Small Favors

Writers: Miriah, Paula
Date Posted: 15th September 2012

Characters: Karhal, Zelanka
Description: Karhal asks Zelanka for a small favor.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 9, day 22 of Turn 6

Karhal

Karhal hated to ask for favors, but he was hoping Zelanka
would grant this one. It wasn't much to ask, he hoped.
He approached the Headwoman's office door and
rapped on it, waiting for her to answer.

"Come in, please," Zelanka called. She had her desk filled
with hides and she was trying to make sense of the numbers.
She was really missing Mariss. The former steward's daughter
had had such a good head for numbers. Too bad she had
followed her father back to Amethyst Cliff hold.

Karhal entered promptly, closing the door quietly behind him.
He looked at the hides all over her desk and felt an immediate
sympathy. His was much the same. "Excuse the interruption,
Zelanka, but I needed to inquire about a possible favor." He
looked up, clearing his throat. "It's not large, and I do think it
would be beneficial for everyone."

"I'm always happy to do favours for you..unless it's something
impossible," Zelanka replied with a smile and leaving herself a
back door. She gestured the Captain to sit down.

He sat and shook his head. "I'd never ask the impossible of you."
He gave a slight smile. "No, I'd like to give you the remainder
of Orhla's clothing and some of her other tidbits she left behind
to distribute to people who could use them. " He rubbed
the back of his neck and then continued, coming to the real
crux of the matter. "And...our home. Give it to a newly married
I'll have a cot there. I don't need much else." That was what he
was sure she'd balk on, and he mentally steeled himself
for a maternal lecture.

Zelanka clicked her tongue disapprovingly. "You know that won't do.
You need your privacy like everyone else and that storage is hardly
wide enough for a proper bed. Besides, you would be tempted to work
yourself death too close to your office. Why not have a proper room
where you can unwind? There's actually more available for singles
than to others. It's the families I have difficulties to house."

Karhal almost felt as though he was facing down his mother, an odd
position for the Captain. He shifted as she hit a little close to the truth,
especially regarding his work. He spoke in what he hoped was a
soothing voice. "Now, Zelanka...It wouldn't be that bad...."

"Yes, it would be. It's out of the question," Zelanka said with a note of
finality. "Don't argue with me unless you like your klah cold," she gave
him a stern look.

"I doubt Zathris would appreciate me arresting his Headwoman for
cruelty." A smile glimmered around his mouth as he
held up his hands. "Alright. No arguments, even though it makes
complete sense. You win." He put down his hands and eyed her
ruefully. "As long as you handle the klah, I'm at your mercy."

"He values a good klah too," Zelanka said with a little, mischievous
smile. "I always win. Now, what do you think of this? It's a cozy little
room with small bathroom," she showed the room she was offering
from the hide that had the hold's layout drawn.

"I see that." Karhal shook his head but smiled, then leaned over
to eye the drawing. "It's fine. Honestly, Zelanka, I don't care
where you stick me as long as it's quiet."

"Oh, Karhal, Karhal, what I'm going to do with you?" she shook
her head and there was honest concern in her voice. She handed
him a key. "It's free right away so just carry your things in."

His brow arched at her and his lips twitched slightly as he rolled
his shoulders. "Nothing much to do, I suppose." His plucked the
keys from her hand and tucked them in the pocket of his trousers
and rose out of his seat. The fact that the cot was already in
his storage room made it easier to accept his lost argument here
with grace and humor. What she didn't know wouldn't hurt her.
"Thank you."

"Anytime, Karhal, anytime," Zelanka said, quite determined to keep an eye on him.

Last updated on the September 24th 2012

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Small Favors