BLUE SUN ROOM FAN FICTION - GENERAL

BADKARMA00

The Last Spartan – Chapter Twenty-Five
Friday, November 30, 2007

Ahh, romance! It must be in the water!


CATEGORY: FICTION    TIMES READ: 2027    RATING: 10    SERIES: FIREFLY

The Last Spartan – Chapter Twenty-Five All previous disclaimers still apply ******************** “So all preparations are made, and the guest list has been updated,” Inara informed Jayne. “All invitations have been delivered by hand courier, and most have already RSVP’d. You’re very popular, it seems, Jayne.” “It’s not me,” Jayne snorted. “It’s the money this place represents. All they crave is connection to the ‘elusive’ Lord Janos.” His face and tone of voice showed what he thought of that. “Whatever the reason, the estate will be running over come Saturday,” Inara chided. “A good time to announce your. . .well, what are you going to announce, to do with you and River?” “I don’t know,” Jayne admitted. “We haven’t. . .I mean I haven’t. . .” Jayne broke off in frustration. “I haven’t exactly asked her to marry me. I’ve never been in this situation before, Inara, and I don’t know what to do. I’ve never had a wife, lover, or anything else that was. . .like me.” “Does it mean that much to you, Jayne?” Inara asked softly. “Is it River that confuses you, or the situation?” “I don’t know that either,” Jayne grumbled. “I know what I want to do, Inara. But I don’t know how she will react, and I can’t stand another ‘misunderstanding’ like the one we had the day we arrived. I don’t know what she wants, and all my attempts to find out have failed. Utterly.” “She’s forcing your hand, Jayne,” Inara smiled softly. “She’s making you work for it by making you sweat. You’ll have to come right out and ask her.” “What if she says no?” Jayne asked, looking horrified at the idea. Inara had to fight the urge to giggle. Here was a man, or perhaps more than a man, who had faced countless enemies in battle, slain Bhudda only knew how many men in his accumulated years, afraid of a one hundred pound woman. It gave her hope for the future of mankind that men still feared a woman’s answer that much. “I really don’t think that’s going to happen, Jayne,” Inara smiled indulgently. “Granted, had you asked her while she was still suffering from the side effects, she’d likely have said no, in very loud and potentially vulgar language,” she laughed lightly. “Now that that’s behind her, I think she’ll be more receptive.” “Well,” Jayne decided, rising from his desk, “I suppose there’s only one way to find out.” He walked to a small wall safe, spun the dials, and opened it. Taking a small velvet box from inside, he closed it back, and passed the box to Inara. “Your thoughts?” Inara took the box and opened it carefully. As the lid rose, a gasp escaped her lips. Inside lay a band of wrapped gold, with intricate scroll work all the way around. The rope like ring formed a cup at one point, holding a diamond that had to be at least one full carat in size. “Oh, Jayne,” Inara whispered breathlessly. “It’s incredible!” “I thought, given her size, the stone should be no larger,” Jayne said hesitantly. “I mean, certainly, if you think it should be larger, I can arrange it. Langfords’ can send a man out to the estate this afternoon and. . .” “I think it’s perfect,” Inara assured him, marveling at how easy Jayne could speak of having the premier jeweler on all of Londinium ‘send a man to the estate’. Jayne either didn’t realize, or more likely didn’t care, how much power that took. “Well then,” Jayne took the box back, and steeled himself. “I suppose I should see about making your invitations true, shouldn’t I?” With that he walked out of the study, leaving a smiling Inara watching him depart. I should have told him that she’d never say no, she thought to herself. Then; Nah, let him sweat a little. Woman’s prerogative. ******************** “So, we leave right after the ball, sir?” Zoe asked, as she and Mal sat on one of the may porticos around the mansion. They had eaten a light lunch there, and were discussing their future. “Figure two days after,” Mal replied. “Need the next day to get ready, and probably to recover. Say our goodbyes, and hit the black the next morning.” “Where we headed?” Zoe asked. “Ariel,” Mal told her. “Managed to find a job hauling honest to goodness freight, believe it or not. We’ll see if we can’t make a go of the honest transport thing.” “I’d like that,” Zoe nodded. “Go a might easier on us without fugitives and warrants, I expect.” “Should at that,” Mal laughed. “Kaylee said anything to you ‘bout going along?” “Not a word,” Zoe frowned. “I think it might be just you and me, sir,” she added. “Well,” Mal sighed, “we been there before, Zoe. We can likely do it again.” ***************** Jayne found River walking along the pathway in the garden behind the house. It was smaller and less elaborate than the one before the