Edie

SasatheShy

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Chapter Thirty-Seven: Against the Captain

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Antagonized, Lavan hurriedly pulled down a brown shirt over his hairy chest. He sped to prepare for a visit with Edie. He was furious, though. The Captain would be joining them. Edie insisted! And Lavan could not take much more of her debating between them. Though she deeply cared for both men, the hunter felt he had a much higher chance at giving her the greatest life than the captain ever could desire. Lavan would make sure that he won her over. And he knew that he was not the only one keen on seeing Cain fall.

Finished dressing, he brushed out some tangles before looking over his image. He had dressed rather nicely, for the occasion. He had taken a fragrant bath, mixed well with flower petals, and he had even given his dark beard a small shave, giving him a lighter facial.

He looked well-groomed. He hoped that Edie would take notice of his proper, new appearance.

--

Downstairs, Lavan found Cain already sitting there with Edie, surrounding the small, circular table. He growled, already feeling defeated. But he stood up straight, as Cain always did, and took flowing steps over to them.

“Good evening, Edie,” he smiled. She had been talking with Cain. When she looked up at him, and took in his newest look, she nearly gagged.

“Lavan?” she asked.

“Yes.” he took a seat.

The hunter’s amusing getup caused Cain to choke out some. He avoided bellowing like a madman. He was dressed in his usual attire, and, like Edie had wanted, he shaved off the hairs he had started growing. He was clean, now. Clean and handsome. He was not expecting Lavan to go for a change.

Edie giggled. “You look handsome, Lavan.”

“Thank you,” he said. He gently reached out to take Edie’s hand. “And you are looking so beautiful, like always.”

Blushing, Edie smiled as she took her hand back. “Thanks. Um -- Cain just arrived. We were about to discuss some matters on the baby.”

“I’m all ears,” Lavan nodded. He scooted closer to Edie, seeing that Cain had copied him. Their act seemed childish, but Edie had not noticed. She was too happy thinking about the little human growing inside her.

“I wanted to hear what you guys want,” she then spoke. “You know, a boy or a girl?”

“Boy,” Cain said sharply. He straightened up further, trying to surpass Lavan. “Of course. He’d be taught well.”

“Girl,” Lavan argued. “I’ve heard their easier to care for, and well, I’ve always wanted one.”

Edie looked from Cain to Lavan. She giggled again, and placed her hands on her stomach. “I kind of want a girl, too.”

Cain huffed. He looked up at the ceiling, faking feeling betrayed. But when he felt Edie’s soft hand over his own, he calmed down.

“A boy would be nice, too, though,” Edie whispered. “Whatever it may be, I know it’ll be well taken care of.”

Behind the counter, in her usual spot, Tonisha stood looking over at them. With crossed arms, she obscurely stared, waiting and hoping for tragedy to strike. She nibbled at her lip, keeping her ears open; eavesdropping. She leaned back some, awed by the sight before her.

She truly did not know how to react to such a bizarre scene. She’s never known a woman before Edie; one fond for two men as different as black and white. Between the two, she had her pick for best. She was certain Lavan was the man Edie belonged with. She was certain Cain needed out of the picture. But Edie, though the innkeeper was not a hundred accurate, had the impression that Edie would lean more towards the man that wasn’t right for her. And Tonisha feared for Edie’s safety.

Groaning, Tonisha brought up her right hand tucked into her arm. She rubbed at her chest. Just considering Edie’s best future caused a burden for Tonisha. Seeing Edie so happy thrilled her, and yet she was displeased. She was displeased with Edie, and how Edie was handling choosing which man she rather be with. It mixed poorly with Edie’s pregnancy. She felt that, perhaps, the two men may get just as easily hurt as Edie.

Looking up, she blinked as the three stood.

Time was already over?

Surprised, Tonisha gently smiled as she went around the counter. She walked up to them. “And how are things?”

“Fine,” said Edie. She rubbed her stomach, glowing. She looked up at Cain. “Thank you for -- keeping your promise.”

“You’re welcome,” Cain said softly. “I’ll be back again tomorrow evening.” He reached out, bringing Edie into a warm hug. He eyed Lavan, knowing that the other’s muscles were tensing up out of hate for him. But he didn’t care. Lavan got to spend more time with Edie than he did. “Goodnight.”

“Night.” She led Cain to the door, and watched him go until he disappeared around the corner.

Sighing, Edie closed the door. Turning, she jumped, startled to find that Lavan had been standing directly behind her.

