One Can Only Hope

Writers: Bree, Eimi
Date Posted: 24th October 2005

Characters: Daigoro, Miryene
Description: Daigoro comes to visit Miryene, and gives her the news that there has been no word of her husband.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 8, day 15 of Turn 3

Daigoro smiled at the young girl as she brought them both a steaming cup of tea. "So, Healer Talrian says you are progressing well."

"So it seems," Miryene replied, giving a smile of thanks as she accepted her tea. "He says that all of the discomfort I'm feeling is well within the range of normal."

"You're feeling discomfort?" Daigoro frowned with concern. Miryene rolled her eyes, but her voice was fond. "Spoken like a true man. Do you honestly think that pregnancy is supposed to be comfortable?"

The Hallsecond shrugged. "Well, no, I guess not. But Talrian did say it was all normal, right?"

"He doesn't seem concerned," Miryene replied, the hint of amusement still obvious in her voice. "Poor Daigoro... what will you ever do if you find yourself with a pregnant wife?"

"Probably panic the whole time," he conceeded, though he didn't see that happening any time soon in his future. "Or maybe I'll get all my worries out on you and not have to worry so much if and when that happens."

"Lucky me," Miryene responded dryly. The humour faded from her eyes slowly as her expression turned serious. "Has there been any news, Daigoro?" The brewer shook his head slowly. He hated to see that sadness in her eyes. If he could find the man he would, just to ease her worry. "Don't lose hope, Miryene. He may yet be found."

"Two sevendays..." Miryene sighed, closing her eyes and taking a careful sip from her mug. She couldn't quite hide the trembling of her hands. "I seem to have poor luck with husbands." "Now, now, Miryene. Don't say such things," he said as he rested a hand sympathetic hand on her knee.

"What else can be said?" she asked in a tired voice. "They seem to have a habit of leaving me." "Then they were fools, Miyrene. They were just sharding fools." Daigoro wished he had a better observation to offer to ease her pain.

"I suppose." Miryene could remember a time when Jhonnel had said the same thing about Ivenn. What a fool Ivenn had been to leave her. It seemed terribly ironic now... Ivenn had tried to save their marriage for nearly a turn. Jhonnel had spent a few months growing more and more cold before disappearing and leaving her pregnant and alone. Ivenn didn't seem like such a bad man these days.

"Miryene, if Jhonnel _doesn't_ come back... perhaps you should... well you should maybe consider..." Shards, Daigoro wasn't even sure how to say it.

"It's too soon," Miryene interrupted him, not giving him a chance to finish the sentence. "I'll think about it when that time comes, and not before."

The Hallsecond nodded slowly. He could understand her reluctance to consider the possibility. It was all so fast. But the fact of the matter was it needed to be considered _some_ time, and would rather bring it upthan leave it for Fielton. "Miyrene, I understand you don't want to think about it yet, but don't wait to long. Think about the baby. Who will provide you both? Take care of you both? You don't need to think now, but soon..."

Miryene stiffened. "I spent my whole life working to earn my place in this Hall, and once my child is born I will do so again. The Hallmaster can't expect to marry me off to another man before we know what happened to the last one. That would be _scandalous_ even by his standards, I imagine."

"One could only hope," Daigoro said rolling his eyes. "No one has any doubt that you are and will continue to be a valuable asset to the Hall, Miryene. And you are loved by many and will always be cared for. I just want you to remember that, no matter what Master Fielton decides."

"Maybe I should let Master Fielton chose my next husband," Miryene replied wryly. "He might do a better job at it than I have." "I doubt it," Daigoro replied just as dryly. He gave her hand a squeeze. "It will all be all right, Miryene. I know it will. You just have to get through this."

"I will. I have to." She looked down at the swell of her stomach, smiling as the baby moved. She'd never get tired of it no matter _how_
annoying it could be sometimes--it meant the child was growing and healthy. "Just a few more months, now..."

Last updated on the October 24th 2005

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One Can Only Hope