Whether You Like It Or Not

Writers: Miriah, Suzee
Date Posted: 6th March 2013

Characters: Karhal, Loella
Description: Karhal receives a visit from his wife's sister
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 13, day 3 of Turn 6

Karhal

Loella

Loella walked up the path from the other side of the square to where
they'ed moved Karhal. In her hands she carried his evening meal, not
that the man often bothered to eat what she brought. But her mother
cooked enough for him each night and sent her across the hold to
deliver it, rain or shine. It was what her sister would have wanted
and until he got a new wife it was their responsibility to at least
try a little.

She got to his door and knocked, not expecting him to be home as
usual. When no one answered she pushed the door open.

For once, Karhal had actually decided to go to his little dwelling. Daimhin
had needed his office for a few hours, so he had gathered his hides
to work at the little table. He had finished some of the hides, but
the big man had eventually nodded off at the table, his head on
his arm as he slept sitting up in what looked to be like a most
uncomfortable position.

Her hands were full as she crossed the room quietly to put the dish on
the counter. "Karhal," she called softly then crossed to where he lay
and shook his shoulder. "Karhal?"

Jerking awake, Karhal lifted his head blearily. He straightened his back,
winced at the catch in his muscles and then rubbed his eyes. "Loella?"
He scrubbed a hand over his head and rapidly blinked to try to force
himself to alertness. "Your mother send you?"

"Yes," she smiled. "I have some dinner here for you." She set the dish
in front of him and went to the drawer to try to find some utensils.
They weren't clean so she washed and dried one real quick and placed
it next to his hand. When he didn't immediately start in on the meal
she sat down next to him and pushed it closer. "You should eat," she
said softly.

Blearily he glanced down at the food, face strained with exhaustion.
He really wasn't hungry, but the sight of Loella's concerned face
made him pause. He picked up an eating knife and sighed. "Thank
you." He looked up. "You know, you and your mother don't need
to do this."

"But we do," she said softly. There was more concern in her gaze than
he gave her credit for. "You aren't taking care of yourself. So, we
will help."

Karhal sat straighter and looked over at Loella a bit of frustration
showing on his face. "I know you both care, but really, I've just been
very busy. Work has picked up lately." He took a bite of tuber and
rubbed his eyes again. "But...I appreciate it."

"Mmhmm," she half smiled as he began to eat. Then she got up and went
around the room picking up after him. She put discarded clothing into
a basket to take with her. There were little things he needed done for
him whether he wanted to admit it or not.

Putting down his eating knife, he shook his head. "Loella, stop. You don't
need to do all of that. I can do it when I get time to." He paused and then
crossed his arms. "Let me guess, you're going to do it anyway."

"Pretty much," she smiled over her shoulder. "Finish your meal. There
is enough there for the canine too."

Grumbling softly to himself, Karhal stuck another piece of tuber and
scowled at the younger woman. He chewed slowly and swallowed before
muttering further, something of 'respecting elders' being heard but
not completely voiced.

Loella snorted and shook her head. No matter what he said, she knew he
was rather lost without her sister. Orhla had begged her to care for
him when she knew he was out of earshot and she'd done her best to go
exactly that.

She walked back toward the bedroom and began drawing water for a bath.
When she had changed the bed and returned it looked to her like he was
done eating. She dropped the soiled sheets into the laundry basket.
"Go take your bath and get some sleep. Looks like you need it." She
wasn't precisely harsh but her tone wouldn't brook an argument.

Karhal's stubborness reared it's head and mentally he dug his heels
in with a characteristic arch of his brow. "I don't normally sleep here."
He didn't _like_ sleeping here. It was too quiet and he found the cot in
his office, while not as comfortable, at least more familiar.

A fist planted itself on her hip. "I don't care where you sleep but
you need a bath Karhal. You stink!" And with that she picked up her
basket and turned toward the door. Then she turned back with
apologetic eyes. "I miss her too," she said softly and then went
quickly through the door into the gathering dark.

Jaw dropping in surprise, it took a moment for Karhal to absorb the
words before a comeback. Which was quickly stalled by her soft
admission. As the door closed, his shoulders slumped and he exhaled.
He picked up his plate, took it to the sink to wash it and then
walked to the wash room to turn off the water. Stripping, he scowled
to himself. He did not stink!

Last updated on the March 17th 2013

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