All Work and No Play
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Miriah, Yvonne
Date Posted: 8th September 2014
Characters: Taril, Bortem
Description: Taril's got plans for Humari's brother Bortem, and those plans start with lunch.
Location: Sunstone Seahold
Date: month 8, day 17 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Yriadha, Yarmel, Humari
The eldest was being taken care of, so it was time to deal with the youngest of Yriadha's sons. Taril spotted Bortem in the Hold's dining hall one afternoon and made his way across the hall toward him, his own simple lunch held on a tray in his free hand. "Bortem, may I join you?" he asked when he was close enough.
Bortem looked up from his lunch and blinked at the approach. He'd not much to do with his youngest sister's new husband, nor had he spoken more than just a few polite words to him. "Sure, I suppose. Have a seat." It wouldn't hurt to be pleasant to the man; he had after all, taken Humari off of his mother's hands.
"Thank you" Taril slid his tray onto the scarred tabletop, leaned his crutch against the end of the table and sat. "How's the stew today?"
"Passable. Not as good as my mother's but I can't have that every day." Bortem arched a brow. "Why are you eating here? Humari cooks." His brow lowered. "Is she not cooking for you?"
"Of course she is." Bortem's reaction was interesting in light of what he'd learned about Yarmel and Yriadha. Perhaps overseeing Humari's behavior had been the family's communal hobby. The thought made him angry, but it was also unsurprising given what he'd learned about her. "My apartments are a little far for a man with one leg. Do you miss her cooking? She's very good at it."
Bortem nodded in satisfaction, his face showing a flash of relief that was quickly covered. "Yes, she is. I do on occasion miss the meals. She cooked more than our mother did." He hurried to add. "Not that my mother can't, it's simply that's she's busy." He eyed Taril for a moment before taking another bite of stew. He swallowed. "How is marriage to my sister treating you?"
"Well enough. I had not expected to marry, so it is a bit of an adjustment on my part. Humari is, however, very accomodating." Taril picked up his cutlery and a bit of bread. "Are you looking for a wife? Fine young man like yourself, and with a Craft no less... I'm surprised that you're not already wed."
That brought even more relief to Bortem's face. He would be sure to pass that information on. Perhaps Humari's former indiscretions were truly behind her. The young man rolled his shoulders in a half-shrug. "Not as of yet. My mother has several grandchildren, so there is less pressure on me to marry. I've time to find a decent wife, so I'm able to concentrate on my craft."
Taril smiled a bit. "Hopefully not too much... all work and no play makes a man very dull indeed."
Sitting back a little, Bortem offered a wider smile. "I'm known to play a few rounds of dragon poker to relax a bit."
"Really!" Taril sat back as well, mimicking Bortem's body language as he feigned surprise. "You know... I was thinking of having a few friends over to my apartment for a hand or two on the day before the rest day. All in good fun," he added quickly, waving his hand to assuage any doubts Bortem might have had about his intentions. "I like a good game myself, but I prefer playing in the comfort of my own home. And it would be a good opportunity to get to know each other better, seeing as we're brothers now."
Bortem rubbed his chin in thought, then nodded. "I'd like that. It'd be more relaxed. Count me in if you decide to do that." He could also look in on Humari and see how she was adapting to her new life. Since he had found her with that girl, he'd not really spoken much to her.
"I'll even have Humari make you something, since you miss her cooking," Taril said. Humari would know what Bortem liked... and how best to put him at ease.
"Just let me know what time, and I'll be happy to be there." Bortem offered his hand. "Thank you for the invitation."
"Any time." Taril took it and they shook. "We're family now."
Last updated on the September 21st 2014