The Best Plans

Writers: Avery, Bree
Date Posted: 19th January 2006

Characters: Miralani, Ishek
Description: Miralani informs Ishek of the interesting conversation she had with the Smith Hallmaster.
Location: Garnet Valley Hold
Date: month 9, day 9 of Turn 3

Miralani didn't waste any time with pleasantries after she let herself into her brother's new office. She pulled up a chair and settled into it with a smile. "I have some interesting news."

Ishek looked up from his work and eagerly pushed the hidework away. "What is it?" he asked, noting her lack of greetings. **This should be good indeed.** he thought.

"I think the Smith Hallmaster wants to make me his next wife," she said lightly, as if the news weren't terribly abrupt and _very_ important.

Ishek blinked. "Errr... what?" he asked, just a bit confused. This was certainly important, seeing as it was his _sister_ and the Hallmaster. It would be a match of convenience, of course, but might put him closer to the Hallmaster, and he didn't know if he liked him. "Well, this is sudden. Care to tell me more?"

Miralani laughed as she leaned back. "I'm sorry, I wanted to see you get that confused look in your eyes... it's not often I get to confuse my big brother, after all." She smoothed her skirts over her legs and smiled. "It's true, though. I talked to him at the banquet... nothing overt or inappropriate, of course. But he _is_ the best connected man in the area who isn't related to me."

"So is it that he wishes to make you his wife, or are you angling to be his wife?" Ishek asked. "And what are the chances?"

"I believe both of us see the advantages that could come from such a match."
Miralani shrugged one shoulder. "He desires a new wife more than I desire a new husband, but I am not blind to the potential from that sort of husband."

Ishek nodded. "There certainly is much potential there. On the other hand, could you stand him?" he teased. "Could I stand him as a new family member?"
He felt safe joking with Miralani- she was the only other one to joke with.

"Can you stand him _not_ being a family member?" Miralani countered with a mischevious grin. "He seems to be... an interesting man. Don't you think having a little familial leverage would make your dealings with him so much easier?" "You know, you might have a point there." Ishek remarked. "On the other hand, would you be able to survive living with a man like him?"

Miralani laughed. "If he likes his clothing folded and his food warm, he'll straighten out quickly enough."

Ishek winced. "Yes, I think that would straighten any man out. But really, Miralani, do you _want_ to do this?"

Smiling, Miralani rose and circled her brother's desk, leaning down to kiss his forehead. "I married once for duty and was lucky enough to find love. I don't expect to be that lucky twice, so when I do marry, I want it to be someone who will be an advantage to my family. And this way, I'll always be close by. And I'll be able to use my influence as a wife to our advantage, Ishek."

"When you put it that way, I see the wisdom. You seem to have the knack for these things that I don't have. Perhaps it's you who deserves this job." he joked.

Miralani mussed her brother's hair affectionatly. "You can keep your job, Ishek. I just need to find you a lady who can take care of you as well as I do. I won't trust just anyone with the job, after all!"

Ishek laughed. "I'm glad that you're so concerned for me- though I wonder if anyone else can do the job for me. You've been doing so well for me ever since... since she died." He still couldn't quite say her name normally. "I don't know if I could break in anyone else." he said lighter.

"Ishek..." Miralani's face grew serious as she met her brother's eyes squarely. "People like us aren't supposed to find love. We marry for alliance and for status and for trade agreements... not for love. We both had love, even if we lost it... so the way I see it, we're already lucky.
Don't forget that."

Ishek nodded. "I suppose you're right." He sighed quietly. "I suppose I just wish that we could have marriages of love, as well. Perhaps I'm just being a romantic." He shook his head slightly. "Are you implying I should go looking for someone available with status now, then?"

"Don't be silly," Miralani replied with a sudden smile. "That's a loving sister's duty. Besides, it would take time to plan a Lord Warder's wedding, and you have to get _me_ married off first."

"So I still have some free time." he joked. "And really, I don't need a big wedding- though I suppose rank and circumstances demand it, don't they? As for your wedding, well, that will be nice to attend. Let's just hope it isn't too soon, I like you where you are right now."

"That's the best part, Ishek." She stood, smoothing her skirts out and resisting the urge to perform the same duty for her brother's hair. "If I marry the Smith Hallmaster, I'll never be far away."

Ishek nodded thoughtfully. "I can see the advantages in what you've proposed." he said. "Well, Miralani, if he does ask you to be his wife, I will certainly not oppose such a thing." He stood as well and smiled at her.

Miralani wrapped an arm around her brother's waist, giving him a fond hug.
"Don't worry, Ishek. It doesn't matter whose wife I am... you'll always be my first priority. I'll do whatever I must to help you with your new Hold, even if it means starving the Smith Hallmaster until he agrees to be more cheerful."

Ishek laughed. "That would be interesting to see. I'm not sure if that would make him more cheerful- well, maybe not immediately. But it's certainly a novel tactic. As always, you have the best plans." His tone was warm with affection for his sister.

"I know I do," she replied lightly. "Now I have another plan. Let's get you something to eat!"

Last updated on the January 19th 2006

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The Best Plans