| "The Adventures of Kat and Clara" Part XV: The Dilemma One month had passed since Kat, Clara, and Salem had become Guardians. They had been warmly accepted into Guardianhood; Kat and Clara were especially happy, since they were the only two females in an organization of men. It was now becoming autumn and the leaves on the trees were becoming yellow, orange, and red and falling slowly. A thought still weighed heavy on Kat's mind, however; through all of her joys and happiness, she was still concerned for her relationship with Clara. Her livelong friendship wanted to become that of romance and passion, and Kat very much wanted to be wed to Clara, regardless of her gender. She was worried of how her religion would deal with such a desire; she feared that her love for her friend who was also a girl would be ill-recieved by the rest of Trillius, as well as S'Allumer Himself. For some nights, Kat would cry herself to sleep over such a problem. Her distress soon reached a cusp. With a heavy heart, she approached Jervin on the matter. She was horribly nervous, as her inner desires could be her unmaking. "Good day, your majesty," Kat said, bowing her head. "I don't mean to trouble you much, but I must ask you something that disturbs me." "You may ask me anything, Kat," Jervin said, smiling at her. "What troubles you?" "I am locked in a dilemma," Kat said. "I am having trouble evaluating my emotions and my beliefs, for I believe they may conflict." "What is the problem?" Jervin asked. "I am learned well in the Penitence of S'Allumer, as is everyone in Trillan. We are all religious here, and are understanding of that fact." "All right," Kat said. Then she took a deep breath. "I am overcome with romantic impulses. It is my impression that S'Allumer would be proud of anyone who loves another person." "Of course, He would," Jervin said, smiling. "Then what is your problem, and why is it with S'Allumer?" "It is who I love," Kat said. "I am in love, but it is not what you think. I am in love with another woman; I am in love with Clara." Jervin's face suddenly turned expressionless. He did not know what to think and was intensely shocked. "I-I am unsure what to think," Jervin said, finally. "You are in love with Clara? Your friend for many years?" Kat broke down crying, then fell to her knees. "I am sorry!" she sobbed. "If it is wrong by S'Allumer, I will repent at once! I swear it upon my honor, as such an act will cost me my honor, as well as my life if you choose!" Jervin was upset, not because Kat was upset, but instead he could not think of what was right by his ideology. I haven't a clue what to do, Jervin thought, gazing upon his crying Guardian. The kingdom must not hear of this, at least not yet. "I will consider you, Kat," Jervin said. "I promise. I will research all that I must in order to find the answer." Kat wiped her eyes dry. "Thank you, good king," she said. "I will not speak of this to anyone." "It may be better this way," Jervin said. "Let me find out what to do about this. I know not whether to honor or ridicule such an act, but I will discover which is appropriate." It soon became apparent that Jervin's task of finding out if romantic relationships were acceptable in Trillan, let alone S'Allumer, was intensely difficult. For hours at a time, Jervin studied the marital history of Trillan, hoping to find a same-gender marriage. Alas, there was none. Next, he checked his religious texts, even the S'Allumer bible, but no such judgment existed. He continued to look in his books, but nothing seemed to conclusively support one issue or the other. I am horribly upset, Jervin thought. What will my people say to a union of two women, but not a man and a woman? Could this be a serious turning point for Trillan? A wedlock that is unable to procreate? Next page >> |