It's Your Duty

Writers: Kate
Date Posted: 11th June 2007

Characters: Anreday, Aniler, Fairlyn
Description: Anreday's parents tell her about her pending betrothal.
Location: Garnet Valley Hold
Date: month 3, day 19 of Turn 4

Anreday sat across from her parents in the sitting room of their
quarters. Hands folded gently in her lap. Her eyes cast down, focusing
on the subtle design in the fabric of her dress.

"Anreday." Her mother soft voice was always soothing to her, but
today, there was something different in her mother's loving voice.
"Your father and I have news, specifically for you."

She looked up, a bit surprised. What could they possibly have to tell
her? She leaned forward a bit, ready to listen to whatever they had to
tell her. Her eyes went from her mother's slight, sweet smile to her
father's serious and thoughtful look.

"Tell her, Aniler." Fairlyn gently nudged her husband and Anreday saw
excitement written into her movements and voice.

Aniler sighed and laid a hand on Fairlyn's thigh. "Anreday, you knew
that this was going to happen sometime soon." He paused. "Though, your
mother and I didn't think we would have to let you go so soon."

Instantly, Anreday knew what had happened. Her eyes lit up, but she
said nothing and tried her hardest to sit still and listen to her
father.

"Over the past few months, we have had the honor of deciding a
suitable betrothal for you. At fifteen turns, almost sixteen, it is
that time for you to be married and starting a young family of your
own."

She sat silent, going over the words of her father, part of her a bit
sad and the other part, excited. This was the moment she had been
waiting for practically her whole life. All of her mother's teaching
and lectures and her emphasis on duty and purpose. It all came down to
this moment and Anreday didn't know what to say.

Twirling the end of a brown curl in her fingers, Anreday stayed
silent, absorbing the news. "Anreday, we need to make sure that you
are happy with our decision." Her mother said, after Aniler had
stopped speaking.

Looking up, she replied, "Would that change your decision? If I wasn't happy?"

Fairlyn looked down and shook her head. "No, dear. It wouldn't. Sadly."

Anreday nodded, knowing her mother would take it the hardest - having
her only daughter leave her side. "Then, I am happy." She paused,
smoothing her dress across her thighs. "I will do what I must and be
happy... for you both."

Aniler nodded at his daughter, and stood up. "Good, then on our end
it's settled." He leaned down and gently kissed Anreday on the
forehead. For a man who believed that emotions were things you at
least tried to keep to yourself, this was something he knew warranted
a small show.

As he left the rooms, probably back to the workshop, Anreday moved and
sat down next to her mother. "Are you sure this is what you want?"
Fairlyn asked her young daughter.

Shrugging, "I don't know," Anreday replied. "You've been preparing me
for this for so long, but I'm very nervous."

Fairlyn pulled Anreday closer and smoothing her long, brown hair with
a free hand. "It'll be fine. Everything will be okay. I've heard a
little about him, and it seems he is an honorable young man. A weaver
too, which has made your father very happy."

"I bet it has." Anreday replied, smiling a bit. The mentioned of the
man got her mind reeling. Suddenly, she had all these questions to
ask, but she knew her mother knew just as much as she did.

Last updated on the June 19th 2007

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It's Your Duty