A Promise Made

Writers: AL, Devin, Cali
Date Posted: 23rd January 2010

Characters: Zanen, Talmina, Korodon
Description: Zanen makes his promise to Talmina in front of the Caravan Leader.
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 6, day 18 of Turn 5
Notes: Trader Caravan

Zanen approached the Caravan Leader, Talmina close behind him. He cleared his throat. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Of course!" Korodon swung down from the wagon atop which he was perched and grinned at his friend and the woman he had brought with him. Down from the extra height afforded him, Korodon's stature was diminished. He was barely taller than Talmina and he was skinny which only helped to make him seem shorter. His tunic rippled loose in the breeze and the collar was parted enough to show that he at least had _some_ muscle in there, though it was nothing compared to Zanen's. His dark hair was kept long and pulled back in a tail, his skin naturally bronzed. His smile was broad and ready and he stood with his feet apart, hands on his hips as though striking a pose.

Zanen rubbed his palms on the front of his trousers. "I made a promise to the young lady, and she would like me to repeat it in front of you."

"Oh aye?" Korodon turned his sparkling smile to Talmina. If he was disturbed by her scar, there was no trace upon his features. "Aye, a word to a lady should always be kept. What promise have ye made, old friend?"

He glanced back at Talmina. "I promised her that if she can handle life in the caravan, that when we get back to the Weyr ... I'll marry her."

Now that caused shock. Korodon's mouth dropped open. A moment later, he roared in laughter. "You? Dragged down by a ball and chain!" He leaned over and slapped his knee as he continued to laugh. "I never thought I'd see the day!

Talmina had been watching the exchange between the men. Her stomach started to tighten as she realized they not only knew each other, but that they knew each other well. "The deal is off Zanen. You're _friends_ with this man. I can't trust him to hold you to our bargain." Now she turned to the caravan leader. "I demand you provide me a runner so that I can return to the Weyr."

"Talmina." Zanen put a hand on her arm. "Friend or no friend, a promise is a serious thing to trader folk. Promising this in front of him, promising this to _you_ means more to me than a fancy contract from a harper." And that was part of the reason his stomach was doing flips.

"Now see here little lady!" The laughter immediately ceased and Korodon jabbed a finger toward Zanen. "He just made a promise to ye and by Faranth that promise will be kept, ye have my word on it! I'll hold the man or tie him to one of my wagons and drag him behind if it suits you. My word is my bond, a promise made a promise kept."

She didn't like the man. She'd heard of the weird ways of the caravan folk and his odd talk in no way calmed her suspicions. Still, he was the highest authority here, and she supposed she could get no better. If he broke his word, surely the people under him would no longer respect him. "Fine." She turned to Zanen to complete the bargain they'd struck. "And I promise that if I can't handle the life out here that I won't hold you to your promise of marriage."

"A promise made, a promise kept." Korodon repeated and nodded to both of them. "Now...anythin' else?"

"Yes." Talmina replied hastily, her tone still harsh. "I require sleeping accommodations away from Zanen." The previous night had been an exception, and she hadn't slept anyways since she was fully rested after being unconscious for a day.

Zanen's mouth dropped open. "You still don't trust me?"

She turned back to him, her gaze not as arrogant and hateful as it was when she looked at the Caravan Leader. "I'm marrying you to repair my reputation, not ruin it further. I do trust that you would not lay a hand on me, but perception is something else entirely."

Korodon's mouth twisted into a smile and he gave a hearty slap on his back. "Got yeself a spirited lass. Aye, aye, we can accommodate your needs."

"And I need a job." Talmina said the the caravan leader. "If I'm to prove myself to Zanen, then I need to be doing something other than riding passenger. I'm trained in the kitchens, but I also learned a few things from Zanen when we traveled before. I'm not stupid, so if you pair me with someone competent, I'm sure I can pick up on whatever needs done."

Korodon snorted. "No one rides with the caravan and isn't put to use. You'll have a job, girly, and I'd better not hear a word of complaint. No one in my caravan is stupid and I expect you to treat me and them with more respect than you've shown here or I'll put you over my knee and tan your hide right in front of the whole clan. Got it?"

Talmina froze, her breath catching in her throat as her blood turned to ice. She was in danger here, just like she had been in the Hold. They were going to attack her, and this man might not stop until she was dead.

Zanen put a hand on Talmina's arm, afraid she might run. "Korodon." His voice was low. "No one lays a hand on her. A duel would be a bad way to end our friendship."

"Then she had better learn to treat others with respect." Korodon didn't realize Zanen cared that much about the girl. The hunter was going to have his hands full, that was for certain. "And you'd best teach her some manners."

Zanen's hand had broken through, she could move again. He was going to protect her, keep her safe. He said no one would lay a hand on her, and she believed he meant it. She stepped back, half hidden behind his broad shoulders, and grabbed at his hand as it fell from her arm. She wanted to speak, to tell the man off, but her fear was still suffocating her and no words appeared on her lips.

"She has manners. She has plenty." Zanen knew his friend wouldn't do any serious harm to Talmina, but Talmina didn't know that. Threats were the last thing she needed after the way the other holders had treated her. "She had a rough night, and all of that is my fault." He was going to have a talk with Korodon in private later.

"Good." Korodon relaxed into a smile, evidently ready to forgive any rudeness upon Talmina's part. We return to our travels after breakfast. For now, simply enjoy your meal. When we stop for lunch, there will be plenty for all of us to do."

Last updated on the January 25th 2010

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A Promise Made