"Mai! Mai, come and talk to me for a moment."

Kaede finished rinsing off the mug and put it on the side to drain. She turned off the tap and took a seat at the wooden kitchen table to wait for her daughter to join her. Their family had been one of the first to install plumbing, after the military and government officials. Her husband's job had meant they had been one of the few that could afford it. Of course, nowadays, when the military built new houses they all had plumbing. But Kaede remembered when being one of the few not to have to go and fetch water from the well in the centre of town had been a privilege. Her daughter had no such memories. Lines creeping out of the corner of Kaede's eyes betrayed her age and frown decorating her face did nothing to help this.

"Yes, Mama? I've got a few minutes before I have to leave, but Catherine won't mind if I'm late."

Kaede looked up at her daughter and smiled, she patted the chair next to her. Mai sat down, glancing at the door and evidently itching to leave.

"Mai, things have been tough—"

"I can take another job—"

"No, that's not what I mean, Honey, just listen to me," Kaede insisted. "Since your father passed away, I've been thinking about what would happen to you if something happened to me."

"Nothing is going to happen to you! I'll have Oliver protect you, he's a soldier you know, if—"

"Mai, please, just listen."

Mai fell silent, pouting and staring into her lap. She began to pick at the thread of her tunic. Kaede took a deep breath and continued.

"I think it's about time you get married."

Her daughter looked up, horrified by the suggestion.

"Mama, I'm sixteen, that's—"

"And I've spoken to the General," Kaede pressed on. "It's about time he married too and as you already work for him and know him—"

"Mama! He's so old!"

Mai actually laughed at the suggestion her mother had made.

"Twenty-eight is not that old," Kaede said with a frown. "But he has a good job and a sensible head on his shoulders. He's willing to take you. My shop isn't doing as well now that I don't have your father's wares to sell. "

"But…" Mai's laughter died at the mention of her father.

Kaede reached forward and took her daughter's hands in her own. She gave them a quick reassuring squeeze.

"Is there is someone else you care for? If there is, I will approach them today and ask. But I know of no one else that could support you. I just want the best for you."

Mai bit her lip.

"But I don't love him."

"Mai, my dear, when I met your father I did not love him either, but we grew to love each other. The General is a good man. I want the best for you. Just… Just promise me you'll think about it?"

"Okay, I'll think about it."

"Thank you, Honey, now you better run. Catherine may be lenient but you don't want to make a habit of it."

Kaede patted her daughter's hand and Mai smiled back at her. She stood up, kissed her mother on the head and darted away. Kaede watched her daughter go. She sighed and reached for a broom. Using the handle as a support, she stood up, then began sweeping the stone floors.

"I should have known you'd be late," a low drawl said as Mai approached Catherine's house.

The house was surrounded on all sides by a high wall, a sign of wealth if ever there was one, and by the only gate to the property stood a young uniformed soldier, Oliver. Mai knew the wall to be for Catherine's protection. No one could climb it — many children had tried — as the sides had been smoothed down and the top had been rounded so that no grappling hooks would take hold.

"It's not my fault," Mai said.

"It never is," Oliver replied, shifting his feet and giving Mai a pointed look before pocketing the small book that he had been reading.

"Mama wanted to talk to me." Mai kicked at the dirt before continuing. "She wants to marry me off."

"You're sixteen."

"That's what I said!" Mai complained. "It's even worse than that though. Guess who her first suggestion was?"

Oliver's face lost it's teasing expression in an instant. If Mai had not been so used to his usual lack of expression, she would have been alarmed by the sudden change.

"Who?"

"General Lin." Mai groaned pointedly and rolled her eyes. "Like seriously? He's nice and all but I work for him and he's so old. He could be my father. I mean, think about it, he basically is your father!"

Oliver swallowed and looked away.

"She… She didn't consider anyone closer to your own age?" he asked, staring intently at a stray stone on the dirt road.

"No, she said she couldn't think of anyone who could support me," Mai muttered. "She kept going on about how she just wants the best for me. I said I'd think about it just to shut her up so I wouldn't be too late arriving here. I'm hoping this was just a momentary panic because of… You know... Anyway, I'm sure she'll get over it. I can't get married before you do; you're older than me."