mansion, but it was also quieter, and more secluded. River had been through a great deal in just the past few weeks. It was no wonder that she sought solitude. “Hello, River,” he said hesitantly, and felt an iron band around his heard loosen slightly as she smiled brightly. “Hello, my love,” she replied softly, walking to him and embracing him. “And how are you today? And what it is that puts a frown on your face?” she asked, eyeing him closely. “I wasn’t aware I had a frown,” Jayne answered honestly. “But if I do have one, it doubtless comes from Inara and the preparations for the ball.” He sighed. “I treasure her presence, don’t get me wrong. But the whole idea behind asking her to take over the management of the house was to have her make the decisions. Not me.” River laughed. “You can’t expect her to start making decisions all at once, Janos,” she chided playfully. “She must feel her way into the position, testing the limits of her authority.” “Prim is the limit of her authority,” Jayne groused. “She answers to him. If she should overstep, which I seriously doubt, he will make sure she’s aware of it. I think she simply enjoys seeing me squirm.” “Oh, poor baby,” River purred, stroking his jaw. “Do you need some attention? Other than that directed toward the preparations for this great ball of yours?” “It isn’t mine,” Jayne didn’t quite growl. “Okay, it is, I guess,” he amended a second later. “But it isn’t for me. It’s for you. By rights, you are the one everyone should be concerned about pleasing, not me.” “I am pleased, no matter what,” River smiled, guiding them both to a small bench amidst the garden. “I am as happy as I have ever been, Janos. And better than I could ever have thought possible a year ago. The color of the napkins, the placement of the guests, the setting of the flatware and china are of no concern to me.” He studied her closely, thinking over what she had said. ‘Happy as I have ever been’, covered a lot of territory. Did that mean she wished for things to remain as they were? If so, he was agreeable to that. He would be disappointed, of course. More like heartbroken, he amended. But it was her choice to make, and he felt he had no right to jeopardize her happiness for his own selfish reasons. “What troubles you, my love,” River asked softly from his side. “And do not say ‘nothing’, because I can see it in your eyes. A storm lurks there as sure as the sun shines. Now what is it?” “River,” Jayne started, then stopped. What the hell was he doing, anyway? Didn’t she just say how happy she was? “Just say it,” River pushed gently. “Whatever it is, it will be alright. We’ll see it through.” He looked at her longingly for a moment, the words ringing in his ears. He knew she meant it. And he owed it to her to finish, no matter what. “River, I’d like nothing more, in the entire universe, if you would consider becoming my wife.” With that simple declaration, he produced the box, opening it so that she could see the ring. ******************* “So, have you decided what you’re going to do?” Simon and Kaylee were walking hand in hand along the outer ring of the same garden that hid Jayne and River. Simon hated to ask Kaylee that, knowing it would ruin the mood, but since his decisions depended on hers, he felt like it was necessary. “No,” Kaylee groaned slightly, leaning into Simon’s shoulder. “I ain’t. I hate the think of leaving the Cap’n in a lurch, Simon, I really do. But being here this last little while has made me realize how much I miss being planet side.” “I love being in the black, I do,” she continued. “But it’s gettin’ so dangerous and all, and it ain’t no place to try and have a family. . .” She broke off, looking at Simon in apprehension. They hadn’t spoken too much about the future. “No, it isn’t,” Simon agreed seriously. “I’ve thought of that more than once myself, to be honest. Of course, I never thought it was a place to have my sister, either, and that’s worked out pretty well.” “Lot different than raisin’ a little’un,” Kaylee giggled. “But I know what you mean. Course, I don’t know what I’d do if I was to stay. Cap’n’s right about that. Can’t live off Jayne’s charity, no matter that he don’t mind. I just ain’t got it in me to sit by and do nothin’.” “Nor do I,” Simon agreed. “You do realize that I can find work at nearly any hospital, anywhere. Right? We can go where we please, and I can sign on to a hospital, or even start a clinic of my own. You can open a shop, or work for someone else, if you like. With our warrants gone, and no one to think of but ourselves, our options really are almost unlimited.” Kaylee blinked at that, not having thought about those things. A shop of her own? Doing mechanical work for herself? Now that was an idea that had merit. “Be kinda hard on you at social gatherings,” she grinned. “Fancy, core-educated doctor and his grease monkey wife.” Simon stopped short and