Guaranteeing Tomorrow

Writers: AL, Ames
Date Posted: 30th March 2011

Characters: Wirnan, Kaya
Description: Wirnan finds Kaya lugging a bag and shows her the 'right way' to go - even though she's not really lost!
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 1, day 8 of Turn 6

Wirnan

It was the last bundle. In less than two sevendays, she would be out of Amber
Hills and she would be free. Granted, her time there had been mostly enjoyable.
Whenever she saw Wirnan, she knew she was going to have at least a pleasant
time. If she could avoid Favinar, even better. The sack wasn't too heavy,
but it was awkward. Still, she walked along, letting it swing at her side
and made her way through the halls, thoughts still on her escape.

Wirnan had finished his latest task and was out on a walk around some of the
halls when he turned a corner and his eyes fell onto the woman who had been
occupying far more of his thoughts of late than normal. "Kaya," he smiled in
greeting, his eyes resting on her sack. "Are you off and about somewhere
exciting?"

Kaya froze, glad that her back was to the man so he could not see her
expression of surprise. Maybe even horror. Quickly, she schooled her
features and turned toward him, a smile appearing on her face. "Hello
Wirnan. Not really I...I just picked up some laundry and am headed back."

"Oh," he replied, then paused for a moment as his brow wrinkled in thought,
"but your quarters are back this way." He pointed over his shoulder. "Did
you get lost?" She'd been at the hold now long enough he thought she would
know her way around the basic areas, but it was still possible that she'd
gotten herself turned around.

Kaya blinked, trying to look confused. Oh no, she hadn't been going the
wrong way, but it was a big hold. She had to convince him she had.
"Oh...am I?" She laughed. "So many halls, and twists and turns!"

"Aye, that it is. I got turned around quite often shortly after my arrival."
He walked up beside her and turned back in the direction he'd just come
from. "I'll escort you back if you'd like. Then we can talk a bit while we
walk."

"Oh certainly, that would be a pleasure." It would delay her delivery, but
at least she could tell her father and mother the same thing about laundry
if they asked. Besides, Wirnan was pleasant to talk to. Kaya would miss
their conversations when she finally left. "Is the day well for you?"

"Aye, it is and I think it just got better now," he smiled at her, hoping
she got his meaning. He _knew_ she was far younger than him, but that didn't
mean he couldn't enjoy being with her. "In fact, it's been rather quiet
around the Hold these past few days. It's a welcome relief from some of the
other times."

"I suppose there are many things that would keep you busy that are
unpleasant. My father...he has to deal with such things." There was a
coolness that came into Kaya's voice when she spoke of the man who had sired
her, though she didn't quite realise it. "But I am glad that things are
quiet for now. I'm sure it's less stress on you."

"That it is. Allows me time to visit with such lovely company," He smiled at
her. "I enjoyed the tour of the Hold we took yesterday. I hope I didn't bore
you with too many details about the inner workings of what goes on here."

"Oh no, I found it fascinating. It's very similar in some ways to Turquoise
Valley. But of course, being such a _large_ hold things are quite different
too." Kaya wasn't lying, she had found it quite intriguing, comparing the
two holds and seeing the differences. "I'm amazed at everything that goes
on. And surprised that you're not far too busy for someone like me."

"Well," he hedged a bit, "I must say I have found myself with quite a bit
more free time since you arrived." **Mostly because I wanted to see you,**
he thought as he watched her. They'd never broached the subject of whether
she was already named to another and he was beginning to think perhaps it
was best to ask. "So, you, um, have someone waiting anxiously for you when
you return, I imagine?"

"Me? No. Not unless you count my brothers, and frankly, I wouldn't call it
waiting anxiously." Waiting curiously was a more apt description. Kaya
knew they would want to know if a contract had been made during their
absence. Of course, her father had said they would stay as long as
necessary. The girl supressed a shiver. Which wouldn't be too long
considering who he was talking to about it. "I...think we're here for a
couple of more sevendays."

Well, that was good news wasn't it? Wirnan wasn't really sure. He didn't
want her to be otherwise engaged, but then again, he wasn't sure he was
ready to follow into the contract idea that Zathris had proposed. He'd wait.
If they had a few more sevendays, he'd give it some thought, approach her
father if and when the time was right.

"I hope I'll get to spend some of that time with you Kaya." He did like her,
so why not enjoy her company when he could.

"That would be nice." Alas, they had less than she had rightly told. Kaya
had plans to be out of there in just over a sevenday if not sooner. She
looked down at her back, shifting it as an excuse to hide the expression on
her face. She would miss him. Maybe she could write him when she was
somewhere safe. Maybe. She didn't want to put him in a bad position.
"Maybe...you can tell me more about the hold."

"You mean I didn't bore you with information on our little tour the other
day?" He asked, his brows raising in question. "Aside from what you've
already seen, I'm not sure there's much more to tell. It's really the people
who make Amber Hills such an amazing hold. Lord Zathris and Lady Benani are
amazing leaders. Have you met them yet?" Wirnan realized he should have made
sure she'd met them sooner. Perhaps he could arrange a time for her to do if
she hadn't already.

"No! I did say it was fascinating." Kaya pointed with with a smile.
"Besides, maybe you could tell me some of the history of the hold.
I...have met Lord Zathris briefly," When her father first arrived with her
in tow, "But not Lady Benani. I have heard wonderful things of them both,
however."

"I could arrange for you to meet her," he smiled. "As for the other, you
said you liked to learn. Perhaps I could show you the record room where I
find myself digging through hides quite often. We could share the history of
the hold together." **And it would give me another excuse to spent time with
you,** he thought. "Perhaps tomorrow? If you're free?"

"That would be lovely." Kaya agreed readily. She could guarantee tomorrow.
She wouldn't be gone tomorrow. Then she would be able to spend some time
with this man she had come to befriend before she did leave. "I'll look
forward to it."

"I'll come look for you after breakfast then," he replied, wishing he could
bend down and kiss her cheek. Instead, he smiled and back away before he did
something he shouldn't.

Last updated on the April 27th 2011

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Guaranteeing Tomorrow