Subtle Sabotage
Title: Subtle Sabotage
Theme: 13. Sempre
Disclaimer: Ragnarok Online is a trademark of Gravity Interactive.
Summary/Comments: Lilya works to undermine her father's decision.
Written for 18Coda
Juris Aganar proved true to his word. Only two weeks passed before Lilya received a letter from him.
Dear Lilya,
Where do I begin? As I was unable to properly introduce myself before, I will do so now. My name, of course, is Juris Aganar. I am the son of Guile Aganar, crusader guild head, and I am the guild’s choice for the next leader. As such, my duties are vast, and keep me extremely busy.
I trust that our fathers’ somewhat unusual agreement has not inconvenienced you in any way. I must admit, I was surprised to hear that you had acquiesced so willingly. I’m sure you can understand, then, that it brought a bit of confusion, and much disappointment, that you were out of town for my first visit.
I had hoped to be able to return to Payon soon, but my father seems to have other plans for me. I fear it will be difficult to confine our correspondence to pen and paper, but alas, it must be so. For you see, I have every desire to become acquainted with you before we are wed.
I realize this letter has not contained the details required for this to occur, but I request something of you first. I would know that you are agreeable to such communication, knowing that we have little choice.
I eagerly await your reply.
Sincerely yours,
Juris Aganar
Reading through the letter the first time actually brought a smile to Lilya’s face. He wouldn’t be visiting after all. At least, not for a while longer. Perhaps his duties would keep him so busy, he wouldn’t be able to come often enough for the two to become familiar at all. Surely her father wouldn’t expect her to marry a man she barely knew. It hadn’t sounded like that was his intention at all.
Of course, Mr. Aganar had an alternate solution to that dilemma. Receiving periodic letters may be safer for her, but it certainly would not help in her attempt to sabotage the union. And though the man had essentially given her the option to refuse this method, she could not do so. Ultimately, her father would hear of it, and the repercussions would be more than she wanted to deal with.
The idea of simply not replying was beginning to appeal to her considerably, but she decided a slightly more direct approach would be best. It was time to write a letter of her own.
Dear Mr. Aganar,
I appreciate the great respect you have given me, a woman you have never met, yet presume to spend the rest of your life with. I feel it only fair that you are aware of where I stand in all of this.
I gathered from your letter that you are under the impression I am a willing party in this arrangement. I must inform you that I actually have little choice in the matter. My father did not inquire as to whether or not I would like to marry a stranger from Prontera. He merely assumed my assent, after already having made the deal with your father.
It was not until well after this took place that I was even made aware of my own engagement. My father did not tell me until the day before your visit. Of course, you are familiar with the problem caused by that.
I am sorry you were given the wrong idea about me. Clearly my feelings and preferences are of no concern to those involved with this situation. I will not refuse your correspondence, but I felt it was unfair to you to let you go on believing that I was happy about any of it.
Sincerely,
Lilya Truus
She read over it a few times, hoping her intentions weren’t too obvious. She asked Raelene to send it for her, as she couldn’t risk her father reading it.
Lilya knew how long it would take for a letter to reach the capital city from Payon, and for the reply to return. She was quite surprised, then, when it took almost a month for another letter from Mr. Aganar to come. Every one of those days, she expected to hear from her father on the matter, scolding her for sending that wonderful man such a rude letter. However, when she read the letter, she understood why that never happened.
First, she noticed the change in salutation from “Dear Lilya” to “Dear Miss Truus.” He’d lost whatever bit of familiarity he’d once felt with her. In the body, he stated formally and bluntly that she was free of any obligation she’d had to him. He said he was sorry for any discomfort he had caused her, and that he’d never intended to force himself upon her.
Lilya was ecstatic. She’d never expected her letter to work so well, or so quickly. Then she read the end. Mr. Aganar promised to speak with his father about this, and suggested she inform hers as well.
When she heard the insistent knocking on her door, she knew she wouldn’t have to. So the word had gotten to him after all. Pherick entered without waiting for an invitation. His face was a bright shade of scarlet, and he was taking quick, angry breaths.
“Father, is something wrong?” she questioned in as genuinely innocent a tone as she could. She didn’t want to give him even the slightest reason to think she would know what was bothering him.
“You are a manipulative little wench, aren’t you?” he growled.
She had no response to that. Despite how controlling her father had always been, he’d never spoken to her so forcefully before. She’d gone too far this time; perhaps this marriage had been more important to him than she’d realized. She almost felt sorry for ruining it. Almost.
“I don’t know what you did to turn Juris, or why, but I just received a very heated message from an infuriated crusader guild leader.”
