CHAPTER 35 Ending the Marluk'nak' of Chaos and Change

The morning after the night of Chaos, the clans were called out of their encampments to be witness to the Chaos that had descended on the tents of the Grouse Clan because of their disobedience and to the field east of the Head Clan tent so that they could witness the Chaos brought by the lies in the hearts of the men of Tarc when they had tried to kill the Head Clan Heads after the time of Chaos was supposed to have passed. Zerak' and Maroz stood and witnessed to what had happened during the night. "These comprehended the Law and turned their backs to it. In addition, we were warned that to leave the encampment without orders would result in death. See, it has come to them. Return to your tents and consider what you've seen and hope that mercy will still keep the clans alive and not punish us all for their disobedience." Zerak' said to those who came to see the encampment of the Head Clan.

"Who gave the punishment to the Grouse clan members?" one asked Maroz in his tents.

Maroz answered, "Head Clan Head Obi and the Children of Chaos and Change with him. These clan members were unable to comprehend the Law and live it and refused to be obedient to me, their Clan Head and to the Head Clan Seconds when they tried to explain it plainly. " There were enough witnesses both from the living of the Grouse Clan and from the clans of the dead in the field who stood forth to witness the truth of those words that the clans settled and returned to their tents.

When the clans were settled, they began to pack their tents in earnest. Zerak' took Nal'fa to the High Lord's tent and left her with Shirayuki and was asked to go to the High Lord's war tent. When he arrived, everyone was already present. Zen noted his arrival but was listening to Obi's report of the night before. Zerak' wasn't surprised to be asked to give his own accounting when Obi was finished. Zen looked at him when his report was done, then asked "Did Uzziat act against us to become the next High Lord of Tarc? Or to make you the next High Lord of Tarc? As your Second he was rather determined, to go against even your words to him. Or did you give him a sign that he was still to carry it out?" Zerak' could feel his blood leave his body. "He didn't attack you for those words of warning, but he did your brother."

Zen watched Zerak' struggle, until he had nearly no air left to breathe. "We will consider his death at your hands your attempt to help your own inheritance and keep the clans alive. As Ilena counted it to Uzziat honor that he was obedient by drawing out the remaining Chaos from the clans, we will count it as yours. You have been sufficient as a Second this year. We will hope to see it again next year and again until all the clans understand."

Zerak' dropped, finding his breath again. "Is it mercy?"

"No. It is punishment, Zerak'. You already know that. You who were passed over yet again by the clans to be High Lord will still have to wait many generations before such a title can come to your heirs again. Please keep working hard for that future High Lord. Perhaps the teaching of Wisdom will do more than the words of darkness and Chaos your father decided to believe." He turned to Obi and Ilena. "Do you believe Zerak' and Prota have remained sufficiently loyal until now?"

"Yes. Zerak' passed his final test as well and remained in his own tents all night instead of returning to the tent Justinian had been watching to finish the deed for himself nor did he send any others." Obi answered.

"Is the teaching of the clan heads and teachers completed?" Zen asked.

"Yes, Regent Zen," Ilena answered.

"Tell the clans to finish their packing. We will leave the Marluk'nak' in the morning with the song and the dance of the horses by all the clans. If there needs to be another burning, see that it's properly prepared and announced for tonight."

Ilena, Obi, and Zerak' all bowed and promised it would be done. Zen released them. As soon as they were in the field between the encampments, Ilena opened her mouth and sang for all the tents to hear. Clans of Tarc. Those who remain of the Grouse Clan, gather your dead to the place of burning. Those who have dead in the south field come and gather yours as well. You may hold the burning tonight. Prepare to leave the Marluk'nak' in the morning to the song and dance of joy in celebration of the coming year of peace and learning. The Marluk'nak' of Change has ended.

-o-o-o-

That day, Ilena walked the tents. After saying her farewells to Zerak' - which took over an hour since she also had things to teach him about how to send his reports and warnings to her through his translator in his tents, she went to the infirmary tent. Most of the injured of Wilant and Clarines were being prepared for transportation with wagons already outside the tent. They had held the worst injuries until this final day to give them the longest recovery time possible. She found Danel and let him complain to her about the fact he still had convalescence to do at home, too. "See you stay in one of the warm safe houses," she ordered him. "It's too much of a bother to replace you. I'll pay for your care, as long as you keep it sane. This war has already cost me enough I'm not going to pay for three young nurses and expensive drinks."

Danel grinned at her, knowing she was teasing as much as anything. "More like I'll have to pay for four bodyguards."

"More likely, but stay hidden well enough I don't. Two should be sufficient with Landras and Barakka coming to visit all the time since they'll want to be warm, too."

He chuckled, but carefully since it hurt. Ilena ran a gentle hand through his hair. "Thank you, Danel, and thank you for staying alive."

