A Special Announcement

Writers: AL, Ames, Emma, Anaria, Paula, Suzee
Date Posted: 13th May 2011

Characters: Wirnan, Royan, Benani, Zathris, Lyranel, Zelanka, Kaya, Ailnim
Description: Zathris makes a very special announcement at dinner.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 2, day 1 of Turn 6

Wirnan

Benani

Zathris

Zathris slipped into the Dining Hall, his hand wrapped in Benani's. He
grinned back at her, feeling like a young lad who knows a big secret and
can't wait to tell everyone. Well, pretty much, that was what he was,
though he wasn't quite a 'lad' any longer. He guided his wife up to the
head table, but where he would normally sit, he paused, remaining standing.

Zelanka was overseeing the serving and poped a quick curtsy for the pair
when they entered.

Royah nodded to his sister, perhaps catching a hint of what was coming from
the look on her face.

Lyranel sat near the head table, Ailnim in her lap. She sensed from
the demeanor of the Lord and Lady that something big was about to be
announced, and even the two turn old seemed to pick up on it. She was
ordinarily able to keep him mostly still during meal times, but it
seemed that all the boy wanted to do was crawl all over her.

Wirnan sat with his wife by his side. He glanced up with the Lord and
Lady entered and nodded in their direction before looking over to Kaya
for a moment. When he glanced back up he noted that Zathris was still
standing. He looked questioningly up to his friend and Lord, wondering
what he was going to say.

Royan was seated with some of his children not far from the main
table. All talk had ceased the moment the pair entered. He smiled
kindly towards his sister. His twin girls looked almost as though they
were starry-eyed as they gazed at Benani. The pair of them had become
rather infatuated with their aunt and Royan couldn't help but be
amused. He squeezed Pyunn's hand, smiling lovingly at his own wife who
had made these last few turns some of the best of his life.

Benani smiled softly at those around her a little shy and very happy.
She nodded at her brothers and nieces. When they arrived at the head
table she sank into her seat while Zathris remained standing. Her
fingers still clung to his hand. This was indeed a very happy occasion
and she wished only the best for those around them.She gently squeezed
her husbands fingers before she let go and slid back in her chair.

Zathris chuckled softly and squeezed her hand gently, but then
carefully extracted his from her grip. He needed that hand. Then,
once free, he lifted his arms, his way of indicating that he was to
speak and wanted everyone's attention. Once the roar lowered to a
soft murmur, he lifted his voice. "Residents of Amber Hills, I have
an announcement!"

Zelenka stopped working to listen what he got to say. Although she had
strong feeling she already knew what it was.

The crowds finally silenced as someone clinked silver against their
glass and multiple shushing sounds could be heard. Eager faces looked
up toward the head table for the Lord Holder rarely announced anything
mundane. There were rumors circulating of course. Some thought the
stewards wife was probably pregnant already from the speed of their
wedding. Another had him with some sort of blue disease. Still others
couldn't fail to note the gentle blush on the Lady Holders cheek.

"As you all know, my lovely wife, your Lady and I have been married
almost three turns." Zathris let his hands fall, but one snaked
around Benani and pulled her closer to his side. The way he touched
her, the gentleness his every motion conveyed the love he held for the
woman. He never hid that love he held, had no problem showing others
that their match was not simply one of convenience or ambition. "And
soon we will welcome another life into the fold of our family - our
child, descedent of the great Lord Benaroy is expected to come into
this world sometime in the fifth month of this turn."

Kaya glanced over at Wirnan as the announcement came. She knew he
wanted children and shards, now the Lord was talking about how they
were expecting. Was he going to bring it again? She hoped not. Her
jaw tightened and she forced her gaze to go back to Zathris and his
Lady. She didn't want to think about children. Not with him. Not
with anyone.

Lyranel felt tears stinging her eyes at the announcement. More
children for her to care for! Ailnim was already such a blessing, and
he ensured that she had a safe home at the Hold, and a job that she
loved doing. She smiled, hugging Ailnim tighter to her. After the
official announcement, she would have to speak to Benani and see what
additional responsibilities this would mean for her.

Zelanka beamed with happiness for the Lady holder and started to applaud.
It spread to her staff.

Wirnan was pleased for his friends, though he couldn't help the twinge
of sorrow that hit his own heart at the news. He kept the smile on his
face, regardless, not willing to let on to anyone else just how sad he
felt at knowing he may never have any children of his own.

Royan beamed a smile towards his sister even as his children,
especially the twins, clapped gleefully at the news. "Does that mean
we'll be aunties?" They asked their father. "I'm sure Lady Benani
would allow you to be the babes aunties," he grinned. They really had
taken to his sister as they'd grown older and Royan was glad that they
cared for each other in such a way.

Ailnim, sensing that Benani was the source of the present excitement,
broke free of Lyranel's arms, and ran forward, grabbing the Lady in a
fierce hug. Lyranel rushed forward to scoop him up, but not before
several people in the crowd had exclaimed at the child's cuteness.

Zathris couldn't help but chuckle at the child's antics and he reached
over to tweak the boy's noise before lifting his voice once more. "Let
us raise a toast." He took up his glass which was filled with a deep
red wine and held it high. "To Benani, Lady of Amber Hills and the
bright future ahead of us!"

Benani smiled up at her husband and then around the room. She laughed
when Ailnim suddenly sucked to her leg and would have picked him up
but Lyranel was right there behind him and scooped him up. She kissed
him and caressed his face. She acknowledged the toast with a nod and a
soft "Thank you."

"Congratulations," Royah lifted his glass to his sister, ignoring the look
he got from his wife, she clearly sensed that he might have known something
of this.

Last updated on the May 20th 2011

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A Special Announcement