“I’m sorry, Father. I suppose Juris Aganar is just of the same mind as I am. It makes no sense to throw two random strangers together and--”
“Be quiet.” Pherick’s command stopped her cold. “Your plan didn’t quite succeed. Guile Aganar knows that this is his son’s only chance to have a proper wife. You’re a rare breed these days. And I had thought you understood that you aren’t likely to find a better husband. And the fact is, Guile has promised that we will only benefit from remaining faithful.”
“What exactly does that mean?” Lilya asked suspiciously.
“Don’t worry about it. Nothing has changed, and I suggest you accept that and make better use of the time you have left.”
Lilya opened her mouth to attempt one last protest, but Pherick cut off the first word.
“To begin with, you will write Juris another letter apologizing for your behavior and assuring him of your eagerness with the coming union.”
Lilya had no doubt that he meant business this time. The steely look in his eyes gave her no room to even squirm. Her mind was racing with thoughts to which she was surprised she was even listening.
He’s right. I should have just let it go from the beginning. Why would I think he’s not just doing what he thinks to be the best for me? Mr. Aganar seems nice enough so far, maybe he is the best choice I could make.
But I didn’t make the choice. Why am I not allowed to choose my own husband? I’ve already missed out on one important part of life, why does he have to take this away from me too? This is the rest of my life he’s planning for me. I can’t let him do this.
What options do I have? This is my father. I cannot outright rebel. He does not deserve that. Perhaps there is something else I can do…
Her father had been heading out her door, but stopped to speak again without turning around. “Lilya, this letter will be finished tonight. You will hand it to me for mailing, and I will read it before doing so.”
Lilya froze halfway to her desk. Her last hope was crushed with those words. She was out of ideas.
Pherick turned halfway around deliberately avoiding her eye contact. He looked a lot less angry now, and his voice carried more disappointment than anything. “I would never have imagined that my daughter could be so conniving. You may not believe me, but I am doing this because I love you, and not, in fact, to ruin your life. Someday, perhaps, you’ll see.”
Lilya felt miserable when he left. Her fight was over now, and she had lost. But the guilt she felt far overshadowed anything else. However, the guilt was only in regards to scheming to deceive her father as she had. She was still angry with him for forcing the undesired union on her, and she could not imagine complete compliance on her part.
And now she had less than ten months.
Theme: 13. Sempre
Disclaimer: Ragnarok Online is a trademark of Gravity Interactive.
Summary/Comments: Lilya works to undermine her father's decision.
Written for 18Coda
Juris Aganar proved true to his word. Only two weeks passed before Lilya received a letter from him.
Dear Lilya,
Where do I begin? As I was unable to properly introduce myself before, I will do so now. My name, of course, is Juris Aganar. I am the son of Guile Aganar, crusader guild head, and I am the guild’s choice for the next leader. As such, my duties are vast, and keep me extremely busy.
I trust that our fathers’ somewhat unusual agreement has not inconvenienced you in any way. I must admit, I was surprised to hear that you had acquiesced so willingly. I’m sure you can understand, then, that it brought a bit of confusion, and much disappointment, that you were out of town for my first visit.
I had hoped to be able to return to Payon soon, but my father seems to have other plans for me. I fear it will be difficult to confine our correspondence to pen and paper, but alas, it must be so. For you see, I have every desire to become acquainted with you before we are wed.
I realize this letter has not contained the details required for this to occur, but I request something of you first. I would know that you are agreeable to such communication, knowing that we have little choice.
I eagerly await your reply.
Sincerely yours,
Juris Aganar
Reading through the letter the first time actually brought a smile to Lilya’s face. He wouldn’t be visiting after all. At least, not for a while longer. Perhaps his duties would keep him so busy, he wouldn’t be able to come often enough for the two to become familiar at all. Surely her father wouldn’t expect her to marry a man she barely knew. It hadn’t sounded like that was his intention at all.
Of course, Mr. Aganar had an alternate solution to that dilemma. Receiving periodic letters may be safer for her, but it certainly would not help in her attempt to sabotage the union. And though the man had essentially given her the option to refuse this method, she could not do so. Ultimately, her father would hear of it, and the repercussions would be more than she wanted to deal with.
The idea of simply not replying was beginning to appeal to her considerably, but she decided a slightly more direct approach would be best. It was time to write a letter of her own.
Dear Mr. Aganar,
I appreciate the great respect you have given me, a woman you have never met, yet presume to spend the rest of your life with. I feel it only fair that you are aware of where I stand in all of this.
