Approaching the Father

Writers: Eimi, Miriah
Date Posted: 2nd August 2013

Characters: Karhal, Ovanis
Description: Karhal approaches Loella's father.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 2, day 9 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Loella

Karhal

After his duty shift, Karhal approached the familiar home with a coil
of nervousness settling in his stomach. It was an unfamiliar and
uncomfortable feeling; he was more confident when he had asked
permission to court Loella, but this...this was far different. He took
a slow, deep breath, knocked on the door and stood straight, his hands
clasped behind his back.

"Yes, who is it?" a muffled male voice called from within.

"Karhal. Can I speak to you for a moment?"

"Come in, Karhal," Ovanis called, setting his drink down on the small
end table next to him as he put his thumb in his book. "But Loella
isn't here," he called, expecting that was really what his daughter's
suitor wanted to know.

"I know." Karhal nodded and sat on the other side of the man. "I came
to speak to you, Ovanis." Sitting straight, far more formal than usual
when speaking to the man. He had known him for Turns, liked him and
respected him. "I came to speak to you about Loella." He swallowed.
"Ovanis, I'd like your blessing to wed her."

This certainly gave the retired Master Healer pause, and he removed his
reading glasses to study the man. Was he serious? After so little
time? "What is the rush, Karhal?" His eyes narrowed a little
suspiciously.

Karhal held up in his hand in a placating gesture. "It's not what you
think, Ovanis, I swear to you on my word." He sat back a little and
continued. "We suit each other well enough and I've known her for
Turns. Why wait for something that I know will work?" His brow
furrowed. "And...I'm not getting any younger. Neither is she. " He
looked into the man's eyes. "We're a good match. I..feel for her very
strongly. More than I expected to."

"But are you sure my daughter will return your affections?" Ovanis asked
gently, very much aware that his youngest daughter had turned her nose
up at more than one young eager chap who imagined himself in love.

Karhal hid a smile and nodded. "Yes. We've discussed this. She's
accepting."

Ovanis' eyebrows raised in surprise. His daughter was actually
accepting a proposal? Hadn't she chased off every suitor in the past?
Well, it only took one to get through! "Then you'd best marry her
before she changes her mind."

He gave a low chuckle in response. "I need your consent for that,
Ovanis. And make arrangements that you feel are proper."

"Oh Karhal," Ovanis said with a shake of his head, "You will soon learn
when it comes to handfasting, the women make the plans. The father just
says yes or no. And I'm saying 'yes' to this preposterous idea of
yours, though I am not sure if I am being much of a friend to you." The
Healer knew his daughter's sharp tongue all too well.

There was another laugh and Karhal nodded, understanding completely.
"She is a bit...feisty. I learned that quickly." **In more ways than
one.** "But remember." He'd had little to do with he and Orhla's
handfasting. Her mother had taken over that with relish and all he had
done is stand back and let her have her way. He figured she would
attempt the same with Loella, but doubtless Loella would insist upon
far more input than her elder sister had. "Is there anything that you
will insist upon?"

"I insist on being invited, because I won't believe it until I see it
with my own eyes." Ovanis' tone softened. "But I will be proud to have
you as my son-in-law, Karhal. Again." But the Healer was not one to be
sentimental for long. "It shouldn't take too long to make the
arrangements. You and I will have some things to discuss, of course.
What does your family think of all this?"

Karhal blinked and a flicker of guilt crossed his face. "Oh shards..."
He hadn't even told his mother or his father he was courting anyone.
They lived far from the hold in their own cothold and his visits
lately were sporadic. "My mother is going to slaughter me...that's
what she's going to think..."

"Well, you best tell them! And if I know the ladies, they'll need time
to plot and plan and scheme... We can't rush these things, you know, as
much as we'd like to hasten that wedding night." Ovanis remembered how
it was to be a young man in love and looking forward to a wedding
night... "A few months at least. Can you wait that long?"

He cleared his throat and inclined his head. "We can wait, of course.
It's not an issue." He hoped they could wait, but it was becoming more
difficult. "A few months should not be a problem."

Ovanis had expected no less. "Good. That will give the women time to
worry about frills and dresses, and you and I time to discuss more
practical matters. Agreed?"

Karhal offered his hand. "Agreed."

Last updated on the September 3rd 2013

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Approaching the Father