No Longer Promised

Writers: Ames, Chelle
Date Posted: 26th January 2014

Characters: Sarban, Lisadi
Description: The two of them come to an understanding.
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 5, day 3 of Turn 7

Time passes slowly sometimes and faster at other times. Lisadi had no
idea where all the time had gone, but one thing she did know was that
things were not the same. It was him, but it was also her. She'd known
from the day she returned that things could never be exactly as they'd
been before she left, but sometime in these past months she'd realized
her own feelings for him had begun to fade. Perhaps it was the doubt
and misgivings he'd had for her that had aided her in feeling
different, perhaps _she_ was just different. Regardless, things were
not the same.

She'd agreed to meet him for dinner this night. They had spent time
together off and on since her return, trying to rekindle a romance
that now, she realized no longer had any spark. Now, the question was
how to tell him? She still liked him, and cared about his well-being,
but not in the way a wife should care about a husband. No, it was
different. More like how a good friend cares for another.

Adjusting her necklace, she checked the small mirror she held one last
time. Then with a sigh, she bid the children and their sitter farewell
and headed off to meet him for dinner.

Sarban was sitting at the table and found himself sipping the klah he'd
poured. There was food in front of him and another full plate opposite him.
He hadn't touched it yet, though. Instead, he waited until he saw her. He
gave Lisadi a small smile and watched as she sat down. "How was your day?"

"Not bad," she replied with a smile, "the usual. Took the children to
their harper classes, spent much of the day helping with the mending.
Nothing out of the ordinary. How about yours?"

"Meetings with holders, then trying to make sure some hidework was in order.
Sent messages out. Made sure Corowal had some things he needed." He shrugged,
obviously glad to be sitting there eating his dinner without so many people tugging
on him.

"Sounds like a good day," she replied, taking a bite of her food. They
were comfortable together, friendly, but were they really anything
more?

"Yeah, no strange problems for once. How's Trewlin?" He wondered how the
boy was doing. It was almost time for him to apprentice and Sarban hoped he'd
go in the right direction.

"He's doing well," she replied. "He's always eagerly watching the
various crafters as he tries to make up his mind. One day he seems
certain on one field, and then the next day, I swear he's completely
changed his mind." Her own words made her think of her own feelings.
"Sometimes it seems like things _do_ have to change, even when we're
not expecting it."

"Aye life steps in and takes over." He thought about everything that had
happened in the past Turn and he quietly ate his food. Things were not
exactly where Sarban wanted them to be. He had a lot to be thankful for,
however.

It seemed their conversation lulled. Lisadi allowed it, eating her own
food in silence for a bit. This had become more the norm between them.
It wasn't that they were uncomfortable, but things just were not as
they once had been. Putting her fork down she decided it was time to
address the matter at hand.

"Sarban, where do _we_ stand? I mean with each other?" She paused, and
then added, "Things have been very different since my return, and
well, I'm just not sure they are headed the same direction they once were."

He brought his head up, considering her question. He wondered if she wanted
them to be different or if she didn't. As it was, ever since she had gone, Lisadi
had been a different person altogether. The act of leaving had caused such a
betrayal the steward just hadn't ever gotten over it. Many many reasons clouded
his mind. "Yes different. I would say...I feel differently towards you."

She gave him a rueful smile that was almost more of a frown as she set
her own fork down.

"I have to agree. I wanted things to just be as they were, but my own

feelings on things seemed to have changed. I _do_ still care about
you, Sarban, but it's different. More like I care about a good friend
and not the man I planned to marry." It wasn't easy to admit these
things but she knew it was for the best.

He wasn't the only one feeling different then. That was good. He wouldn't
hurt her feelings at least. How could he tell her that he couldn't trust her?
"I understand that. I see you as a friend as well."

She let out a slightly sad, accepting sigh. "Well, then perhaps that's
what we should be. Just friends." It wasn't easy to think of all she
could have had with Sarban, but life had changed and she had to accept
that as well.

"I will be agreeable to that. I mean..if you need something.." He hoped she
understood that.

She nodded. It actually felt _right_ somehow. It had been weighing on
her mind for some time, and now that it was out in the open, she felt
a huge relief.

"I am agreeable to that as well. I will always appreciate your
friendship and help, especially when it comes to the children. They do
so look up to you." Lisadi smiled, knowing he had always gotten along
well with her fosterlings.

With their meal just about wrapped up, Lisadi stood. "Thank you
Sarban, for so much that you've done for me since I arrived here at
Emerald Falls." She didn't want it to sound like a farewell, but in a
way it was. They were parting ways when it came to romance and
futures, but not as friends and acquaintances.

Last updated on the February 1st 2014

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No Longer Promised