Surprise

Writers: Avery, Suzee
Date Posted: 18th November 2015

Characters: Bryvin, Zelah
Description: Bryvin gives Xeladrie a wonderful birthingday gift.
Location: Sunstone Seahold
Date: month 2, day 11 of Turn 8

Bryvin

Zelah

Xeladrie wasn't sure what to expect for her first birthingday at Sunstone. At Turquoise Bay, the Lord's children's birthingdays had been a time for great celebration when she was smaller. Father wouldn't take the day off to spend with them, but they'd get special
gifts and a certain amount of latitude to spend the day as she wished. She'd told the kitchen staff it was her day and asked for "something special" for meals, but she didn't know what they had planned.

As she stepped into the sitting room between her room and her husband's, she wondered if she'd see him before dinner that day. Would he make a fuss over her? She wasn't sure if she wanted him to or not. On the one hand, showing favor to his wife and the mother of his child
would be a good sign. On the other hand, if she could spend it with her ladies, it could be a quiet and pressure-free day.

"Good morning," he said with a pleasant smile. She was looking beautiful as always and even more lovely to him for the life she carried inside her.

Breakfast was on the table under covers to keep it warm and a small gift box sat next to her plate. "Happy Birthingday."

She paused in her steps and smiled at her husband, sitting at the table with food. "You remembered," she said, letting a smile cross her features.

"I did," he smiled.

She opened the box and picked up the object inside. It was a key. "Where does it go?" she asked.

"I'll show you," he said offering his arm.

She took it, grateful for the support. "Do you have any plans for today? I know the cooks are feeding me something nice."

"I have a couple of meetings but will be back for dinner." He led her down the hall and stopped in front of a rather ordinary door. "Try it here," he said.

She looked around as he stopped at the door, wondering what was special about this area. Had it been storage, or unoccupied? She couldn't recall anything about it. Obligingly she slipped the key in and turned it, wondering what surprise Bryvin had in store for her. The Lady gasped as she saw what was inside. There were shelves on the side of the room that held cloth wrappings over shapeless bundles, some jars, and a wood caddy holding several types of brushes. But the most important part was the potter's wheel, sitting there just waiting
for clay to be put on it.

Xeladrie turned away from the tantalizing sight to face her husband. "Is this...for me?" Her voice was high, hesitant, hopeful... She hadn't expected anything like this.

He nodded and smiled. "It is," he said.

She leaned up and kissed him. "Thank you, my husband. It's...it's amazing, is what it is."

"I'm glad you like it," he said and gently took her in his arms. "Happy Birthday Xeladrie," he said and kissed her again softly.

For a moment, her frustration with the forced marriage, and this man she had never asked for or wanted, faded away. Affection swelled in her heart. "It was a thoughtful gift, the best I've ever had for my birthingday."

"Glad you like it," he smiled warmly into her eyes. Then he lifted her hand to his lips. "Have a wonderful day. I'll see you at dinner."

He turned on his heel and strode away toward his office and his first meeting with his Steward. For some unaccountable reason he whistled as he walked.

Xeladrie watched him go, still smiling. Once he was gone, she giggled, then ducked into the room. he'd really gotten this for her! What a good birthingday it was...

Last updated on the November 30th 2015

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Surprise