Curtains Drawn Aside

Writers: Eimi, Yvonne
Date Posted: 16th May 2006

Characters: Kiomo, Thalia
Description: Kiomo and Thalia engage in a little harmless frivolity...
Location: Garnet Valley Hold
Date: month 11, day 15 of Turn 3

"So, I hear you are to have a garden of your very own," Kiomo smiled as he fell into step with the former Lady of Garnet Valley.

"Well, not yet. But Lord Ishek said that I could have the space, and Penryn's promised to help me build it." Thalia beamed at the man beside her and slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow. "I'm so excited! I can't wait until the ground's warm enough to start to plant things... I have no idea where to begin!"

The holder grinned down at her. "Well, I wish I could donate some cuttings from home, but I'm afraid they wouldn't survive in this climate."

"Probably not," she said, wrinkling her nose at the thought. She wouldn't have the _slightest_ idea of what to do with tropical plants! "But Ishek's letting me have some space on the next caravan from _my_ home, and my mother's promised to send me cuttings _and_
seeds."

"Now that certainly is exciting news," he said squeezing her hand closer to his body, just as happy for her as she seemed happy. "I bet you can't wait to get started."

"You're correct. I can't wait." She could feel the heat from his body along her arm and side, and it sent little alarm bells ringing in her head. But she didn't step away. "Penryn found the loveliest site for it as well. It's a mess now, but once it's cleaned up and properly _built_..."

"Oh, I am sure it will be the most beautiful garden this climate has ever seen," he said as he covered her hand with his. "Anything I can do to help? I'm a fair hand with a shovel and a rake."

"Don't say that too loudly, or I might recruit you after all! You should _see_ what a mess it is." Thalia sighed. "Penryn says that there used to be a garden there turns ago, but it's gone wild and overgrown. There's weeds and brambles, and it's so muddy. And there's this awful little shack that just _has_ to go."

"You wouldn't want a little private hideaway in the middle of your garden? A little hermitage to hide away in, even when its raining?"

"Well, yes. A nice gazebo of some sort, perhaps. But some tunnelsnake infested shack that has spinners in the rafters?" She shuddered theatrically. "No thank you."

"Tunnelsnakes and spinners can be chased away," he shrugged. "A nice private retreat with a small porch and a fireplace. I could live in such a place."

Thalia shook her head. "Perhaps _you_ could, but _I_ couldn't.
Perhaps it makes me soft, but I'm used to soft chairs, warm baths, and some kind soul to bring you a hot stone to warm your toes on when you crawl into bed."

"Well, it all depends on the company, I suppose," he said with a slightly saucy smile.

She felt a light blush creep across her cheeks. "Well. I suppose. You never did say what brings you to the storerooms, Kiomo."

"Today? I'm making a visual check of how many agenothree canisters we have left so I can report to Lord Ishek if we are running low. The records of late have been sketchy enough that a visual confirmation is necessary. And you?"

"I'm looking for new bed curtains," she replied, a little sheepish.
Kiomo was doing something worthwhile, while she was persuing a whim. "You've grown tired of your others?" he asked with a teasing lift to his eyebrows. "That must be very annoying when you're trying to sleep."

Thalia gave him a haughty look. "Mock me all you like, but I'll _still_ find that shade of purple irritating."

"I can understand how totally frustrating that could be. So, then, may I offer my assistance to you, my Lady?" he asked with large contrite eyes.

"And be responsible for pulling you away from something as important as agenothree for something as frivolous as my fancy? I think not."

"I find your fancy _much_ more interesting," Kiomo confessed.

"Really." Thalia arched an eyebrow. She didn't look convinced. "Yes, Lady Thalia," he said dramatically turning take her hand in both of his. "I must confess my feelings truly and honestly. I find you _fascinating_, even more than canisters of agenothree!" Kiomo brought her hand to his lips to give it a light kiss and wiggled his eyebrows teasingly.

Thalia pressed her free hand against her breast, not quite knowing what to do about him. She felt herself blush. "I'm not sure that being preferred to agenothree canisters is all that much of a complement, Kiomo."

"Well, I prefer you to curtains too. Does that help clarify the depth of my affection for you?" he asked with a cheeky chuckle.

"Placed above curtains and canisters. My heart swoons," she said dryly, smiling. "But really - Ishek will need to know the count before the next Threadfall. It would be dangerous otherwise. I'd hate to keep you from your task."

"Why, Lady Thalia, are you trying to get rid of me now?" Kiomo chuckled. "I'm sorry, am I teasing too much? Please just tell me if I am. Sometimes I'm rather insensitive about that kind of thing. I tend to get carried away."

"Not at all." **Not really... He has _affections_ for me?!** She smoothed down imaginary wrinkles on her skirt and wished she could smooth her self out as easily. Kiomo didn't make her feel like herself. "I don't want to get you into trouble, though, or waste your time on trivialities."

He studied her face carefully a moment. "I would hardly consider time spent with you _wasted_, Thalia."

"I- you do me too much credit, Holder Kiomo," Thalia said, lowering her eyes.

He wrapped a finger under her chin and lifted it gently until he could look her in the eye. "Time spent with friends is never a waste, Lady."

Thalia felt her flush deepen, and found herself quite tongue-tied. "Do you want to look at bed curtains or not?" he asked with an amused gleam in his eye.

"Um. Yes." She mentally cursed herself. How eloquent.

"Fine then," he smiled, tucking her hand back around the crook of his arm. "Lead on, Lady. I'm at your service."

Last updated on the May 17th 2006

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Curtains Drawn Aside