for some reason; he was nervous to court Mari at any time. Asmodo, now 50 ladurs of age, convinced his son that he should court her, for he believed that Rathkanar had the will of heart to win Mari's hand. The only problem was that Mari had never been courted; she knew nothing of courtship, only of her lyre that she played for hours at a time. Rathkanar was determined not to let his nervousness get in the way of his beautiful friendship with Mari; he loved her very much and did not want to let her down, for they had been friends ever since birth. Only a few days after Rathkanar's birthday, his father approached him with a special set of clothing. Asmodo was bestowing upon his son a set of formal clothes to wear on his first evening out with Mari: a set of black leather armor and a royal purple cape worn down to his knees. At first the prince was unsure that he wanted to go on with the date; he was unsure of himself. Asmodo assured him that Mari indeed loved him and that she would appreciate a handsome young cat warrior like Rathkanar to show her a wonderful time. He indirectly commanded his son to walk to Mari's house and ask her out for just one evening. Rathkanar reluctantly obeyed. Rathkanar did not know what to say when he reached Mari's home. He walked nervously up the steps of the little house and knocked a few times on the door. Within a matter of moments, the knock was answered. The door opened and Corsine appeared. She was now about 51 ladurs of age; her husband, Juvid, 54. Corsine bowed. "Good day, Prince Rathkanar," she said, smiling. "What brings you to our home?" "Good day," Rathkanar said, a shaking sensation in his voice. "Is Mari at home?" "Yes, she's here," Corsine said, leading Rathkanar inside. She called out for Mari. "Mari? Prince Rathkanar is here." Mari walked to the door and it was then that Rathkanar's passion rose to its peak. She was more beautiful to him at that point than at any other; the sensations running down his spine caused him to shiver with fear and his nervous tension left him sexually stimulated. He could not seem to gain his composure. "Good to see you," Mari said, smiling at him. "I didn't expect to see you here on such short notice." Rathkanar could barely speak. He then turned to her mother. "Corsine?" he said. "May we be excused, please?" "Certainly," she said, bowing, and stepped out of the room. Rathkanar turned back to Mari. "So," he began, twitching, "how are you?" Mari smiled, seemingly ignoring his nervous twitching. "Fine, thank you," she giggled, gazing up at him with dark purple eyes. "Would you...like to go for a walk?" Rathkanar asked, nearly out of breath. "Sure, that would be nice," Mari said. At that point, she reached forward and took Rathkanar's right hand. It was then that Rathkanar gasped in utter astonishment; he began to sweat and almost broke down crying, a chill ran up and down his back. "Let's go." Rathkanar felt like he was being pulled out the door, led by Mari herself. He could barely walk, stumbling over his own feet in fear. But for the time, he tried to stroll along, trying to forget the fact that he couldn't control himself. He tried to speak to Mari. "I was wondering something, Mari," he said, almost afraid. "I've noticed a lot of things between us in the last--" At that moment, Rathkanar suddenly stopped talking and prompted Mari to stop walking. "What's the problem, Rathkanar?" she asked. "Why did you stop?" You've known her all your life, Rathkanar thought. You must ask her NOW. "Mari," he began, "I want to tell you that I--" "Yes?" Mari prompted. "I--I have always been friends with you and I must tell you that I...love you, Mari. I cannot hide it any longer." Mari was astonished. "You are in love with me?" she asked. "You love me with all your heart?" Rathkanar cracked a smile. "Yes," he said, his grin widening. "Yes, I do. I have loved you in secret for so long. I cannot hide my feelings for you any longer; you must know." Rathkanar suddenly fell on his knees, holding her hand. "Mari, please tell me that you will put on some nice clothing and let me bring you out for an evening. I will show you how much I love you; all I ask is that you--" Mari began to laugh. "Of course!" she exclaimed. "Of course, I'll go! Rathkanar, why didn't you tell me until now?" "I was nervous," he said, standing up. "I didn't know how to do this until today. If you love me, tell me so." Mari almost cried. "I love you, Rathkanar," she said. It was then that they kissed and embraced. "I will go with you to wherever you wish." Rathkanar felt her hand; it was warm and comfortable to hold. He smiled at Mari while she smiled back at him. They kissed some more, and for a while they walked arm-in-arm. Chapter 2, part 2 |