Falling for Him

by EmeLie Jackson

  People stared at us, some pointing.

  The children's eyes became wide as I passed by, making me self-conscious.

  Mother's glared and held their children close, but the men still just looked curious.

  Once we were at the front, we went up and were seated by Thran.

  ""Glad you could make it,"" he held up a cup that was nearly overflowing with a smelly, amber colored liquid.

  He sounded anything but glad, and his eyes betrayed his emotion.

  Jon just nodded and sat by his brother.

  As much as they were similar, they were also opposite.

  I sat, suddenly in awe of all the food in front of me.

  It was never this abundant at home, and there were no utensils here.

  I glanced nervously at Jon, seated to my left.

  I was at the end of the table.

  He held up his hunk of bread discreetly and dipped it into his bowl.

  I followed suit, my stomach so hollow it was eating itself.

  The food smelled more amazing than anything at home as well.

  Bite after bite, the flavors were enough to convince me that I never wanted to go back to Mountain food.

  Someone floated silently by and filled my cup.

  I greedily reached for it, absorbed in my messy eating.

  Jon's hand made it there first.

  ""Not tonight,"" he smirked, grabbing it and downing it himself.

  I was puzzled, but settled for water instead.

  I could see why everyone was laughing and having such fun.

  People played strange instruments in the corner, providing us with lighthearted music.

  The food was rich and unending, which was enough to make anyone happy.

  The men that drank the amber liquid seemed to be having an even better time.

  I felt something inside me, then.

  A sort of twinge.

  This was the freedom I'd never experienced.

  I'd always been confined by rules and structure, never able to express myself or my opinions for fear of punishment.

  I found myself desperately wanting to learn now.

  Where exactly was I? Why was my stature in Mountain society important out here? And why was Jon hiding so many things from me? I'd always been intelligent, too questioning for my family's liking.

  I felt a fire growing within me, a thirsty sort of fire that would only be quenched with knowledge.

  I decided I would need to be bold.

  Though being bold was something I had learned to repress, I felt it simmering under the surface, ready to come back as soon as I demanded it of myself.

  Someone nervously approached Thran, standing below the platform.

  My reverie dissipated.

  It was a young girl, close to my age, with long brown hair and dark eyes.

  She was slender but strong.

  Everyone in the hall quieted.

  I leaned forward subconsciously.

  Jon's hand tightened on his mug, and his eyes flashed sideways at me.

  This girl meant something to him.

  ""Thran,"" she said in a clear voice, bowing a little.

  He smiled wanly and motioned for her to continue.

  ""My mother died in child birth this last year, and my father canna support all of us children.

  May I work for you to ease some of our debt?"" her eyes flashed up to Thran.

  ""Of course, Rose.

  I'll make sure your family has plenty to eat throughout the winter as well.

  "" she beamed up at him, and her eyes suddenly flashed to Jon with a peculiar look.

  I narrowed my eyes at her.

  I felt protective of him suddenly, and it made me heated.

  I'd never felt such a hot rush of emotion before.

  A man behind Thran was quickly scribbling down what was being said.

  I watched as an elderly woman approached the table now with her own request.

  This went on for an hour or so.

  People coming up to Thran with complaints or requests, the man behind him jotting everything down.

  Jon stayed silent and unemotional as usual.

  It was odd to me, to see common people addressing their leader so fearlessly.

  Things were beginning to quiet down when Jon stood.

  I automatically stood, too.

  He pressed my shoulder and I sat back down, confused.

  He walked around to the front and approached the table.

  The entire hall was utterly silent.

  ""Thran,"" he began, his voice strong and deep.

  If Jon was good at hiding his emotions, his brother easily surpassed him.

  ""I've done all that you've asked of me, and I still swear my loyalty to you, brother.

  During my time away, I discovered Elise.

  "" he nodded towards me, and my stomach dropped.

  Every eye was on me, and the room became even quieter.

  ""I wish to grant her all the freedoms of our people, to let her learn and choose her own fate.

  "" he stared steadily at Thran, whose facade was fading.

  My heart thumped anxiously as my mouth went dry.

  I gathered that what Jon was asking was not expected and not safe.

  Thran cleared his throat and sat forward, clasping his hands together on the table.

  ""You know our laws, Jon.

  She is to be questioned about what she knows, so we may protect ourselves and our way of life, and then we will decide what to do.

  "" My eyes widened in fear.

  Jon stood steadfast.

  ""She knows nothing.

  "" his eyes blazed, the fire reflected within them.

  The fire that burned within him becoming visible.

  ""We will find out, but I assure you it will be dealt with fairly.

  "" Thran seemed to close off the argument.

  Jon, however, wasn't done.

  ""I also wish to continue onward this winter, to travel west.

  "" At this request, people began to murmur to each other.

  Thran nodded almost knowingly.

  ""I will grant your wish, but you will not go alone this time.

  I will select a party to go forth with you.

  If you do not return by summer's end, we will assume the worst and not send anyone after you.

  "" Thran's demeanor now seemed to close off all discussion.

