News and News

Writers: AL, Suzee
Date Posted: 12th November 2014

Characters: Benani, Zathris
Description: Zathris shares news of his trip and his Lady takes a step forward.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 9, day 13 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Bryvin, Xeladrie, Zelanka, Chupsin

Benani

Zathris

"Well, Bryvin is now married and completely established as Lord Holder
now." Zathris commented as he entered his wife's room. Although she
had progress, there was a long way to go and he was careful to move
slowly around her. He didn't want Benani to take any steps backward.
While the feasting still continued, he hadn't the stomach for the
festivities, so had stayed long enough to be polite and left as soon
as he could without being considered rude.

Benani stood and crossed the room toward him with a welcoming smile.
"I've missed you," she said. "I'm sorry I couldn't go with you," she
said wistfully. But they both knew that large crowds were beyond her
capacity right now. "I would have loved to have seen Xeladrie. Was she
very lovely?"

"She was, though she seemed quite nervous." And why wouldn't she be?
Of all the Holders, Zathris seemed the only one who had balked at
forcing a woman into marriage with Bryvin. He could understand it,
the need for an heir, especially after Morin died without one, but to
force them? He honestly felt sorry for the new bride. "It was
honestly rather boring."

"Did they at least seem to like each other?" She shared her husband's
concern over forced marriage and knew if they had a daughter, she'd
never have to worry about her being forced into marriage.

"I think so. He was smiling at her and I heard him compliment her at
least once." That didn't mean they would have a love filled marriage
- it just meant he was being polite in public. Although theirs was
not a love match, Zathris hoped the two would come to care or one
another. "Perhaps you can write her a note of congratulations, offer
your friendship." Even over such a distance, having someone as a 'pen
friend' could be helpful.

"Oh that's a wonderful idea," Benani smiled and clapped her hands She
made a mental note to write to the new Lady of Sunstone soon. "I had
lunch with the boys and Zelanka," she said softy and had her go ahead
and invite Chupsin to come and examine us," she stroked her expanding
belly unconsciously.

Gingerly, Zathris reached out to caress the swell of her abdomen.
"What did he say?" Any bad news would have surely been communicated
by that point, so he wasn't worried - at least, not for the health of
the baby.

"Oh," she said with a nervous smile. "I haven't seen him yet. Zelanka
is setting it up for me. But I'll have some ladies here with me when
he comes so, I should be fine," she nodded hopefully. She smiled at
him as he stroked her. He'd been oh so gentle and caring over her
ordeal. Love for her husband swelled within her and cracked the
fragile shell of distance she'd held around herself. She stepped into
his arms and lifted her face to his for a real kiss.

Zathris accepted that kiss more than willingly and resisted the urge
to gather her in his arms and take her immediately to bed. That might
only worsen things. For the moment, he would have to content himself
with that - and at least it was a big step forward. "I've missed
that." He murmured softly, slowly, carefully lifting his hands so he
might at least hold her a moment, but ready to pull back at the least
amount of fear on her part.

She gave a big sigh when their lips parted. How different it was when
her kisses were voluntary. She smiled up in to his eyes. "So have I. I
hope you know that." Benani lifted a hand to his face. "I_do_ love
you so very much Zathris. Thank you for being patient with me. The
mind healer has helped me deal with my fears by taking some steps
toward making changes. I can't stay in my room forever."

No, she couldn't, but to hear those words come from her own mouth gave
Zathris some hope. "Would you care to take a walk with me then? Just
outside the hold? We could go to the gardens, see the winter
flowers."

She gulped down the lump in her throat and didn't let her smile waver.
"I think I'd like that. I have always dearly loved the garden."

"They've made progress on the wall." It wasn't complete, but it was
more than a pile of bricks at least, and one could see the form and
pattern that it was beginning to follow. "I'll stay with you the
entire time, I promise." Zathris extended his arm, a silent
invitation for her to take hold of it.

"Thank you," she nodded and put her hand on his arm. "I'll need my
warm cloak," she added after a moment.

"Of course." Without waiting to be asked, Zathris crossed over to the
wardrobe and pulled out her coat. He helped her put it on then
motioned to the door that led to the common area that separated his
room from hers. "Let me get mine and we can go."

"Certainly," she smiled and moved into the common area. A sense of
euphoria swept over her and she found herself looking forward to the
simple walk outside instead of feeling fear or trepidation at the
prospect. She watched Zathris almost impatiently as he bundled up. Now
that she had made the decision she was looking forward to the outing.

Once his own winter clothing was in place to protect him from the
cold, Zathris rejoined his wife and gently tucked her hand into his
arm. "Shall we?"

"Yes," she smiled with a flash of teeth and hugged his arm.

Last updated on the November 16th 2014

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