Wrapped Up in Grief

Writers: Clancey, Paula
Date Posted: 21st September 2006

Characters: Corowal, Felyna
Description: Felyna offers Corowal her comfort and it doesn't go well for her.
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 13, day 25 of Turn 3

Felyna

The news traveled fast from the infirmary. Though, no one dared go and see Corowal.

Well, no one but Felyna.

The evening was settling tightly around the Hold as she swept into Corowal's office and poured one healthy mug of wine and grabbed a bottle of whiskey as well.

She took none for herself, as she found the smell and the habit distasteful and improper, but she knew Corowal would want _something_ to help him sleep.

After his discussion with Erassa, Corowal may not have wanted another visitor, but she tucked the bottle under her arm and knocked on his door with her now free hand.

"Corowal? I brought you something to help you sleep." She said softly, through the door.

"Come in," Corowal called. He put away the letter he was trying to write. So far he had only gotten the words "Dear mother and father," down.

"Corowal?" She said quietly, pausing to look him over for a moment. She was wearing a very nice dress, showing a bit of bodice and soft skin, but not as much as usual. She wanted to capture him for life, not for a few nights. She moved slowly toward him, understanding and comfort in every line of her face and body. "I brought you some wine, and some whiskey... I wasn't sure which you would prefer, and no one else dared."

"How thoughtful of you, Felyna. I prefer whiskey, thank you," Corowal replied politely, but inside he groaned: his wife's body hadn't even buried yet and they were already swarming him.

She smiled, nodding her head. "I know you are probably not up to company, but if you need help with the children, please let me know. I am no foster mother, but I've been turning my hand to lots of useful tasks since I came to live here." She was there, yes, but she would not even make an offer, nor even the hint of an offer. She dressed like this all the time, and in fact, this was even a little more proper than normal. He would need to grieve, she knew, but she had patience. Lots of patience. But kindness had served her well in the past.

She poured him whiskey and then moved several steps away.

Corowal swallowed the liquid in one gulp and then pressed the glass against his forehead. It felt cool and he had the beginings of a headache. "Erassa is caring for the children, although she might need help with the older ones, now that she has the baby too to feed," he replied slowly.

Felyna nodded, wondering for the first time if the young foster mother presented any kind of threat to her. She decided that she was not, at least in the marriage area. Felyna, after all, was a Lady of the Blood, and Erassa was not. What she said was, "I will offer my help to her, Corowal, if it will help you." Honest, even, as far as it went. She rather liked him so far, although she'd rather liked Enrizial too.

"Is there anything you want to talk about, Corowal?" She asked finally, softly, but still maintaining quite a proper distance from him.

"Too soon," Corowal grunted. He wasn't ready to talk about it yet, the pain was too fresh.

Felyna nodded slowly. She did rest one hand briefly near him, though not touching him. "I understand, Corowal. I just wanted to make sure you could at least try to sleep." She went on quietly, "I can see myself out, and I will see Erassa as well." A pause then, no immediate hurrying to the door. Did he really want to be alone?

Corowal stared the bottle she had brought. Drinking alone wasn't probably wise.
Maybe he should seek out his friend Zandan. The guard had followed him to the Emerald Falls. He could trust Zandan to watch his back while he drink himself senseless.

She watched him for a moment. "Is there someone you would like me to send to you, Corowal?" Unspoken was 'if I am not what you want this evening.'.

"I believe the Headwoman need help with the Turn Over preparations," Corowal suggested.

Felyna was confused by his statement, her eyes narrowing a bit. Perhaps he was just torn up by grief. Because his statement had nothing to do with what she'd asked, although it did go back to what she could do to help, she only said quietly, "Of course, whatever you need."

She lifted the hand near him to lay on his arm, drawing his attention to her for a moment. "I know it hurts, Corowal. Take care." She nodded, let go of his arm and went to the door, feeling like the visit had been a complete failure.

Corowal just wished she would go away and leave him alone with his grief.

And so she did. The visit had been such a failure, she considered never visiting him again. Her face was sad as she returned to her rooms. She would need a new plan.. and perhaps.. a new home.

Last updated on the September 26th 2006

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Wrapped Up in Grief