***
Fortis’ vigil did not escape Akaru’s attention. The young man had stayed in the forest for three days and nights calling to the gods for an answer in regards to his sister’s fate. Akaru paced back and forth for hours trying to decide whether to take advantage of this golden opportunity. At length Tobart came to him.
“Sir, I understand your attraction for this girl,” he said. “She is lovely, but considering an affair and planning a marriage are very different things and I wonder if you have considered what the consequences of your actions could be. Your supporters will not recognize your union with a human. The girl herself would be overwhelmed by your presence. She would freeze in fear each time you approached. And not to forget your daughter…”
“I do know all these things, Tobart,” Akaru growled. “Yet I cannot deny what my heart compels me to do. I can handle my supporters and my family. As far as the girl’s fear is concerned, I have observed that a horse at first fears to have a man sit on his back, but in time the horse and man become the closest of partners.”
“I fear that the difference between a horse and his rider is far less than the difference between you and the girl, sir,” Tobart stepped closer. “Even if her fear subsides, she will always be apprehensive in your presence.”
“But not in your’s, Tobart,” Akaru said, a thoughtful look coming to his eyes. “You will bring her to me and accustom her to daemons. Since you are only a lesser daemon, she will not be overwhelmed by your presence. Once she is ready, I shall meet her. And Tobart, do not underestimate love’s ability to overcome all obstacles. Now, we are going to need a grand gift.”
“Gift?” Tobart asked. “For who? For what?”
“Don’t you remember the gifts the nobles brought for the magistrate?” Akaru asked. “It’s a human custom. I will have to present him with the most astounding of gifts.”
“I never liked that human custom,” said Tobart softly. “It seems like buying a spouse.”
“I think they believe it solidifies the bond between the two families.”
“Then shouldn’t the magistrate also give you a gift? Besides the girl I mean?” Tobart pointed out. “Actually I think that is how it usually works. The father pays the husband for the extra cost of housing and feeding his daughter.”
“I’ve read of instances of it going both ways,” Akaru answered. “But since the other suitors brought gifts, we should assume that in this case it is the duty of the groom to give the gift. Besides, it is only just that I repay the magistrate for the property he has lost recently.”
“Well if you must, may I suggest giving iron,” Tobart said. “The humans construct many objects from iron.”
“Yes, that is true” Akaru said as he started walking away. “But do they treasure it? We must find something that they hold in great value if the gift is to be appropriate. We will also have to find appropriate things to feed to Pulchra once she arrives. Come on, Tobart, we have a lot to do.”