He took her hand and kissed the back of it. "It's an honor to serve the Missus of the House." He looked at her for a moment, "Particularly now that we're also serving the proper Master of it."

Ilena sighed. "You'll all switch loyalties, won't you?"

He looked at her a little sympathetically, but nodded. "It's the way of the world."

Her hand clenched a little, but she nodded. "I can't be surprised, and I'm not allowed to fight him to make him earn it."

"Oh, I think he has," Danel's eyebrow raised at her. "He's been fighting you since you showed up next to him again, is how I see it. You're nearly impossible to tame, or we wouldn't have followed you to begin with."

Ilena looked away, then said, "He's finally earned it, too, this round, though I won't tell him so. He's still got a few more lessons first." She looked back at Danel. "Keep the House in line for him. I'm still around and can come deal damage if you lot aren't. Even if the loyalties switch, I'm still his partner. We'll come together."

Danel smiled and patted the hand he was holding. "That's how we'd like it to be anyway. Having both the Missus and the Master strong enough to lead us all makes us that much more proud to be in the House. Not to mention it's a lot more fun."

Ilena smiled back. "Well...I think so, too. Please take care of yourself properly so you're up on your feet quickly. You've got the winter to hide, but they'll be wanting to see you come the thaw."

"I will," Danel promised as he squeezed her hand one more time and let her go. Ilena gave him one more rub of the head and let the medical assistants take him out to the wagon of injured.

Ilena turned towards the inside of the tent. She greeted with thanks the remaining Children in the tent, though there were very few now. These didn't have much hope in their return. They were too injured to run and escape Clarines law when they crossed the border. She couldn't promise them pardon. Only Izana or Zen could do that. She did promise to watch over them, however, and tried to convince them to not do more injury and likely death by trying to escape regardless of their injuries. She would also turn her face away if others of their brothers tried to see them to safety, though she'd never admit that to Zen.

When she had spoken to the last one, she moved on to the last person in the tents she needed to see. "Prota," she crouched down next to his bed so he could see her face. "I'm sorry for your injury. Thank you for witnessing in behalf of Wisdom. Are your Seconds strong and wise enough to hold the clan until you can rise from your bed again?"

"Yes, Clan Head Ilena," he answered.

She put her hand on his shoulder lightly. "And will they set up your tents for you and help Nal'fa and let her come to the council tent and sit in your place to help you also?"

Prota smiled. "Yes. We already started that Tradition long ago. When I can't be in the tents, Nal'fa already sits and listens for me and tells me what they did. She will be able to open her mouth more now, perhaps, but it isn't too difficult for us. And Zerak' will come and visit now and again. Our feeding grounds are close and the Beetle clan between has asked him several times already to allow them to be the same clan. It makes his clan just a little to large, the same as it would be to take it into mine."

Ilena nodded. "And by wisdom, you've already all agreed that when it's time you'll split them in half and now that they can keep their wives and bondsman status it may happen all the sooner." Prota wasn't surprised that she knew. "Wait until you're healed properly, though. There is always posturing first and you need to be able to settle them. Don't let all the strength go to Zerak' and all the wisdom to you, either. The balance needs to be maintained in each clan." He nodded. "You also have one of my Children in your clan who will stand as your translator and teacher to speak with us with your reports. Both you and Zerak' will receive the reports from all the clans eventually, once you've learned enough, and pass them on to us. Of all the things you do for us, do not lie or hide the truth under words of double meanings when it comes to the reports. If you do, we can't properly keep Tarc safe and the two of you will bear the consequences of it. A work of darkness that makes you worried that isn't passed to us will be your pain to remove when it becomes large because it was hidden. Most of the time, we'll allow you and require you to correct it while small, but often those small things when added to the whole of what we know in Wilant are part of a bigger picture you can't see."

Prota was listening carefully. "I understand," he answered.

"This time is particularly important as we try to prevent Brulac from invading Tarc secretly. They will move in Clarines, Wilant, and in Tarc and we will need to determine which movement is the truth and which the potential lie so we can set the defenses correctly. Your lands and the lands of the Beetle clan will be the most commonly passed through from the joining border. Set your watchmen securely and let none pass through to the other clans to see how weak the north is or the eastern border will be flooded, for all it's a cliff. Nothing is impossible to men who are determined. They will climb it and come and the Grouse Clan lands are empty this coming year. Zerak' told me he's already warned those who remain of the Grouse Clan and they are prepared to watch the wall and defend their feeding grounds in the hope they can be a clan again next year, but they are few, old, young, and weak. We'll need to have the strength of the other clans move to them like we requested for the clans out of the Saddle Clan this year." She looked away and sighed. "We'll see what the Grouse Clan Head does with the lessons he learns under Zerak'. I would like to see him have a second year to learn from you in your clan so he learns both strength and wisdom. By then his children will have grown some and those who were weakened will be recovered. We may not have that luxury though, if Brulac has begun to move."

