The Right Habit

Writers: Eimi, Suzee
Date Posted: 15th December 2010

Characters: Benani, Benaroy
Description: Flashback to a earlier time
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 12, day 11 of Turn 5
Notes: Mentions: Zathris, Shadux

Benani

Benani dressed in her new split skirts she had specially made to set
her off perfectly on her new runner. The weavers had done an excellent
job matching the color of the gems in the brooch she'd inherited from
her mother. The red stones were deep and beautiful. She ran her
fingers over the filigree lovingly remembering the flashing stones at
her own mothers throat when she was small, and the smile on her
fathers face as Benani reached out to grab at it while he held her.

For some reason she'd been having memories of her father lately and
she smiled at this one. She pinned the brooch on the neck of her Red
Woolen over jacket. Warm woolen stockings encased her legs inside her
riding boots. Full Skirts dropped from her waist and unless someone
knew they wouldn't guess the split. She pulled on the lined leather
gloves dyed red also. While the drudge smoothed her hair in its tight
restraints and fastened her hat securely. This morning she was going
to ride like she used to ride, astride.

She could almost hear Benaroy's voice.

~~Begin Flashback~~

"Ladies don't sit astride," he had said sternly, having caught her once
again trying to ride like her brothers with legs astride. "You want to
marry a Lord one day, don't you?"

She rolled her eyes at the big man who was her father. "Oh father,"
she sighed. "Of course I do... but, that's just such a long way off."
Of course at 16 she had her own opinions of eternity. "Can't I just
this once? I want to hold onto the runner. Besides, don't you think
it's safer with two feet in the stirrups?"

"At the speed you ride, it is. Which means, you should be riding
_slower_." Benaroy had made it quite clear to all his daughters what
was expected of them as privileged young women and future ladies. He
would not be any softer on her than any of the others, for all that it
brought a twinge of pride at seeing how well his second-youngest girl
could handle a runner.

Her head tilted to the side and she made a face. "But slower is
boooooooorinng." She wanted to stamp her foot in frustration but she
at least had enough self control not to do that. She knew from
experience it would not go down well with the Lord Holder. "Please
father?" she started with a little wheedle in her voice. Many young
women learn their first flirtation skills by practicing on their
fathers and Benani was no exception. She turned wide blue eyes
pleadingly up at him.

"You are not some farmer's daughter, Benani. You are supposed to set
the standard for all the young ladies in my Hold. That is what is
expected of a Lord Holder's daughters. _No_ exceptions," he said with a
stern point of his finger, using the voice that usually elicited
immediate obedience from one of his Holders.

She slid past the pointing finger to put her arms around his waist not
giving up on the wheedling yet. "The other saddle is just so
uncomfortable for long rides." Her head lay against his chest. "Please
father?"

Benaroy resisted the temptation to melt under his daughter's embrace.
She certainly knew how to twist him all around. But he was the Lord
Holder, and he would not be ruled by one of his own daughters. Not
obviously, at least! "I have said all I intend to say on the matter,
Benani. I do not want to see you riding in an unlady-like fashion again
today. Is that understood?"

"Yes sir" she'd said in a very small voice **I will make very sure you
don't see me** she thought. Truthfully she thought he objected to the
men's trousers more than the actual riding but she couldn't read his
mind on that score. "May I still ride tomorrow? The hands have assured
me Pixiala needs regular exercise."

"If time allows." She did, after all, have other duties that were
expected of her. "Now, I have some business to attend to down near the
mouth of the canyon. I will not be anywhere near the upper valley for
the next couple candlemarks." The barest hint of a smile curved the
corner of his lips. His daughter was sharp. She'd know his meaning.
"Just so you know where I'll be."

She leaned up on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. "Yes Father." her eyes
sparkled. "I know exactly where to find you if anyone asks."

"Take Shadux with you," he said softly, standing back up to his full
height. Benaroy had never been the most affectionate father with his
children, and so it was a rather awkward pat that he gave her cheek
before turning away to return to his business.

~~End Flashback~~

Benani's thoughts turned back to the present. Her father was the first
man she'd ever loved and no matter how difficult it was for him to
show her how he felt, she knew. She'd always known. Her hand raised to
her face where she could almost feel his fingers.

"Are you alright M'lady?"

She stood and smoothed the full skirt. "I'm fine Miranelle," she said
with a smile. **I wonder what Zathris will think of this.** she
thought as she walked out of her quarters and toward the stables.

Last updated on the January 22nd 2011

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The Right Habit