Before I Call It a Day

Writers: Ames, Noli
Date Posted: 1st August 2013

Characters: Wirnan, Lendera
Description: Wirnan goes back to work.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 1, day 18 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentor Approved

Wirnan

He still wasn't feeling his best, but he'd been away from his offices
for far too long. He knew the understeward had been taking care of
things, but now he had to figure out exactly where everything was.

Sipping the warm tea he'd gotten helped ease the soreness he still
felt in his throat. He'd not had a cold that knocked him out that
badly in quite some Turns.

He was tired already and he'd only been here just over two
candlemarks. How was he going to make it through the day? Wirnan had
to stop for a bit when a spout of coughing over took him. The amount
of coughs had diminished but they were still bothering him. The
healers had suggested various things to help, but the sharding cold
just wouldn't let up completely.

Lendera was in deep thought as she made her way down the halls to the
Steward's office. The healers had prescribed tea and soup for the
man's cold, and Lendera had immediately volunteered to deliver it. She
was concerned about the reports of Wirnan's sickness. Although she
hadn't really known him all that well prior to Turn's Beginning, and
hadn't spoken to him since, she felt curiously invested in his
well-being. Lendera felt a glimmer of amusement at the thought.

She reached Wirnan's office then. Balancing the tray carefully on one
hip, she gave the door a gentle tap.

"Come in," he called out and then started coughing. He wished this
cough would go away. It was getting better, but he'd been told to take
it easy still for the next sevenday. He should probably go home and
rest, but he wanted to finish out the half-day he'd planned.

She winced as she opened the door and witnessed his wracking cough.
She noted with concern that he appeared pale, and his clothes seemed
to hang too loosely on his frame. She wondered how much he had been
eating.

"Faranth! Well, I brought you something for that, Steward. We'll get
you fixed up in no time." She kept her tone upbeat, hoping to cheer
him. He looked positively miserable.

Setting the tray within close reach, she gently poured Wirnan a cup of
the healing tea. Then she bustled around his desk, carefully moved the
hides he had spread out in front of him, and set a crock of soup
squarely under his nose. She motioned for him to lean back so that she
could lay a cloth across his lap. Then she stood back and crossed her
arms, waiting for him to begin eating. She was going to be sure he
received some nourishment before she took her leave. She smiled
encouragement, but kept quiet.

He looked up when the door opened and smiled. Lendera. She had been so
kind and helpful when he needed a friend. He allowed her to set him up
for the food. When she was finished, he said simply, "Thank you." Then
he moved towards the crock of soup and began to eat. It tasted
delicious. After a few bites he noticed she was still standing.

"Why don't you sit down. I could use a break from the work and
wouldn't mind some company." He motioned to the chair across from him.

She sank heavily into the seat. She was tired, now that he mentioned
it. She had been working for many candlemarks already, and the day was
far from over.

Hesitant to start a conversion when he was finally eating, she
nonetheless felt the compulsion to speak.

"How have you doing, Wirnan? I haven't seen you around the Hold." She
tried to keep the reproach from her voice. After all, the Steward had
many responsibilities, even without the illness.

"I'm better now," he replied to her first question. "I haven't been
around the Hold much since the start of the Turn. I had to travel to
some of the nearby cotholds, which lead to this," he pointed to his
chest. "I swear this cough just took all the energy out of me for days
on end. It's quite nice to actually be able to work again, even if
it's just for a half day." He paused again and then looked at her. "I
never did get to thank you properly for your help at Turn's End. You
were there when I needed someone the most. That meant a lot to me."

She felt a flood of pleasure at his obvious gratitude. Leaning forward
in her chair slightly, she held his gaze firmly. "It was my pleasure,
Wirnan. If ever I can do anything to help, all you have to do is ask."
Then, feeling slightly embarrassed at the force behind her words she
flashed a smile. "Although I'm glad you are back in quarters with
proper bathing facilities. You made quite the mess with that
washbasin." She winked goodnaturedly.

He looked up, shocked at her words ready to apologize profusely. Then
he saw her wink. Wirnan actually chuckled. It felt good to laugh
again. He hadn't felt much like laughing for quite some time.

"Well, you know proper bathing facilities are a must if one wants to
avoid a mess." He paused then added just to make sure, "_Did_ I truly
leave things a mess for you? I am sorry if I did."

Lendera felt instantly guilty for her teasing. "Of course not. You were fine."

They sat in silence for a few moments. Then, hesitantly, she asked the
question she knew was probably better avoided. "Is everything alright
at home, Wirnan? With your wife, I mean?"

He paused in his eating and simply looked at her. Then he sighed. "I
guess you picked up on that, eh?" He shrugged. "Things could be
better. They could also be worse." He knew it wasn't a great answer.
Kaya had been helpful while he was recovering, but he still found that
what hope he had that there would ever be love between them seemed to
have died with the Turn's End celebrations. Camaraderie perhaps, but
love?

"If you ever need to talk to someone..." Her voice trailed off.
Lendera wasn't really sure why she made the offer. She just knew that
she enjoyed his company and their conversations, and that she wanted
to be there for him if he needed a friend. Lendera knew that she was
treading dangerous ground by involving herself in a marital problem,
but she couldn't help it. She cared.

He smiled, a genuine smile, "Thank you Lendera. You have no idea how
much I appreciate that." She was kind, sweet, and welcoming.
Everything he'd hoped for in his own wife someday, but hadn't found.
He pushed that thought away for now, yet it was still there in the
back of his mind.

"I'd best be getting back to work now, as I only have a short time
left before I'll have to call it a day," he told her. He didn't like
having to work shorter days, but that has also been part of his
recovery plan.

She smiled. "I understand. Make sure you get your rest now!" As she
left, she decided that she would check on him again soon.

Last updated on the September 3rd 2013

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Before I Call It a Day