Everything Will Be All Right

Writers: Dana, Eimi
Date Posted: 10th September 2005

Characters: Cinale, Daigoro
Description: Cinale finds comfort with Daigoro
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 7, day 24 of Turn 3
Notes: Takes place before "A Lack of Understanding"

Cinale

The Hallsecond rubbed at his face wearily as he walked into the kitchen.
He picked up a mug and pitcher left on the table and was gratified to
find that it was indeed full of klah. Daigoro turned as he heard the
rustle of skirts and footfalls behind him. He gave Cinale a half smile as
she entered the room. "How is she?"

"She's resting," she replied quietly, coming over to stand beside him.
Sighing, she rubbed a hand against her temple, her gaze troubled and tired
when she finally looked up at him.

"Turn around," Daigoro said gently. When she complied he used his large
hands to work the tight muscles in her shoulders. He could tell she was
worried for their friend. "She is safe now, and so are the children.
That is what is important now."

Cinale nodded silently, closing her eyes as she began to relax, her head
rolling to one side. "How are the little ones?" she asked softly after a
moment.

"Pleased to see their grandparents. To them it's just a family visit.
They did not know _why_ they were to stay there." Daigoro was grateful
for that fact. Jhonnel's parents were also a bit confused, but the
Hallsecond didn't feel he should explain in detail until after Feilton had
made his decision as to what to do with the fiend. "And Miryene?"

"She's so tired, Daigoro. Both physically and emotionally..." She shook
her head and wrapped her arms around herself. "I've been doing as much as
I can to help her, whether she needs food, or company...but it's not
enough..."

He gently turned her around to face him. Placing both hands firmly on her
shoulders, he looked her straight in the eye and said, "Never fault your
friendship to her, Cinale. You did not know. She hid it from everyone.
You have no blame in this."

Feeling her eyes burn, she blinked quickly and looked down. And then
nodded, trying to get a hold of herself. Up until now Cinale hadn't
broken down. Miryene certainly didn't need to see her distress about
everything that had happened.

Daigoro was at a loss at seeing the woman so upset. He knew what he
wanted to do. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and tell her
everything would be all right. But he felt bound by social norms to not
take such familiarities with the cook, especially in her own kitchen. And
yet, he could not just leave the woman in such a state. Finally he gave
in and wrapped tentative arms around her back and pulled her closer.
"It's all right, Cinale. Everything will be all right, you'll see."

Grateful for his touch, she leaned fully against him, her hands moving to
rest against his chest. Despite her efforts, the tears that had been
glazing her eyes tickled down her cheeks. Frustrated, she wiped them
away...but this was the kind of release she needed.

Despite himself, Daigoro felt a little pleased at her willing acceptance
and felt encouraged enough to tighten one arm against her as the other
gently craddle her head close to him. "There there, Cinale. You can cry
if you need to."

And she did. But it was silent and her fingers, which hung on to
Daigoro's tunic, were wrapped tight.

Once her tears had finally lessened, she relaxed her grip on him a little
as she murmured, "I got your shirt all wet..."

"That's all right. I can change it easily enough," Daigoro said as he
released her. He looked away quickly, feeling rather guilty at the fact
that he had enjoyed holding her so much, despite the circumstances.
"Uh... can I get you some klah? There's a pot here..."

Wiping away the tear-trails, she nodded, watching him. "Please?"

He grabbed a second mug from the shelf and poured her a cup. "Do you
think anyone saw Miryene come here?"

"Maybe just a couple my kitchen girls... But the look I gave them..."
She shook her head. "They wouldn't dare tell anyone, hon."

"Hmm." Dairogo's face became thoughtful as he handed her the mug.
"Perhaps I should leave Wort here, just in case."

She nodded after she took a long sip of the drink. "I think that would be
a good idea... And Fey can help him as well." Cinale gave him a small
smile as she moved to sit on one of the stools.

"Yes, I was happy to hear about your little green beauty," Daigoro said
with a smile as he settled down on the stool next to hers. "How do you
like having your own little pet?"

A genuine smile lifted her lips at the thought of her fire-lizard. "I
like it very much. She's a sweet little creature, Daigoro. Fieayz was
very generous in gifting the egg to me."

"With all that you do for the Hall and it's people, you deserve it," the
Hallsecond replied with conviction.

Her smile grew softer. "Thank you, hon."

They sipped their klah in companionable silence for a few moments, but
Daigoro knew the Hallmaster was waiting. And the things he had to discuss
with Feilton just could not wait any longer.

He called his bronze flit to him. The little creature soon flew in
through the kitchen door and settled himself on the table in front of the
two. His eyes darted between the man he looked to and the woman beside
him. "Look after the women, lad," the big brewer said as he rose from the
stool. Laying a gentle hand on the cook's shoulder, he gave her a tender
smile. "Everything will be all right now, Cinale. You'll see."

She looked up at him and laid her hand over his. "I know."

Last updated on the September 11th 2005

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Everything Will Be All Right