Getting Nostalgic

Writers: Eimi, Paula
Date Posted: 30th November 2006

Characters: Benaroy, Zelanka
Description: Benaroy has a gift for Zelanka
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 13, day 29 of Turn 3

The Lord Holder peeked his head into the Headwoman's bedroom. He watched her reflection in the mirror as he put the finishing touches on her hair for a moment before he spoke. "Zelanka? I hope you don't mind, Petriv let me in while he was on his way out."

"No, I don't mind," Zelanka replied and smiled. After all he had seen all of her before. And she was currently quite decent. "What brings you here? Do you want klah or tea?"

"Please, don't trouble yourself," Benaroy smiled as he appreciated her in her Turns End finery. "You look lovely."

"Thank you, I just wish my hair would behave," she said and swirled around girlishly. "Not bad from grand-mother, huh?"

"Not bad at all," he conceded. "Now you remember you had promised me a dance, right?"

"I haven't forgotten," Zelanka assured him.

"Listen, I have been going through some things," he said, pulling a box out of his pocket. "There's something... something I want you to have.
And something I would like you to give to Latriv's wife."

"Now you got me all curious," Zelanka said and came closer.

"Well, this I want to give to you," he said, opening the jewelry box, looking down at the black diamond and white gold pendant lovingly.
"This belonged to Keizha... my wife..."

"Oh, it's lovely! But I can't take it, it's too precious," Zelanka exclaimed.

"Who else can I give it to, Zela? Our sons are gone," he said, fingering the pendant lightly. "I have no one to leave it to. And if _anyone_ should have it, it should be you. I... loved her."

"Maybe you should give it to your daughter?" Zelanka suggested, although her fingers itched to have it.

"Keizha means nothing to my children. They have remembrances from their own mothers to cherish." All she had ever been to them was a name and a title - 'our father's first wife'. "Besides, I want you to have it."

She gave in, "Well, if you insist."

His lips turned up into a smile. He pulled it out of its box and dangled it on a finger for her, his eyes twinkling slightly. "I do."

Zelanka took the pendant and attached it around her neck. "How does it look?" she asked.

"Beautiful," Benaroy nodded with proud satisfaction. "It suits you."

"Thank you, Ben," Zelanka said and planted a kiss to his cheek.

He couldn't resist reaching up to re-adjust the necklace chain. "I just... wanted you to have it..."

"Yes, got the that," Zelanka said dryly, her smiled deeping to a slightly naughty one. His fingers were awfully near her cleavage. And her dress did have a low neckline. "Getting nostalgic?"

His eyes to raised to hers, catching the look in her eyes. "I have so few of my memories left rattling around in my brain. Can you fault me for trying to hold onto a few?"

"No, I can't," Zelanka said took his arm, starting to gently guide him outside. "The Gather's waiting."

"First I have a meeting to go to." He was to meet his sons for their traditional Turn's End toast. "And I'm sure your husband will be looking for you."

"He better be," Zelanka said ominously. It wouldn't look good if they spent gather separately. "He promised me a dance too."

"Well, isn't that very kind of him." If only she hadn't been married...
If only he had been a regular Holder... "If you find no better company during this evenings festivities, there'll always been a seat saved for you next to me."

Zelanka just nodded.

Last updated on the December 1st 2006

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Getting Nostalgic