A Lot To Forgive

Writers: AL, Suzee
Date Posted: 15th April 2011

Characters: Benani, Zathris
Description: Benani talks to Zathris about the marks she saw on Kaya's back.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 1, day 14 of Turn 6
Notes: Takes place in the evening, after Wirnan and Kaya are married.
Mentions: Kaya, Wirnan

Benani

Zathris

Benani paced back and forth in front of Zathris' desk. "I know we both
hate this situation, but she was beaten Zathris _beaten_. There are
bad bruises all over her back. At least the part I saw." She shook
her head. "I don't know what to think, she said it was nothing like it
happened all the time." She had to slow down and she knew it. "She
was so grateful for the loan of the dress but I was... well... not
nice."

She threw her hands up in the air. "If only she'd come to one of us or
even just _talked_ to Wirnan about it!"

Zathris' eyes followed his wife's movements and his lips curled down
in a frown. Finally he stood and moved around the desk only to
capture Benani when she paced back toward him. "Calm down, Benani.
It's not good for the baby." He sighed, rubbing his hands up and down
her arms. "Unfortunately, it's possible she was beaten, maybe not all
the time, but often. There are still men who think that is perfectly
within their rights."

She stopped and put her forehead on his chest knocking it against him
a couple of times in her frustration. Then she turned her head to the
side and took a deep breath "I am just so lucky to have you." She
tilted her head up. "I'll try and maintain but I can't think what it
must have been like for her." She put her arms around him for a
moment and laid her head back against his chest, it was one of her
favorite places.

She'd led a special and privileged life and she knew that. "Zathris,
am I spoiled?"

"Yes." Zathris wasn't going to lie, but that single word was tinted
with a hint of amusement and a lot of adoration. He reached down to
turn Benani's chin up so she would look at him. "But that hasn't
stopped you from being beautiful in temper, a kind person who cares
about others. Just the very fact that you're so upset about this
tells me that. You are privileged, it's part of the position you were
born into, but it hasn't made you incapable, or petty."

She wasn't quite sure she liked the first part of his answer and
started a pout. But then his words warmed her heart and she hugged him
hard. "Well I only hope they try to make the best of it." She shook
her head "He liked her. I only hope that's not completely ruined."

Zathris was more than happy to draw his wife back into a closer
embrace, but her words drew forth a heavy sigh. "That is my hope as
well. I don't know. Wirnan...he can be a forgiving man, but
this...this is...a lot to forgive."

"Yes it is," she said. It had thrown a pall over her carefully planned
first Turns End as Lady Holder. Maybe it _was_ spoiled of her to think
in that manner but the girl's actions had cost Amber Hills and she was
not going to be able to forgive that easily.

"How are the relations with her father's hold then?"

"Fine, now that Wirnan has married her." That had come as a relief to
him. Yarovan seemed grateful and even more inclined to deal with
Zathris in a friendly manner. Probably because he had taken care of the
situation and did so rather quickly. _Very_ quickly. "He actually
wishes to talk about some possible trade ideas. Which...could be
beneficial." Though at Wirnan's expense.

"Well _that_at least is positive." She let go of him and walked to the
sideboard. "Would you like a cup of klah?"

Zathris allowed her to pull away, though it was with a reluctance that
always marked him when his embrace was broken. "Klah would be good."
He agreed, watching her. "Let's just hope things improve between them
as well."

She shook her head while she watched the fragrant liquid she poured
into his cup. "It's a very rocky start. Makes me wonder what good can
come of it."

"Good can come from bad. Even this ugly seed could flower into
something beautiful." Zathris was trying to be optimistic though poor
Wirnan was not having an easy time.

Somehow Benani's mind bubbled up with laughter at the strangest times.
She lifted the cup and turned back to him with a grin. "Well you're
certainly not ugly." She placed the cup on his desk and smoothed her
hands over her still flat belly. "I wonder what your seed will flower
into."

When Benani laughed, Zathris gave her a strange look, and then her
further comment made him laugh. "Indeed! Well now, I'll take that as
a compliment." He drew her back to him, his hand sliding down to rest
upon her belly. "I think our seed will flower into the most beautiful
baby Pern has ever seen."

"I'd have to agree with you there." she patted his hand.

Last updated on the April 27th 2011

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A Lot To Forgive