looked at her closely. “I don’t care what other people think,” he said firmly. “So long as you’re my grease monkey, that’s all that matters.” Kaylee started at the seriousness in his tone. Simon took advantage of her surprise to steal a kiss. A shriek that sounded a lot like River broke the moment into shards. ************** When Kaylee and Simon came running into the small alcove where Jayne and River were, they pulled up short. They had expected to find River having some kind of problem. Instead they found her wrapped around Jayne, kissing him fiercely. “Um, you guys okay, then?” Kaylee asked in confusion. River leaped down off of Jayne and ran to Kaylee, face so bright it threatened to burn. “Look!” she shrieked, and flashed her hand up before her friend. Kaylee took a minute to recognize the object on River’s finger, but when she did, she too shrieked in joy. “Oh, River, I’m so happy for you!” Kaylee gushed, hugging her friend tightly. Simon gaped for a minute, then looked at Jayne, who was not quite uncomfortable. The doctor walked over to the larger man, and offered his hand. “Congratulations, Jayne,” Simon didn’t quite smirk. “I see she’s wore you down completely.” “Thank you, Simon,” Jayne smiled slowly. “I did warn you she was accustomed to getting her way,” Simon did smirk now. “So you did,” Jayne acknowledged. “So long as she is happy, then so am I.” “Well, I think it’s a safe bet she’s happy.” “Simon, we gotta go talk to ‘Nara!” Kaylee called, dragging River behind her. “We’ll see you guys later!” “But I. . .” Jayne started to protest, but the two were already gone. “Get used to it,” Simon sighed. *************** Inara started as she looked up from yet another list of preparations to see Prim Vatorian looking at her. “Hello, Prim,” she smiled. “Lady Inara,” Prim bowed in return. “I was about to have some lunch. I thought perhaps you’d join me?” His eyes, a deep sea green, almost twinkled. “Well, I. . .” Inara hesitated, then shook it off. “I’d love to, actually.” “Excellent,” Prim beamed, and offered her his arm. She took it without hesitation, and he walked her to a small table set on the terrace outside the library. It was fairly private, but not shut away. The weather was lovely for autumn, and she was glad to be outdoors. Prim seated her, then took his own place. Lunch was fruit, some delicious shaved meat and cheese, and home made bread. There was also bottle of wine, and a pitcher of sparkling water. “A very good vintage, to be made in this century,” Prim assured her. “From Lord Janos’ own vineyards,” he added, pouring himself and Inara a glass. Inara sniffed the wine, then tasted, savoring the scent. “Wonderful,” she agreed. “I’m pleased you like it,” Prim told her. “Something you may need to consider, now that I think of it. We normally serve a house wine at functions such as this. Considering the importance of the occasion, however, you may wish to consider an outside selection.” “Something like this should do very well, I think,” Inara said at once. “But what do you think, Prim. I agree this isn’t a ‘normal’ function. Do you think we should consider looking at other possibilities?” “I leave all such decisions in your capable hands, my Lady,” Prim informed her with a smile. “That’s a great help,” Inara shot back with mock sarcasm, earning her a laugh from the normally straight laced Prim. She found she liked the sound, similar to a deep musical bell. “I live to serve,” Prim bowed slightly, and Inara started at the words. Prim caught the reaction, and frowned. “Something troubles you?” he asked quietly. “You trouble me,” Inara answered honestly. “You’re a mysterious man, Prim Vatorian. Wrapped in a shroud of mystery, in fact. I’d like to know more about you.” Inara was surprised at her forwardness, and wondered where it came from. “I see,” he nodded, now serious. “Very well, what would you like to know, Inara Serra?” Inara was caught by surprise at that. “You seem to have been with Jay. . .Janos a long time, Prim,” she said finally. “I have,” Prim nodded, a smile playing at his lips. “A very long time, indeed.” “Can I ask how long?” Inara pressed lightly, now intrigued. Prim looked at her closely for a moment, then shrugged. “How much do you know about earth-that-was, Inara? About the history of the world, I mean?” “I’m not a historian,” Inara admitted. “But history, ancient history, has always been somewhat of a hobby of mine.” “Have you ever heard of the Roman Empire?” Inara gasped as the words sank in. Roman Empire? If Prim meant that he was a product of ancient Rome, then. . . . “Yes, my Lady,” Prim nodded in response to the unasked question. “I, too, am like Lord Janos.” ************* The battle had finally ended, as the barbarians has simply overwhelmed the men gathered around Vatorian’s hill top. The men under his command had fought hard, and well. Countless enemy dead littered the hillside