Time with Daddy

Writers: Emma, Vix
Date Posted: 29th August 2008

Characters: Carlan, Nikanna, Ryannae
Description: Nikanna takes her daughter to meet Carlan and escort him home.
Location: Garnet Valley Hold
Date: month 11, day 13 of Turn 4

"Shh. . ." Nikanna spoke softly close to her daughter's ear as the two of
them eased into the rear of the room in which her husband was teaching. "If
you're quiet, we'll get to hear your daddy play."

The Harper picked up his gitar, "I'll begin, then you follow. Remember as
this is a round, you count four bars of four beats each before you follow."
Fingers took their places over the strings, "One, two, three, four," he
began, counting the players in.

On her mother's lap, Ryannae bounced up and down with the music. Her arms
and legs flailed in her excitement.

Eventually the music finished. "Well done everyone, that was much better
than last time," said the harper, complementing his students. "We might even
have something we can use for Turn's End here."

"The first Turn's End that you'll actually be able to enjoy," Nikanna
murmured to her daughter. The young woman enjoyed hearing her husband play
but she hoped there would be other music and that the two of them would be
able to dance together.

"I'll see you all again at the same time tomorrow," Carlan told his students
as he picked up his copy of the music and began to place it in a music case.

"Now we'll get to see him," the young woman told the baby, rising to her
feet. She stood aside, waiting for the students to leave the room.

"Nikanna!" Carlan's face brightened in surprise. "How long have you and
Ryannae been here?"

"For a while," his wife replied with a smile. "I've always enjoyed watching
you work but haven't had a chance since the baby was born."

"Did she like it too? Did you?" Carlan smiled at his daughter, holding out
his free hand to her.

"Of course I did," Nikanna grinned at Ryannae, who was reaching for her
father. "And you can see how she feels about you."

The music case was set aside as he took his daughter in his arms. "You liked
the music didn't you? I'll have to play some later for just you and your
mother."

"We always like those private concerts," his wife said, "but we also like to
watch you teach and to hear you play with other instruments."

"Well just you wait for Turn's End, that'll be worth it," he said holding
Ryannae close. "You and your Mama will love it."

"Mama knows that she will," Nikanna replied, leaning her head against his
shoulder. "And Ryannae already tries to sing along with me now and then so
I'm sure she'll enjoy it too."

"We'll have to teach her some words then."

"Private harper lessons at one turn old?"

"Only the best for our children," answered Carlan with a laugh. "Once they
are old enough to appreciate it."

There it was again. . . children, not child. Still, Nikanna wanted more
eventually. "I think that this one is ready now."

"Ready for lessons, or just for time with daddy?"

She pursed her lips as she considered her response. "I suppose time with
daddy. But one of the advantages of having a harper for a father is that she
should hear more music than most children her age."

"Well you know music is no problem love, nor is spending time with my
favourite girls."

"In that case, are you finished for the day?"

"I am," he said with a smile.

She returned his smile. "Then you can start by spending time by escorting us
to dinner."

"I'm only to happy to do that."

"I was hoping you'd say that." Nikanna hooked an arm through his and urged
him toward the door.

"Lets just enjoy dinner."

Last updated on the August 30th 2008

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Time with Daddy