What She Wanted to Do

Writers: Eimi, Dana
Date Posted: 18th August 2007

Characters: Nialyn, Tedsel
Description: Nia receives the portrait she commissioned for Biri.
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 5, day 4 of Turn 4

Free time. **What a foreign concept,** Nialyn thought as she let herself into her weyr. She had been let off of work early today--something that hadn't happened to her in a long time...certainly not since her pregnancy. Months ago she had known what to do with those few extra candlemarks of freedom. Now, she had absolutely no idea. There wasn't enough time for her to go for one of her usual long walks outside...she had to pick up Lyndi from the fostermothers in a couple candlemarks. Birigundi's face flashed in her mind, and she angrily shook her head to clear it. Months ago, she would have gone to see him, but they weren't talking. They hadn't been since their fight.

Sighing, she gazed around at her empty, silent weyr. What could she do?

A knock suddenly sounded on her door, and she started, whirling around. Hope flooded her. Was it Biri? **Idiot.** She mentally kicked that thought away and opened the door. Her blue eyes lit in surprise as she looked back at the harper. "Tedsel! I, um, I wasn't expecting you. Come in?"

"Thank you. I'm sorry, I won't take much of your time," he smiled as he walked through the door. "I noticed you walking this way and I hoped to catch you. I have your portrait. The frame isn't much, but its no charge. You get what you pay for," the harper gave her a quick, teasing wink as he handed her the picture wrapped in cloth.

Shards. She had almost forgotten about this.... Carefully to took it from him, trying to shove away her negative thoughts. She didn't want to hurt Tedsel's feelings. After all, it wasn't _his_ fault Biri was being an arse. "Thank you so much."

"It's my pleasure. I have to say, I'm rather proud of the way it turned out." In fact, he couldn't wait to see her face when she saw it. He wondered if she'd be excited too. Faranth, he hoped so!

Turning her head, she gave him a genuine smile. Despite her being so angry with Biri, Tedsel's excitement was catching on. Gently she rested the portrait down on the table and brushed back the soft cloth that protected it. What she saw made her breath catch softly--first in wonder, then in surprise.

Though she had intended it to be only a portrait of their daughter, what Tedsel had given her was a whole touching scene. There in shades of grey and white was her daughter resting in her arms, a wide-eyed, curious grin on her face, reaching up to gently touch the tip of her mother's nose. Nia was pictured, smiling down on her with soft, but unmistakable motherly pride.

It was the most beautiful portrait Nialyn had ever seen--and she had seen many both in Hold and Weyr. Faranth... Did she really look like that when she was with Lyndi? Her wondering eyes traced the fall of her long hair to Lyndi's little hand, down her pudgy arm to her bright eyes and laughing smile. Even in the soft shading of graphite, she could almost see just how blue Lyndi's large eyes were. "It's so beautiful, Tedsel." Nialyn just couldn't tear her gaze away. "Really, it is. You have such talent."

"I'm glad you like it," the harper beamed. "I was half afraid you'd be a little angry that I included you in the picture. I know you had said that you wanted only Lyndi in it."

Lightly she traced her fingertips down the frame as she glanced shyly up at him. "How could I be angry? It's lovely. But...but what made you include me?"

"Well, actually, it was your man's idea. He _did_ see the sketch I was working on and he asked me to put you in the picture too, but not to tell you because he knew you'd feel self-conscious. He wanted it to be a natural pose, which I think is what he will get." Tedsel smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry we deceived you that day."

Nialyn stared at him as his answer sunk in. "Biri?" she asked, more to herself than to him. _Biri_ had wanted her in his portrait? But.... Her blush bloomed even more and she ducked her head, embarrassed in more than one way. For him to want her in the picture...it meant he really did care for her. Despite it all, he did. The portrait proved it.

Tedsel grinned at the blush that colored her face. Aw. Young love. "Yes, he said the picture wouldn't be complete without you in it."

Oh shards... "He said that?" she asked softly.

"He surely did." It was something to leave her thinking about. "Well, thank you for your business. If you ever want a portrait of the three of you..."

"I know who to go to." Smiling, she showed him to the door, shook his hand, thanked him again, and watched him thoughtfully as he walked down the hall. Who knew...maybe she would commission him again.

At least, once she and Biri decided to talk to each other again.

Sighing, she closed the door and wandered back over to the table and gazed down at the portrait. She couldn't deny that a part of her was still furious with Biri for the way he had treated her, but shards... There was another part of her that wanted to forget the fight had ever happened. And that same part of her missed him terribly...wanted to be with him. Taking the portrait to him would allow to be near him again. It was the perfect excuse. And it wasn't as if she _couldn't_ give it to him--he knew about it. He was expecting it.

She frowned. **Damn it, Nia. You _can't_ go over there. You're supposed to stay furious, remember? It's the only sharding way he'll get a clue!**

But how long could she stay mad? Was it really accomplishing anything? **I'm tired of fighting.** And of being angry. It took up more energy than she wanted to use. Her eyes flickered from the picture to the door as she wavered between two decisions. Her chin lifted as his face flashed before her eyes...and knew what she had to do. Wanted to do.

Last updated on the October 20th 2008

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What She Wanted to Do