"Only by a year," Oliver muttered. "Besides, anyone of my rank could support a wife."

"Do you have a fellow Captain you want to me to marry? I thought you didn't have any frie—"

"I was just pointing out that your mother is wrong. People other than a General could support a wife. Lots of people do. Besides, you work, it's not like you couldn't contribute to the household income."

"Exactly! But my mother thinks I'm incompetent and that I need someone else to look after me."

"Well you do," Oliver admitted. "You're basically a child."

"So are you!" Mai retorted.

"I'm a Captain in the army, Mai, I'm hardly a child."

"You are too!"

Oliver rolled his eyes.

"What about the bakers' son?" he suggested, utterly failing to hide his contempt. "You get on with him—"

"But you don't like John. I can't marry someone you don't like. You're my best friend. Though I have no idea why you don't like him; he's the nicest person I've ever met."

"I don't dislike him."

Mai raised an eyebrow.

"But that's a good point, I need to go to the bakery later. Thanks for reminding me." Mai beamed at him for a moment then nodded to the gateway. "Can I go in?"

"What? Oh, right, yes."

Oliver stepped aside to let Mai pass through the large wooden gate. It was the only weakness in the defence as far as Mai could see. And for that reason, there was always a soldier on guard.

"Will you still be here when I'm done?" Mai asked.

"Unlikely, I worked the night shift. Tom should be here to replace me soon."

"Maybe I'll see you later then."

Mai waved, headed up the garden path and into the large house.

Oliver watched her go, then turned his attention back to his own duties. He glanced around, determined there were no threats present, and withdrew a book from his pocket. With half an eye still on his surroundings, Oliver began to read.

"Catherine! I'm here!" Mai called through the house as she shrugged her jacket off and hung it up. "I'm sorry I'm late, Mama wanted to talk about me getting married..."

A thin woman scurried down the stairs and into the corridor where she spotted Mai. She took Mai's hand and led her through to a well-lit living room. Catherine sat herself down on a piece of furniture she insisted was called a 'couch' that Mai was convinced was just a very small bed with a padded back.

"Oh Mai, I thought you were never going to come!" Catherine exclaimed. "Sit down. I need to run something past you. Forget the cleaning, this place is just as spotless as the last time you were here. I want to get a dog."

Mai perched on the edge of a wickerwork armchair. She had marvelled on her first visit to Catherine's abode at the beautiful workmanship of all her furniture. Later, she had realised how incredibly mismatched it all was. Not that she had ever said anything to Catherine about it, who appeared incredibly fond of all of the contrasting pieces.

"A dog?" Mai asked, surprised.

"Yes!" Catherine pressed. "I am lonely and those rotten soldiers won't give me any company. I keep inviting that friend of yours in for a drink and he refuses. And the others are even worse."

"Oliver? Well, he takes his job very seriously."

"I only get to see you for half a morning and I'm lonely. But a dog! Well I could train it and it can keep me company and perhaps it can even add to my guard if need be. What do you think? Do you think I could have such a thing?"

"I don't see why not?" Mai replied. "We might have to ask the General if that's okay—"

"Oh the General will do whatever I tell him to do," Catherine said, waving a hand dismissively, "but a dog would mean lots of dog hair. Would that bother you?"

Mai almost laughed at the question.

"Not at all. Your happiness is far more important. I can ask about if you want, someone must have some puppies. One of the farmers perhaps…"

"Oh, would you?" Catherine asked. "You're a wonder. Now as for food, I think I'm completely out of it. I ate the last of the bread with my breakfast."

"Did you like that new loaf?" Mai asked as she stood up and headed to the kitchen to check the pantry. "I can get it again if you want?"

"Hmm, yes it was quite pleasant," Catherine called through from the living area. "Perhaps you ought to go and get it now."

Mai frowned and stuck her head through the door to see Catherine looking through her front window. As a wealthy woman, she had large sheets of glass rather than the latticed windows Mai and her mother had at home. But all Catherine could see out of her beautiful windows was the wall and the few plants in her garden, most of which was just grass.

True, it meant the number of candles she needed during the day was greatly reduced, as she had a good amount of light coming in. But the view was still somewhat depressing.

