Another Birthingday at Amber Hills

Writers: Wendi, Suzee, Paula, Ames
Date Posted: 3rd August 2011

Characters: Lyranel, Yanley, Nimroy, Zathris, Royan, Arippa, Faldrimme, Corofel, Zelanka, Benani, Anzha
Description: Ailnim second birthing day
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 3, day 18 of Turn 6

Yanley

Benani could hear the high pitched voices of children down the stairs
in the main hall below. She smiled and ran her hands over her own soft
swelling. Soon she would have her own babies to care for, but for
today it was Ailnim's day and he was going to be treated like the very
special young man he was.

She hurried from the room to descend to the lower level and greet her
family. "Hello!" she called with a wide smile.

Zelanka was holding one of her grandchildren in her arms, so she
couldn't curtsy.

Corofel was hanging around a group of other children around his age.
He had been Amber Hills long enough to befriend them. Especially one
of the girls had caught his attention. She was nice and pretty and
Corofel really liked her. Of course, being boy of twelve, he would
rather cut off his left leg than tell it to her, so he teased her
instead. Like now, tugging her long braid.

Faldrimme and Arripa paused in their hustling about to stop and greet
their aunt. The twins moved over towards Benani quickly. "We've set up
the tables just as we talked about," the said almost in unison,
grinning from ear to ear. The sixteen-turn girls were very excited and
eager to be assisting their aunt in hosting this huge celebration.

Royan, the twins' father, was across the hall chatting with some of
his other siblings and guests. He turned when he heard his younger
sister enter. He smiled as soon as he saw his daughters bustle up to
Benani. They had done nothing but talk about this party for ages. They
felt as though they themselves were the lady holders and hostesses.
Royan had to admit that his sister had done a marvelous job included
his girls and all the others. Benani had a way about her that made the
girls feel as though they were the most important people in the world.

Benani smiled at Zelanka and the child she held. "Is this your
granddaughter? She's lovely." She smoothed the child's hair. Just
then her nieces bounced up to her with their almost simultaneous
chatter. She grinned and followed them to review their work. "Excuse
me," she said to Zelanka.

"Excellent work ladies." she congratulated the young women. Looking
over to one side she saw the knot of her nephews surrounding Corofel.
He hadn't caused the least bit of mischief yet despite his fathers
dire warnings. But then he was still pretty new.

Her eyes lit as she spotted a new arrival and crossed the room with
her hands out to offer her cheek to her sister. "I'm so glad you're
here," she smiled in welcome.

Anzha smiled broadly and increased her pace as she made her way over
to greet her beloved sister. Grasping her hands and kissing her
cheeks, she pulled back to look into her eyes. "It is so good to see
you, Sister. You look lovely on this special day."

"I'm glad you could make it." Zathris' voice could be heard before
his form appeared through the doorway, a hand clasping Nimroy's
shoulder fondly. That tenor carried easily, announcing his presence
before even a servant could. "I'm sure you'll have a good time."

"It's good to be back." For a little while at least. Nimroy's son
was the only reason he spent as much time at the Hold as he did.
There was work to do outside the hold, acting as liason and helping
with agreements and relations. His eyes skimmed about the room and he
inclined his head, just as Zathris caught sight of his wife and pulled
away from his friend.

"Benani." He greeted her, planting a kiss upon her forehead, then
smiled to her sister. "Anzha, a pleasure to see you again. I hope
you are well."

Yanley entered. Seeing all the children her siblings had produced, she
almost turned around and went out again. It was painful reminder of
her own failure.

Benani squeezed her husbands hand and accepted his salute with a
smile. She turned and saw Yanley in the door. "Welcome dearest
sister." she called and crossed the room to embrace the woman who had
stepped in to comfort and help raise her after her own mother passed.
Truthfully Yanley was more of a mother figure than a sister to Benani.

"Dear Benani," Yanley embraced her, getting her control back. She was very
fond of her little sister. She had practically been her fostermother for
three Turns after Nimile's death. Benani had been a sweet child, unlike
her, who had been a handful.

"Yanley." Zathris drew up alongside Benani. His hand rested gently
upon the small of her back and his smile for his wife's sister was
warm. "I'm so glad you could join us." He offered his hand to her,
inviting her to take it.

"Lord Zathris. It's a pleasure to be here," Yanley replied, taking his
hand.

Benani turned and clapped "Everyone over here! We have sweets for all
and presents for Ailnim." She crossed to her brother Nimroy and took
his arm to lead the way. "Come on Lyranel, bring that birthingday
boy!" She grinned at the child's father so very happy he could be with
them for this day. She led the way across the great hall toward the
pile of presents that awaited the little boy. Among them a beautifully
carved rocking runner she had commissioned from the woodworkers. It
was painted to look just like Nimroy's own, complete with the buff
coat, creamy mane and tail and white blaze on his forehead. Yelling
children flocked around jumping up and down for their un-birthingday
presants. They all knew that Aunt Benani always provided a small
token.

Zelanka smiled and started to pour juice for the children. It didn't
take long before first one had spilled a glass. Well, that had to be
expected and Zelanka cleaned up the mess without a fuss.

Last updated on the March 26th 2012

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Another Birthingday at Amber Hills