"Taking a Breather"

Writers: AL, Heather
Date Posted: 15th July 2014

Characters: Zathris, Barenziah
Description: Barenziah and Zathris get some fresh air.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 7, day 18 of Turn 7
Notes: Note*: Takes place before "The Secret Between Siblings"
Mentioned: Benani

Zathris

Barenziah

Benani was asleep for the evening and Barenziah was officially "off"
for the rest of the night while another attendant stood outside the
Lady's door in case she were needed. Barenziah headed for the nearest
exit outdoors to get some fresh air and maybe a glimpse at the stars.
She was nearly to her favorite place by the stables when she caught
sight of a figure standing ahead. Cautiously she approached until she
made out the figure of the Lord Holder.

"Lord Zathris?"

"Hm?" Startled from his reverie, Zathris' gaze jerked away from the patch
of ground at which he'd been staring for the last several minutes. In the
dim light afforded by the buildings, he could make out the form of a
familiar woman. "Ah, Barenziah. Good evening."

Barenziah glanced around, and then asked what was on her mind, "What
are you doing out here alone?"

Zathris blinked at her, then the sky before a hand lifted to rub at
his eyes. "Just thinking, I suppose." The suns were settling lower
in the sky which allowed the stars to dance more brightly above them.
"Nothing important. Are you well?"

"I am, I just finished my shift with Benani and needed a little fresh
air." She glanced sideways at the Lord Holder's handsome profile.
Barenziah could not fathom what the man must be going through, going
from the Benani he had known before the accident, to the Benani that
was at Amber Hills now. It had to be taking its toll on him. There
were some Holders who would have sent their mentally sick wife away
after such an occurrence, but not the Amber Hills Lord Holder, he had
stuck by his Lady. It was an admirable trait in Barenziah's book.

"Ah. Then you and I are of the same mind." Zathris supposed he should
have had guards about him, but he wasn't incapable of protecting
himself. He'd had training, knew how to fight and disarm. Perhaps he
should think about seeing to it that Benani learn such skills as well.
"I needed to get outside for a bit." He inhaled deeply, then let the
breath ease out. "How are you doing Barenziah?"

Barenziah lifted her shoulders, "It is hard work, but I have always
enjoyed a challenge." She had grown up with a beastcrafter father who was
always healing wounded animals, Benani reminded her very much of those
animals.

Of course it was. Caring for a woman so traumatised was no small task,
but...A small smirk flitted over his features and Zathris shook his head.
"That's not what I asked."

Barenziah chuckled.

**He doesn't miss a thing.**

"I am exhausted. Mentally, that is, but I feel better prepared to look
after the Lady than the other women so I hate to be away from her for
too long." As far as Barenziah knew she was the only one of the women
with any real hand-to-hand training. She glanced up at the stars.

Zathris nodded, not sure why she felt better prepared. Had Barenziah
experience in caring for someone who had suffered as Benani had? Or
something similar? Perhaps he would ask, but later. "Make sure you
get some rest. And I appreciate all that you're doing for her."

Barenziah waved a hand to dismiss the man's concern, "Just doing my
duty, sir. Although I would appreciate it if you would take your own
advice and get some rest." She smiled to let him know that what she
said came from concern for his well being.

"Rest. Yes, well, I'll see what I can do about that." Zathris
managed a half smile, then shook his head before turning his gaze back
to the sky above. "I'm afraid sleep eludes me for the moment."

She understood why and didn't ask the man to elaborate on that.
Instead she looked back up at the stars, "What do you like to do in
your free time?"

"Ah. That would be assuming I have free time." There was a truer
smile at that little quip. "I like to read, particularly history.
I'm fond of riding my runner. I can play a mean game of chess." He
tilted his head to gaze at her from the corner of his eye. "And I
sometimes come and talk to the stars. What about you?"

"I like to ride runners as well. My father is a beastcrafter and has
always had a special fondness for runners, which he then passed down
to me and my brother." She conveniently left out that her favorite
pasttime was practice her sparring with her brother.

"Ah. Well then, if you would like to ride a runner, you are welcome
to use the stables. I'll make sure the Stable Master knows you can
have free access." It was the least he could do for one of the women
who attended his wife so dutifully. "Perhaps when Benani is feeling
better you can take her out for a ride."

Barenziah didn't want the man to think she was snubbing him so she
didn't mention that she was in the stables all the time with her
father, "Thank you, and I would love to take Benani out when she is
feeling up to it... I am afraid we are still working on opening up the
drapes for sunlight."

"She'll get there." It was a hope as much as anything. Zathris
sighed and reached up to pinch the bridge of his knows between his
eyes. "I think, perhaps, I shall take your advice."

"You should, I am a smart woman." Barenziah grinned.

That elicted a soft chuckle which was followed by a nod. "I can not
argue with that. Good night, Barenziah."

"Goodnight, sir."

Last updated on the July 17th 2014

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"Taking a Breather"