  Jon looked rather displeased, but nodded.

  He bowed a little and moved back to his seat, quickly grabbing his cup and swallowing its contents before reaching for more.

  "

  "Chapter 9

  Thran clapped once, and the music began to play again.

  More food was brought out and placed in front of me and on all the tables.

  I recognized peaches, and my mouth watered.

  Although my stomach was bursting, I began to eat again.

  Jon began to quietly give names to people, instruments, foods, and everything else that was foreign to me.

  It was overwhelming, but I found that I desired to learn more.

  After stuffing myself until I was sick, we made our way out into the frigid air.

  It had stopped raining and the sky was completely black.

  I followed the shadow of Jon's back, leaving the rowdy laughter behind us.

  I heard someone approaching us quickly, boots squelching in the mud (Jon had explained rain and its aftermath over dinner, and also given names to the numerous structures), and we both turned to see who it was.

  I noted Jon wasn't nearly as tense here, surrounded by people he seemed to know and trust.

  I squinted into the darkness and recognized Rose.

  She was breathless as she stared unashamedly at Jon.

  ""I thought ye might need these,"" she held out a bundle of clothes to me.

  ""I've grown too tall, but they should fit ye just fine.

  "" It was hard to hate her when she was being so nice.

  I smiled and nod
ded.

  ""Thank you.

  "" She nodded in return, her eyes flashing to Jon again.

  ""Well, I suppose I'll be seeing ye around here more.

  "" she smiled shyly.

  What was she up to? I wanted to throw the clothes at her face and stomp away.

  ""Not for very long.

  "" Jon's tone was curt but polite.

  Her smile faded a bit.

  ""Goodnight.

  "" Jon said, reaching for me to prod me along.

  ""Goodnight.

  "" her voice was full of longing.

  I wasn't used to this emotion, so strong and fiery through my veins.

  Jealousy.

  The only times I remembered being jealous were as a child, when my mother doted on my siblings more than me, but I eventually grew out of it.

  The emotion was never this hot before, though.

  We made it back to the tent, peeling off our boots and stockings before entering.

  My stomach was so full I felt a tad disgusted with myself, but my body and mind hummed contentment.

  Jon stoked the dying fire, the warmth felt almost immediately.

  I sat on the edge of the bed, tugging at the frayed hem of Jon's shirt and setting Rose's old clothes behind me.

  My thoughts drifted back to the meeting at dinner, and a jolt ran through me.

  I was to be questioned, about what exactly I did not know.

  ""Jon, what does Thran want with me?"" my voice was steady but hinted at my slight fear of his domineering older brother.

  Jon's shoulders heaved with an intake of air as he turned to me.

  Even he seemed confused.

  ""I'm not exactly sure.

  But my brother is not someone to""¦underestimate.

  "" his answer was anything but reassuring.

  ""What will the questions be? I don't know anything about the politics on the Mountain, women weren't allowed""”"" he was already shaking his head.

  ""That won't matter to Thran, or anyone on the council.

  They are going to be suspicious of you for a very, very long time.

  So best to lay low for a while.

  I'll make sure to find ye a task that keeps ye out of the way.

  "" his accent always became thicker the more tired he was.

  My nerves turned my full stomach into a stone.

  ""You're safe as long as you're with me, that I can promise ye.

  Just keep your talk of the Mountain to a minimum and try to fit in.

  "" I swallowed my questions and nodded, but one still forced its way through my lips.

  ""Where are we?"" I questioned.

  His dark eyes became stormy and playful simultaneously.

  ""Macdara.

  "" he said, his accent thick as it wound around the word.

  ""It's not so much a place as a""¦nomadic clan""”group of people who are led by my brother.

  "" my brow knitted together at this foreign concept.

  He sighed heavily, almost smiling at me as he settled in to explain.

  ""We travel from place to place, based on the season.

  Though, the last five years or so, Thran has decided to settle more permanently here.

  Our ancestral land.

  This place is sort of""¦sacred to us, I suppose.

  "" he lounged by the fire, leaning back on his muscled arms casually.

  I was entranced.

  ""When the wars ended and your people took control of the mountains, shutting us out to die, we learned to survive.

  We built villages and ports, but there were many battles for land.

  It was ugly for a while.

  I suppose things are calmin' down a bit now, so we can settle down here.

  Our great-grandfather built that""¦castle, if ye could call it that.

  "" ""Castle,"" I attempted the strange word.

  Jon smirked and nodded.

  ""Where are your parents?"" I felt my face scrunch up in question.

  Jon gazed into the fire.

  ""My father died in battle when I was twelve, leaving Thran in charge.

  My mother died from fever when I was five or so, along with two of my siblings.

  "" My heart sank for him.

  I couldn't empathize with him, not having faced any real difficulties in my life before.

  I knew he wouldn't want my pity, though, so I tried to remain casual.

  ""And what about you? Where do you fit in?"" I asked, hoping to finally learn some of the mystery that was Jon.

  He sighed, turning to stare levelly at me.

  ""I'm nineteen now, second in command after Thran.