around them when they finally fell. Prim found himself bleeding from a gash in his leg, one that spurted blood with every heartbeat. He had seen such wounds before, and knew he had not long to live. Had the Romans been victorious, then perhaps a skilled physician could have saved him by amputating the leg, or even sealing the wound. But the losing side rarely received such treatment, and he had no desire to live in captivity at any rate. As he lay nearly helpless, three barbarians descended upon him, and he prepared for the end. “Hold.” The voice wasn’t loud, but it carried. The three soldiers froze in their tracks, scant feet from their prey. Commander Junta walked into Prim’s view, his armor dripping with blood and gore, as was Vatorian’s own. “We have claim to him, Commander,” one of the soldiers challenged, though in a respectful manner. “Not to this one,” Junta replied evenly. “He is mine alone. Move along and claim your trophies elsewhere.” “The law gives us the right to. . .” Junta’s sword seemed to fly of it’s own volition, and the speaker’s head left his body. The two remaining men gawked at their commander, then looked at the body of their former comrade. “Are there any further objections?” Junta asked calmly, eyes clearly telling the others there had better not be. “No, milord,” the two bowed, backing away. “Then be gone.” The two men fled. Junta watched them go, then looked down to the prone Vatorian. “We meet again, Centurion,” he said, his voice deep and resonant. “So we do, Commander,” Prim gasped, easing himself around slightly. “Your wound is mortal, you know,” Junta pointed out calmly, settling in beside the dying Roman. “I do,” Vatorian nodded. “I have seen it’s like before. I shall not see it again, however. Not in this life.” “You believe in another life, then?” Junta asked philosophically. Prim shrugged. “I believe very little, Commander,” Prim acknowledged. “In my sword, my word, my shield. What more is there, for one such as me. Such as us?” “Well said,” Junta nodded. “You have family, Centurion?” “I do not,” Prim told him sadly. “I had a wife, and two children, but lost them three seasons past to the sickness. I will, perhaps, see them soon.” “Perhaps,” Junta nodded, examining the wound. “Would that you could live, Centurion, what then would you do?” He took a small wineskin from his belt, which he offered the Roman. “It is a moot question, my friend,” Prim replied, taking the skin gratefully, and drinking deep. “I will not live to see this day ended.” “But if you did?” Junta pressed. “Would you continue serving Rome? Or would you take that new life and go forth to see more of the world?” “I do not know,” Prim answered honestly. “There is nothing for me in Rome, anymore. And after today, I would no longer be a Centurion, even should I escape capture. Duty demands that I would perish here. There would be no going back for me.” “True,” Junta mused. “Would you consider joining me? Not as a part of them,” he waved to the men around him. “I am not of their ilk, as you have likely guessed by now. But as my fellow traveler? If you have all the time in the world to travel, and see, would you do so? Lending your sword to the fight against those who would take what is not theirs, kill those who offend them simply by living?” “I may not be a scholar, Commander,” Prim smiled grimly, “but even a soldier knows that a man’s day’s on this world are numbered.” “Perhaps,” Junta agreed. “But if they were not?” ************ Inara was stunned. She had never imagined that Prim was. . .one of them. “I see from the look upon your face that this is a surprise to you,” Prim said quietly. He had developed deep feelings for the woman in the short time he had known her. He had known there was a risk in exposing himself. She might well be repulsed by it. But to hide it from her would be much worse. “I suppose I shouldn’t be,” Inara finally found her voice. “It just never occurred to me, Prim. Jayne doesn’t seem to like the idea of. . . .” “Turning?” Prim asked, a faint smile at the corners of his mouth. “He does not. Nor do any of us. There are rare exceptions, of course, such as Lady River. She is a welcome addition here. As are you,” he added, looking Inara directly in the eye. Despite herself, Inara felt a blush spreading across her face. “I see that my war story has killed the enjoyment of the moment,” Prim told her, almost sadly. “And I have many duties yet to see too this day.” He rose to his feet. “I thank you, Inara, for the pleasure of your company,” he bowed slightly, and then was gone, before Inara could respond. She rose to her feet, but stopped short of following him. What would she say? She barely knew the man! In the next instant, the decision was taken from her, as Kaylee’s excited squeal called out to her. “Inara! Jayne done asked River to marry him!”

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