A Tentative Truce

Writers: Suzee, Heather
Date Posted: 3rd December 2013
Series: The Unwanted Sister

Characters: Arippa, Reven
Description: The estranged couple makes a tentative truce.
Location: Green Valley Hold
Date: month 4, day 3 of Turn 7
Notes: Follows "Rumors"

Arippa

Reven

When she woke she shivered in the morning chill, the bed was cold
without Reven and she hadn't slept well. When her maid arrived to pull
the curtains she could see her eyes widened at the unslept in side of
the bed that normally held the Holder. But she endeavored to continue
to do her job and refrain from noticing anything out of the ordinary.

Arippa was grateful for the woman's training and sensitivity and rose
as she normally did to dress for the day.

"Should I have a breakfast tray brought up ma'am?"

"No think you Pastrela," Arippa replied. "I'll go down to breakfast."
She wasn't going to give rise to more rumors by sulking in her room.
Looking in her mirror while the maid arranged her hair, she could see
the evidence of her weeping the night before. Her eyes were rimmed
with red and dark circles bore proof of her sleepless night. Her
normally porcelain complexion looked blotchy. She reached for her
cosmetics and did her best to cover the ravages.

When she was (at least partially) satisfied with the results, she took
a deep breath and descended the stairs. Entering the dining room, she
took her seat.

She sat for a moment looking at the cloud filled skies and the windows
streaked with rain that seemed to reflect her own mood.

Reven arrived at the Dining Hall in much the same mood as his wife. It
was the first time he had slept in a cold, empty bed since his wedding
night to Arippa. Waking up to lonely sheets had not been fun, nor had
been the accusing looks he was receiving as he passed through the
corridors. In a short time the people of Green Valley had come to,
inevitably, love their new lady, and now that rumors were out that he
was causing problems in their marriage, Reven had automatically become
the bad guy in the situation.

**Typical.** He thought. He hadn't even done anything wrong. For once
in his life he was innocent of the charges that were being laid
against him and in his opinion. He shouldn't have to argue or plead
with Arippa. It was a marriage, and if she couldn't trust him then
they weren't going to have much of a relationship either way.

He had to exhale slowly when he saw Arippa already seated at the
table. They usually came down to breakfast together so he was sure
that it was quite noticeable to everyone that all was nice perfect in
paradise.

"Good morning." He said as he took his seat beside her.

"Good morning," she replied pleasantly mindful of the watching eyes
and listening ears that were surely turned in their direction.

"Well, I slept horrible, how about you?" Reven said this with a
pleasant facial expression, as if he and his lady were having no
trouble at all. After all, he didn't want to create even more rumors
by seeming unpleasant at breakfast.

"Thank you Loy," she said as a filled plate was placed in front of
her. "And toast," she requested. When the server had gone she took a
deep breath but kept her face pleasant as she looked at her husband.
"Lousy."

Reven studied his wife's beautiful face, finding for not the first
time, that Arippa had become one of his favorite people to spend time
with. Granted, this whole "affair" business had certainly put a kink
in that. "I didn't do it, Arippa, I swear." His voice was earnest as
he looked at her, his spoonful of hot cereal frozen in his hand.

She searched his eyes for a moment. This declaration of his innocence
was far different than the one he'd made last night. Her hand moved
from her own lap to his hand with a small squeeze. "Alright," she
nodded. "I believe you." She couldn't say that she had no doubts but
she had to believe him, she made the choice to believe him.

Relief coursed through Reven. He didn't know if she fully meant what
she said, but it was a lot better than the situation had been the
night before. He needed Arippa to believe him, even if no one else
did, because she was his wife, partner, and ally. "Thank you." He
squeezed her hand in return.

She nodded and turned her eyes back to her plate. She was
uncomfortable trying to talk about things in front of the staff. "I
love you," she said softly, not caring that they could overhear that.
Looking out the window she sighed. "I wish it wasn't raining so hard,
we could go for a ride."

After a night without his wife Reven had a different kind of ride in
mind, "Yes, that would have been nice." He agreed, even though he knew
that he had a meeting scheduled for that morning that could not be
cancelled, "Why don't we take lunch in our quarters?" Reven suggested.

A soft smile curved her lips. "I would like that," she said.

Last updated on the March 26th 2014

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A Tentative Truce