Saying No Nicely
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Ainsley1, Marie
Date Posted: 17th July 2007
Characters: Barli, Oranion
Description: Barli declines a suitor
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 5, day 8 of Turn 4
Barli offered a hearty laugh for the handsome man's last statement. "Oh, Oranion you do have quite the sense of humor." "It is just that I enjoy your laugh so much, Barli,"
the blue-eyed man replied with a wink. Changing the subject Barli motioned to the picnic before them. "So who is responsible for this? And don't you dare tell me yourself for I simply won't believe you. I know you better than that."
"I would not even attempt such a lie. My talents run towards things mechanical, riverboats in particular, not food preparation. It was Aunt Siraira - she's partial to you, you know." "That was very kind of her. Be sure to tell her it was delicious." "I'll do that. Next time you should bring Jezz." Barli's smile froze on her face. She enjoyed Oranion's company when the Sungazer came into the waypoint, but she had no desire to go any further than a friendly picnic. For Barli, bringing her daughter with her when she met a man would make it infinitely more serious. She had no desire to confuse Jezz or to give her false hopes. "Oranion," she started, but did not have the chance to continue.
"Don't," he interrupted. "I don't want to here a polite excuse or put off Barli. We have been friends for some time and I want to be more. I'll put it to you straight, I would like to court you."
Barli closed her brown eyes and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "Why?" she finally asked her eyes opening to seek his in an earnest question.
"Why? I thought it obvious, Barli. We've been, well, we've been getting better aquainted this last turn. I thought, well that is.what do you mean why?" With a sigh, Barli looked across the river wishing this afternoon had not come to this. She did not want to be unkind, but she always believed in being forthright. "I am nearly ten turns your senior, Oranion," she stated and then paused, deciding upon a different course. "People choose to consider marriage for many reasons. Because they want position, because of family pressures, because they begin to crave a family of their own, and sometimes even for love. We are friends, you and I, and I think we have always been honest. If I had to guess, I would say that your aunt is starting to push. The Sungazer is a good boat and I know that you would rather be on the river than at waypoint, and I am, after all, the captain's daughter." The young man's face reddened. "I care for you, Barli," he said quietly, almost defensively. "And I for you, but you do not love me," she said with a soft smile, "There is no shame in marrying for reasons other than love. It happens often enough and is a natural part of our lives. For me, though, I will not marry again unless it be for love," she explained. Not again, she added to herself silently. "I am sorry, I did not mean to make things awkward between us." "Ah, well, you needn't concern yourself overly much,"
Barli stated with a broad smile. "We've had a nice afternoon and now we've learned something about one another to boot." "Nothing ever seems to phase you, Barli," Oranion answered with a grin. "I do think you would make the perfect wife. Are you sure that you will not reconsider?" "I'm certain that I won't, but thank you kindly just the same. Let's clean this up. You promised me a tour of that new shop, remember." "Aye, I remember."
Last updated on the July 18th 2007