If You're Sure

Writers: Bree, Eimi
Date Posted: 7th October 2006

Characters: Penryn, Ryalane
Description: Penryn brings Ryalane to see their new home
Location: Garnet Valley Hold
Date: month 13, day 16 of Turn 3

Penryn turned the key in the lock and gently pushed open the door. "The stewards apartment has actual windows, which will be nice." He could already see the slim rays of sunlight sneaking through the gaps in the shutters. In a Hold that was mostly build into natural cave formations, rooms with windows to the outside were rare and coveted.

Following behind him, Ryalane resisted the urge to brace her hands on her hips to support her back. She'd been assured that the ache in her lower back was normal and not related to any lingering injury, but she still felt uncomfortable much of the time. "It's very nice."

He flipped on the light switched and offered her his arm. "It's been freshly cleaned for us, and aired out. They assure us that if there's anything more we need that we can ask for it."

Ryalane accepted his arm gratefully. "I'm sure we won't have any problems. I may not be in charge anymore, but I can still get things done if I need to."

"I believe that," he smiled as he steered her towards the living area. "Would you like to sit down? Or do you think you're up for a small tour?"

After a short hesitation she gave him a weary smile. "Do you think we could sit down for a moment?"

"Of course." He steered her towards the sofa, carefully navigating her around the small table. "How is your back? Still hurting?"

"Sore," she admitted, sitting down on the couch gratefully. "The healers say it's normal, though. I know I'm supposed to be resting, but I spent so many months in bed already..."

"Well, we can sit here as long as you need," Penryn said with a reassuring smile. "Have you started packing?" he asked gently. From personal experience, he knew it wasn't easy to pack up the home you had shared with a loved one for so long. It was a task he was still having trouble facing.

"One of the girls has been helping me," Ryalane replied, setting a hand on Penryn's. The gesture was awkward and a little uncomfortable, but Ryalane made the effort. Penryn deserved whatever kindness she could give him, even if it wasn't much more than the occasional friendly gesture. The touch of her hand had almost startled him, though he hid it surprisingly well. They would, after all, have to get used to the fact that soon they would be married. Chances are at some point they would be touching more than just hands. With a brave smile, he covered her hand with his other one. "If you need any help, of course you just need to ask."

"You're already doing enough, Penryn." Meeting his eyes, Ryalane sighed.
"Are you _sure_ you want to do this? I appreciate it as a friend, but I still think you deserve much more." "I'm sure, Ryalane," Penryn assured her. And he meant it. By marrying her he had a lot to be grateful for - a woman to cook and clean, a child to raise as his own, a companion to fill the empty evenings with, a warm body next to him in the long nights, and perhaps one day they could even fall in love with each other. Maybe it wouldn't be the same as Jaika, or even how he could imagine it could be with Thalia if he had been of the Blood. But it would be comfortable, and that was all he could ask for now. It was enough. "We will be fine. I believe that."

"If you're sure..." She looked away, her eyes taking in the suite. It would be a comfortable place to live, to raise the child. **My child,**
she reminded herself sternly. **The father doesn't matter. _I_ wanted a child.** It was what she told herself daily, as if the repetition would mean something. "I wish I could do more to help set up our rooms. I didn't realize how tired I'd be, though. I suppose I'm not as young as I used to be..."

"You're not old, Ryalane," the Steward chuckled. "You're having to make energy for two people instead of one. I think you're doing admirably well."

"Thank you, Penryn." After a moment she shifted her hand away from his and stood. "Well, why don't you show me the rest of the suite, now?"

Last updated on the October 8th 2006

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If You're Sure