  I do not wish to wield any sort of power or responsibility.

  He lets me be, for the most part.

  I haven't been home in nearly six months.

  "" he snorted quietly.

  ""Why?"" ""My brother and I don't see eye to eye on many issues, and it's easier if I'm gone, keeping the evil at bay.

  "" ""Don't you get lonely?"" I questioned without thought.

  To my surprise, he laughed genuinely.

  ""Aye, yes I do sometimes.

  But it's better than having to listen to someone snore loud enough to wake the rocks!"" he laughed harder and dodged the bundle of clothes I sent flying his way.

  I couldn't help but grin at his humor.

  ""I suppose I'll leave ye to get some sleep.

  "" he stood, stretching his arms high above his head.

  Leave me?""Where are you going?"" I was panicked, remembering the hostility with which this clan regarded me.

  ""I've a room near the stables.

  Don't worry, no one will bother ye, because no one wants to deal with me if they do.

  "" The next two days flowed rather easily, much to my surprise.

  Jon found work for me in the kitchens of the castle.

  It was there that I met Miss Meerie, an older woman who was in charge of all the food.

  She seemed to adore me, unlike most women here.

  ""The women don't hate ye, dear, they are just suspicious, that's all!"" she laughed heartily, her arms covered in flour.

  We were rather busy preparing a massive meal for tomorrow evening.

  All the hunters were to return and there was to be a feast to celebrate.

  I blushed, happy to hear I wasn't hated.

  Rose, though nice enough at first, had quickly turned bitter towards me.

  She was busy chopping onions behind me, every time I spoke her knife came down a little harder than necessary on the wooden surface.

  I concentrated on rolling the dough for the pies we were making.

  I'd discovered a new favorite berry called the huckleberry.

  Miss Meerie had snuck me an entire bowl to take to my tent.

  The kitchen, though massive, was also crowded.

  Herbs hung from the ceiling to dry, the great hearth constantly burning bright and staining the stone slabs charcoal.

  It was hot and stuffy, and the sleeves on Rose's old dress kept rolling back down my thin arms.

  I found I tired easily from the work, but I refused to show it.

  Everyone in the clan seemed to have a job, and in turn everything moved smoothly.

  ""What exactly are we celebrating tomorrow?"" I asked to her full figure.

  She taste-tested everything, and it was easy to see why she was so happily plump.

  She stoked the fire, then went back to kneading the bread dough.

  ""Weel, right now we are in a sort of transition season called autumn,"" she explained, quirking her head and raising her eyebrows at me.

  ""We have to prepare for the winter months, so every autumn we have a celebration of sorts, praying to the gods to provide for us.

  "" ""Gods?"" I was immediately confused.

  ""Aye, ye can't see them or hear them, but they are out there, listening.

  If we make them happy, they'll return the favor, ye see?"" I nodded despite my utter disbelief.

  ""S
o you give them things?"" I questioned, rolling my sleeves back up.

  ""Aye, yes.

  We sacrifice a bull each year, and there's a dance as well.

  "" ""Interesting,"" I muttered, as I began peeling the peaches for the pie filling.

  ""You mean you don't have gods, Elise?"" Rose snickered.

  I turned to find her giggling with one of her younger friends.

  I bit my tongue and tried to remain kind.

  It was difficult to learn to cope with my jealously and hostility towards her.

  I'd been comparing myself to her; she was tall and strong, with plump pink cheeks and full lips, long and thick brown hair, and the figure of a woman.

  I felt rather ugly compared to her.

  My mind wandered to Jon.

  I was beginning to realize the extent of my jealously, and I didn't like it.

  ""No, we don't.

  I suppose the closest thing we have to the gods would be my grandfather.

  He decides everything.

  My uncle and father help him, of course.

  "" it saddened me, thinking about my father.

  As distant as he sometimes felt growing up, I'd always seemed to get along with him the most.

  Mother barely seemed to tolerate me, loving Anna much more.

  I tried not to talk much of the Mountain, at Jon's request, but people were awfully curious.

  Jon entered the kitchen suddenly.

  I froze, watching with envy how easily he carried heavy sacks of grain.

  ""Got any food? I'm starving.

  "" I chanced a glance at Miss Meerie, and she winked and turned the other way.

  ""Yes, here.

  "" I handed him an apple and a hunk of bread and cheese.

  He locked eyes with me, and squinted.

  ""Ye have something on your face.

  "" I blushed quickly, moving to wipe it off.

  He was quicker, brushing his pointer finger on my nose.

  I furrowed my brow at his small smile.

  ""What?"" I asked, confused.

  I then noticed his finger, covered in flour.

  I glared playfully, taking aim and throwing a ripe peach at him.

  He caught it deftly.

  Rose began to talk rather loudly to her friend, trying to take Jon's attention.

  Jon made a face at her back and bit into his apple, backing towards the door.

  With him gone, a heaviness settled into my chest.

  Besides Miss Meerie, he was my only friend here.

  I began to fret about tomorrow, knowing my trial was at dawn.

  I doubted I would sleep at all tonight.