Ilena could see he was tiring. Work was a heavy topic for the recently injured. "For now, rest and recover and let everyone pamper you who carries them." She smiled at him. "I don't envy you, though. I was on my back for twelve weeks straight. To be on your stomach will be worse, I suspect."

"I will hope it will be less than twelve weeks," he smiled back.

"As will I," she agreed and rose to her feet. "Thank you, Prota." She put her hand on his head lightly. "And thank you for loving Wisdom and truth." He gave a bit of a nod and she moved to the person kneeling on the floor next to him. Ilena held out her hand to Nal'fa and pulled her up to standing then gave her a long hug. "Thank you for loving the one person in all of Tarc that made it fun to be here. Please take care of him and your clan for Tarc, and for me." Ilena released Nal'fa and looked at her. She was blushing slightly. "You also should learn how to send reports, please, so that if he needs to be watching the borders you can report to us the same as you report to him now. I will know things are in good hands. Your support in the council of teaching was invaluable. Thank you."

Nal'fa gave a bit of a bow. "You're welcome. It's better to show where truth lies and where it's hidden, when it's been discovered."

"Indeed," Ilena answered with a smile. "I'm also sorry that this has made your own travel and winter difficult. I've already assigned extra Children to your clan to help finish packing and taking down your tent and the Clan Head tent. They've told me your daughters are very efficient and quite good at directing them. You are a good mother." Nal'fa flushed a little. Ilena paused, then said, "If there is a son of yours and Prota's that has the wisdom to understand, the love of the truth, and the strength to stand before those who will judge him, please consider the wisdom of allowing him to come and be taught by us in Wilant. Such a thing is also common between nations - to share princes and even princesses for a time so that the next generation may know who their neighbors are and so they can more properly learn what it is to be a nation among nations." She looked back at Prota and could see he understood enough to consider it.

Ilena leaned in and kissed Nal'fa's cheek softly, then turned and left the infirmary to go and find Fi'nah to meet her requirement to say goodbye to her Bond Sister before leaving the Marluk'nak'. They met in the Star Clan Head tent and only her Seconds heard what they said, but it surely included whining, teasing, instruction, and tears that were kindly comforted. Mir'nah also received a surprise visit and while it was brief, it did give her some strength for the following months to learn a little better how to be the wife her husband needed, though at times he wasn't sure he really needed the teasing - once he got over the initial delight that she'd even had the courage to do it.

-o-o-o-

The clans were ready. Where there had been tents was now pressed grass and rings of dirt where the cooking fire ashes had been scattered to help the grasses grow faster in the spring. In the center, the Marluk'nak' looked tall again - the only permanent edifice in all the plains of Tarc. Around it, the horses stood ready, laden with their burdens. A few were still having them tied on, or the lashings double checked for security. Most of the clanspeople were already waiting atop their steeds, waiting for the beginning notes of the Song of Joy to begin. A light sound did reach their ears and they turned to look north. It was not the Song of Joy, so they waited.

Coming from the north was a figure, singing and dancing as she moved through the grass, and behind her and next to her the horses danced with her. Not the regular patterns of the Dance of Joy, but the free movements of horses truly dancing in joy, matching the dancer's joy. They watched in open admiration and amazement as the dancer twirled and stepped, her song a song of travelling and moving forward, of migrating with the wind to pastures full of sweet grass and skies of blue and running water. Her song led the horses in their dance around to the east of the gathered and waiting clans until she reached the south, nearly three full herds of horses dancing with her, and one herdsman following after, looking bemused.

To the south, the encampment of the High Lord was nearly ready also. The tents were down and the strange tall-sided wagons were loaded, each pulled by two of the tall strong horses of the High Lord. The Moon Clans Head, the Left Hand Head Clan Head, Second of the High Lord danced her herds to the place her tent had been, between the clans on the south and the High Lord's tents. Waiting for her was her own small clan, on their horses of Tarc already. The Right Hand Head Clan Head moved his horse forward to meet her. When he reached her, he slipped off his horse and joined in the dance with her a few steps before taking her in his arms to twirl her around in the grass in their own dance. The horses continued to fill in the open area, passing around them, then around the horses of their clan. They were whistled to a stop by their First Second, but the couple continued to dance until another song was sung.

Obi, Ilena, we're ready.

The song of the Naluk' ended and she replied. We are also, Master Zen. If you'll begin, we'll begin the song when the movement of the caravan has reached us.

Very well. There was a call from farther to the south, where the far end of the caravan of the High Lord couldn't be seen from the area around the Marluk'nak'.

Ilena and Obi mounted their horses and moved to the southernmost point of the large herd. When they arrived there, Ilena stood on the back of her horse and turned to face the clans. Every face that could see was turned to look at her. The nearly-winter wind picked up her black hair and blew it around her face and off her back, as it also came from the north. For once she did not look like the night. Her clothing was brown, as if she was the new earth waiting for the grass to grow anew, or as if she were one of the horses herself, though it was the clothing of a man and not a woman, as she preferred. All her clan matched her as well, so it was nearly hard to tell who was man and who was horse, save the riders were taller. She was obvious because she was standing above the horses.

