Deserving Friendship

Writers: Devin, Kaysea
Date Posted: 7th June 2008

Characters: Royani, Marod
Description: While holed up in a cave, Marod and Royani discuss what might happen when they reach Amber Hills.
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 9, day 25 of Turn 4

The cave was warm. Marod had found enough dry wood to build it high, and he'd been careful to check that the light was not visible from outside. Stout bushes screened the mouth of the cave, the kind that kept their leaves year round, and the snow covering them helped to make the cave almost invisible. Marod poked at the fire with a long stick, watching the flames.

"You have to turn yourself in, Royani."

"You make it sound as if I've done something wrong." she said, looking across at him through the flickering flames. "Besides, even if I showed up at the Hold, what about you? You'd still be out here, with Klegen and Boesyn looking for us.
What they'd do to you if they found you alone..." a shiver ran through her, and it wasn't all due to the cold.

"And what would they do if they found us together?" He shook his head.
"It's too dangerous."

"No!" she shook her head adamantly, "I'm not going in alone. If you don't come with me, then I stay here with you." If she were truthful she was also worried that whoever had arranged for her to be kidnapped in the first place, was still around and may intercept her before she found safety with her father.

"I can't go with you all the way to the Hold, anyway. With them still out there, Klegen could tell the guards I kidnapped you. He's followed us all this way. I think he's mad enough to get me arrested, even if he has to go down with me." And at this point, Marod thought it might be worth it, if Royani could finally get home safe.

"The guards would believe one of the Blood before a common criminal." Royani replied in a tone she hadn't used for many months. The haughtiness of one with a privileged upbringing came to the fore, despite the raggle taggle clothing she wore. The up tilted chin and nose were the Royani of old, who maintained her families word being law within the Hold.

Marod studied her. "And what would you tell them?"

"That you saved me from them. That you helped me escape." she answered, easily.

He looked down at the flames. "You don't think I should be punished for my part in kidnapping you?"

"I think you have more than made up for your part in the kidnapping. You've kept me safe all this time." she said, standing and walking around to his side of the fire, she sat down lightly next to him. "Whatever they say about your part, I'll deny if I have to."

"Thank you." He closed his eyes. "I'm sorry for what I put you through. I'm so, so sorry."

"I know you are, and you've made up for it on so many occasions now, Marod -
please, don't think of it now. We have other things to consider - like staying safe."

He nodded. "If they find us, I want you to run. Run as fast as you can until you find a holding." Her ankle had been bad for almost two sevendays, but it was healing now. If she could run fast enough, if he could buy her enough time, she might be able to make it. Marod shivered. He hardly slept now, hearing Klegen and Boesyn in every gust of wind and snapping twig. They'd stayed close on their trail since the farm hold. He knew it. He could feel it.

"I will - but only to gain help for you." she nodded determinedly. "I won't leave you for longer than it takes to find help." she shook her head. Marod was a friend now - a good one. The attraction she had found in him originally was now replaced by feelings of true friendship - he was someone she could trust with her life - she had proof positive.

Marod smiled at her. "You'd come to my rescue?"

"You're laughing at me?" she said, a smile twitching at her own lips. "But, yes, I would come to your rescue, as you came to mine." her voice was determined, and she nodded emphatically. "You're my friend and I would always help a friend."

"Not laughing at you, but ... flattered, I guess." A friend, yes. He should be happy with that. It was more than he deserved, really.

"Don't be flattered, its no more than you deserve after what we've been through.
I know I could trust you with my life - and I have done exactly that. You've done more for me than a friend would."

"I'd do anything for you," he said quietly.

"I know." she answered. "Marod?" she said his name quietly..."Thank you." the words may have been simple but there were a lifetime of emotions tied up in them - her lifetime.

He listened to his heart pound in his ears for several seconds before clearing his throat. "I should go check outside again." He got to his feet. "You should get some sleep."

She watched as he got to his feet and walked to the cave opening. "Okay." She was aware of a sensation of loss when he stood and left her - a feeling she wasn't familiar with. It stayed with her until she finally drifted off to sleep.

Last updated on the June 15th 2008

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Deserving Friendship