Marriage Is A Compromise

Writers: Bree, Eimi
Date Posted: 22nd March 2007

Characters: Talrian, Jio
Description: Jio and Talrian have more work ahead of them, which seems to suit Jio a bit too well...
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 3, day 2 of Turn 4

"It's too bitter," Jio frowned after spitting the liquid into the tasting bucket. He handed the glass to the healer as he took a sip of water to cleanse his pallet. The vintner had been hoping for better results. Sevendays of work just for that. No one would want to drink medicine for the heart that they can't stomach.

Talrian sighed and leaned back in his chair, rubbing a hand over his face. "We _were_ getting closer," he said wearily. "I think something I added to this last batch put the taste off."

"It could be the wine too," Jio sighed. He picked up the bottle and inspected the bottom to see how much sediments had settled to the bottom. "Everything of quality was snatched up for sale, tithe or the new Tavern. Maybe we will have to try some of the local wines instead. That will put us back at the start, but at least we could have consistent results." "That's your area of expertise... whatever you think will work best, I'm ready to try. As long as everyone stays relatively healthy, of course."

"Well we have to do something. Whatever we have now just isn't working." The vintner sighed a pulled a chair over. "And the Hall's supply of wine is limited until we can get our own vineyards going again, and who knows what we'll end up with. Working with local wines would at least give us a consistent source for now. It might mean a few more late nights, though. But you don't have to stay. I know you have your daughter you want to get back to."

Talrian studied Jio for a moment, looking somewhat surprised. "I'm not the only one with family at home," he replied mildly. "If I leave you alone by yourself, it will just mean even later nights for you."

Jio really wasn't sure what to say to that one. He didn't want to admit that he was avoiding home, but didn't really know how to hide it either.
"Miryene knows that my work is important. She understands." "I'm sure she does." Talrian smiled gently at the younger man. "That doesn't mean she still wouldn't like to see you at home a little more.
Marriage is often a compromise."

Jio shrugged thoughtfully. "Sometimes space is a good thing too. You learn to appreciate the time you have."

Talrian sighed. "I know we haven't known each other long, Jio, but I spend enough time with you that I consider you to be a friend. You know if there was anything... difficult going on in your life, I would be happy to listen. I was married quite a long time, you know. And marriage to my wife was never placid."

Jio was surprised the Healer would admit that so readily. He sighed and shook his head. "Really, there's nothing _wrong_ with our marriage Talrian. It's just... Well, you know Miryene was married before. She truly loved Jhonnel," though Jio _still_ couldn't understand why. "I knew when I married her it was for convenience. It's just... too soon to expect more."

"A lot of marriages start out that way," Talrian reminded him. "And you have an advantage that those people usually didn't... you _were_ friends first."

"Yes. And that's why I won't push her." Or make her feel she owed him anything. "A wise idea. But perhaps you should be careful not to push her away, either. Resentment and hurt can grow from the tiniest misunderstandings." Talrian smiled ruefully. "The sooner you learn that, the smoother your marriage will be. It took me many turns, I'm afraid."

**You can't push someone away who wasn't yours to begin with...** "I'll keep that in mind. But for now... I have a whole lot of work to do."

"And I'll help you do it," Talrian said firmly. Whatever was going on between Jio and Miryene, it was obvious the young man wasn't ready to talk about it. The best Talrian could do was make sure he had some company while he worked.

Last updated on the March 22nd 2007

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Marriage Is A Compromise