The sounds of creaking and light jangling could be heard now from the south, fainter because of the north wind, and then the movement of the High Lord's caravan could be seen. Off to the west a little a set of riders moved north, in the lead a tall white horse with two riding on it, the one in front with flaming red hair, the one behind with snow white hair. That horse was flanked by two black-clothed Seconds, followed by five more leading another riderless horse. They stopped when they were set not too far off, and to the side sufficient that Ilena's herds would pass them by. She looked down at her husband, nodded, then raised her head again.

Clan Heads, begin. Her order sang across the distance, not lost to the wind at all, but picked up by it and heard in all the ears.

Bass and tenor voices, seventeen of them, began the song, then began the dance, and Ilena's horse under her also began the dance. At the proper time for the second voice to enter the song, each clan's Seconds began the next line, and it was supported with a woman's voice. The Naluk' had joined the song as well. As the clans' horses began to step to it, so did her herd, but when they moved forward, she stepped from her horse to the back of the next horse as it moved forward.

The clans who were closest and still watching her almost didn't come in properly for the full clan harmony. As the clans and horses moved forward along their return paths, Ilena danced the Dance of Joy on the backs of the horses of her herd, as if they were the moving land under her. Obi moved his horse west out from the front of the line and followed along the outside rim of the sea of horses, keeping in line with her, and taking Reshali with him.

The entire plain rang with the song of harmony and joy that the clans traveled singing, the horse's hooves beating out the entwining rhythm beneath it. The motion of the dance - left, right, back, pause, forward, forward, forward, repeated, made the plain look like like a warm brown sea gently waving with the wind. To see all the clans do it together was a never-before seen sight in most of the eyes of the clans of Tarc and even if they couldn't see the Naluk's dance, they looked around in wonder, and listened to their own echos, and none could contain the wonder and joy of that time when the clans left the Marluk'nak' in peace, all united in the Dance and Song of Joy of the Horse and Clans.

When the song was done, the land around the Marluk'nak' was still and empty, save for the fluttering of the flag over the dome. But along the trails to the winter feeding grounds of the clans that were in motion there were sounds of happy and contented people, and those sounds carried to the ears of one who could hear the faintest of sounds and she smiled, then finally turned and sat on her mare, Reshali.

"They are still happy," she said, taking Obi's extended hand. He led their horses to join with Zen and Shirayuki. With five horses in the front - two of them short - and five horses in the back, they also left the Marluk'nak', moving at a canter to catch up to the herds, then pass them to slip into place in front of them, at the rear of Zen's army's caravan. Zen had not wanted to miss the sight of all the clans singing and dancing. The brown-clad five moved up to follow the other two rows of five riders and light banter went back and forth between the back two rows.

By mid-day they caught up to the running, rippling earth and land that had left early that morning. Many calls to Ilena and Obi, and a few to the Regent and Princess as well, came to them and they waved and smiled. The Children of Chaos and Change that were leaving the plains with them would catch up again by dinner, since the soldiers would have to set up tents. They were leaving a number of Children behind. Each clan was being watched by a group, to ensure they made it to their winter feeding ground - and stayed there. Some would come home, and some would join with the clans to protect the borders to the west and east. Obi had already set the protections the day before while Ilena walked the tents.

-o-o-o-

That evening, after dinner, Ilena, Kiki, and Shirayuki were sharing a rare opportunity to be just girls. The boys were having a sword match and Ilena had talked Kiki into skipping it to sit with her and Shirayuki as their guard. "It feels like so long ago we could just talk," Ilena said with a sigh, "since just before Kiki left us in the fall."

"Yeah," Shirayuki said. Both snuggled into Kiki, making her squirm in embarrassment until she grabbed them both in a strong hug, then escaped.

Ilena laughed at her, then tossed her a cup and pulled a bottle of port out from behind her back. Kiki's eyes lit up and she licked her lips. "Is that more of the stuff we brought for the wedding feast?"

"Yup," Ilena said happily. "We managed to drink them under the table with less than five bottles, so there are plenty we're bringing back."

Kiki held out her cup to be filled and relaxed with a sigh. "Well, then, I'll forgive the overly emotional beginning."

"Oh, good," Shirayuki said in relief. "She talked me into it, but I was worried you'd be too mad."

Kiki looked at Shirayuki with a raised eyebrow. "You were still willing to do it."

Shirayuki shifted uncomfortably. "Well...I have been missing you, too."

"Hah!" Ilena put the back of her hand to her lips, trying to recover as the port she had just drunk dribbled down her face. "Mistress Shirayuki, that is too much," she laughed, "to actually admit it's your own fault. I was trying to give you an out, you know."

