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[atira thormear]

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Lately, Audrina has been preparing her for marriage. She was not completely sure why, after all she was only ten, but she listened. Audrina told her that marriages were made in order to better the families of the betrothed. Love was not a factor. Atira could not seem to object either. She looked to her parents and knew that they were not like the other parents. They did not love each other or care deeply for one another, but they both had something to offer the other. They both seemed content or at least content enough. She went along with her mother’s wishes and continued her training. She also kept in mind that winning the attention of one of the Matriarch’s sons would be in her best interest.

When she had enough of her mother, Atira wandered to Moonglow. Everything seemed much simpler there. Beowulf never pressured her to catch the attention of her friends or to think about marriage. Both her father and uncle Samon just allowed her to be a child. She enjoyed the short relief, but always knew that she must return to Umbra to continue striving to become the best warrior she could be.

After her visit to Moonglow she decided to stop by the tavern to see if the other kids were about, they were. Atira was happy to see them all, her training and lessons with Audrina have kept her quite busy. The other children seemed happy to see her as well. Instead of their normal play time they all sat around and discussed the issues in their lives. After all they were growing up, even if they were still young.

Quickly the conversation turned from greetings to a heated discussion of marriage.

”Arranged marriages are terrible!” Kelei stated.

”Yeah!” Ciara spoke up.

Atira lowered her head. Do I disagree?

”Arranged marriages are reasonable. Getting married for love is for people that have clouded judgment. That is what mother says.” Atira bit her lip, knowing the outrage that would follow.

”What! What! You’re the one! You’re the other name on the paper!” Kelei pointed her finger and then slammed down her fist. ”I don’t want Korin to marry you! I want Ciara to be my sister in law!”

”Wh—,” Atira attempted to speak, but was cut off by Ciara.

”I..I…No! I don’t want to be the other woman”

Atira looked around confused and looked to Kelei hoping she would give an explanation. Silence. She sighed heavily and then began to ask, ”Kelei, what paper? Mother said I will not have to be married until I am atleast fifteen. It isn’t me. It can’t be.”

”I saw the marriage contract on my mother’s desk! I saw Korin’s name and a blank spot for another name. It has to be you. It can’t be Ciara.” Kelei said.

It hit Atira. Why would it be her? She could hear her mother’s voice in the back of her head, ”Atira, you have much to offer. Your father is the Vice-Mayor of Moonglow and I am a loyal warrior to Umbra. You will definitely help to make a name for our family.”

”No. It isn’t true.” Atira shook her head and looked around the room. ”I’m only ten. It isn’t true.” Before she would have cried, but now she just wanted to lash out.

Atira ran back to the house and up into her room. She slammed the door out of anger and yelled out for her brother, no answer. She yelled for her mother, no answer. She hurled herself onto her bed and looked up at the ceiling. ”It can’t be true….”