Wrong woman

Writers: Eimi, Paula
Date Posted: 14th June 2006

Characters: Zelanka, Shadux
Description: Zelanka tries to help Shadux meet a new friend...
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 12, day 20 of Turn 3

Zelanka had asked her daughter, son-in-law and few other persons to have dinner with her. Those other people included assistant steward Shadux and young woman named Mimoona. She was a daughter of old friend of hers.
Her mother had sent Mimoona to her so Zelanka would teach her some useful skills, and find a husband for her. Shadux was one potential suitor that had instantly sprung to Zelanka's mind.

Zelanka gave the dinner table the last critical look and turned her attention to her husband. Petriv survived her inspection and got an approving nod. He was still fine looking man, lean and silver haired.

"Where do I put this salad-bowl, ma'am?" Mimoona asked, bringing the last few items to the table.

"Place it next to the salad dressing, dear, and stop calling me ma'am. It sounds so formal. Oona's daughter shouldn't call me ma'am. Zelanka or auntie Zelanka will do just fine."

"Hello, anyone home?" Shadux called, peeking his head inside the door with an impish grin. "I caught the smell of delicious food coming from this place and thought I'd better check it out..."

"Come in, Shadux, come in," Zelanka beamed. "Have you met, Mimoona? She is the latest addition to my staff."

"Nice to meet you, Mimoona," Shadux smiled and gave the girl a polite little bow. He cast an amused, though slightly accusing glance in the Headwoman's direction. The young man had learned her little plots. He should have known this would be another one. "Have you come to us from Amethyst Cliff?"

"No, I came from Canyon River Hold," Mimoona replied, sounding amused.

"Ah, a true fosterling?" he asked with a broad grin. "Finding one of you is rare in these parts, especially with so many refugees around the Hold."

"Mother thought that seeing the life in major hold would do me good," Mimoona replied.

Zelanka's daughter, grand-daughter and son-in-law arrived.
"Are we late?" Pelanka asked.

"Not at all, dears," Zelanka replied. For a moment, the room was full of noises and bustling, when Mimoona was introduced, people greeted each other and exchanged latest news. Finally, Zelanka got everyone seated at the table and started serving food.

"Do you want wine, Shadux?" she asked.

"Yes please," he nodded. "Zelanka has the best taste in wine, Mimoona. Do you drink?"

"Just a little," the young woman replied.

Zelanka poured everyone, well, except her granddaughter, who got juice.
Petriv and Tarvon were soon deep in discussion of this springs foals and calves. Zelanka talked with her daughter, which left Shadux and Mimoona.

The assistant steward couldn't help but notice the 'convenient' pairing.
"So, tell me about life at your Hold."

"It's pretty dull one," Mimoona was suddenly shy, or just playing demure. Zelanka didn't know her well enough to know which one.

"Well... What does your father do?" he asked helpfully, trying to keep the conversation going.

"Grows crops. All kind of, grain, hops, fruits..."

"It sounds a lot like Amber Hills. You must feel right at home," Shadux smiled.

"Yes, this place is beautiful, but bit more crowded that I expected," the girl replied.

"Mimoona was unfortunate enough to arrive just after the refugees from Amethyst Cliff hold," Zelanka told.

**That's true. Things sure have grown a bit cramped...** Shadux thought. "Well, soon the Vintners and Woodsmiths will have their own Halls and that will relieve the crowding."

"I hope so, so far it's been like: oh, you're the new fosterling? Find a corner to wait and don't get in the way," Mimoona complained.

Zelanka frowned.

Shadux glanced at the Headwoman out of the corner of his eye. "Yes, I suppose it must be overwhelming to come to a new place where everyone seems so busy taking care of so many people and you don't know where you are supposed to fit in just yet. But you will. You'll find _plenty_ of
new people as lost and lonely as I'm sure you must feel."

"Whatever," The young woman replied.

Oh yes, this one was a keeper. He gave Zelanka an amused smile. "I'm sure the Headwoman will find all sorts of ways to keep you occupied. Won't you, Zelanka?"

"I certainly will," There was hint of steel under her pleasant voice. If there was something the headwoman hated, it was whining, and she had come across to her as whiny.

Shadux chuckled. Oh yes the poor girl didn't know what she was in for now! "Well, at least you're making the best of it."

Mimoon was casting some bewildered glances between the assistant steward and the headwoman.

"Anybody want dessert?" Zelanka asked, deciding that little distraction was needed before things turned awkward.

"Me!" Tarlanka said.

"You know I can't pass some up," Shadux smiled. He then leaned forward to whisper to the fosterling, "Zelanka's deserts are famous in this Hold."

"Really?" the girl asked.

Pelanka rose to help her mother to clear the dishes while Zelanka fetched the dessert from the kitchen.

"I'll take a double dose," Petriv said and hold up his plate.

Zelanka chuckled and filled his plate.

"You're handing out doubles?" Shadux asked hopefully.

"Oh you too!" Zelanka laughed and filled his plate too until it was almost flowing over. "I'm glad I always make a large amount of this."

"Not half as glad as I am," he said with a grin.

Tarvon nudged him and whispered: "Aren't you flirting with wrong woman? Although it pays to be in good graces with the cook." He was also handing out his plate to be filled.

"Until she can set me up with a woman my type to flirt with, I'm afraid the cook will have to do," Shadux whispered back, grinning at his good friend and almost envious that he had already found a wife to be happy with. _Almost_ envious...

Last updated on the June 15th 2006

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Wrong woman