Shirayuki blushed. "You know, you really are a lot like Obi when you're relaxed like this." Kiki nodded as she appreciated a mouthful of the smooth port. Ilena was likely to drink most of the bottle, but she'd enjoy what she could of it...or maybe she could talk Ilena into letting her take most of the bottle back for herself.

"I agree," Kiki said, her usual mask on her face. "If I'd had my eyes closed just then I would have sworn Obi was sitting with us." She held out her hand. "I think I'll take the bottle, just to make sure. If you go full-Obi on us, you'll drink all of it before I ever get to seconds."

Ilena grinned a wicked grin at Kiki. "You know, I know you better than that, for all you don't think I do." Ilena swirled the port bottle gently and put a gaming face on. "What will you pay for it? I want one more glass, too, before we decide who it goes home with."

Kiki couldn't decide if she was surprised she'd been seen through or frustrated it hadn't worked. After a bit of thought, she shrugged indifferently, knowing it was the next move. Ilena wanted to play the game with her tonight. She was in a good enough mood to do it for her - if it meant she got the bottle. "I don't think I have much to offer a Second Princess," she put just a little emphasis on the title, "particularly one who already owns three countries and enough master artisans to fund them all and still have piles of wealth to sit on."

Shirayuki looked at Kiki, her eyes wide with worry, but Kiki didn't let it distract her. She was going to have to work hard against Ilena. "Hmm…," Ilena narrowed her eyes just a little, "no, you're right. There's very little a knight could offer. Only slightly more an Earl - oh, wait, you're giving that up."

Shirayuki was even more worried now, but the two older women were full on face-to-face now, completely ignoring her. "Yes, I have better things to do, really. You wouldn't want more land or people anyway, and since you do want my time, the same as Zen, it's the better option anyway," Kiki said with a cool expression.

"Well, that is true, but you'd already promised that. I think the price needs to be something ...more…," Ilena's eyes raked down Kiki's body, then back up.

Kiki froze slightly, then very quietly said, "I think if you had been Obi just then, you would have a knife sticking out your back. I've already been promised to Zen during the day and Mitsuhide at night by your own request."

"Eeep!" Shirayuki couldn't keep her fear and distress in any longer and her hand was to her mouth. "Ah, ah, Ilena, ...Kiki….?"

Ilena's eyes narrowed. "And was it worthwhile? Or is a husband just a nice ...accessory?" Her hand reached out and patted Shirayuki on the head to reassure her, but looking at her face, it was as if someone else's hand.

Kiki got it. "I'll be first."

"I'll match you," Ilena answered. "It will take a pair."

Kiki nodded and raised her glass to Ilena. Ilena, her face just as set, her eyes sharp, raised her glass and they toasted the agreement. Ilena handed over the bottle of port and leaned back. Kiki watched her as she blinked as if coming out of the darkness. "Mistress Shirayuki, it's okay. It was rather fun, actually. Kiki was in a good enough mood to play." She toasted lightly to Kiki one more time, taking another small sip of the fine drink. Kiki nodded back her 'you're welcome'.

Shirayuki blinked at the both of them, her eyes going between them. "That - that wasn't fighting?"

"Oh, well, of a sort," Ilena admitted. "Verbal sparring instead of what the boys are doing. Only, I can get as intense as I want with Kiki and she still won't take it personally."

Shirayuki shook her head, disbelieving. When she looked at Kiki, Kiki looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "Of course," she answered.

Shirayuki was starting to get mad and Kiki glanced at Ilena to see if she was going to fix it yet. Ilena raised an eyebrow at her very briefly before going to calm neutral when Shirayuki looked back at her. "Mistress Shirayuki, when to be very afraid of Kiki's anger is when you choose to toy with her sincerity."

Shirayuki stopped and blinked. "Oh. ...Right." She bit her lip. "But, still...I would never have the courage to push her that hard."

Ilena smiled at Shirayuki, and Kiki had to smile as well. "That's okay, Shirayuki," Kiki said calmingly, "I know that you're serious enough. The few times you manage to lighten up are rare joys." Shirayuki stared at her in surprise, but Ilena winked at Kiki from behind her, smiling before hiding behind another sip of port. Kiki joined her. "You're okay with us drinking in front of you?" Kiki asked Shirayuki.

Shirayuki nodded. "When I'm ready to go to bed, I'll taste it once and that should get me quite ready, I should think."

The older 'sisters' nodded, in complete agreement. One sip would do her quite nicely, though Zen would have to put up with a sleeping wife instead of a willing one.

"Have you enjoyed your time in Tarc, Mistress Shirayuki?" Ilena asked, changing the topic to include her.

