What Husbands and Wives Do

Writers: Eimi, Paula
Date Posted: 31st May 2017

Characters: Eilomar, Merlish
Description: Eilomar and Merlish have an uncomfortable conversation over breakfast.
Location: Harper Hall
Date: month 12, day 3 of Turn 8

"Your breakfast is ready, husband," Merlish called as she set the mug of klah next to his plate full of eggs, sausages, and fried tubers.

"Coming, dear!" Eilomar replied from the bathroom. He never was much late from food and soon appeared. "Mmmh, smells good, thank you."

She set the butter in front of him, followed by a plate full of toast. "Good morning, husband," she said with a bright smile before leaning down to give him a quick kiss on the check. Scanning the table, she wondered if she had missed anything. "Do you have all you need?"

"Good morning, Merlish. Did we have fruit juice?" Eilomar replied and took his seat at the table.

"No, I'm afraid there was no fresh juice available." It was still a bit too early for local juices, and though some was brought in from further afield all Turn round, it could be expensive and was not always available. She had always preferred fresh to bottled, though she did sometimes give in for her husband's sake. "I have some fruit tea I could brew for you if you don't want klah this morning."

"Klah is fine," Eilomar replied and spread his napkin. "What did you plan to do today?"

"Well," she said as she slipped into her own seat, "I am thinking of going down to make an appointment to talk to the Healers when they have time to see me."

"Healers? What about? Are you sick?" Eilomar asked with alarmed voice. She didn't look sick, she looked fine to him. But then, he usually missed things like that.

"No," she said, he eyes lowering to her own plate shyly. "I'm just a little concerned that... Well... It's been almost three Turns now and..." She hoped he would fill in the rest, though he wasn't always so fast at catching her hints.

"And what?" Eilomar was puzzled. Oh, yes, they had anniversary coming. He needed to get something special for her. His thoughts wandered off. What would she like? Jewelry was easy to get but she didn't wear those much.

She stomped down an exasperated sigh. Was he really going to make her say it? "And we are still only the two of us."

"Oh, that. Well, sometimes it just takes time," Eilomar was actually blushing slightly. Still, as she pointed out, it had been three Turns. On the other had, he was seventy, not exactly a young stud.

"Yes, but I've had friends who have had two children in the same amount of time." She realized her voice was starting to sound a bit whiny, so she took a deep breath. "I just want to make sure is all."

"Her husband is probably much younger than I," Eilomar said. He was old enough to be her grandfather.

"That is true, but, it's not as if we don't ever..." Her voice grew a bit quieter. "Ever do what husbands and wives do." This breakfast was growing awkward quickly!

She wasn't the only one feeling awkward. "You mean we should..more.. you know," he ended up clearing his thoat. Truth was, he was worried his performance wasn't what it used to be in his younger days. That he wasn't up to it...keeping it up.

"As far as I understand it, the more often we... spend time together... the more likely something... sticks." If that was the word. **The odds _have_ to be in our favor eventually!**

"Yes, that is what generally happens," Eilomar was feeling like embarrassed teenager.

"Yes..." Hopefully the point was now made and they could finally stop talking about it and enjoy their breakfast! "So, I am going to go down to the healers to see if there is any other reason why it might not have happened yet, and if not, what we could be... doing..." Clearing her throat she reached the small jar of preserves across to him to change the subject. "Would you like some for your toast?"

"Thank you," Eilomar handed out his toast plate. "Have you given thought what we should do during Turn's End? I have choir performances so maybe we should ask your family to come over for a visit," Eilomar suggested, relieved at the change of subject.

"That would be lovely," Merlish said, instantly perking up. Thank Faranth, they could now get on with a normal day!

Last updated on the June 8th 2017

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What Husbands and Wives Do