"Now?"

"Well I am out of food and oh look, Tom has just turned up to take over from Oliver. You could take Oliver with you."

Mai rolled her eyes and finished looking through the pantry.

"Catherine, Oliver did the night shift, I can't possibly—"

She looked around and realised that Catherine was already out of the front door and striding towards the two soldiers talking by the gate. Mai shut the pantry door and scampered after her, almost tripping in her haste.

"—take Mai to the market?" Catherine was asking as Mai found herself back in hearing range. "I am completely out of food and she'll need someone strong to carry it back."

"Catherine, I can manage perfectly well by myself!" Mai insisted.

"No, I've quite made up my mind. Oliver is going to escort you, aren't you, Captain?"

Catherine looked pointedly at Oliver.

"I—"

"Oliver is tired," Mai interrupted. "I will be fine!"

"I will come," Oliver said to Catherine, ignoring Mai. "I am not tired."

Mai pouted at him, but he continued to ignore her.

"Fine!" she exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air. "Let me go and get the basket."

She stalked back into the house and returned a moment later with a basket and her jacket. Catherine withdrew a pouch of money from her pocket and dropped it into Mai's hands.

"Don't worry about hurrying back. Take your time dears."

She smiled in a satisfied manner and returned to the house.

Mai huffed, then stalked past a confused Tom and towards the market without waiting for Oliver. Oliver, whose legs were considerably longer than Mai's, caught up with ease.

The houses near Catherine's abode were quite similar in that they were sparsely located and had larger gardens. As they neared the centre of town, where the market was, the houses became smaller and more densely packed. The walls of one house almost touching those of the next.

"What is it with these old women thinking I am incompetent?" she asked without looking at her friend. "My mother thinks I can't look after myself and Catherine thinks I can't even carry some food!"

"Your mother wants to know someone else will look out for you. Catherine has ulterior motives," Oliver replied.

"I can look after myself—"

Mai's foot caught on a rock and she hurtled towards the ground. Oliver grabbed her arm and righted her.

"— and what do you mean ulterior motives?" Mai asked as if nothing had happened.

Oliver raised an eyebrow.

"This is not the first time she has insisted I escort you places…"

"Yeah, because no one thinks I can do anything by myself. Why does everyone think I'm a baby, Oliver?"

"Well, you dress like a child," he said.

"What? No, I don't!"

"That is a child-sized tunic, Mai."

"Because I haven't grown enough to fit the adult ones yet! And I'm not going to buy a new one if this one still fits! I can't help being short! Besides, if you weren't tall and wearing a uniform, you'd look like a child too!"

Oliver smirked.

"No, I wouldn't," he replied. "I can grow facial hair."

Mai's annoyance morphed into laughter.

"No, you can't. Don't be ridiculous."

"Yes, I can, I have been able to do so for some time now."

"But I've never seen you with stubble."

"Because I shave it off."

Mai stared at him in wonder for a moment as the realisation of his words sank in.

"For how long?"

"Have I had facial hair? Since before I knew you," Oliver said, amused by her reaction. "But a full beard? Maybe a year or so?"

"And you've never once let it grow long enough for me to see it? Why not?" she demanded.

"I don't want a beard."

"I can't imagine you with one. I refuse to believe you can until you do."

"Okay then." Oliver shrugged, unbothered by her words.

"So you would look like a child if you were short and without a uniform."

He rolled his eyes.

"Yes, I suppose if I dressed like you and were your height, I would look like a child."

"Hey! That's—"

"Where do you want to go? Just the bakery?" Oliver asked.

"Well, the bakery first," Mai replied, distracted. "Catherine really liked that bread I brought her last time, it had seeds and stuff in it. But don't change the subject! I'm not a child! And what's Catherine's ulterior motive?"

He sighed heavily.

"Why would she insist we spend time together?" he asked in a voice that suggested he was spelling things out to an imbecile. "Assuming, for the moment, that it's not because she thinks you're incompetent."

"Because she knows we're friends?" Mai guessed.

Oliver sighed again.

"Sure, let's go with that. Now go buy your bread."

Oliver indicated the bakery. For a moment, Mai frowned at him, then headed inside.

