The Sooner, the Better
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: 21st January 2010
Characters: Benani, Zathris
Description: Benani tells Zathris that she is not pregnant and he tries to console her.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 7, day 6 of Turn 5
"I've started again." Benani greeted her husband, the disappointment evident in her voice even though she tried to put a smile on her face. They'd been trying for so long, and even though it seemed easy for other women to get pregnant, for her, it just wouldn't happen.
Zathris tossed his jacket upon a chair and, at the same time, slid an arm over his wife's shoulders. "I'm sorry." He murmured gently and placed a kiss upon her forehead. While part of him was just as disappointed as Benani was, there was another part of him that couldn't feel anything about relief. He wanted children, but there was still fear. He had lost Maisla. He didn't think he could live through losing another love.
"I know we can try again." Benani started with the same assurances he always gave. "But I thought for sure that this month..."
"Hey, I can't complain too much." Zathris pulled Benani close and kissed her soundly. He pulled away, then grinned down at her. "I have to admit, I rather like the trying part."
Benani smiled up Zathris. He was so understanding. "I like the trying too. You know we don't have that luxury anymore though. You're Lord Holder, we need to produce an heir, many heirs if possible."
"I don't want you worrying about that." Zathris tenderly tucked a tendril of hair behind her ear. "We're young, we have time. You also have lots of siblings. Nimroy already has a son. If something happens, there will be family to inherit."
"And the Hold will be in contention again." Benani replied. As much as she doubted any of her brothers would wish ill on her husband, she had cousins who she didn't trust. "The sooner I give us a son, the sooner you will be safe."
"Hm. You do have a point, but...perhaps I should appoint someone to be an heir in case something happens to me before then." And what if they had a daughter? Zathris would have no problem naming her heir, but he knew other people would. Probably most, if not the entire hold.
Benani shook her head, "Those aren't assured. They'd still hold a Conclave about it, and who would you choose that it wouldn't hurt anyone's feelings?"
"Probably Nimroy." Zathris had given the matter more thought than even Benani probably knew. "He'd be a good Lord Holder, and he already has a son."
"And Nimroy is without a wife." Benani pointed out, "Someone could try and arrange a marriage with the intent of taking you out later. If you did name him, you'd have to keep it secret."
"I could write it down and state that if something happens to me and there is no heir, Nimroy will take the hold." Zathris let his hands trail down to Benani's hips and began to back up toward their bedroom. "Seal it in an envelop and give it to the harpers with strict instructions not to open it unless something happens to me."
Benani knew what her husband was trying to do, but she would not be distracted. "I'd rather get pregnant so we didn't have to worry about all that."
"I'd rather that myself." Zathris didn't stop their progress. Once they passed through the door he scooped his wife into his arms. "Well, as soon as your flow is over, we'll make sure to do something about it. In the meantime, care to do something about a poor man who is desperately lusting after his wife?"
She wanted to continue their talk, but really, what was there to say. They would try again, it was all they could do. Eventually, one day, she would have good news, she would be pregnant and they would finally have the family she needed. Until then, she'd just find other ways of making her husband happy.
Last updated on the January 25th 2010