The Perfect Reason

Writers: Dana, Eimi
Date Posted: 4th December 2006

Characters: Larken, Ojisan
Description: Larken takes the first step in honoring her vow
Location: Harper Hall
Date: month 1, day 6 of Turn 4

Balancing the plate of fruit tarts on one hand, Larken smoothed the wrinkles from the front of her skirt before raising her hand to knock. She had vowed she was going to be an honorable wife and forget the brief, exhilarating sevendays of passion she had experienced. And so here she was, honoring that vow.

She was dressed nicely in an outfit that M'tone had once described as "frustratingly modest". Compared to what she'd seen other women in the Weyr wear, she supposed that it was true. Her blouse hardly showed any cleavage, but it accentuated her figure well enough, and she knew Ojisan liked this particular shirt on her. And she'd also swept her long, dark hair out of her face to fall in a neat braid down her back. It made her look young, but Larken knew her husband liked this too, for whatever reason. To complete it all, she'd decided to bring him his favorite treats from the kitchens--a plateful, just in case he wasn't alone in the workroom.

Hearing the gitar stop thrumming, she quickly took advantage of the resounding silence and knocked.

"Larken!" Ojisan's face lit up in surprise as he watched his wife slip into the room. "What are you doing here?"

"I thought you might want an afternoon snack to get you through the last few candlemarks," she smiled, setting the plate down on the only uncluttered spot on the table. "I know you've said they tend to drag on the longest."

"That they do," he nodded, touched that she had been so thoughtful. "I think this is the first time you've been down here since we moved to the Weyr."

She kept her face a mask of sweet innocence. "I found I had some free time this afternoon." Then she glanced around at the ordered chaos of hides strewn across every available space, along with writing utensiles and song books. "Is all of this yours? Or do other men practice in here with you?"

"Oh, I'm still only a Journeyman, love. I am not so important as to have a space of my own, unfortunately." And despite his talent, it didn't seem as though he'd be getting his master knots any time soon.

"It shouldn't be too long now. I've heard you play. I've seen you play."
Gracefully she sank into the chair near his, scooting it up so she could be closer to him. Leaning over, she peered at the songbook on his music stand. "What are you practicing?"

"Just a finger exercise. It's to help me improve my reaches. They still need a little work. I have to keep my fingers flexible and nimble." Pretty typical stuff, in Ojisan's mind. But he liked that she was showing a little curiosity. "Here, let me demonstrate."

She watched, admittedly a little curious about it. Or at least that was what she was telling herself. Then as his finger strained further up one of the strings, she winced, seeing how it shook as he let the sound die away. "It hurts, doesn't it?" she asked quietly, pointing to that one finger. "Tonight I'll rub some warm oil on it."

"My whole hand hurts after a day of practicing these," Ojisan shrugged, though he had a slightly smug smile. Well, she was certainly being very attentive. It was very sweet.

"Then I'll rub it into your whole hand," she murmured, lightly running a finger over the back of his knuckles.

"You take good care of me, Larken." And shards but she looked beautiful. He reached up to stroke her cheek softly, his eyes showing his appreciation for her attentiveness.

She accepted the caress demurely, meeting his eyes for a moment before smiling and looking down. It was the tender look he bestowed on her that helped reinforce her decision. She was doing the right thing. She was. Then her eyes flickered to his again, a new, soft heat was in them that hadn't been there before. "Would it be too...improper...for me to kiss you here?"

Ojisan looked around the room. He knew they were alone, but it was a reflex. The journeyman was certainly not Weyrbred. Certain things should not be done in sight of others. But it seemed they were all alone. He leaned in and kissed her lips softly, though he certainly didn't pull back right away. Even after five Turns together, it was amazing just how intoxicating she could be.

Larken returned the kiss, taking it just a little deeper before gently pulling away. "You won't be home too late tonight, will you?"

Her husband couldn't help the silly grin on his face as he leaned in to kiss her lightly once more. "No, my love. In fact, I think I'll be leaving a little early tonight."

"Good." A teasing grin flitted across her lips. "Because there's a bottle of warm, rubbing oil waiting for you. And a good, hot meal too."

And her. The perfect reason to go home early. "I will come as soon as possible."

Last updated on the December 7th 2006

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

The Perfect Reason