"I have, actually," Shirayuki said brightening. "I was glad to be able to help with the wounded, and the market was fun." She sighed and ran a hand through her red hair, made black in the night except for the highlights of red where the distant torches caught it. "I've learned a few things for coming. I'll know better how to keep Zen occupied and relaxed when he starts to get stressed, and I learned a few things I've been doing already are some of those things that are most important for that. It's surprising how even the smallest thing makes a difference."

"What is one of those small things?" Ilena asked. Kiki recognized it as her teacher's voice, but didn't mind it so much tonight, if it didn't go on too long. She rolled onto her back and looked up at the stars overhead. They had gone out far enough from the tents that the torchlight didn't interfere too much with seeing how very many there were, from dim points to brilliant almost-clusters.

"Holding his hand is something we always do when we're out on holiday," Shirayuki was saying, "but I've learned that even just that whenever we're together helps him relax. I was thinking the other day it was because it helps to pull him out of the worry and weight in his head and back to the real world, reminding him he has all the rest of us here to help him."

Kiki nodded. "Yes, that has been a big help, actually."

"Mmm," Ilena was drinking again. "Tell me, Kiki, how does he react when she does it and he wants to be thinking hard."

"Actually, not as badly as I thought he might," Kiki said openly. "He's able to focus just a little better, it seems to me. He uses it as an anchor, I think, but keeps swimming in his head, and comes back a little sooner than he otherwise might." She dipped a finger in her cup and licked it. She was too lazy at the moment to sit up to sip it and she wanted the flavor just then. "The first time, Mitsuhide almost interrupted her but I wanted to see if Zen really would brush her off or not, so I held him back." She looked up over her head and saw Ilena's head nod against the backdrop of stars.

"That's good, then," Ilena said quietly, swirling her cup and looking back at Shirayuki. "That was a good thing to learn. Only you can do that."

Shirayuki turned her head away for a bit, likely embarrassed, or something. Kiki could feel Ilena withholding herself. She lazily reached over her head and grabbed at Ilena's pant leg. Ilena looked at her, then took Kiki's offered hand in hers, shifting so that the hold was comfortable. When Kiki realized she'd offered her port-dipping hand she was annoyed. Ilena looked down at her with a teasing smile. "I could drip it down your throat?"

Kiki scowled at her. Ilena reached over and moved the cup to Kiki's other side where she could reach it with the other hand. Kiki reached for it, placed it better, and collected another few drips to taste, sighing as they slipped down her tongue and disappeared before even reaching her throat. "That is really good port. Such a shame to have wasted it on them."

"Oh, no, not really," Ilena said, "the reward was well worth it and Obi and I both got to have six cups of it, more than either of us ever do of port. I think even we may have been a bit affected by it at the end."

"More likely the effect of 'giddy with relief'," Kiki said dryly. She knew Ilena, too. Shirayuki giggled, agreeing. "Are you counting it as your fifth wedding night?" Kiki asked, half joking.

"Yes. At least he did that night. I think it was the next night that was more like the real first night. You know - the first night is falling into bed trying to recover from all the events and the second one you stop and look at each other wondering what you're doing getting into the same bed with someone else. It was probably more like that this time than any of the others." Ilena looked up at the stars. "We had recovery issues when we moved into the main tent the third night. That was almost as hard as the second one." She closed her eyes and sighed. "I'll be glad to be in our own bed once we're back so the night can at least be relaxed, though I expect the days to be worse with getting all the paperwork from this done and what's waiting caught up." She took a deep breath of the cool night air. "This time is nice - getting to be relaxed on the way back."

Kiki nodded. She wasn't looking forward to the piles waiting at the castle either. She sat up to take another drink of the port.

"Ah, thank you again, Mistress Shirayuki, for coming with us and for answering my selfish request. I've greatly enjoyed having you here." Ilena looked at Shirayuki who nodded. "The dress was lovely on you, and she did a fabulous job on matching Darla and Maria's to it at just the right levels."

"It was fun to wear them. She does a good job of making beautiful clothes that aren't horrible to wear. ...I think Zen would have been better off in one of her Tarc men's outfits than the uncomfortable one he had to wear. He complained about it more than once."

Ilena smiled and Kiki was thinking he had it coming, for thinking he could get away without wearing anything formal while he was up here. "If you whisper it to Madame Seraphina, she'll make him a new formal of similar coloring and better wearability, but you must be prepared to have one also, and rest assured it will be of her third level master's work, a thing even the Regent can't afford two of, and she's trying for fourth level if it even exists. ...And now that she knows you have two maids who stand with you occasionally, they'll get matching outfits as well."

"Heavens," Kiki said horrified. "Don't even mention Mitsuhide and I, then. The formal blacks may not be comfortable for long wear, but I've gotten used to them and can get them perfect in twenty minutes now."

"But you're lovely in a dress, Kiki," Ilena said silkily, and Kiki knew it was payback for the first time they had spent time together, just the ladies, and they had dressed her up in dresses for the first time just for the fun and the teasing of it. "Zen has a court he's preparing even now...one that is just for me…."

