A Little Company

Writers: Emma, Yvonne
Date Posted: 24th July 2006

Characters: Carlan, Thalia
Description: Carlan is joined by Thalia on a late night, baby-soothing ramble around the Hold
Location: Garnet Valley Hold
Date: month 12, day 22 of Turn 3

Carlan snuggled the baby closer to him. He and Nikanna had had a restless night, as Ryannae was teething. At least now she was quiet and her head was nestled on his shoulder as they walked outside.
Hopefully Nikanna was catching up on some much needed sleep.

"Carlan?"

"Milady?" he replied with a smile. "It's good to see you."

"Just as good as it is to see you." She joined him on the path, matching her stride to his. It was good to get out and feel the cool night air on her face. "Why do you have Ryannae? Is everything all right?"

"Nikanna needed a break, this one has been keeping us up," he said simply. "She's teething and nobody was getting any sleep."

"Poor thing." Thalia was referring more to Ryannae than Nikanna.
She'd been spared most of Aslian's worst moments because she had a wet nurse. "She's sore, and she can't tell any one properly."

"Not yet, in about a turn or so there'll be some words instead of tears." The babe moved her head slightly, peering out from under her wrappings. "I think the walk is doing us all good."

Thalia made a face at the baby, hoping for a smile. "Do you spend much time with her and Nikanna?"

"Not quite as much as I'd like. Sometimes I get asked to provide entertainment in an evening, or there is class work that needs grading." Nikanna hadn't openly complained about it, but he could tell that she would appreciate his help more often.

**At least you're _there_...** Thalia squelched that thought. It wasn't Aswic's fault. "Have Ishek or myself, or the ladies been overly demanding? I could say something..."

"Nobody has been overly demanding, I think it's more the novelty of being new to a place," explained Carlan. "I am as new to them and they are to me, they have not yet heard it all."

"Neither have I. You should bring Ryannae over one evening, and Aslian's nurse can take care of both of them for a little while. We could play a little together, maybe?" Thalia bit her lip. "Maybe you could teach me something new for Turnover?"

"I think I could manage that," he replied. "This one here likes music, or she seems to listen for a while at least."

Thalia ran a gentle finger over Ryannae's soft cheek. "So does Aslian. He especially likes it when I play the songs I used to play when I was pregnant. Perhaps he was listening before he was born. Do you think babies can do that?"

"Maybe they can, nothing would surprise me."

Thalia gave him a coy look. "Nothing? Really?"

"Not when it comes to this little lady."

Saved from having to think up something that _would_ surprise the harper, Thalia's laugh sounded a little relieved. "She's _your_
daughter - would you expect any less from her?"

"No, I wouldn't. Just so long as she grows up happy, knowing that she's loved."

"And I do believe that you are well on your way to achieving that goal." She was silent a moment, letting the night breezes caress her face. Sometimes when she couldn't sleep, she'd go for a walk. Ishek and Penryn would be horrified if they knew... "Have you seen my garden yet, Carlan?"

"No, no I haven't," he replied, shifting the baby a little in his arms.

"Do you know where it is?"

"I don't think I do," was his reply.

"I'll show you, then. Although you'll have to come back when it's light out so that you can actually see what I've been doing." Thalia gestured for him to follow and started down a path along the side of the Hold. "Penryn's been helping me out a lot, and Kiomo's dug a flowerbed for me. Actually, everyone has been very nice about it... I feel quite indulged!"

"And so you should. It's nice to have a hobby, but even better when you can involve others in it." The Lady laughed at that. "I'm sure that they're doing it simply to be polite."

"Perhaps, but you never know."

"And what about you, Harper Carlan? Are you coming to see my garden just to be polite?" Thalia asked, arching her eyebrows at him and putting on her best 'Lady of the Blood' expression.

"No, I really would like to see it milady."

The Lady smiled. Whether he did or not, he was kind enough to indulge her, and for that she was thankful. There was no telling how long it would be until she was abandoned by the Hold, and she intended to enjoy the fragile sense of security she had for as long as she was able.

Last updated on the July 26th 2006

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A Little Company