A Good Match
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: AL, Cali
Date Posted: 7th January 2010
Characters: Benani, Zathris
Description: Zathris tells Benani about Althom's 'crush'.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 6, day 27 of Turn 5
Zathris couldn't help but chuckle as he saw Althom cross his path. Benani was on his arm and he was escorting her back to their quarters after dinner. The sight of the assistant steward, however, had caught his attention as well as reminded him about the man's infatuation. He knew that Althom hadn't done anything about it though since Isily was on her trip still - he himself had just returned the previous day from his portion. Zathris hadn't ever really pegged the man as shy, but that must have been what held him back.
"Do you need to go? Benani saw that her husband's attention was to the assistant steward. She didn't mind if he did, she knew she couldn't monopolize all of his time.
"Oh no, I was just remembering a conversation we had a sevenday or so ago." Zathris explained. He leaned over to share the secret with her. "He has a thing for Isily."
Benani looked up at her husband. "A thing?" Benani had of course met the journeywoman technician, and while she might wonder about the girl's feelings towards Zathris, she wasn't about to voice any concerns on the subject. There was no need when she had every faith in her husband. "Does she have a thing for him as well?"
"I have absolutely no idea. I just find it amusing that Althom could have a child like crush on someone." Zathris glanced behind him, but the assistant steward was gone.
"Perhaps you should ask her." Benani suggested. It wasn't usually the sort of thing a Lord Holder meddled in, but he was Isily's friend, and she had no other family at the Hold or Hall to stand for her in any sort of negotiation. "If she's willing, it would be a good match for her."
"If I tried to suggest anything to Isily, I have a feeling she'd probably just balk at the idea." The woman was stubborn, but it was part of her charm too. "Besides, I'm not the matchmaking sort."
Benani nodded. "Do you think he's not good enough? I don't know the man very well."
"I didn't say that. He's a hard worker, does well. He's on my list of candidates for the position of Steward." Zathris had only ever had a working relationship with him, though, not a social one. "I just think that if he wants to be with Isily, he needs to do it on his own. I shouldn't meddle."
Benani nodded again. "You're probably right, they're not teenagers. If they have feelings for one another, they can sort them out with each other."
"If Althom can get past his shyness." Zathris chuckled again - it was the only reason he could think that the man didn't approach Isily herself. "Still, I hope he does. She's been suffering from heartbreak. Having a good man in her life might help."
"Did you ever discover the identity of the scoundrel that strung Isily along?" Benani wasn't asking for gossip's sake, she wasn't that sort, but it would be good to know which of the men in her Hold took advantage of young women's affections and then tossed them aside.
"I haven't asked." Zathris shook his head. If he _did_ find out, he might have a thing or two to say to the fellow. "If she wants to tell me, so be it, but I'm not going to badger her about it. A man should be good to his woman. I hope she finds someone worthy soon."
Benani watched as Zathris opened and held the door to their quarters open for her, then entered quickly. "Perhaps Althom will be that worthy someone then?"
"Maybe. If he ever approaches her." Zathris closed the door behind him. "All I know is that I got lucky. I wasn't worthy, but you married me anyway."
"Oh you." Benani leaned her head against her husband's chest. "You know it was I that was the lucky one. You've made me happier than I ever thought possible."
"I think you're delusional." Zathris kissed the top of her head and held her close. "But I'm not complaining. Want to play a game or two of chess before we settle in for the night?"
Benani chuckled. "Two? Planning on beating me that quickly? Sure. I chose white."
"I suppose I should give you an advantage since I'll beat you at both games." Zathris grinned as he guided over to the small table that was dedicated to the chess set. "My Lady?" He pulled out the chair for her to sit.
"Thank you My Lord." Benani replied with formal politeness, a smile on her lips for the use of titles. She eyed the neat arrangement, and selected her pawn. She always chose that same piece first, it might be predictable, but she wasn't an aggressive player.
Zathris chuckled and waited for Benani to make her move. Ah how he loved her, just to spend time with her. He hoped that some day Isily would find someone to love her as much as he loved Benani.
Last updated on the January 7th 2010