Kiki hissed in a breath. "Don't," she warned, but it sounded feeble even to her.

"Oh, I wonder," Ilena said and let it drop. Kiki shuddered, that was even worse. Internally she whimpered. She'd never worn a dress for Ilena, but Ilena had been made to herself - and skirts the whole time here during the Changes. She was most assuredly looking for pay-back. Kiki wondered what price she could pay to get out of it when she realized what price she had been willing to pay for a measly half-bottle of fine port. She'd never be able to pay the price for what she wanted. She slumped in defeat. Ilena had the grace to not openly notice.

"Have you been thinking about what's next, Ilena?" Shirayuki asked, a bit wistfully.

"It is hard not to," Ilena said just a little darkly, but she switched quickly. "It sounds like you've been."

Shirayuki nodded. She had clasped her hands around her raised knees and was rocking a bit, looking up at the stars. "I have all kinds of work at the castle, of course, but...when you set me to be thinking about what I can do for Zen now that I'm in the place I wanted to be in...I got to thinking about those things." Ilena and Kiki perked up their ears, though they didn't move. Shirayuki was treading into the realm of things she found embarrassing. They didn't want to make it harder than necessary for her to say what she needed to say. "I've been thinking, in particular, that...it's the job of the wife to produce an heir." Shirayuki tried her best to say it off-hand, but the blush colored her voice. They were sure she was as red as her hair and just as glad it was night.

After a pause, Ilena asked gently, "Has Master Zen said anything about it yet?"

"Well...no. I know he's still busy with getting into his place as Regent, but I thought I would talk to him about it soon. With the nine months of the pregnancy, he would be past his year mark by the time any heir came. I would think that would be long enough?" She was tentative, but they could tell she had been seriously thinking about it enough she was about settled that it was what she was going to do regardless.

"Hmm…," Ilena cautioned. "There may be other concerns on his plate, though. He's just sent the request for the audit, which will take nearly that long, if not more, and the census even longer. He's planning on travelling to Wistal to speak with Izana when they're completed, so you would need to plan around that. You can't travel in your last few months of pregnancy and the few months after birth either, since you're recovering and nursing the baby around the clock. You will be, of your own choice, tied to your suite for nearly five months, at least four. ...And he won't want to go without you since he, as a new father, will be a nervous wreck the first time and extremely doting. Your fifth child...maybe. But probably not." Ilena shrugged.

"Oh. Well, yes, I guess the schedule would have to be considered, too," Shirayuki agreed unwillingly.

"And there's the matter of your honeymoon," Kiki said, adding her piece as she raised her cup to her lips to sip at it again.

"Honeymoon? Didn't we do that with the progress? At least at Lyrias?" Shirayuki asked surprised. Both Ilena and Kiki shook their heads at her. "Then what about this? We've been together on this trip." Again the double shake of negation. "Well, then what? What could possibly be a honeymoon for a Regent and Princess that it would even be postponed?"

"It would of necessity be postponed," Ilena said calmly, "until they could go for a length of time without the interruption of work. Both of those two trips were mostly work. Even if you got work done on the honeymoon, the main point of it is to just enjoy each other's company."

Shirayuki sighed. "I think that's what we've been doing already...at least I have been. ...It is true that Zen's been working hard, though."

"You've worked hard, too," Kiki pointed out soothingly.

Ilena nodded. "A thing you need to remember, too, is that the timing of kings is long. Master Zen's isn't as long as Izana's, thank goodness, but he isn't thinking the same as you, I would suspect. At least two years to enjoy you would be my guess." She looked into her cup and added wryly, "For pay-back for the two years you and Izana stole from him already."

Shirayuki jerked and stared in some horror at Ilena. "No," she whispered, "you don't think he would?"

Kiki nodded somberly. "Yes, he would."

"Even if subconsciously," Ilena nodded her agreement, "and if you asked him outright, he would decide it was a good idea."

Shirayuki's face fell. After a bit of a pause, she said, "You're right. He would." She sighed and looked away.

"It's okay, Mistress Shirayuki," Ilena said, sounding like Obi again, "you also have missed him. You are not the king and queen who need to have an heir right away. You may have the time to just enjoy being your husband's wife." She took one more sip of port. "Besides, you have me as Master Zen's heir until he is ready," Ilena said casually.

Shirayuki looked up at Ilena, then grimaced. "Like that makes me feel better. You're a tyrant." Kiki and Ilena laughed.

-o-o-o-

The men collected the ladies, bringing the guards with them as well. "Who won second?" Kiki asked.

"Brian, this time," Mitsuhide answered.

"Who was first?" Shirayuki asked innocently.

"Mitsuhide, of course," Zen answered her calmly, "I did manage to beat Obi nicely, though."

"Black and blue," Obi muttered.

