One Last Evening

Writers: Aaron, Heather, Suzee
Date Posted: 25th April 2024

Characters: Zathris, Benani, Corofel
Description: Zathris and Corofel share the news of the Conclave's decision with Benani.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 10, day 12 of Turn 11

Zathris

Benani

Corofel

"Come on," Benani said to herself. "Pacing back and forth isn't going to
make the decision go any faster. Maybe I should eat something. She
went to the table but nothing appealed to her.

Camnae lay by the door ears alert as she heard strange voices in the
room nearby. Benani shook her head knowing her canine was in 'working'
mode and ready protect her at the least provocation.

The suspense was broken when the door opened, revealing Zathris and
Corofel. Alik slid in past his master's legs, greeting Camnae with a
lick to the snout, his tail wagging with recognition.

"Milady," Zathris greeted, stepping over and dropping a kiss to the
top of his wife's head.

She looked up at him expectantly. "Well?"

"My dear, you are looking at the new Lord of Emerald Falls," Zathris
said, turning and waving an arm at Corofel.

"Acting Lord," the young man corrected. As long as he had that caveat
attached to his lordship he could go on hoping that his father was
alive and would eventually return.

"Cori," she grinned. "That is wonderful." Her hands rose to her
cheeks. "I'm so proud for you." Of course they were all sorry and
concerned for his father but despite all his pranks and teen angst he
was good to the core and would make a fine Lord Holder.

She dropped a very formal curtsy. "M'Lord."

Corofel blushed. He would have to get used to that, he supposed, but
he was not sure he liked it. Maybe that was for the best.

"Thank you, Milady. I... didn't get to watch L'cor open his brownies."

"You actually gave those to him," she chuckled. "Oh my goodness."

Zathris smiled as he looked between his wife and Corofel. A thought
occurred to him. "Dearest," he said addressing Benani, "I may need you
to shield me from Loella's wrath. I'm sending Karhal to Emerald Falls
with Cori, just for a few days to settle things down with guards and
security."

"Hmm," she said with a squinched face. "How long is he going to be gone?

"Hopefully not longer than a sevenday, but there's no real way to say
for sure what he'll run into there."

She nodded "Alright, that shouldn't be too bad. I think she can deal with that."

"Thank you for your help, ma'am," said Corofel. He felt like he was
million miles away.

"Corofel," she said in a gentle voice. "We're equals in rank now. You
don't have to call me ma'am, please call me Benani."

"Oh. Of course." It was bizarre to consider himself equal to either of
those who had practically been his parents for the last five Turns.
"Thank you. Benani."

"You know," she said turning to Zathris. "You should discuss a canine
for our new Lord Holder with Karhal. I believe we'll be having puppies
here soon and it might be prudent for Cori to have an unsuspected
additional protector. What do you think?"

Zathris nodded his agreement. "Yes, we can think about it once you're
more settled. I want you to know, Corofel, that the other Lords were
all very supportive of you in this role." Well, except for his own
father, Ethris, but you never knew which way the wind might blow him.
"So if you need anything when you get to Emerald Falls, don't hesitate
to reach out."

"Thank you," said Corofel. "Your family will always be family to me."
And, he suspected, he could look forward to sending a son of his own
to foster there, too, someday. Fire and crackdust, it was even more
bizarre to think of having children. He supposed someone somewhere was
already preparing to convince him to marry their daughter. Many
someones several somewheres, actually.

"Come on," Zathris said to his wife and former foster son. "Let's have
one last dinner together before you leave. The twins and Nimiliee will
be thrilled to have Big Brother Cori around for one more evening."

"I like that idea," Benani agreed.

Corofel smiled and then nodded. One last evening of normal sounded perfect.

Last updated on the April 26th 2024

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One Last Evening