Going On A Walk

Writers: AL, Suzee
Date Posted: 19th July 2012

Characters: Zathris, Benani
Description: Time for a walk.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 8, day 14 of Turn 6
Notes: Mentioned: Zelanka, Royan

Zathris

Benani

Benani dressed carefully. Several layers and her warmest cloak. It was
cold outside but she was finally going to be allowed to go for a walk.
She'd been confined to her bed for so long that just the thought of a
walk down to the stables thrilled her like a trip to a gather. The
babies were with their aunt Yanley and the milk mother so she knew she
wasn't neglecting them.

"Zathris, are you ready?"

"I'm ready if you are." The difficulties Benani had been having hadn't
settled well with Zathris. He didn't like the fact that someone else
was nursing his children, but it also wasn't her fault. Still, it was
frustrating to him. He didn't want his children pushed off on a foster
mother. Yes, Benani was Lady Holder and would need help to take care of
her duties, but she was also the mother of his children - and that, to
him, was more important. "Are you feeling all right?"

Ailnim chose that moment to run through the door and grab onto her
skirts.

"'Nani.. up." She laughed and picked up the sturdy little fellow. He
looked so like her brother is was almost uncanny. "Uncle Zathris and I
are only going for a little walk," she said. "We'll be right back.

"Hey little man. Don't worry, we won't be too long." Zathris reached
out
and ruffled the boy's hair. "We'll come to see you before you head to
bed, all right?"

Ailnim only nodded and leaned toward the ground like small children do
when they want to be put down. Benani obliged him setting him on his
feet and he ran back to his nurse. She smiled at her husband. "He's
getting so big. Pretty soon he won't be a baby anymore."

She tucked her arm into his "I'm feeling pretty good."

"Is he still considered a baby?" Zathris watched him for a moment, then
began to guide his wife out. "Soon our babies won't be babies any
longer."

"Oh, I don't know," she said with a smile. "But I do like to think of
him that way. Now, he's saying words and just growing up." She moved
toward the door herself. "I don't want to think about the boys being
grown just yet."

"We should enjoy them while we can." Zathris held the door open for his
wife then joined her outside. "And hopefully we'll have more to enjoy
in the future."

"Yes we should," she said taking his arm. "Yes to both actually but
right now I want to walk with my husband and see the runners." She
smiled a happy smile for the simple pleasure of his company. Snow
crunched beneath her boots as they walked toward the stables.

"They'll probably be a bit skittish. If the weather is fair, even with
the snow, we might be able to take them out for a short ride." Not to
far, most likely in the pasture area, but Zathris missed riding.

That made her heart flutter with hope. "Really, do you think so?" She
hadn't been able to ride her new mount since she'd arrived after
Benani had found out she was pregnant. Of course her brother Royan and
Zelanka's husband Petriv had been exercising and training her for the
Lady Holder's use. "Oh that would be wonderful."

"Today probably isn't a good day - but if the weather is good next rest
day, we should take advantage." Zathris gave his wife a sidelong
glance. "I bet the runners want to get out as much as we'd like to
ride them."

"Okay," she said hugging his arm. "It feels like I haven't ridden in
Turns." She didn't exactly whine because she knew he was right.

"It won't be that much longer my dear." Zathris reached over and
patted her hand where it lay upon his arm. "Hopefully it will be
clear. I think today we should just visit though."

"Alright," she smiled and as they walked into the stable she saw them
both in side by side stalls. She and Zathris were greeted by soft
nickers. "Hello pretty girl," she said as she reached a gloved hand
toward the runner's head.

The Lord Holder smiled as he watched his wife interact with her
runner. He moved over to his own runner and gave the creature a good
hearty rubbing upon his neck. "Missed me fellow?"

Somehow it just felt right there in that moment as they talked to
their respective runners. Benani looked at her handsome husband and
once again silently thanked her father for letting her marry the man
she loved.

"Zathris," she said after a few moments. "I may not be able to ride
the runner today but..." her eyes twinkled at him in a rather
suggestive manner.

Last updated on the July 23rd 2012

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Going On A Walk