| Later that evening Rathkanar celebrated with his mother and father, as did Mari with her parents. It was a joyous celebration for both families; each knew the other since the day of independence 22 ladurs ago. Rathkanar and Mari planned their little meeting for the following day; they would spend as much time together as possible. The next day, Rathkanar woke up early, eager to begin his day. He was full of energy for his big moment with Mari. He dressed himself up in the armor and cape his father gave him only a few days before. "Today you are a man," Asmodo said to his son. "I hope that you and Mari have the most wonderful time that you will ever have in your lives." Rathkanar straightened his cape. "I hope to, as well," he said, smiling. "Thank you, father, for all of your help." "You are my son," Asmodo said, his hand resting on Rathkanar's shoulder, "and I love you. Now, be on your way; you don't want to be late." Rathkanar bid farewell to his father and walked to Mari's home. He arrived at the door just at the right time. This time Juvid answered the door. "Good evening, Prince Rathkanar," he said, bowing his head. "Mari will be right with you; she is just finishing dressing." "That is fine," Rathkanar said, laughing. "I will wait." "I will tell you that I am honored to have a young man of your stature courting my daughter," Juvid said, humbly. "You have been friends for so long, it is hard to believe that you have reached this sort of relationship with her." "I am greatly appreciative," Rathkanar said. "Tonight will be an evening that neither of us will ever forget." At that moment, Mari arrived at the door in her nice clothing. She was dressed in a sort of red leotard of soft, thin, clingy cloth, with a special a gold-threaded "V" that curved around her neck and pointed downward between her breasts. Wrapped around her waist was a sheet of purple cloth, tied in a neat knot to the left side of her waist, not even reaching her knees. She wore a few silver bracelets and anklets. To Rathkanar, she looked like a princess. He was awestruck by her beauty, and again found it difficult to maintain his composure. Rathkanar slowly stepped forward. "Good evening, Mari," he said, smiling. "You look so beautiful tonight." "You are a very handsome prince," Mari said, taking his hand. Juvid interrupted. "I will leave you two to the evening," he said. "Have a wonderful time." Rathkanar and Mari walked hand-in-hand out of the house as Juvid closed the door, on their way to a magical evening. Chapter 2, part 3 |