novelxo Chapter Chapter Twenty
Athinina woke early the next morning and summoned Clairine. Preparations were made for her bath and she sent Clairine to summon the young Lord Thalin to her.
Athinina moved quickly through her morning cleansing and prepared for her dressing. Clairine came in dressed in the mytan that marked her as a Tyris and spoke rapidly to her queen. “My Lady the young Lord is on his way. He speaks like the poets of old. You must really work on him to make him suitable for you.” Smiled the younger woman.
Athinina blushed as she finished toweling herself. What was she thinking? The young man was not old enough to have seen much war. He was probably unblooded. “These things are correctable I believe” she said to the air. The question was, who she was trying to convince.
Tanis knocked at the door and waited a response. He was nervous being summoned so early. Had he offended this potentially powerful ally? He would have to work hard to correct it if he had. The door opened to a scene he had definitely not expected. Athinina sat in her padded chair clothed only in her skin. She was well toned and strong. He could see she bore many scars on her well rounded body. It seemed she had no modesty about her present state. Tanis stopped short as she rose to greet him. This was definitely not what he had expected when being called to her.
“My lady, it would appear as I have come at a poor time. I will return a little later when you are better suited for company.” Said Tanis.
“Come in and be seated, My Lord.” Athinina said. “I will be but a few moments. Would you come in and do up my straps. My ladies in waiting do such a poor job of it. Do not be embarrassed for me. It is not our way to be ashamed of how the creator made us.” Said Athinina as she moved to her Mytan and pulled it over her head.
Tanis noticed again the scars that covered a portion of her body and turned the conversation to them. “It is not usually our way to see a woman unclothed amongst us. At least one we are not wed to. You have suffered many wounds. Your people allow women to go into battle? We try to protect our women as well as we can. Not many of them go to battle and those that do usually are healers. Those wounds must have pained you terribly.” Sputtered Tanis as she moved to him to tighten the straps of her leather armor.
“This armor suits you; of course the covers must be beautiful for such a woman as yourself. Why this armor covers barely more than our women’s undergarments. You would look stunning with the proper outer garment, maybe embroidered with your crest. I can set people to it immediately if you would like.” said Tanis.
“An outer garment?” replied Athinina. “That would hinder my movement. Is there something wrong with my mytan? Do you find me unpleasant to look upon? Be away with you. I would not want to trouble you with my appearance if you do not find it pleasing. We will discuss our treaty later. I was unaware that you outlanders were so weak. Clairine! Show this fool to the door and make preparations to ride. I have never been so insulted nor caused such an affront. Remove him from my presence, NOW!” shouted the queen of the Tyris.
“I meant no affront my lady. Please, I am just unused to your ways. Forgive my ignorance. Let us speak further in the great room of our alliance. I seek to learn more of your customs.” Said Tanis, now visibly shaken.
“I will consider it.” Was all Athinina replied as Tanis was hustled from the room. As the door closed, she turned to Clairine, “So do you believe I was suitably forceful with him? Do you suppose he was impressed? I hope he does not find me weak and prudish. It may have been a mistake to have done this so rapidly. What say you Clairine?”
“My lady, it is hard to read these outlanders. Come here my lady. He has left this so loose that you will come out of it as you walk. I assumed that these men would be strange. Do you think he believes you weak? He barely cinched the strap. I think you should allow him the next move. It is only proper. After all. You have shown a little interest. Now let us see how he responds. I have arranged for practice in the courtyard so that your workout and training schedule will not be interrupted by our travels. You really need to maintain your skills if you are to proceed with this alliance.” Said Clairine.
“Right as always my friend. Maybe the young lord will be present to see how real women are. Arrange it so for me.” Responded Athinina.
“As you wish, my lady.” said Clairine with a small inward smile. In her mind she thought that her plans for her lady were working out perfectly.