"Morning John!"

"Mai, how are you? You're earlier than usual?" a short, blond-haired man standing behind a counter replied.

"Yes, not my idea but oh well. I was going to ask you. You know a lot about what goes on around here, right? People tell you things?" Mai asked as she approached the counter, appraising the goods he had on show. John, though a grown adult, was an apprentice in his parent's trade of baking and thus was often running the shop while his parents were busy in the kitchens.

"Uh… I mean I'm friends with a lot of the people in the town?" John said, rubbing the back of his neck with a floury hand. "But I wouldn't say I know a lot—"

"Do you know anyone who has a puppy they need to sell? Preferably a reasonably sized animal? But easy to train. It's for an older woman."

John hummed for a moment.

"One of the people you work for?" he asked.

"Yeah. She's lonely, seeing me is the most company she gets most days."

"I'll ask about," he said. "Leave it with me."

"Thanks, John, you're the best."

John smiled, a slight blush tinging his cheeks.

"What can I get for you today?"

"Well, another one of those loaves with the seeds on. And an apple pastry."

"Your soldier friend is outside?" John asked as he wrapped a loaf in cloth.

"Yes, I don't know why he doesn't come in."

"I'm sure he has his reasons," John said kindly. "Are you eating the pastry now?"

"Uh… Yes," Mai replied.

Mai counted out the right number of coins and handed them over. John placed the loaf of bread in her basket and then handed over an apple pastry.

"Here, this one is still warm."

"You're the best."

"See you soon, Mai."

She left the bakery, basket swinging on her arm.

"Success?" Oliver asked.

"Of course. Want some?"

She offered him a bite of the pastry.

"That's yours—"

"Oh just have some," Mai said, practically thrusting the pastry into his hands.

Oliver took it and bit the end off. Mai smiled.

"Come on then," she said. "I've got lots more to pick up."

She looped her arm through his and dragged him through the rest of the marketplace. Once Mai had bought all the food she needed and the apple pastry long gone, Oliver removed the basket from her arm and carried it himself.

"I can manage!"

"Of course you can, that's why you're bent over weirdly."

"You're just as skinny as me!" Mai complained. "You're no better."

"I am a soldier. I train every day—"

"Yeah, yeah. I've seen your training. You spend half of it reading a book."

"I do not—"

"I've watched you!"

Oliver scowled and changed the subject.

"Why do you think I guard Catherine?" he asked as they walked back to the house.

"Is this rhetorical or do you want me to work it out?" Mai asked back.

"I do not honestly know myself," Oliver said. "General Lin said to guard her, so I guard her. But why…"

"At first I thought she was one of the General's relations that he wanted to keep safe, but I asked her and she laughed and said she wasn't. After that, I kind of assumed she was a political prisoner," Mai said, shrugging her shoulders.

"Our country has very few enemies, so it is unlikely. Perhaps she sought asylum? But her Eshian is too good for her to be a foreigner."

"Or maybe she's dangerous but part of a wealthy family, so they've locked her up in luxury…"

"Possibly. But then why would they let you go in there without protection if she was dangerous?"

"I don't know. She definitely comes from a wealthy background," Mai went on. "She barely knows how to do anything domestic. I mean, that's why they hired me, right? She couldn't even make tea."

"A tragedy if ever I heard one," Oliver muttered.

X~X~X - checked

Mai cooked and cleaned, leaving Catherine with enough prepared food to last her a day or two. She was just about to leave when the older woman called out to her.

"Could you be a dear and make Tom a drink? I just want to have a chat with Oliver…"

Oliver had waited for Mai to finish as afterwards she would be going to clean General Lin's house, where he also resided. Catherine had invited him in, providing he took his boots off, and let him sit on her couch to read.

"Okay?"

Mai complied and left a bemused Oliver with Catherine. Catherine waited until Mai had made the tea and left the house to take it to Tom before speaking.

"Now, Oliver, no doubt you are aware that Mai's mother is starting to think about a marriage for her—"

"I don't know what you think that has to do with me."

Catherine sighed.

"You will regret it if you don't say something." She made to pat his knee but stopped herself. "I just want you to be happy."

