153 Family Ties (1/2)
”So then if the world follows common laws, would it not follow that we cannot act on anything? Would we not also have to suffer under the same rules, be slaves to them?”
While Corco sauntered along the harbor and tried to forget about his worries for a moment, Sumaci followed along. As always, she asked her tricky questions with an eager face.
”Of course not, Lady Sumaci. After all, Pacha has created the world for humanity to conquer. Since the Divines have amassed within the heavens, us mortals are left here on Earth. If the gods do not watch over us, how could we ever fall under their rule?”
Meanwhile, Mayu had stuck himself in between the two, and tried to answer Sumaci to the best of his ability, which meant: Not very well. Although his cousin's answer missed the point and was problematic in several other ways, Corco really didn't care to correct him.
After his meeting with the green king, Corco had decided to stay on Rasacopa for a while. Anything else would have seemed rude, as far as the young king was concerned. Thus, he had spent a few days on a diplomatic sightseeing tour. First he had visited the local Pacha oracle, though he had decided to not get distracted by a reading. The mercury was dangerous anyways. Still, the ancient temple, hidden in the deep jungle, had been no less imposing than classic Medalan architecture. After, he had traveled all over the island, seen the great hidden bay of Auquimarca, the flame jugglers of Jurau, and the Jirishanca, King Hulpatec's personal collection of exotic animals. Meanwhile, Prince Wacoca had gotten their vessel ready for another journey. Meanwhile, his two tails had always behind him. Sumaci had annoyed him with question after question, while Mayu had annoyed Sumaci with his incessant, unhelpful answers.
Thus, a strange tension had builtamong their group over the past few days. Eager to find something else to talk about, Corco looked around. In the end, he was alerted to a bustle from the front. This was strange, since they were still close to the green king's mansion. For days, the only noise around him had been his two newest companions, so he had gotten used to it. While he followed the newest distraction to the harbor, Sumaci and Mayu were talking past each other all the way. At last Corco saw a crowd huddle around a pair, a man and a woman. With the sort of oblivious glow only lovers could exude, the two stood in between two large groups, who shouted congratulations at them.
”What's that? A marriage procession?” Corco asked, half out of curiosity and half to get Sumaci's mind off her incessant questions.
”Indeed,” Mayu replied instead. ”The Verdant Folk still follow old traditions. Thus, they have kept the old marriage rites of our ancestors alive and well. Can you see that ship over there?” he pointed to a small rowboat fastened to the pier. Over and over, the boat had been covered in vibrant green vines. ”On top of this boat, the couple will go to visit a lonely island, and they will need to fend for themselves for an entire day. Only once they have proven that they can care for each other will they be rescued by their relatives. Medala might still retain this tradition in our marital walk, but the tradition has been... 'civilized'.”
Mayu's face scrunched up in displeasure before he continued. ”Since some couples came to death during their walks through the wilderness, the entire ritual has lost its edge. Modern Medalan couples only stroll around the countryside for half a day, with no danger to their lives. It has taken all meaning out of the rituals of our ancestry, and it no longer challenges the devotion between husband and wife like it should.”
”I was unaware you knew this much about the Verdant traditions, Governor Saqartu,” the princess said, and turned to Mayu. For the first time since they had gone on their own strolls, Sumaci looked seemed in Corco's cousin.
”Of course I would. House Saqartu has controlled the land along the Verduic Sea for generations and we have always been a dear friend to our brothers and sisters across the waters.” With a silly smirk, the governor puffed out his chest before he glanced over to Corco. ”What sort of lord would I be if I did not know the rites of our closest allies, even worse, the rites of our own people?”
In response, the king only had an eye roll to offer. They had clashed over a similar issue before when Mayu had shown a lack of respect. However, ever since Corco got the upper hand during his first banquet, Mayu had remained respectful towards his cousin, anywhere except in front of the verdant princess. At least 'Lord Saqartu's' actions didn't seem malicious any more, no longer motivated by his pride or his lust for power. To Corco, the young lord seemed more like a kid eager to show off in front of his pretty teacher. Maybe it would have even been a bit cute, had Mayu not been a middle-aged man already.
No matter how laughable Corco found the entire interaction, it was time to retreat and let them sort stuff out together. Just as the king looked for an excuse to leave the pair behind, Sumaci ruined his plans. Conscious or not, she really had a knack for that sort of thing.
”Heavens! Isn't this Aya!? Why is little Aya getting married!? Excuse me, I will be right back!” Sumaci shouted, before she rushed over to the crowd. Her arms flailed in the air as her goodbyes to her old friend mixed in with the rest of the crowd.
Against Corco's expectations, Mayu stayed behind.
”What do you think?” he asked, his eyes still glued to the princess, who had broken through the cordon and embraced the bride-to-be.
”I think it's a good idea.” Corco wouldn't pretend ignorance at Mayu's intentions. Had he failed to notice Mayu's attempts to court Sumaci, he would have been called an idiot, and rightly so. ”You're over thirty, so you're the right age to think about marriage anyways. Plus, you're the lord of Puscanacra now, and your position is secure.”
”Unless-”
”Don't start.” His hand raised to his cousin's face, a deep frown covered Corco's face. Maybe it was the heavy contrast from his previous bored look, but Mayu calmed down before his rant could even begin. ”I don't mind if you put me down a bit to show off in front of your new girlfriend, but say another bad word about Atau and we'll be enemies again before you can finish your sentence. You're brothers, and both of you have your own paths. Atau's not even interested in your fucking position, so it's nothing but paranoia. If we want to unite against the north, properly, this petty shit has to stop.”
For a few moments more, Mayu matched his cousin's gaze, before he looked down to fix his fancy red robe.
”...I apologize,” he said in a deep and earnest voice. Maybe there was hope yet.
”You should apologize to your brother, not to me,” Corco sighed.