Back to Normal...Almost

Writers: Chelle, Miriah
Date Posted: 9th December 2012

Characters: Chupsin, Karhal
Description: Karhal comes to tell him that the investigation is complete.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 11, day 2 of Turn 6
Notes: Mentioned: Alivya

Karhal

The healer had finally returned to duty after some sevendays off. He
was quiet and he generally kept conversations to business matters but
it was clear that the rest of the Hold was curious. Chupsin himself
was waiting to hear what the guards had decided about the matter. His
whole life hinged upon it-whether or not he would have anything left.

Walking quietly into the infirmary, Karhal glanced around at the
collection of healers, then headed directly to Chupsin, his boots
clicking softly on the floor. Well aware of the curious eyes that followed
him, he exhaled softly in irritation and no small amount of empathy for
Chupsin's situation. He spoke quietly to the Healer as he drew near.
"Chupsin, may I have a word, please?"

Of course he immediately recognized the voice and what it meant.
Wanting to get it over with and know where he stood again, he nodded.
Leading Karhal into his office, he shut the door and then slid into his
seat. "How can I help you, Karhal?" His voice was even, but tired.

Karhal recognized the tiredness as something he himself had suffered
and resolved to make this brief. "I thought you might like to know that
there'll be no further investigation. There's no blame but for nature."
He paused and looked closely at the man across from him, and felt his
jaw twitch, then spoke softly. "It takes time."

"I thank you for your speed in getting this done," Chupsin replied, not
knowing what else to say. He was tired of the pitying looks. He hadn't
loved her-not like they thought. He had never met the child. He was free
to choose now-to choose the woman he wanted, not the woman he had
gotten pregnant. And still, he woke up in a cold bed and did not like it.

"It's my job." Karhal shrugged stiffly. "I wanted it done just as quickly."

"Can I go and retrieve my things then?" Chupsin had gotten what he needed
but the bulk of his belongings had been left behind and he was anxious to
have them in his hands again.

"Of course you may. They're being kept in the guard's office. I can fetch
them if you like."

"You don't have to. I can get some of my nephews to help me gather them up.
The lads probably need a good tasking anyway. Will you be there for a few
candlemarks?" At this point, his mind was screaming that this would be
closure. He could focus on other things then and Alivya's absence wouldn't
be right in his face.

"Yes, I will be. You can send them at any time." He paused and tilted his
head at Chupsin, observing him for a moment, then deciding to let it go. He
wasn't one to commiserate with anyone, especially over any perceived sorrow.

"May I ask one thing? Did you speak to her family? How were they?" He'd seen
them at the ceremony, but had only shared a few words. There was nothing he
could do for them, really, but he'd make sure to provide them with care as
he was able.

Nodding, Karhal spoke quietly. "I have spoken to them. They are taking it
hard, of course. Many of their questions can't be answered and that'll be
rough on
them. It always will be, especially since it was so sudden. It will take
them a while
to start healing."

"I suppose they don't want to speak to me. I wasn't really part of the
family
just yet. It wasn't long enough.." And with that, it was painfully clear how
awkward this was. Chupsin hoped Karhal would sense it and just go. Usually
good guards could read situations.

"I don't know how they feel about speaking to you." Karhal shrugged.
"They didn't say." Karhal easily read Chupsin's body language and gave
a slight incline of his head. "I'll have your things ready whenever you come
to collect them. Have a good evening."

Last updated on the February 11th 2013

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