Just a Little Help From a Friend

Writers: Miriah
Date Posted: 17th August 2013

Characters: Unknown Creepy Person
Description: Benani's admirer decides she needs "help"
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 2, day 24 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Benani, Zathris

He looked at his collection with pleasure, running a hand over the tangled
locks of hair, then bending to inhale the fading scent of it. Beside it, the
bottle of oil, his first prize. It too smelled of her. Settling himself
beside his personal box, the
man's hand moved in to sweep over the various oils and bits and pieces he
had collected. Where was it? His brow furrowed as he dug deeper, suddenly
worried that his most prized possession had disappeared, or even worse, had
been taken. Panic nearly seized him before his hand encountered the soft
material and he gave a shuddering breath of relief. It was there. He pulled
out the cloth and slowly, with reverence, unfolded it. He ran his hand
lovingly over the material. So soft, so delicate. Just like her.

He pressed the undershift to his nose and inhaled deeply. It was a pleasure
he didn't take often. He had to be careful. No one could see his precious
treasure. They would never understand his devotion. How could he not be
devoted to perfection? Benani… he sighed at the thought. He understood her.

If only… He gave a sigh and carefully folded the shift and tucked it back
away. If only she wasn't so busy. What chance did she have for her own
freedom? Trapped in a marriage, shackled by children and responsibilities.
If only she could escape from that. His eyes narrowed as he closed his box
and moved it carefully under his cot. The poor woman needed a friend.

He could be that friend. He could be that shoulder to lean on. He had to
make sure that she was cared for properly. To let her know that she had
someone that would never leave her side when she needed it. Someone like
him.

There was a sudden dark scowl. But every single time he tried to approach,
someone else was around. Someone else had her attention. It was a simple
matter of being overworked, he told himself. That had to be it. He settled
on his cot and thought about it, his brain straining to try to find some
sort of solution. Perhaps…maybe he could help her quietly. Take care of some
of the matters of the Hold secretly, so she wouldn't have to worry about it.
And then, when she found out, she'd be grateful. She might even…his stomach
clenched…embrace him. Oh, for just one little touch of her soft hand! What
he wouldn't do to feel that in more than just in passing.

He closed his eyes at the thought, but forced away the errant thoughts of
her touching him in other ways. No, that would not do. She was inviolate.
Perfection didn't sully itself in that way. He took a deep breath. He would
help her and she'd be grateful. She would care for him and let him know how
much he had eased her mind. And maybe one day, she would share perfection
with him. He'd be perfect too. It was a hope. It was a dream.

His brow furrowed. Take away some of her work. How to do that? His mind
wandered, trying to think. Take away her cares…take away her work…His mind
lit with an idea and he bounded up from his cot. He had it!

It took patience, but as before, he wasn't really noticed. He came and went
without a blink from his peers. It was far too easy, really. Lady Benani's
ineffectual husband might do well to get her some better guard staff. He
wrinkled his nose in derision, but kept his prizes underneath his clothes.
Her office had been empty, unlocked for the drudges to come and clean it.
The stacks of letters and requests that burdened her, well…now she could
relax. He moved carefully, yet casually, trying not to let the bundles of
hides and papers make noise.

Within moments, he had made it back to his cot and the troublesome letters
and hidework were consigned to the flames. He exhaled and felt a smile lift
his face. He had done his duty. Benani would eventually thank him for it. He
settled back on his cot with a smile and closed his eyes.

Last updated on the September 3rd 2013

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Just a Little Help From a Friend