Keeping Neepa

Writers: Ames, Suzee
Date Posted: 4th May 2011

Characters: Benani, Royan
Description: Benani and Royan meet for lunch
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 2, day 1 of Turn 6
Notes: Mentions: Zathris, Kaya

Benani

"Sister," Royan said as he joined Benani's table. They'd agreed to
meet for lunch. Both of their schedules often made it more difficult
anymore to just find the time to catch up.

Once he was settled at the table and his meal was served, Royan looked
over towards her and smiled. "We haven't had nearly enough time to
talk lately. Though I must admit the girls talk about you nearly
non-stop anymore." Royan tucked into his food, knowing he would have
to return to the training he was currently working on with one of the
runners after lunch, he wanted a good meal to fill him.

"How _have_ you been Benani?"

She smiled at him. "They're dears, and so helpful." She reached out
and squeezed his hand. "I'm glad to have them with me right now." She
sat back as the server brought their lunch. Hers with a simple salad
with some roast fowl on top and a cup of hearty soup. For Royan, his
favoriate meat pies and a bowl of the same soup. There were slabs of
bread with butter and a bowl of sliced fruit. "I've been feeling
quite well lately. How's my Neepa doing?"

"Ah, Neepa. She is doing well. The girls give her extra special
attention each time the come down for a visit. I think she misses you
though, Benani, but I have to say I agree with Zathris's decision."
Royan had always been protective of his own wives when they were with
child and considering that this was their first...well, Royan
remembered those days with a mix of fondness and sorrow. He may not
have loved his earlier wives the same way he did Pyunn, but he had
cared for and loved them each in their own way.

"I was thinking of having Kaya, the Steward's new wife ride her
occasionally. But I would like you to watch her at least at first to
make sure she has the skills necessary." Her runner was special to her
matching her husband's big stallion. "You know having a woman exercise
her now and then would probably be a good thing. Don't you agree?"

"Of course, I'll keep a close eye on things." He finished off the
first of his luncheon courses and sat back to allow it to settle. He
nodded while she spoke and then replied. "I do. I think it would be
good for Neepa to have someone about your size keeping her up on her
skills. Otherwise we'll have a lot more training to do when you _are_
ready to ride again." Royan smiled towards his sister. "How _are_ you
feeling?"

"The first patch was pretty rough but I'm sure you understand." She
smiled and squeezed his hand. Benani by nature liked to touch to
communicate. She had to be careful of course when it came to non
family members but with family she felt free to express herself. Her
little touches and caresses were most often directed toward her
husband but she just naturally reached out to those she cared for.

"I'm so glad you agree about Neepa. I'll bring her down to visit one
day and we can set it up then don't you think?"

"That sounds like a good plan," Royan replied. When his main course
came for lunch, he paused in conversation to partake of some of the
hearty fare. "I've been meaning to ask you if you could help some with
the girls. Pyunn is wonderful with them all, don't get me wrong, but
the youngest ones take much of her time. And well," Royan paused,
"Faldrimme and Arippa are near the time for me to find them good solid
men, but," Royan had a wistful look in his eyes. "I don't want to
force them into something that isn't right for them and I just don't
think they've put much thought into the matter yet. I was just
thinking perhaps if they could do more to help you they might learn
from you. Perhaps it would help them find a most suitable mate."

"Of course I will. Zathris has been after me to get some additional
help so this will fit in perfectly and we can accomplish both." She
smiled at the thought of getting both jobs done so easily. "I had
thought about it actually. It is about that time for them isn't it?
Time to step up from girl to lady, and they're both lovely girls. I'm
sure you won't have any difficulty finding a good match for them
both."

"I hope not," he replied as he polished off the rest of his lunch.
Glancing down at his empty plate he smiled a bit sheepishly towards
his sister whom he knew had probably hardly gotten through half her
meal. "The girls will enjoy the time with you, that much I know since
they can't stop talking about you anyway." He chuckled. Then after
waiting a bit he asked, "Would you mind terribly if I leave sooner? I
hate to leave you here, but I had two beasts that were nearly ready
for the next leg of their training this morning and I fear I might
have to start over if I leave them too long."

She rose and held her arms out for a hug offering her cheek. "Don't
worry, I understand. Please give my love to Pyunn."

Last updated on the May 8th 2011

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Keeping Neepa