Stand For Me?

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

Characters: Karhal, Daimhin
Description: Karhal asks Daihmin to do a favor for him.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 2, day 11 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Loella

Karhal

Karhal waited until Daihmin appeared for his shift and had a steaming
pot of klah waiting when the man arrived. There was a serious
expression on his face as his office door opened.

Daihmin flashed his cheeky grin at his Captain.

"Oh dear. Am I getting a pay downgrade or are we just bound to discuss
that canine again?"

It was very light and amused. Underneath, though, a small worm of
terror turned, in case his less...acceptable feelings had been rooted
out.

Brows shot up and Karhal's lips lifted slightly at Daihmin's usual
cheek. "No, nothing that severe." He poured a cup of klah and offered
it to him. "I wanted to ask you something."

Relief made him silly, and he mock-staggard. "Oh no, the horror! I
hope nothing to match that face, or I may have to run in terror
anyway. Despite the joshing, he was paying serious attention as he
reached for the offered drink.

Karhal snorted and shook his head. "You may want to run anyway." He
sat on the corner of the desk. "I'm going to ask Loella's father for
permission for her hand." He looked up at Daihmin. "If he consents,
I'd like you to stand with me."

The cup made a soft click against the wood of the desk.
"Yes, of course."
There was no humor. Not even his usual curiosity. Those could both wait 'til
later. This was important.
"And congratulations."

"Thank you." Karhal nodded and finally gave a relieved smile. "But of
course, it is up to her father."

"And he would turn down such a suitable suitor why?"
He winked. "The girl clearly wants you, Karhal. Don't be so self effacing."

Karhal shrugged. "I doubt he'll deny his consent. He and I have always
been on good terms and Loella has turned down so many others." He sat
back down and rubbed his temple. "But I have a problem."

"Ah"
Daihmin allowed a smidge of his usual impish behaviour to shine through.
"Now I know why you wanted me! Spill, sir."

Karhal sighed and pressed his fingers to his temple. "She loves me but
she's so innocent. " He didn't often open up, but Daihmin was one of
the few male friends that he considered close. "It's...been a while,
Daihmin. You know what it was like with Orhla. I didn't have to worry
about matters with her. But Loella is so...tiny. Shards, man..." He
pinched the bridge of his nose. "I want her, but...she's so damned
tiny..."

Daihmin's mobile left eyebrow crept right up to his hairline at that. It

was a nice distraction for the sudden blush that colonized his cheeks.
It wasn't the topic- he threw around worse on gather nights quite
glibly- but the unexpectedness of the man it came from.

"Women are made for men, and Men for women, Captain. I wouldn't
distress yourself too much over it."

Karhal gave a grunt of acknowledgement as a reply and rubbed his
temple before he sighed. "I suppose you're right."

Very softly, he continued:
"She wants you, man. *You*, not just anyone. That's one of the best
things this existence can offer."

A quick flash of smile lightened it
"Don't overthink it to death. Its not some overnight bust. Its your heart."

"Oh believe me, I know she wants me." Karhal gave a slight smile, but
didn't reply about the heart comment. He wasn't sure how he felt
emotionally. He liked Loella, wanted her, enjoyed spending time with
her, but was unwilling to delve further into those feelings. He turned
to Daihmin and tilted his head. "And how about you, Daihmin? You've
been wandering about like a man who's a bit lost."

"I'm sure you do"

He added another mischievous grin. He tried not to let it fall as
rapidly or as suddenly as it wanted to at the words that followed.

"Oh, you know me. Look lost enough and all the girls run to help you."

One of Karhal's brows rose. "Hmm. Especially a certain one that has
been giving you long looks when she thinks no one is looking."

"Oh yes?" Quick, casual eyebrow twitch. "I like to think there's
usually more then one, dear Captain!"

Karhal's response was dry. "Nice evasion." He shook his head and rose.
"Just be careful, Daihmin."

"I try for honorable instead." He answered softly.
"Which sucks at times, but looks good at your final remembrance." He
shifted in his seat, uncomfortable with the turn of the conversation.
"How is that canine of yours?"

Karhal could understand that and he nodded. "It does indeed." He
shrugged and allowed the change in topic. "She's just fine. Whelped
and feeding her pups." He rose and offered a hand to Daihmin. "I'll
let Loella and her mother know. They can pester you with the plans."

"Oh well. At least it's pestering by lovely ladies!"
Almost, but not quite comfortably onto it, he tacked
"Let me know how the pups do, too."

"I will." Karhal nodded. "I'll let you get to your work now. It's time
for me to get some rest." He clapped the man lightly on the shoulder.

"If that's what they call it these days, sir..."
Daihmin couldn't resist the parting shot as he set out for his duties

Last updated on the September 3rd 2013

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