Maybe More than Chess

Writers: Miriah, Suzee
Date Posted: 3rd January 2020

Characters: Dunrik, Jayzine
Description: Dunrik takes a chance with the Headwoman.
Location: Barrier Lake Weyr
Date: month 1, day 14 of Turn 10

Jayzine

Dunrik approached Jayzine's office, fiddling with the small pouch in
his hand. He had come to enjoy their bouts of chess every few
evenings, finding Jayzine a competent and enjoyable partner. She had
won plenty of matches, but so had he; he found he enjoyed the
challenge of trying to out wit her strategies and felt that they were
both improving in the game.

But more than that, he found he enjoyed her company. He had found that
underneath that seemingly hard exterior there was a humorous, caring
woman that few people had really noticed. He hadn't pressed her or
asked questions; it wasn't his place to do so and if she wasn't going
to volunteer personal information, he wouldn't pry. Instead, he simply
enjoyed her company as she was.

Which brought him to her personal quarters. Fiddling again with the
little packet he held, Dunrik shifted on his feet. It wasn't too late,
coming late wouldn't have been proper, but duties were done for the
day and he was certain that she wasn't to bed yet. Clearing his
throat, he knocked lightly.

Jayzine heard the knock and knew it was a bit late so she drew her
wrap around her shoulders and stepped to the door of her sitting room.

"Dunrik," she smiled and opened the door a bit wider. "How are you
this evening," Her voice was pitched low as the hour just just a bit
late and both her children where in bed.

Dunrik cleared his throat as he noticed her wrap and a faint blush
tinted his cheeks. "I'm well. Beggin' your pardon, Jayzine. I
thought it'd still be early enough to call on you." He fiddled with
the little packet in his fingers, then took a breath. "I came to see
if you'd like to have dinner with me sometime this week. I've been
enjoying our chess games and such and I just thought maybe you'd
consider a meal." Her handed her the packet. "I made this for you. "

"Oh thank you," she smiled and reached out to take the small packet.
"Please come in," she said leaving the door open as she took the
little package over near the lamp so she could see it better as she
began to unwrap it.

He hesitated for a moment, keenly aware that it was indeed late and
careful of Jayzine's reputation, but stepped in, staying near the
door. "It's not much honestly. I just thought you'd like it." He'd
debated declaring his intentions, not knowing if she'd accept the
gift, but even if she wasn't interested, a gift from a friend would
still be acceptable.

She smiled slightly as she pulled the ribbon loose and let the pretty
piece of fabric fall apart. Inside was a lovely gleaming knot of
polished metal obviously worked into delicate filigree. It hung from a
fine chain and she held it up in the light to appreciate how the metal
seemed to glow. "It's lovely Dunrik," she said with an even wider
smile. "It would be a pleasure to have dinner with you."

His smile was a bit shy, but pleased. "I'm glad you like it enough to
keep it. Is there a day that would be better for you for dinner? I
think perhaps we can both manage to slip it into our schedules. I'll
work half a day on my rest day if I need to."

"I can arrange it in one of the private dining rooms tomorrow evening
if you like," she said. "Or did you have something else in mind?"

"Private sounds wonderful, but nothing improper or the like," he
hurried to assure her. "I'd never presume anything like that. Tomorrow
is perfect." He'd send Rikol to eat with his friends and perhaps on
his own, ask the staff to make Jayzine's favorite meal. He'd the
marks to spare. "Don't you worry about the food either. I'll take
care of that. "

"That would be very nice Master Dunrik," she smiled. "We'll leave the
door open of course."

He gave a quick bow. "Of course. I'll be pleased to see you tomorrow
evening, Mistress Jayzine. I'd better hurry home. Thank you."

"Good evening to you and your son Master Dunrik," she nodded. She
closed the door behind and and looked down at the lovely pendant in
her hand for a long moment. She took it to her room and the jewelry
box on her chest. She opened the lid and gazed at the contents. Inside
were several items from her former life. She took a gem encrusted
brooch from the top tray and laid it in the bottom drawer out of
sight. Then she gently laid the lovely knot made with such care and
good wishes in it's place. She closed the box, then her eyes misted
and single tear rolled down her cheek.

Last updated on the February 1st 2020

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Maybe More than Chess