Couldn't Be A Worse Time

Writers: Eimi, Bree
Date Posted: 1st May 2006

Characters: Benaroy, Shayven
Description: Benaroy visits his old friend in the infirmary
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 11, day 3 of Turn 3
Notes: This was supposed to go out before "Taking Steps". Ooops!

"Well, you picked a poor time to be having a heart attack," Benaroy said with a slight hint of teasing in his voice as he sat down next to his steward. It was only a half-hearted jibe. He knew it really couldn't have happened at a worse time. "Next time I plan to wait until a restday," Shayven replied in a voice that sounded far too weak. "I'll try not to do it in your office, either, if I can help it."

"Yes, the infirmary is a much better place for it," the Lord Holder nodded. "You're just lucky there was already a healer in the room, my friend."

Shayven smiled weakly and reached out a hand to rest on Benaroy's knee.
"I'm sorry, Benaroy. I know this couldn't be a worse time--"

"Ah, what can you do," Benaroy said with a quick wave of his hand. "You have understewards aplenty to pick up the slack. And it will be a good chance for Shadux to show what he has learned."

"How is he doing?" Shayven asked, thinking fondly of his son.

"Oh, just fine," Benaroy said with a nod. "And soon he will have Cyrek's help as well. The important thing is that you rest and not worry about a thing. You've trained your son well."

"He's a good man. Don't let him take himself too seriously, though..."
Shayven gave a weak chuckle. "Though Royani should take care of that.
She came by to look in on me and to pester me until I finished a bowl of soup. She seemed worried about you, though. Don't you dare work yourself until you end up in a bed next to me. The Hold needs you on your feet, Benaroy."

"Don't worry, old friend," Benaroy nodded, "with all the healers, daughters, and headwomen watching my every move, I doubt I could have a hair out of place without someone rushing in to be sure I was all right."

"Good," Shayven said firmly. He reached a hand up to rub at the side of his face, his eyes drifting closed. "I am sorry this happened. I should be helping you. Sharding body doesn't know when to leave me in peace, though."

"No, your sharding body is finally telling you what we all knew already
- you could use a break. You've earned it," the Lord Holder said giving his friend's shoulder a squeeze.

"I still want to help," Shayven replied. "If you find anything I can work on in here, you should send an understeward with it." "I forbid you from looking at a single hide for at least a seven-day,"
Benaroy said sternly. "Your son will keep you apprised of all you need to know. And perhaps come ask for advice from time to time. But that's all, Shayven. I need you well."

"I know. And I'll get well." He didn't know what else to do with himself, after all. After his wife's death, Shayven had given everything to the Hold, and had trained his son to do the same. "Shall I have someone bring you some reading material? For _pleasure_, mind you," the Lord Holder said with gentle severity.

Shayven laughed. "Maybe in a few days... I have a feeling that dratted journeyman intends to make me spend a lot of time sleeping. Shadux will know what sorts of books to bring me."

"All right then. I think I better leave you to Chupsim's care then,"
the Lord Holder nodded as he slowly rose to his feet. "He's been looking at me anxiously for the last five minutes. I'm sure if he didn't think it would lose him favor in my eyes, he would have kicked me out a while ago."

"I can probably use the sleep," Shayven admitted, smiling wryly at his friend and Lord. "I'll be back on my feet soon, though. I promise." And he just hoped that was a promise he could keep...

Last updated on the May 3rd 2006

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Couldn't Be A Worse Time