"But he's definitely learned new things and is stronger from his fights here in Tarc," Zen continued on. Mitsuhide nodded his agreement to Zen's assessment.

That met with Kiki's approval. "I do hope, Zen, that you managed a little higher than second-to-last?"

He held up a hand in defense of her dry almost-disapproval. "Yes I did. Marcus and Henry still need lots of practice and couldn't stand against Obi either, and I managed to win over Thayne and Leon as well. Sam sat out."

"As usual," muttered Leon, not liking that his partner kept claiming he was too old to play.

Zen sighed. "Mitsuhide's set me to evening lessons with Petroi so I learn properly how to defend myself against Selicia, though it's not the country I'm worried about right now." At Kiki's glower, he added, "I'll be there." She gave a nod.

"I'd appreciate some of your sword time tomorrow night," Kirk said to her.

"Sure," she answered. "I'd like to make up for missing out tonight, though we had a good time."

Mitsuhide's left hand slipped into her right. They'd rather gotten into the habit of holding off-hands to keep their sword-hands free. "I'm glad to hear it," he said to her.

"I won the port," she showed him the bottle and his eyes lit up, then went to Ilena suspiciously. Kiki sighed. "Yes, she won the game." As Mitsuhide sighed she said, "I'll tell you in the tent later."

"Dangerous, that," Obi said, giving Kiki a dry look. She scowled back at him, but let it drop. She was feeling very warm by now. The glass of port had been really very good. Maybe she'd get Mitsuhide into half a cup before she told him.

-o-o-o-

As they two households divided for their respective tents, Obi bowed and held out his hand for his wife. Ilena curtsied, then placed her hand in his. The trust and warmth of her touch made his heart beat just a little faster. He pulled her to him and wrapped his arm around her waist and she put her hand on his shoulder. He held her closely and then began to dance with her, holding her close to him, finally together in the flesh, in the grass, on the plains, under the stars. He put his face on the side of her head and breathed in the scent that was her - the scent of Tarc and Wilant and Selicia and a very fine port. He smiled to himself. Indeed, she was of a very fine vintage and breed, to match his own secret expensive tastes.

"I'm sad you didn't save any of that bottle for me," he complained quietly as he spun with her in the grass.

"Ah, sorry, Kiki was willing to pay my price for it...though I had to promise the same to her since it was a high price."

"Hoh? And what was that?" he was intrigued that Kiki had been willing to pay for a bottle of port, even if it was fine. She always made Mitsuhide do that.

"Mmm, I tell you later," Ilena said vaguely. "It's too nice a night to ruin with such things."

"It's that bad is it?" Obi said, even more surprised.

"Only from certain perspectives," Ilena answered enigmatically. "I'll let you know...just not tonight, okay?"

"Mm...I guess," Obi said, "but I would have liked some port, too."

"Oh, well, that's easy enough. You just asked after that bottle."

Obi blinked, then laughed. "Yes, I did, didn't I. ...And is there one I can claim nearby?"

"Mmm," Ilena answered. "It's waiting in the bedroom."

"Perfect," he whispered and put his lips on her neck. He had to whisk her around in a circle to keep her up as she swooned in his arms. As they entered the tent, only Rio and Leah met them. He waved them off to finish their own quiet night.

"Where's Justinian and Reynold?" Ilena asked.

"I gave them the night off, too," Obi said. "Justinian said Reynold needed one more experience to understand how to be a Child of the Horses. They've gone off to sleep with the herdsman and the herd for the night. Justinian figures if they're under the stars and he's with Bea, he'll be fine."

Ilena nodded musingly. "That might just be exactly what they need - all three of them."

"I figured," Obi agreed as he pulled aside the wall to let her enter their personal space in the tent. "Justinian's already started teaching both of them the Page lessons so they can learn the languages faster. He's worried about Novare once he's at Falcon's Hollow and away from the rest of us and wants him to understand the Family once he gets there, even if just a little." She poured him a glass of the port she'd stashed in their things, then snuggled down next to him as he sat in the cushions. "You won't join me tonight?"

She smiled at him. "I've already had two. When you get to your third we can share it." They didn't quite make it. He wanted his lady wife more than that third glass and almost more than the last bit of his second.

Fini Book 4

Thank you all for continuing on with me this long. I hope you have enjoyed learning about the Tarc horsemen and clans. ...And finally getting to see the Lord of Tarc get what was coming to him.

There is a Book 5 (twelve draft chapters already written), but I need to majorly edit the first set of chapters after struggling painfully with the last eight chapters of Book 4 until I got them just right. So, there will be a bit of a break - about a month or so, before I begin posting Book 5 - in which we finally get to Tanbarun to torture princes and fathers alike. Ilena also gets to be tortured by Izana and Zen further. She's still not quite done with her testing after all - the court of Wistal hasn't seen her yet and the Birth Celebration of the new Heir must be attended with the usual Wisteria fireworks attendant as well.