“Shit,” he gaped. “I’m sorry!”

“It’s okay,” she giggled. She hugged Lavan, too. She sighed and kissed his chest. “I’m going to bed.”

“Sleep well,” Tonisha said. She stood beside Lavan as they watched Edie leave for the backdoor.

The moment Edie was gone, Lavan quickly faced Tonisha. “We need to talk.”

Tonisha gaped. She took a step back, taking in the fire burning in Lavan’s eyes. She should had known his promise to make Edie happy wouldn’t last. Understanding, she gave him a single nod before pacing forward. “Come with me.”

--

The two stepped inside Tonisha’s bedroom. Not bothering to go around her desk, Tonisha turned and leaned against it as she eyed Lavan curiously. She brought her hands up, and crossed them over her large bosom, causing them to appear larger. She was in no mood for brief details. She wanted to hear Lavan’s full story. She waited, watching as he closed the door. She was astounded the moment he stepped up to her, glaring.

“Well?” she started, hoping to give him a shove.

Taking a deep breath, Lavan arched his head. He pushed his chin out, doing best to appear tough.

“I cannot handle this,” he told her. “I cannot continue pretending for Edie, acting like everything is all right, when it’s not. I cannot stand the fact that she cares for the Cretchen -- for Captain Cain. It’s not right.”

“What are you getting at?” Tonisha asked, though she already had an idea.

“Please don’t get me wrong,” he went on. He put his hand up defensively. “I love Edie so much. And I am not leaving her. No, I am here ready and willing to ask a favor of you. The favor may very well cause Edie to hate us -- possibly, but it’s the only way to settle things. Especially if she cannot choose between that fucker and me.”

So far, Tonisha was not liking what was being spilled out to her. She slowly sat down on her desk, careful not to put too much of her weight onto the old wood, as she eyed Lavan suspiciously. She was certainly affected by his call for a favor. And whatever it may be made her boil with disturbance. She, too, believed Edie was making mistakes left and right, mostly by wanting Cain at her side. And whatever offer she may make with Lavan kept her intrigued.

“I’m listening,” she murmured.

“Here’s what I’m planning. Whether it be a stupid idea or not, I’m going to see Cain alone, and when I meet with him, I’m going to challenge him again. And I am going to state to him that Edie’s suffering needs to be settled once and for all.

“You’re part is simple, Tonisha. All you have to do is make sure to keep Edie away. Just make sure she doesn’t find out.”

Putting his hands behind his back, Lavan nearly grinned. He was acting almost evil. Tonisha was concerned. Her mouth had halfway fallen ajar as he told her what he had planned. She saw a glint in his eye, and she wasn’t sure whether it was good or bad. She saw that he was determined, though. Could he stand a chance in a duel against Cain? After all, Cain was the master swordsman.

“Do you have a thought?” Lavan questioned. He hated her silence.

“Lavan,” she sighed. “This is going to upset Edie.”

“She’ll have to put up with it,” Lavan growled. “It’s for the best! I am sick of seeing her hurt.”

“But she’s happy,” Tonisha tried…

“Happy?” Lavan shook his head. “Perhaps she is. But she can’t settle with the both of us! And I don’t think she can make a decision all on her own.”

Tonisha sighed. Well, Lavan had a point, there. Edie was too frustrated; too into her emotions. It did not seem as if she could handle the pressure of choosing one man over the other. But Tonisha wasn’t sure she liked the way Lavan tempted on ending it.

“I want her to be with you, also,” she said. “But Cain is terribly strong, Lavan. He could easily kill you.”

“We’ll see,” Lavan whispered. He was starting to seem more like himself, now. He had Edie in his thoughts.

“And if he refuses?”

“He won’t,” Lavan said. “Knowing him, Cain will accept the challenge. If he truly loves Edie as much as he says he does, then he’ll fight for her.”

Turning, Lavan went up to the door. He placed his hand on the handle, and paused. He sharply crooked his neck back, eyeing Tonisha sadly. “Will you make me this promise, Tonisha?”

Sighing, Tonisha slowly nodded. Though she hated Lavan’s plot, she agreed that Edie could not choose alone. “I promise.”

“Thank you.”

Lavan left.

Slowly, Tonisha turned and walked over to her bed. She fell upon it, firmly pressing her palms against her red and green quilt. She groaned and closed her eyes.

“Edie, forgive me,” she whispered. “But this has to come to an end.”