Company And Friendship

Writers: Ainsley, AL
Date Posted: 5th May 2009

Characters: Nimroy, Zathris
Description: Nimroy and Zathris enjoy some drinks together.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 2, day 20 of Turn 5

Zathris

Nimroy sat back comfortably in his chair at the Hold's tavern. Having recently returned from a short trading excursion, he and Zathris had decided to spend an evening catching up and after a few ales, the man was relaxed and content. "I don't know Zathris, she seemed rather interested," he teased referring to one of the new barmaids who had to be told more than once that Zathris was married and happily so.

"She's always interested." Zathris took a swig of his ale then wiped off the foam that stuck to his mouth. He tossed the napkin upon the table and turned his eyes toward the barmaid. "She's okay looking, I guess, but nothing compared to Benani. Why don't you take a crack at her?"

"Not interested," Nimroy answered with a shake of his head.

"Why not?" Zathris queried just before taking in more ale.

"Well, she is not my type for starters," he replied sipping his ale. "And secondly, it is possible that I am savoring the memory of a recent liaison."

"Oh really?" Zathris' lips curled up into a grin. "Do tell."

"After turns as a married man, I had forgotten one of the benefits of travel away from the Hold. As a gentlemen all I will _tell_ is that being with a woman who has some experience is," Nimroy issued a contented sigh, "Very, very enjoyable."

"It's good you're branching out." Zathris mournfully eyed his mug as he took the last bit of his ale, then lifted it up to signal for a refill. "Though, I must say, I'd rather have a woman I go to consistently, who I know is going to be there, who loves me more than a fly by night thing."

Nimroy waved for another as well, though his was not quite finished, knowing it would be by the time she returned. "Ultimately, I want that, too. I don't know that I'm ready for another commitment, though," he took a big swallow before continuing. "I didn't do so well the first time around."

"Maybe you'll find someone that you feel you _can_ make that sort of commitment to." Zathris stared down in his glass, the glaze of the dregs warping the look of the glass. "Faranth knows, I felt the same after Maisla."

"You were always a good husband to Maisla. You loved her," Nimroy said with a shake of his head. "Not the same at all." He drained the rest of his ale with a sigh.

"Same enough." Zathris paused the conversation until the woman had returned with refills for both of them, then moved away from their table. "Can't keep on living in the past. If you do, then you might miss the future. Benani had to practically smack me over the head. She reminded me I needed to look ahead or I was going to miss things. Things I wouldn't want to miss."

"It has not even been a turn, Zathris. I will move on. I will. But I am not ready for commitment just yet. I would like what you and Benani have. I just need some time. Well, that and the right woman." He took a swig of the fresh ale.

Had it not even been that long? It had seemed like a long time. Perhaps the death of Benaroy had made it seem like more time had passed. "Sorry, Nimroy, I'm not trying to push. I do hope you'll find someone." There may have been no love in the marriage, but Nimroy had not been unkind to his wife, that much Zathris knew. He did hope that Nimroy would some day fine someone he could love.

"Me too. Someday. But not her," he indicated the barmaid. His thoughts went to Barthella. He had enjoyed her company immensely, but he was not in love with her. Another young woman played at the edge of his thoughts but he shook that off before allowing it to even take form.

"Fair enough. I say, the ale seems particularly good today." Zathris gaze down into the amber liquid. "Any plans for the rest day tomorrow?"

Nimroy shook his head.. "None in particular. Just spend some time with Ailnim."

"Sounds like a plan. I shall be spending some time with Benani." Time well used, Zathris hoped, grinning at where his thoughts strayed. "I'm sure Nandrie will be glad to have a rest, eh?"

"I'm sure," the other man agreed. "I guess he was cutting teeth while I was gone and that was not pleasant for anyone."

"Benani mentioned something about that." Zathris wondered if they would get to experience that with any children of their own. He hoped so. While it could be unpleasant, he'd rather deal with such things than not have children. "I'm assuming things have improved since then?"

Nimroy took another long drink and gave a nod. "They have, though I have been assured it is a short reprieve. Nandrie's keeping him with her tonight," he said rather distractedly, his attentiveness waning a bit as the ales he had consumed began to take greater affect.

"Gives you a chance for some time for yourself. Benani leaves for Willow Bend the day after tomorrow so I'm on my own for a couple of sevendays." Zathris raised his mug and lightly tapped his brother's. "Guess we'll just have to keep each other company, eh?"

"Sounds like fun," Nimroy agreed lifting his mug. "We'll both be bachelors for a bit."

"But let's try not to lose our heads, eh?"

"I will try to behave," Nimroy said with a smirk, thinking back to some of his antics when he was fostering at Jade Harbor Hold.

"More ale?" Zathris stared dolefully into his mug, then motioned to the serving girl. "A little more won't hurt."

"I am sure it won't hurt me, I don't have a wife at home to contend with. You," her he pointed a somewhat unsteady finger at Zathris, "Just can not get so drunk as to land me in trouble with my little sister."

"Me?" Zathris' eyes widened in innocence, though his smeer of a grin did little to enhance the look. He waved his half full mug, slicing it through the air. "If I know her, she's fallen asleep already, reading most likely."

"It's kind of her to share you with me," Nimroy observed looking at his own ale with eyes growing a bit bleary.

"That's Benani, sweet, caring, and sharing." Zathris leaned over and stared at Nimroy through half closed slits. "Come now man, are you letting the ale get to you? Surely you can hold it better than that!"

"Ha! I could drink all night," he replied running a hand over his eyes. "Not that I care too, mind you. I'm hoping to take Ailnim for a ride on my runner tomorrow and I don't need to be falling off for lack of sleep."

"All night? I think I'm going to have to take you up on that challenge sometime." Zathris punctuated his words with another swig of his ale. "Though not when you're going to be riding with Ailnim the next day."

"Definitely not, but sometime...." the man took another drink and smiled. "It's been too long since we have done this."

"We should do it again - soon." Zathris loved his wife, but sometimes he needed the company and friendship of other men.

Last updated on the May 24th 2009

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Company And Friendship