Surprise for family dinner

Writers: Eimi, Paula
Date Posted: 9th January 2018

Characters: Erassa, Corowal, Wallia, Felcoron, Corolia, Beleran
Description: Corowal surprises the family by coming home for dinner
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 2, day 20 of Turn 9

"Felcoron, get your elbows off the tables, please," Erassa said as
she set the plate of food in front of Wallia and guided the little
one's hand to edge of it. She already had her spoon in the other at
the ready.

Looking at all the children finally washed and seated, she quickly
took note of each plate full of food, each glass full of juice.
Each... "Beleran, the napkin goes in your lap, not in your head."
Once her son had put his napkin back where it belonged, she slipped
into her spot at the end of the table, and nodded to them to begin.

Ever since Felyna's death, Corowal had worked late and had not really
seen his children as much as he should. Checking them after they had fallen asleep didn't count. Since he was having a good day, he decided to surprise them. Besides, he was going to be in Amber Hills later in same month and wanted to ask if the kids wanted to write letters to their
older brother.

"Hello, gang!" he greeted when he walked in. He was also bringing
dessert for them.

The Lord Holder's sudden appearance surprised Erassa who immediately stood up to get another plate and cup for him.

"Daddy!" Wallia cried, deligheted to hear his voice.

"No touching to dessert until food's eaten," Corowal grinned, put the tray to side table. He walked over to the table, gave both of his girls a kiss, while boys had to settle for ruffled hairs.

"Kids, what do you say to your father for bringing you such a wonderful treat?" Erassa prompted gently.

"Thank you!" there was a chorus for an answer.

"All at the same time, I'm impressed," Corowal said. "And you're welcome."

"Lord Corowal," Erassa said as she set a plate of food in front of him and a glass of wine.

"Thank you, Erassa. So, how was your day?"

The fostermother immediately looked at the children and was surprised when they were silent. Usually they were excited to tell their father about their day. "Well? Isn't anyone going to answer your father?"

"I got lot of homework," Corolia replied.

"I didn't." Felcoron shrugged. "I went to ride with Belaran and then Zandan taugh us to fight with a staff. He won't let us use swords yet, not even the wooden practise swords"

"What did you to, Wallia," Corowal asked the younger daughter.

"I sang," she replied.

"I sang, too!" Belaran chimed in, not wanting to be forgotten in the conversation.

"Sounds like you had a busy day," Corowal grinned.

"Felcoron," Erassa said softly, shaking her head at him when she noticed he was trying to mess with his little sister by moving her glass to the other side.

Corowal tsked at him. "So, how was your day, Erassa?" he asked.

She paused, her fork half way to her mouth. Was he really talking to her? Sure, he had spoken to her when he was drunk the other night, but was he really addressing her directly? Blushing slightly as she realized the look of shock on her face, she quickly glanced at the faces of the children whose eyes all suddenly turned on her. They were just as surprised as she. Children were observant little things and realized very quickly that something was happening out of the ordinary. Placing her fork back down on the plate, she composed herself and replied, "It was a very good day. Thank you Lord Corowal."

"Good to hear it," Corowal replied.

"And... you?" she asked, feeling rather awkward with the children looking back and forth between them.

"You know how my days go, buried up to my eyebrowns with hidework," Corowal replied and helped Wallia to get more mashed tuber to her plate.

Belaran giggled. "Mama's only up to her ears."

"Not with hides, she ain't," Corowal grinned at him. "Are you giving her hard times?"

"No, Felcoron does, though." Belaran was nothing if not blatantly honest at times.

Corowal looked his middle son who did look bit sheepish. "Right, must have gotten that from me."

Erassa lifted her napkin to her lips to cover the soft laugh that threatened to escape at that remark. Corowal had certainly given her quite a hard time over the turns, that was for sure. At least he admitted it!

"For your mother certainly never misbehaved," Corowal continued, not noticing Erassa's reaction. The children did, and found the situation amusing.

A small secretive smile played across her lips as Erassa exchanged knowing looks with each child. "More wine, m'Lord?"

"Thank you, Erassa," Corowal held out his glass.

The children might not understand all the undercurrents in the situation, but they did like seeing the two most important grown-ups in their lives talking and smiling again.

Last updated on the February 28th 2018

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Surprise for family dinner