"I am fine the way things are. Excuse me."

Oliver stood up, pulled his boots on and strode out of the house, he met Mai and they left together.

"But I didn't say goodbye," Mai complained.

"She'll cope."

"Why are you grumpy?" Mai asked with a frown.

"I'm not."

"Yes, you—"

"I'm tired, leave me alone."

"Why did you wait around if you were tired?" Mai asked. "And you tell me that I need someone looking after me! You need someone looking after you. Honestly. You should go straight to bed when we get back."

"You're not my mother."

"I would be if my Mama makes me marry General Lin."

"He's not my father," Oliver muttered darkly.

"He's as good as! He brought you up. The closest thing to a real father you have the way I see it." Mai frowned. "Why do you sound so bitter? I thought you liked him?"

"I'm tired."

"Well then, listen to your mother and—"

Oliver stopped and rounded on Mai. He pinched at his brow.

"No. Just no. Just stop."

Mai's laugh died.

"I was just teasing…"

"I know. But…"

"But what? Is something wrong, Oliver?" she asked, frowning up at him. When Oliver looked like he wasn't going to answer, Mai went on, "Tell me. I'm your best fri—"

"I don't want you to marry him," Oliver spat and continued walking.

"I don't want to marry him!" Mai said, following him. "It'd be weird. I think he just wants free cleaning… Though it's not like he pays me a load anyway..."

The house came into sight. Like Catherine's, it was a reasonably sized house with large windows. But unlike Catherine's, it's perimeter wall came up to only Mai's navel.

"You should at least marry someone that likes you."

"Eugh. Enough of me being married. Mama only said I had to think about it. It might not even happen! What about you? Is that what Catherine wanted? Does she want to marry a younger man?"

"She's actually old enough to be my mother," Oliver muttered.

"I think you'd make an adorable couple."

Oliver rolled his eyes and held open the garden gate for Mai. She passed through and headed for the front door. Oliver followed and together they walked into the kitchen, only to find—

"Mama? What are you doing here?"

Kaede was seated at the table, nursing a mug full of tea. She looked up at Mai's entrance and opened her mouth to answer, but the General — who was sat on the other side of the table — got there first.

"Kaede and I were discussing a marriage between you and me," General Lin said. His eyes flicked to Oliver then back go Mai. "I'm pleased to find you so on board with the idea."

"I—"

"Yes, quite on board," Kaede insisted. "Isn't that right, Mai?"

Mai gaped, eyes wide in panic. She looked to Oliver, but he remained stonily silent, staring at his boots with a grimace plastered across his face.

"Mai?" her mother prompted.

"If you do this, you and your mother will both be safe," the General stated. "I can care for you both as I have done for Oliver. It's in everyone's best interests." He fixed Mai with a gaze. "Will you be my wife?"

Mai looked again to Oliver — who was still staring at his boots — and to her mother, who nodded encouragingly. She opened her mouth and a small squeak came out.

"Okay…?"

"Excellent. I will make the preparations."

The General stood up and departed. Kaede, likewise, stood up.

"Mai, I'm so ha—"

Mai's ability to speak returned in a rush.

"You said I could think about it," Mai spat. "You made it sound like I had some time! And you just spring this on me?!" She raked her fingers through her hair. "What have I done? I don't want to mar—"

"You've agreed now," Kaede said gently, guiding Mai's hands away from her hair. "The General came and invited me around and we talked about it again and—"

Mai wrenched her hands free of her mother's grip.

"I have work to do, please leave."

Kaede looked as if she had been punched. She nodded her head and left. Mai turned to Oliver with a panicked expression.

"Oliver, what do I do?"

He just shrugged, expression cold, and turned on his heel. Mai watched him head up the stairs and out of sight. Tears prickled in her eyes and she wiped them away. She swallowed hard and started to clean.

Author's note: So this is my first attempt at like LOTR-esque type thing? Like medieval fantasy? So I really could do with some feedback!

ALSO - TOTALLY ACED MY PROMOTION INTERVIEW!

Sorry I didn't upload yesterday, I was kind of brain dead after. But I hope you enjoyed this! I hope to get the next chapter out at the weekend, I'm still editing!

Please review :)