A Tentative Peace

Writers: Paula, Suzee
Date Posted: 12th December 2011

Characters: Benani, Zelanka
Description: Benani discusses arrangements with the head woman
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 5, day 7 of Turn 6
Notes: Mentioned: Arippa; Faldrimme; Yanley;

Benani

Her body was tired but her mind wouldn't stop spinning. She needed to
plan and she needed some help to do it. Finally she just shook her
head and admitted she needed Zelanka.

"Please ask the headwoman to join me." She watched the girl disappear.
Then steeled herself against any rancor or unkind feelings. Zelanka
had been more than a friend for so many turns that she knew the real
problem lay within herself. She summoned a welcoming smile when she
heard someone at the door.

Zelanka was bit hesitant to step in. She was not sure what to expect
from the Lady. After the secret came out, the two of them had avoided
each other. The situation hurt her, she genuinedly liked Benani.
"You wanted me, My lady?" she asked.

Benani had resolved to behave as normally as possible so she kept the
smile firmly in place. "Yes I did Zelanka. I need your help. I'd like
to get a portion of our room set up for the babies when they arrive."
She knew it was unusual for a Lady Holder to keep the care of the
infants. Most handed them off to nurses almost as soon as they were
born. Maybe it was the way her husband thought about reforms but she
didn't want them gone from her that fast. Not when she'd carried them
under her heart for so long.

"Ah, yes," Zelanka said, her eyes measuring up the room. "You need two
of everything," she smiled. "Have you any ideas, plans?"

"Well," she started as she thought about where to begin. "Since we
don't know if they're boys or girls, I thought perhaps yellow and
green would be good choices for decoration." She had thought alot
about this and wasn't silly enough to think she could do it all. "I'd
like a large cradle since they probably won't want to be separated at
first having spent so much time together til now." She smiled at the
old woman warming to her subject.

"I know I'll need help with their care," she nodded. "But more than
that, do you think you can find a wet nurse?"

"Yes, those are good colours, especially if you go for pastel-shades.
I think the cradle used with Arippa and Faldrimme is still in
storages," Zelanka said thoughtfully. "As for wetnurse, there's
several possible candidates. Detine just gave birth and she has plenty
of milk. She's also experienced, this boy is her fifth child. Weilien
should give birth before you, but I don't know how's her milk
production yet. Jassine lost her baby, but her milk may stop before
your babies are born."

"Oh good," she was glad to hear there were several possibilities and
her smile was genuine. The one who'd lost her own child would best if
she didn't dry up. "Do you have a nursery worker selected for them
yet?" She didn't feel she needed to personally approve at the
beginning fully trusting the headwoman's judgement.

"Not officially, but I'm leaning towards widow Myldrun. She's
experienced, her own children are grown up and she has the right kind
of patient, steady nerved personality," Zelanka replied. "And since
she doesn't have husband and her children don't need her any longer,
she can dedicate all her time for you and your babies."

Benani nodded. "I'll trust you on that Zelanka, you know the best
thing for the children." She paused and added, "As you always have."
It was a small peace offering she knew but she couldn't get fully past
the changes in her world view. At least this was a tentative step in
the right direction.

"Thank you. I have always valued your good will," Zelanka said, bowing
her head. She had to blink her eyes rapidly to keep the tears away.

An unbidden vision rose in Benani minds eye of a young girl (herself)
standing with her father near her mother's grave. In her mind she'd
always thought the woman's hand she'd held that day was Yanley's. Yet
now she realize that no, the woman who'd provided comfort to the 5
turn old girl that day hadn't been her sister but the headwoman.

She lifted her head and gave her a trembling smile. "I know Zelanka
and I'm sorry for the way I acted."

"It was hard on you, have your image of your father shattered like
that," Zelanka said with understanding.

She nodded mutely. Always there, always understanding, always caring
for them all. It wasn't really hard to see the leap her father must
have at some point. Zelanka was a good woman. Even after his death
she'd never breathed a word. "I can see so many things more clearly
now."

"I'm glad to hear it," Zelanka murmured, hoping that they could repair
their relationship.

"Thank you," she said to the Headwoman with many shades of meaning
behind her thanks. "My sister Yanley will probably be here to help
with the birth so if there are any decisions to make, you can apply to
her."

Zelanka nodded. "Yanley knows what she is doing."

Benani nodded. "Well then, perhaps you can see if we have those
cradles and that they are in good repair. I would appreciate that very
much."

"Yes, My lady," Zelanka smiled, happy that they were talking again.

Last updated on the January 14th 2012

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A Tentative Peace