I gathered from your letter that you are under the impression I am a willing party in this arrangement. I must inform you that I actually have little choice in the matter. My father did not inquire as to whether or not I would like to marry a stranger from Prontera. He merely assumed my assent, after already having made the deal with your father.
It was not until well after this took place that I was even made aware of my own engagement. My father did not tell me until the day before your visit. Of course, you are familiar with the problem caused by that.
I am sorry you were given the wrong idea about me. Clearly my feelings and preferences are of no concern to those involved with this situation. I will not refuse your correspondence, but I felt it was unfair to you to let you go on believing that I was happy about any of it.
Sincerely,
Lilya Truus
She read over it a few times, hoping her intentions weren’t too obvious. She asked Raelene to send it for her, as she couldn’t risk her father reading it.
Lilya knew how long it would take for a letter to reach the capital city from Payon, and for the reply to return. She was quite surprised, then, when it took almost a month for another letter from Mr. Aganar to come. Every one of those days, she expected to hear from her father on the matter, scolding her for sending that wonderful man such a rude letter. However, when she read the letter, she understood why that never happened.
First, she noticed the change in salutation from “Dear Lilya” to “Dear Miss Truus.” He’d lost whatever bit of familiarity he’d once felt with her. In the body, he stated formally and bluntly that she was free of any obligation she’d had to him. He said he was sorry for any discomfort he had caused her, and that he’d never intended to force himself upon her.
Lilya was ecstatic. She’d never expected her letter to work so well, or so quickly. Then she read the end. Mr. Aganar promised to speak with his father about this, and suggested she inform hers as well.
When she heard the insistent knocking on her door, she knew she wouldn’t have to. So the word had gotten to him after all. Pherick entered without waiting for an invitation. His face was a bright shade of scarlet, and he was taking quick, angry breaths.
“Father, is something wrong?” she questioned in as genuinely innocent a tone as she could. She didn’t want to give him even the slightest reason to think she would know what was bothering him.
“You are a manipulative little wench, aren’t you?” he growled.
She had no response to that. Despite how controlling her father had always been, he’d never spoken to her so forcefully before. She’d gone too far this time; perhaps this marriage had been more important to him than she’d realized. She almost felt sorry for ruining it. Almost.
“I don’t know what you did to turn Juris, or why, but I just received a very heated message from an infuriated crusader guild leader.”
“I’m sorry, Father. I suppose Juris Aganar is just of the same mind as I am. It makes no sense to throw two random strangers together and--”
“Be quiet.” Pherick’s command stopped her cold. “Your plan didn’t quite succeed. Guile Aganar knows that this is his son’s only chance to have a proper wife. You’re a rare breed these days. And I had thought you understood that you aren’t likely to find a better husband. And the fact is, Guile has promised that we will only benefit from remaining faithful.”
“What exactly does that mean?” Lilya asked suspiciously.
“Don’t worry about it. Nothing has changed, and I suggest you accept that and make better use of the time you have left.”
Lilya opened her mouth to attempt one last protest, but Pherick cut off the first word.
“To begin with, you will write Juris another letter apologizing for your behavior and assuring him of your eagerness with the coming union.”
Lilya had no doubt that he meant business this time. The steely look in his eyes gave her no room to even squirm. Her mind was racing with thoughts to which she was surprised she was even listening.
He’s right. I should have just let it go from the beginning. Why would I think he’s not just doing what he thinks to be the best for me? Mr. Aganar seems nice enough so far, maybe he is the best choice I could make.
But I didn’t make the choice. Why am I not allowed to choose my own husband? I’ve already missed out on one important part of life, why does he have to take this away from me too? This is the rest of my life he’s planning for me. I can’t let him do this.
What options do I have? This is my father. I cannot outright rebel. He does not deserve that. Perhaps there is something else I can do…
Her father had been heading out her door, but stopped to speak again without turning around. “Lilya, this letter will be finished tonight. You will hand it to me for mailing, and I will read it before doing so.”
Lilya froze halfway to her desk. Her last hope was crushed with those words. She was out of ideas.
Pherick turned halfway around deliberately avoiding her eye contact. He looked a lot less angry now, and his voice carried more disappointment than anything. “I would never have imagined that my daughter could be so conniving. You may not believe me, but I am doing this because I love you, and not, in fact, to ruin your life. Someday, perhaps, you’ll see.”
Lilya felt miserable when he left. Her fight was over now, and she had lost. But the guilt she felt far overshadowed anything else. However, the guilt was only in regards to scheming to deceive her father as she had. She was still angry with him for forcing the undesired union on her, and she could not imagine complete compliance on her part.
And now she had less than ten months.