We Wish Them Happy

Writers: Miriah, Suzee
Date Posted: 2nd December 2017

Characters: Karhal, Loella, Benani
Description: Karhal speaks about what he's seen.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 1, day 26 of Turn 9
Notes: Mentioned: Zathris, Benamil, Arion

Karhal

Loella

Benani

He could smell the scent of dinner as he opened the door and then, as
he walked in, Livie gave her puppy bark and darted towards where their
daughter Karella played on the floor. He didn't pay much attention to
the daily routine, doing little more than distractedly come in and
give his wife a kiss on the brow. "Smells good."

She smiled and leaned into the kiss. "She's pretty close to walking. I
thought she was going to do it today."

"Good. Good." His brow was furrowed as he looked over at their
daughter, but it was apparent that he really wasn't seeing her.

"Karhal?" Loella put a hand on his arm. "Is everything alright?"

The touch brought his gaze back to her and he blinked, then furrowed
his brow. "Hm?" He shook his head and apologized. "I'm sorry,
sweetling." He frowned and glanced at his daughter who had scooted
close to Livie and was happily burrowed up to the canine. "I'm
distracted." He tugged at his ear, then looked at his wife. "And
perhaps..."His voice trailed off as he studied her. "..perhaps in need
of an outside opinion."

She dropped the onion she'd been slicing into the soup and then washed
her hands while he was talking. She took his hand and let him to the
table. "Do you want to tell me about it?"

He sat, pulling her to sit beside him. "I came upon...two people in a
indiscreet position. Two men." He mused for a moment. "One of them
is...of a high status."

"Oh my," she said and her fingers rose to her mouth. "What are you going to do?"

Karhal leaned back in his chair, exhaling through his nose as he
considered the matter. "At the moment, I'm not sure." His brow
furrowed. "Faranth knows that I know that behavior is more common than
people realize." He gestured with his hand and grimaced slightly at
the memory of his former wife, Loella's sister. " But they could have
been seen. At least Orhla was discreet."

"Karhal," her hand caressed the side of his face. She looked directly
into his amazing blue eyes. "You know I can call a dragon if we need
to get them out of the Hold."

He caught her hand and held it against his cheek. "Running away from
this isn't going to help. Not in one of them's position." He kissed
her palm. "And no...I'd rather not have the your abilities well known
to the Weyr, if they're not already." He kept her hand in his, but
frowned in thought, mulling over his options. "By all rights,
considering their positions, I _should_ go to Zathris. But..." His
voice trailed off. "They were causing no harm. It is more their lack
of discretion that concerns me."

At that moment there was a light knock on the door and a familiar yip.
Rikka trotted over to the door, tail wagging and yipped her own
greeting.

Loella gave Karhal a questioning look, pushed off the couch and
started toward the door.

Livie perked up as Rikka began yapping, but instead of going to the
door, positioned herself between it and the baby. She was relaxed but
alert, her senses trained on the door.

Karhal answered the silent question with a shift of his shoulders, a
subtle shrug. He had no clue who it was, but turned to look at the
door. "I wasn't expecting anyone."

When she opened the door Loella stepped back and dropped a curtsey
darting a look at her husband from under her lashes. "M'Lady," she
said "Welcome to our home."

Benani smiled as she stepped through the door with Camnae at her side.
The canine was working and didn't greet either her mother or sister
but watched her human intently. "Karhal," she said. "I believe we need
to talk."

Karhal rose immediately and bowed his respects. Though he had taught
both she and Loella the basics of self defense and as a result knew
her personally far better than many realized, he caught on quickly
that this was not a social call. Benamil had wasted little time. "I
believe I can guess why you are here. You can count on Loella's
discretion, or if you prefer, we can speak privately."

"She can stay," Benani said. She didn't sit but stood in the middle of
the room. "My brother has made some poor choices. As he cannot be
trusted to make the proper ones, I have decided to marry him to my
Ladies maid Nazli. They have fallen in love at first sight and will be
married at the gather. We wish them joy."

"Nazli." Karhal arched a brow and pursed his lips, studying Benani's
face. He had privately heard of Nazli's...difficulties. "Of course. I
can see how they would." His voice reflected his understanding. "And
we will wish them joy...and discretion."

"Thank you Captain," this time her smile was genuine. "My husband will
soon learn of their affection. But please, continue to monitor the
situation. Discretion is paramount. I wouldn't want Zathris to have to
carry this burden. I hope I can carry it for all of us."

Loella held her breath while she took in exactly what Lady Benani was
asking of them. But she finally stood straight and nodded. She'd have
done exactly the same to protect her sister if she'd been grown at the
time.

"I will monitor it as you request." He noted Loella's silent response
with approval. "Please inform Benamil, Nazli and their friends that I
wish them happy."

"Do join us for the wedding during the gather. Please feel free to
bring your whole family. I am very grateful for your service," she
said laying a hand on Camnae's head and gently fondling her ears. "I
and my family are safe in your hands. I have no doubts." She turned
and walked to the door. "Thank you Karhal." She nodded at him.
"Loella," she smiled. Then she stepped out the door.

"Whoah," Loella said after closing the door.

"She's very savvy." Kathal said softly as Benani closed the door. He
turned to Loella. "It looks like I shouldn't worry too much, except
for her brother's...partner."

"Yes," she said in simple agreement. "Poor Nazli."

Last updated on the December 10th 2017

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