As the breakfast came to an end, the party moved on into the living room then outside where everyone simply enjoyed the afternoon together in the outdoor patio that was in the center of the villa. Many other people stopped by for a time, saying hello to Joe but mostly offering a hello to Gwenvair and her mother before heading on out after a ten or twenty minute visit. This turned the villa into an all-day running party as various people stopped by. As the people came to visit and interact with the Matriarch, Joe found himself left alone with the two boys. Both began chatting excitedly about pretty much everything, including Joe’s fights with the slime, giant, and shadow master.
Much of it was an interrogation in which the two boys asked how they, too, could do the same, but those questions quickly came to an end when Joe simply said the same thing over and over again: practice what he was teaching them. That seemed to annoy them, but then also excited them in equal measure, especially when Garnedell pointed out he was able to fight a ‘clan young master’ and win, even with just the skills that Joe was teaching them.
Joe smirked a bit to hear that ‘his skills’ were so poorly viewed but didn’t say anything about it as the boys shifted to talking about Garnedell’s recent win. Most of it was Garnedell gloating at his win while Zilnek questioned Joe about how to use the forms they already knew. So, Joe spent a bit of time going over the more knowledgeable aspects of his training, teaching about the human body and the mindset needed to fight well. The conversation lasted for quite some time, all the way to noon where Garnedell exuberantly enjoyed himself and Zilnek obviously began to grow a bit jealous. Joe noticed, grimacing slightly. He hauled Garnedell back from his exuberance and turned his thoughts to Zilnek’s issue. After the party’s done… that… yeah… in a couple days. Don’t need to worry about a fight and I got some time if things go bad to figure things out, now that the tide’s done… and… nothing else big on the horizon.
Zilnek calmed when Garnedell turned back to talking about how they would both grow stronger and soon the two were back to excitedly talking with one another or asking Joe for some details when they grew uncertain.
Noon came, and they settled in for lunch which actually turned out to be more like a barbecue, although there was still a rather massive dining room table set up in the outdoor courtyard of the villa. Joe actually enjoyed it, although it was an odd mix of barbecue cooking, with some of the food prepared in the courtyard itself by some of the cooks and a more traditional multicourse meal while they all sat and were served their food. It was… quite enjoyable. When lunch ended, Joe settled back and looked around the table with satisfaction, enjoying his time with so many new friends. An odd moment came, a feeling seeping into his heart, and a flashback to a family barbeque slammed into him and he struggled to calm his pain, homesickness washing over him in a wave of emotion so powerful, a few tears welled up in the corner of his eyes. He breathed deeply before dropping his head and wiping them away, not wanting to poison the mood at the table and he looked back up with a poor attempt at a happy smile.
Thankfully, no one noticed, but he fell into silence as he watched everyone speak and enjoy one another. He did notice, however, that Kilniara grew a bit reticent as well, growing quieter and more reserved. Oh yeah… right. Joe held in his sigh, but knew it was time that he had to bring up the topic he’d promised Kilniara. He waited for an appropriate time in the conversation, waiting for a lull so he could speak to Toulnaria with some privacy. After a few moments, he turned and spoke with the Matriarch.
“Toulnaria. I seek advice on the proper way of dating. It seems our peoples are a bit… different in how to date… court?... uh… pursue a permanent relationship with another. I do not want to insult or harm another. I know we have spoken of this earlier, but if I could seek some advice?”
Toulnaria nodded gracefully, “Certainly. What do you seek to know?”
Joe sighed deeply at that before leaning forward, “I will speak… very frankly.”
She nodded easily enough and Joe hid his grimace. I don’t think she knows what she is going to get!
“So, amongst my people, men desire women who are loyal, committed and devoted for life… women who are wise, diligent, and capable. Women, most women amongst my people, tend to desire men who are wise, productive, well respected, honorable, loyal, romantic, and deeply connected with them.”
Toulnaria pursed her lips, deep in thought, “Your assessments are generally accepted as… true. Most men prefer pure women who are loyal to them and most women prefer strong great men who will remain loyal to them as well.”
Joe nodded, a sense of relief releasing tension he didn’t know he had, grateful that there was at least one less thing he had to carefully think about to understand the people he was amongst, “What is the correct… the good? .. uh… yeah… the good way to express an interest in another?”
Toulnaria smiled at that while glancing at Kilniara, “You seemed to already have done that quite well.”
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Joe rolled his eyes, “How will I do so correctly without offending or harming her and especially not harming her in the eyes of others?”
Toulnaria cocked her head at that, a bit confused, “You are concerned with her face?”
Joe nodded, “Of course.”
She nodded, “Treat her well with respect and show that you favor her.”
Joe hid his grimace but nodded, “That is easy enough. I hope I am doing it well, but how do I make certain that while we pursue the possibility of marriage, I am not… making her … become undesired by other men if she or I decide that we are not… for one another.”
Toulnaria sat back, the epiphany obvious, “Ah. You want her to have options.”
Joe smiled while sighing with relief, “Yes. If I fail… my option fails, she is not… I wish her to be free and well prepared… wel… uh… It will be easy for her to find another man without any negative… things… from her relationship with me.”
