A Proper Celebration

Writers: Eimi, Kelly
Date Posted: 10th June 2010

Characters: Shadux, Shulen
Description: Shadux and Shulen arrange to meet at the tavern to celebrate Shadux's birthday.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 9, day 19 of Turn 5

Shadux caught just the glimpse of a shadow pass across the door, but by
the sheer size he could guess who it was. "Shulen!" he called, getting
up from behind his allocated desk to follow the mason.

Shulen stopped and turned, offering the assistant steward a smile.
"Shadux. Did you need something?"

"Well, two things, really. First, I know I asked you before, but I
was hoping you might have time sometime this sevenday to take a look at
that nook I was telling you about." Shadux's room had a rather long slit
that had very deliberately been built into the wall at one time or
another, creating a little space which perhaps had been a display area,
or even a little decorative window at one time that had been walled up.
It had always been a bit of a mystery, really, but also a source of
annoyance since all it was good for in his hands was gathering dust and
spinners webs. "I would really like to know if there was a way to
carve notches for shelves into the stone so I can put the space to some
sort of practical use."

Shulen nodded. "Of course." Work always trailed off in the winter, and
he was just as happy to have something to do.
"Whenever you have a moment to show me and point out how you'd like
it done, I'd be happy to. But you said two things?"

"Well, yes actually. I was wondering if you might be free tonight.
See, it was my birthday day before yesterday, and since there was work
the next day, I couldn't really celebrate properly, but tonight me and
some of the lads are going to pop over to the tavern for a pint or two."
Or three or four. They had the whole restday to recover, after all.
"Would you join us?"

"I've never said no to the tavern before," Shulen
said. "And a birthingday deserves a proper celebration. I'd be
happy to join you."

"Are you sure your pretty wife can spare you?"
Shadux knew how newlyweds could pine for each other, even
after only a night apart.

"I think she can manage for one night," Shulen said,
though he made a mental note to not stay as
late as he had in the past, and to let Glena know before he went.
She would appreciate that.

"Must be nice having a woman at home to pine away for you,"
his friend grinned knowingly.

"Has its moments," Shulen admitted with an answering grin. "When are you
going to get around to trying it?"

"Eh, who knows," Shadux shrugged. "Zela's been trying to marry me off
for Turns. I guess I haven't found a girl yet to really strike my
fancy. They're pretty to look and fun to dance with, but I want one I
can talk to."

"She'll come along someday," Shulen said.

"I'm more than happy to wait," his friend assured him. "Marriage is
quickly followed by children, and that's something I can do without at
the moment."

Now that Shulen could sympathize with. "Children do seem to make a mess
of things, don't they?"

"Well, once you have a child, there's no going back, is there? I mean,
once they're born, you're going to be stuck taking care of them for
turns. Suddenly everything is about them. You better really _want_
that." And for the moment Shadux couldn't imagine giving up his freedom
so willingly.

Shulen didn't really like to think about that unhappy eventuality,
though thankfully his wife seemed no more eager than he. "There's a
toast for tonight," he said. "Another year without children."

"Never a truer word," Shadux nodded. "You'll make your way to the
tavern then? I'm thinking as soon as the evening meal is finished."

Shulen nodded. "I'll see you there," he promised.

Last updated on the June 12th 2010

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A Proper Celebration