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His voice was steady, strong and sure as he said, “I, Ariston of Rhodes, take Medusa of Athens, daughter of Phorcys and Ceto, as my wife. In her honor, I give Phorcys gifts of thanks. To Galenus of Athens, her guardian, I have made provisions for her loss to his household. Ektor, you will deliver these to Galenus.” Ariston handed Ektor the two rolls of parchment. “It is a fair agreement, binding according to the laws of Athens and Greece. Medusa is now my property and my family.”
Ektor stared at them, clearly uncomfortable with the role he was to play. Elpis sniffed, tears rolling down her cheeks.
His gaze did not linger on them. Medusa was looking up at him, waiting for something.
Medusa whispered, “Have I nothing to say?”
Ariston smiled. “If Galenus or your father were present they would speak the words.”
“What would they say?” she asked.
“I give you, Ariston of Rhodes, my daughter to sow for the purpose of providing legitimate children and increasing your oikos.” Ariston waited.
Medusa glanced up at him, her brows rising and her face thoughtful.
Ariston knew them to be cold vows. He’d thought so when his father had said them at his sister’s marriage. But they were binding, they were the law.
“I give myself to you, Ariston of Rhodes, for the purpose of providing legitimate children and increasing your oikos.” Medusa’s voice did not waver.
Gazing upon her, he knew she meant them. And smiled broadly at her, his wife.
###
Medusa was lost in his eyes.
He was her husband now, he was hers. There was comfort in the knowledge. And she could look into his soulful grey eyes without censure, speak his name…or take his hand. She smiled.
“We shall leave you then, mistress,” Elpis said.
Medusa turned to her friend, “I thank you, Elpis.” She hugged her companion to her, whispering, “Thank you,” again.
“I am pleased for you, lady. You’ve all you wanted now. Let your heart be peaceful and happy.” Elpis whispered into her ear, “He is a fine man. Being his wife will be no hardship.”
“I’ve never known such happiness. The Gods have given me all,” Medusa murmured.
A spark of apprehension found her, making her cling to her companion a bit longer. She knew what it was to be married, what was expected of a wedding night. She’d heard her aunt speak of it in less than pleasing tones. But she was a wife, and her husband would expect such things.
“Fret not,” Elpis squeezed her hands as they drew apart. “He is a gentle man, for all his strength.”
Medusa nodded in agreement. She must not forget how precious this time with Ariston was. And she would endure whatever needed to make their marriage contract binding – even if she did not enjoy it much.
“You’ve been generous? The hedna provided will please her family, sir? The lady – your wife – is a great prize.” She turned, surprised to hear Ektor question Ariston. “I fear protestations of the match…”
Ariston nodded, smiling at the younger man. “She is. And I have been. But if there is any question, I will double what I’ve promised. Make that known to Galenus.”
Medusa cast a curious glance at Ariston.
A hoplite soldier would not have the means to be ‘generous’ with men like Galenus or her father. His pay would be drachmas, and whatever spoils his battles might provide him. He might have a small kleros on Rhodes, such farming plots were passed down from father to son. But, even combined, these gifts would hardly be considered generous.
“I will make sure Master Galenus knows this,” Ektor nodded.
“When do we tell them?” Elpis asked.
For but a moment, Medusa wished they’d never have to tell them. She knew it was unreasonable, but they had such little time – too little to share.
Surely they could wait.
“I go to the temple at sunset in two days’ time, Elpis. Athena has a gift for me, as you know. Let this news wait until then. Whatever her gift is, it may make news of my…marriage more pleasing to my uncle and father.” Medusa turned to Ariston questioningly.