Toulnaria nodded at that, “You are doing well with that. I might recommend continued discretion, but there might be little you can do.”
“How do you mean?”
Toulnaria sighed, “You are quite a bit more… affectionate than most of what my people… are used to.”
Joe’s eyebrow twitched at that, “You mean in holding hands or kissing?”
She nodded, “And you are an adventurer.”
Adventurer… why is that… “Why is that?”
Toulnaria took a deep breath, sighing, “Adventurers are known to be… lusty and hold little concern for what culture expects. Their apprentices are often chosen for… several reasons.”
Joe felt his eyebrows furrow, confusion taking him as he found no easy explanation. He questioned with a shake of his head.
“What do you mean?”
Toulnaria turned red and stared at Joe, thoughtful before glancing at the others around the table excluding Gwenvair. The others’ quickly shook their heads and she looked back at him with both surprise and respect.
“You do not?” she replied, half question and half statement.
“Don’t what?”
“Take adv… you are their master.”
“Yes. And?” Joe asked, still a bit confused.
Garnedell interjected with some subtle embarrassment, “Master. Do you remember what you taught to us?”
“What thing?” Joe replied with confusion once again, although frustration was starting to worm its way through.
Garnedell’s face turned a bit redder, “On the night Kilniara and Zilnek joined us…”
Joe’s confusion remained and Garnedell continued, “That night… at the inn… you had to speak to us about… night things.”
Understanding flooded Joe and he whipped back to look at Toulnaria, “Oh… that, yeah. Of course,” Joe sighed and slumped into his seat, “Yeah… we already had that discussion. That’s not happening with us. At all! But… that doesn’t stop others from assuming so about us, yes?”
Toulnaria smiled sadly before nodding, “To a lesser extent, most do not see it as a meaningful issue for adventurers, although most do not see adventurers as suitable spouses.”
“Women adventurers are not good wives?”
Toulnaria laughed, “All adventurers are poor spouses, husbands or wives.”
“Oh. Then…”
Toulnaria shrugged, “You are a bit unique as you are quite a bit more respectable than most adventurers.”
“I’m glad that is … noticeable, but it isn’t enough,” Joe said with a sigh.
The Matriarch nodded with her own soft sigh as well, “You are correct. Adventurers have a poor image.”
Joe sat silently then blinked with some worry, glancing at Gwenvair, “Then, Gwenvair…”
Toulnaria smiled, “I have no fear of you and how you will treat my daughter.”
“But how others may see her?”
Toulnaria immediately shook her head, “No. I have no concern. You have chosen her and the benefits are extraordinary and there are no meaningful detriments.”
Garnedell smiled and snarked, “Except for all the monsters.”
Gwenvair giggled at that and shook her head, “They’re a benefit!”
Joe glanced around the table and saw the happy smiles of all and sighed before nodding, “Then, we must be even more cautious that both Kilniara and Gwenvair are respected and respectable. It’s… quite annoying, but we do as best with what we have, so let us make certain that their face is well maintained.”
Garnedell and Zilnek nodded immediately, with Toulnaria smiling gratefully, “I am honored and grateful for your attempt, but there is little need to be concerned, especially if you are married and committed to your relationships. People will see how you act and care.”
Joe nodded, “I understand but while I have committed to the apprenticeships, the marriage will take time. I will not marry too quickly without cautiously making sure we are compatible.” But… can’t let her come to the room anymore… and… it would really help me anyway. Joe’s thoughts were rapid, not having much time to think as the conversation continued on even as his emotions warred between relief and regret. However, his decision was rather firm. Should talk to her tonight…
Toulnaria nodded, “And that is very wise. Just be respectful until the marriage and commitment is given.”
Joe smiled, “I’ll make sure to invite you to see the ceremony, if you are willing.”
Toulnaria frowned, confused, “Ceremony?”
Joe found himself a bit uncertain, “Oh, right. You do not have marriage ceremonies.”
“You do?”
Joe chuckled, “I guess our peoples are quite different. But yes, our people have a celebratory festival on the day the marriage vows are given for all people to witness and then join a feast afterwards.”
Kilniara quickly began bouncing, leaning forward, “Let me tell it. Let me tell it!”
Joe looked over at Kilniara and smiled, while Gwenvair looked at Kilniara with deep interest. Joe grinned and then chuckled a bit.
Kilniara nodded but Gwenvair interjected, “But I’ll want to ask questions!”
Joe laughed and nodded, “OK. OK. But, maybe after a couple more questions?”
Kilniara pouted but Gwenvair shook her head with laughter before acknowledging Joe’s request, Joe grinned and nodded before turning back to Toulnaria.
Toulnaria smiled, “Our vows are a … private affair, between them.”
“Hmm… and Kilniara said your vows are… magical?”
Toulnaria raised an eyebrow, “Yours are not?”
Joe grinned, “They are witnessed by others, hence the ceremony, but on the whole, no. But they are … usually expected to be followed. Well… today, that is changing in some places on my plane, but… yeah.”
Toulnarai considered that, “Hmm… interesting.”
Joe shrugged, “And I find yours interesting as well. I’m curious. Do the vows magically enforce after being made?” See if I can figure this vow thing out a bit more...
“Magically enforce?”
<Chapter 86 Continued>