Facing Reality
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Heather
Date Posted: 25th July 2016
Characters: Benamil, Arion
Description: Benamil has trouble facing Arion after his nightmare.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 6, day 20 of Turn 8
Notes: Mentioned: Benani, Zathris
"Benamil," a hand clapped on the beastcrafter's shoulder, "where have you been? You didn't come to the dragonpoker game last night." Arion sat down across from Benamil with a plate of food.
Arion. Just the person that Benamil had been avoiding ever since he'd had that dream. The dream he'd been thinking about for days. The dream that had him questioning everything he'd ever thought about himself.
"Yeah, I just... Haven't been feeling great, probably the hours I'm putting in at the stable." He answered, taking a bite of the creamed corn to give himself something to do other than look at Arion.
"Well take it easy," Arion said, swiping his blonde hair out of his face, "it's not like you have to earn your keep, Son of Benaroy." He laughed.
Benamil grinned a little, and then busied himself with buttering a yeast roll, "True enough."
"I think some of the guys are taking some sleds out later, some ice drifted in on top of that snow from yesterday. Perfect sledding set up." While he spoke Arion tore a part his roll and popped it into his mouth piece-by-piece.
Benamil couldn't help picturing the images from his dreams, where Arion's nimble fingers had been and how they had felt. His cheeks felt hot and his temples pounded as he yanked at the collar of his shirt and took a generous gulp of his chilled wine.
"Um, yeah, maybe."
Arion arched an eyebrow, spearing Benamil with blue eyes, "Your ribs aren't still sore are they?" He asked, thinking perhaps that's why the beastcrafter was being so noncommittal.
"Oh, uh," Benamil absently touched one of his hands to his side, "no, not really. I guess I just don't want to do anything to jeopardize them again so quickly."
The vintner didn't seem to buy Benamil's excuse but he let it go.
"So the Lord Holder is back. How's that going?" Arion asked to change the subject.
"Oh, good I guess. I know my sister is overjoyed to have him back, of course, as are we all. People begin looking at a Hold like scavengers eyeing a carcass when the Holder is gone for any length of time." Benamil wanted to give his sister and Zathris time to settle back in to the Hold and have some quality family-time before he visited too much.
"I'm glad Lord Zathris is back, he's brought a different kind of attitude to Amber Hills since he's been Lord. Not nearly so stiff and tradition driven." Arion finished off his plate and tossed his napkin on it.
Benamil considered that statement about his brother-in-law. "Trying to say something about Benaroy's family are you?" An amused grin quirked his lips.
Arion pointed a finger at Benamil, "You know I speak the truth."
"Yeah, it's been good around here." He agreed.
"Well, if you're going to be a pansy, and I can't persuade you to go sledding, then I guess I'll see you around. I'm not sure when I'll be up from the Hall again with this snow." The vintner stood up from the table.
"I'll be at the next dragonpoker game," Benamil vowed.
Arion's face brightened a little, "That's better, Ben. See you then." He strode off while readjusting his scarf.
Benamil exhaled, finally feeling as if he could drop the facade that he felt obligated to wear around Arion now. Maybe just some more time apart from the vintner would help, and, he swore, he would quit thinking about that blasted dream. It was _just_a_dream_, nothing more, nothing less. The next time he saw Arion, everything would be back to normal.
Last updated on the August 3rd 2016