Another Heart Calls

Writers: Halyonix
Date Posted: 21st November 2024

Characters: Nirian
Description: Nirian dreams of something other than this life.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 3, day 11 of Turn 12

Notes:
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Her arms were laden with corks. Bags of them. Unused, they smelled like chalky wood, if there was such a thing. Nirian liked it better when they were used and smelled of wine. At least unused there was no risk of her getting a wine stain on her clothes. She had a particular fondness for that day's shirt. It was tailored just right for her.

She deposited her load on the table in the workspace where the vintners did most of their experimentation. "You're not supposed to be in here!" Kalind immediately told her. "Vintners only, remember?"

"Then you can get your own sharding corks next time," Nirian shot back. She cocked her hip and crossed her arms over her chest, a move that showed all sorts of curves and usually made Kalind -- and most other men -- forget what they were complaining about. "Really, Kalind? Sticking to that old line? You didn't act all sanctimonious about your precious craft secrets when you had me bent over the table that one time."

Her words hit. Kalind turned the color of pinot. Huffed, embarrassed. Waved towards an empty barrel. "Drop them in there please." Nirian smirked in small victory.

It was work an apprentice should be doing but who knew where those dimglow boys were. Probably sneaking into the wine storage vault again. Nirian had caught the newest one there twice already, nursing a skin with a buddy, giggling as only buzzed teenagers could. A swift kick to both of their rears had sent them scrambling.

But it was work that got out her out of other responsibilities. Let her see something different for once. Even if just for a moment. Which Nirian took her time extending, slowly emptying the bags into the barrel while her eyes looked over the small batch vats. What vintage was in them now? Maybe a summer shandy? Or a citron-infused white? Maybe another batch of that dark red that had hints of klah the masters had made a few Turns ago. That one had been a good one to sip while reading a book late at night.

"You're taking an awful long time dumping off a few bags of corks," Kalind muttered.

"Don't act like you aren't enjoying the view," Nirian replied saucily. She knew she was beautiful, luscious. Even if she was doing mindless chores, she was still dressed to attract. She turned heads when she walked into the room and did it on purpose. It gave her a thrill, contradictory feelings of both freedom and control.

If only her lovely looks got her somewhere in life that wasn't serving drinks in a bar in Amber Hills.

Old argument, old thoughts. An internal monologue that chafed like a garment too tight. She suppressed a sigh and finished up her task. Maybe that evening, when the bar opened, that sexy bluerider would come back for drinks. He was an incorrigible flirt but he had brains where it counted. Nirian appreciated a man who knew how to use the space between his ears as well as what was in his pants.

"See you 'round, Kalind," Nirian said with a saucy swing of her hips as she finished up and left. She didn't need to look over her shoulder to know that the journeyman had turned to watch her leave.

Maybe that greenrider with the books would come back soon, Nirian hoped quietly as she walked. She was nearly done with her current stack. Or maybe her blasted bluerider brother would come back for a day and offer to take her somewhere interesting. It was the least he could do, remembering his family even though he had a dragon. While the sister he left behind...

No, she wasn't going to fall into that same resentment trap. Not today. At least, not when it came to her brother.

She paused to stare out the window for a moment. The vineyards were in their wintering phase, the vines bare, waiting for that turn of spring to burst back into green. Why did that feel like her life? Forever in winter, waiting for a spring to arrive. Nirian suppressed another sigh. It was so stupid of her to keep dreaming like this and yet she did.

She checked her reflection in the pane. Fluffed her dark hair. Checked the drape of her shirt. One day. She had to keep believing that. One day, her fortunes would turn. She would make something more than well mixed drinks. She wouldn't end up like all of the other women, popping out babies. Stuck in motherhood. She would leave Amber Hills on an adventure. Make a new life, a beautiful, thrilling life somewhere.

"Nirian!" someone called crankily. It sounded like one of the other journeymen, Falinor. Probably looking for the special order wineglasses he liked.

She rolled her eyes. "Coming!" she shouted back.

One day.

Last updated on the December 10th 2024

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Another Heart Calls