Looking for Sun

Writers: Miriah, Suzee
Date Posted: 12th September 2012

Characters: Benani, Karhal
Description: Benani goes for a walk
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 9, day 22 of Turn 6
Notes: Mentioned: Zathris, Benaroy, Wirnan

Benani

Karhal

Benani put on her gloves as she stood at the top of the main hold
steps. It was the first slightly warm day in ages and she intended to
go outside. The sun was out and though she could still see her breath
on the air she wanted to feel the warmth of it on her face.

Finishing his rounds, Karhal made his way to the main hold, blowing
lightly on his hands to warm them before tucking them back into his
pockets. He wanted nothing more than to bury his entire head into a
hot bucket of klah and sink into a chair.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sight of the Lady Holder standing
at the top of the stairs. Pale brows shot up in response at seeing her
out in the chill day. Stepping upwards, he gave a brisk bow. "Lady,
how are you doing this morning?"

"Captain," she smiled as she started down the steps to meet him. "I'm
just planning on a little of the sun we've been missing lately." She
knew the sun was weak at best but it was better than the interminable
gray skies and snow storms they had been having.

"And how exactly were you planning on getting that sun, Lady?" His smile
was a polite lifting of the lips, but as he arched his brow, it became apparent
that his question was not simple conversation.

"II was going to walk down to the runner pens and give my runner a
treat." She'd kept some winter fruit back from her breakfast to share
with the mare who enjoyed it so. She hadn't visited in days and with
Zathris out and about she didn't want to wait until he returned which
was inevitably after dark. Let alone miss out on what sun there was.

"Then allow me to escort you, Lady." Karhal bowed again and inclined
his head. "There have been increased reports of Holdless and I would
be remiss if I didn't offer you appropriate security." Immediately,
he moved to stand behind her, silently insistent.

She didn't sigh or roll her eyes though she might have felt like both
or either. He was just doing his duty after all and she was better
mannered than to give the guard grief over something his job required
him to do. So Benani instead started walking knowing he'd keep watch
over her. "How is your family Karhal?"

His eyes shot to Benani, his expression full of disbelief before he managed
to calm it. He took several steps before he was able to answer. "I thought you
were aware, Lady. My wife died recently. I have no local family."

Her mind had been elsewhere when she asked the question so she turned
mortified to look at the man. "I'm sorry Karhal." Now that s he
thought about it she though Zathris had mentioned something but it
hadn't been long since she'd been sequestered for her lying in with
the twins. News of the hold had been sparse and the more upsetting
things had been withheld from her. "I had no idea."

Karhal looked at her and his face gentled a fraction. "I'm not surprised.
You were very busy with your own." Though he didn't smile, he inclined
his head, accepting her apology. He shifted the subject quickly, moving
to a brighter topic. "How are the younglings doing? "

She could see he still wasn't happy but that could also be attributed
to his grief. She felt like she'd intruded and so turned back to her
walk unhappy with herself. "The babies are growing well. Zathan
particularly so. Benaris is a little more delicate than his brother."

Karhal's face actually warmed as she spoke of the boys and his
lips lifted further. "It's always good to see babies thrive.
You're very lucky, Lady, to have two healthy sons. Lord Zathris
must be thrilled. Do you need anything for them?"

She smiled as she thought of her boys and the way they'd probably run
around when they got older. "I'm sure you'll have their training as
soon as they're old enough to hold swords." Her husband had never been
anything but kind to her. They were happy together which was more than
she could say for many women. "He's very happy, though I know he
worries at times."

"I'd be honored to train them both." Karhal's smile grew wider
at the thought. "If of course, Zathris doesn't mind. I'm sure he
does, children should be precious to fathers." He then glanced
at Benani. "And of course, once they're older, I'm sure a puppy
would be a necessity too." His face straightened, but there was
definitely a glimmer of mischief in his eyes." Trained, of course."

"My father certainly couldn't get enough of them," she chucked. Even
though Lord Benaroy had been very prolific she'd always felt his love
even if she hadn't had a great deal of his time. "I don't know about
the puppy, you know since there are two boys there would have to be
two puppies and that might just be too much."

A smile played upon Karhal's mouth. "Ever sensible. But I can guarantee
you that they'll ask for one eventually. Even so, I'm planning on breeding
Livie, so they can come see hers when it happens. " He paused, clasping
his hands behind his back. "Which reminds me, I've been planning on
speaking to your husband but have not yet found the time about
an idea I've had."

"Oh," she said as they continued on their walk She'd only wanted to
stretch her legs and get some fresh air. The inside of the great
building was getting a bit close for her having been cooped up for so
many months. The addition of the Guard Captain was welcome just for
the company and conversation. "What kind of idea?"

"I hadn't meant to mention it, actually. I was thinking of speaking to him
about possible training canines like Livie for other Holds for income. Whers
are not always available and a canine like Livie would probably be a
welcome asset. Just a thought, mind you. I'll speak to him when he is not
too busy." Karhal glanced at her. "It's not urgent."

She nodded as he talked. It was an interesting idea. "I"m sure Zathris
would at least listen," she smiled. "You should probably talk to the
Steward first though.

"I'll do that. Thank you." Karhal fell silent, but continued to walk
beside Benani, his hands clasped behind his back as he sank into
his own thoughts for a while and simply offered his escort.

After a bit Benani began to feel the effects of the walk and slowed
down turning back toward the main hold.. "I should probably think
about going back inside now," she finally said. "Thank you for the
escort Captain." She smiled and walked back up the stairs into the
hold.

Karhal bowed deeply. "You're very welcome, Lady. Any time." He
stayed at the base of the steps until he was certain she was
safely within, then hurried to his office to warm himself with
a pot of klah.

Last updated on the September 24th 2012

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