Don't leave me!

Writers: Paula, Eimi
Date Posted: 20th June 2006

Characters: Benaroy, Zelanka
Description: Zelanka and Benaroy share a scary moment
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 12, day 15 of Turn 3

For once, the Lord Holder was not pleased to see the Headwoman with her try of goodies entering his office unannounced. "Please, Zela, not right now," he grumbled as he held his head in his hands.

"What is it, something wrong?" Zelanka asked, instantly alarmed. She could tell when he was being playful and when not.

"It's just... My head..."

"Oh, you poor thing," she put the tray aside. "Would it help if I massaged your neck? It helps Petriv," s he offered. Of course, her husband just suffered from stiff muscles after a whole day in runner's back.

"Eim... er... spinnin the room..." he shook his head. Benaroy knew he wasn't making sense but he just couldn't get it out.

Zelanka went next to him and wrapped her arms around the lord holder. "Should I get healer for you?" her tone was deeply worried.

He understood the question, but he couldn't quite form an answer. But he knew it would pass. It always did.

She pressed her cheek against the top his head. "Please, don't leave me, Ben," she whispered. The Lord Holder heard her, but he knew he couldn't say anything. There was always that small fear, the longer the episode lasted, that this time it wouldn't end. That this time he really might leave her.

Zelanka considered her options. Running across the hold, screaming hysterically for a healer sounded awfully tempting but would also alert the holdfolk and create concerns and uncertainty when strength and unity were needed. Benaroy was afraid she would do just that. He reached for one of the arms wrapped around him, his own arm feeling a bit weak, but he just didn't want to be left alone. It would pass. It always did. And if it didn't... He wanted her with him.

"I'm here," Zelanka said. "Always here." Her voice carried a memory of losing everyone she loved as a little girl.

Every second felt like candlemarks as he waited for whatever end to come. Soon he could feel the headache ease, his arm felt stronger again, and everything was coming back into focus. "Wine..." he finally croaked.

Zelanka went to the cabinet and poured him a glass and also poured a glass for herself. She needed it, her normal composure shaken by his attack. She handed him the glass without a word. His breathing was still rapid as was his heartbeat. He took it in both hands, knowing they were shaking too much to trust holding it just one. Carefully he lifted it to his lips and took a sip. Not too much. His faith in his body was as shaken as the Headwoman's composure.

"Don't you do that to me ever again. You scared me, I aged ten turns in moment," she said, her voice still trembling.

"It's happening more often, Zela," Benaroy replied quietly. He hadn't told anyone. Then again, no one else had been there to witness it. In front of anyone else he could have shrugged it off. But not to her.

"You should see a healer, discreetly of course," Zelanka said.

"I have, Zela. I have seen healers," the Lord Holder nodded. He took another sip of wine. "I think... I think I had better seriously consider naming an heir. Soon."

Zelanka just looked sad and sipped her wine.

"Stay with me a while?" he asked quietly, his eyes searching hers pleadingly.

"Of course, as long as you need me," Zelanka replied warmly.

He reached for her hand and held it in his a long moment. Finally he voiced the words no one else on Pern would hear him say but her. "I'm afraid, Zela."

"Yes, I can understand. We all share your fear," she said. Benaroy just nodded, and sipped his wine, her hand still in his. It was nice, if even for just a little while, to know he was not alone.

Last updated on the July 4th 2006

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