Ashdeer POV
The Veiled Tribes
The strange conversation with Parinita was how I found myself sitting at dinner with Maraba that evening, negotiating marriage terms. I didn't want to get married to Parinita.
To begin with, she seemed like an evil scheming woman, and to the other, she was surely going to be a burden on me. Yet, a war was coming and I needed all the allies I could get. Maraba's wizened face was staring at me across the fire and she probably could see the huge scowl on my face, but she made no comment.
"These are fair terms Maraba." Lowan said respectfully, digging into the roasted fowl on his plate. I hated him right now for being so peaceful and relaxed as he sat and ate and spoke to Maraba. Wasn't this his fault in some way for bringing me here. No, not really, it was no one's fault and only my misery and need that had propelled us here. My need to protect Irismus. How many sacrifices was I going to give for it.
