My Way is Better

Writers: Mirren, Heather
Date Posted: 24th November 2015

Characters: Runnfreya, Torianna
Description: Life should be fun- apparently.
Location: Citrus Bay Hold
Date: month 3, day 10 of Turn 8

"Morning Ma." Torianna looked up from her embroidery and frowned. She couldn't imagine showing so much of her skin to anyone, much less everyone. "I've almost finished. Do you like it?" She held up her work for appraisal.

Runnfreya was in one of her simpler dresses that day, a bright coral in color, that was uncommonly high-cut in the front, but plunged nearly to her waist in the back, revealing an ample expanse of bronze skin. Her dark hair was braided loosely and hung over her shoulder with a pair of large, silver hoop earrings that winked brightly when they caught the sunlight.

"Oh, Torianna," her eyes lit as she bent to inspect her foster daughter's work, "it is absolutely beautiful." She touched her hand to the side of Torianna's face with affection.

The young woman beamed. "I had to unpick the fruit three times, but I think it was worth it." She didn't want to count how long it had taken to embroider the ship that sat in the centre of the piece, surrounded by vines and citrus fruit.

"I have had to completely scrap some embroidery and start all over again." It only took a single stitch to completely throw off an entire piece. Runnfreya straightened and strode over to the open window to look out. "Why aren't you down on the beach today with Runha?"

"I wanted to get this finished and I didn't want to get sunburnt." Like it or not, Torianna had to think about her future prospects, and abundant freckles or bright red skin probably wouldn't impress too many men.

Runnfreya felt for Torianna. She had never had trouble with the son, because of her natural bronze skin, and neither had her children. "I talked to Lady Xeladrie about finding you a suitor. She said she would keep her eyes open for someone suitable."

"Do you think Da will ever find anyone suitable?" Torianna asked. "And that he can be sure I'm not related to by blood." Personally, she wasn't in a hurry, but sooner or later she'd have to marry.

"We'll find someone. There's no rush anyway, you have plenty of time." Runnfreya smiled as she turned from the window to look at Torianna, "After all, we will only accept the best for our daughter."

"I know," she replied, "but I feel like everyone is watching all of a sudden, to see who it'll be. Then they'll be watching my belly. Then...it'll never end, will it?"

Runnfreya made a little face, "I'm afraid not. People are always interested in what others are doing. Just take it with a grain of salt." She walked over and smoothed her hand over Torianna's hair, "As long as you are happy it matters very little what anyone else thinks." It was the way Runnfreya lived her life.

"Naena says I should always regard what people think, because I'm representing the hold." Her milk mother had much more than that to say, but Torianna was smart enough to be discreet.

"Yes, well, my way is much more fun," Runnfreya lifted her eyebrows comically and tugged on a strand of Torianna's hair.

"Naena says fun is for people with - time to spend having fun." Actually her words were closer to 'too much time on their hands' but it didn't really need to be said. The woman's disapproval was obvious enough.

Runnfreya captured Torianna's chin in her hand, "You my, dear, have all the time in the world for fun. Life is short, make the most of it." She kissed the top of her foster daughter's head. "I have a luncheon to attend. I will see you at dinner."

"I should have this finished by then." Torianna nodded down at her work. "I'll just need to find a frame for it. And someone to give it to."

"By the time you are finished I am sure you will have decided who the owner of your beautiful work will be." Runnfreya said over her shoulder as she sashayed her way out of the room.

Last updated on the November 30th 2015

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My Way is Better