Right Where She Wanted Him

Writers: Bree, Clancey
Date Posted: 24th February 2007

Characters: Daynar, Miralani
Description: Daynar discovers just how far in over his head he is with his bride-to-be. Well, he would if he was paying attention to more than her smile.
Location: Garnet Valley Hold
Date: month 2, day 4 of Turn 4

Growling and grumbling at everyone that came near, Daynar had the tapestries torn down and put up again, changing the patterns and insisting that the entire Hall cleaned and cleaned repeatedly daily. If he found dirt, the drudge nearest him would be the unfortunate recipient of his fist or foot. After several days of this, the Hallmaster finally gave up. Throwing his hands in the air in disgust, he yelled for Gerono to have his runner saddled. He would ask his bride-to-be for her input, even invite her to dinner so she could choose her own furnishings. After all, she wasn't a weak-willed mouse barely 17 turns as Otriana had been; she was a grown, beautiful woman. And he had better things to do than pick out tapestries. He did take a little time to freshen up, though he ruined it in his ride to the Hold, his canine following along for fun.

When he arrived, he announced he was there to see Miralani and went looking for some refreshment. Miralani arrived along with a drudge carrying a heavily laden tray. After directing the girl to place it on the table, Miralani slid into the chair next to Daynar and smiled at him. "It's good to see you, Master Daynar. What do I owe this unexpected pleasure to?"

Daynar, as always, had to pause to take a breath as his intended wife sat next to him. Shards, was she ever beautiful! He looked at her for a moment, a rare smile coming unbidden to his lips before he got control of himself. No sense being unseemly, though who would blame him with _her_ to look forward to taking to bed each night?

"Hello Miralani." He reached for her hand and kissed it gently in greeting. "I thought I should pay you a visit, as it has been a sevenday or so since we've seen each other. And our wedding is coming soon." Another, vaguely proprietary, smile, then he went on, "And that is another reason for my visit. I thought that you would enjoy picking out new furnishings for the Hall and my.. our..
living quarters. Would you like that?"

"Of course I would!" It would save her having to redo whatever he'd chosen once she already lived there. Miralani had exacting standards, and had every intention of seeing the Smith Hall fulfill its potential. "That's the sort of thing you shouldn't have to worry about in any case, my dear. It's a wife's duty."

A visible sigh of relief was seen. "Oh, thank you, dear lady. There are so many things that need seeing to in my Hall. I have no Headwoman, though my silly daughter does her best with the kitchen and the rest. But I have no wish to know the slightest thing about which tapestry goes with which rugs."

His eyes warmed as he looked at her a moment. "Nor which bedfurs are the softest." The same rare smile came again. "You may have all the marks you need, for whatever you wish, and feel free to ask me if you need anything made by the Journeymen." "You won't need a Headwoman once we're married," Miralani assured him with a smile. "I think you'll find I'm _very_ good at making things run smoothly."

Daynar slipped his arm around her and pulled her a bit closer. "I'm looking forward to finding out, Miralani." His eyes were quite warm with the typical male response to a beautiful woman, and he said almost plaintively, "Are you _sure_ you don't want to move in before we're married?" At that moment, breathing in her scent and thinking of taking her to bed, left him quite un-caring that it would be scandalous in the extreme and _no_ lady of good breeding would take him up on that offer. "Oh, Daynar." She leaned over and kissed his cheek gently. "You know as well as I do that it's simply not possible. But with everything we have to do to get ready, it will seem like no time at all!"

Daynar chuckled a little at her response, and nodded, although reluctantly. "As you say, my lady. I will wait, though not patiently!" He was definitely thawing a bit, at least in her presence, and leaned back to smile at her. "When do you want to come over? Fieayz needs a firm hand, as well, and to be married off!" "Oh, soon. A few days at the most." Miralani smiled. "And I won't be alone, either. I invited two very special young ladies to my wedding... with very important fathers. Fielton and Benaroy are finalizing the details now to send Jielta and Royani for a visit. I've heard that Royani is a very proper young lady. Perhaps she'll be a good influence on Fieayz."

Daynar listened with a second sigh of relief. "Oh my dear! What an amazing woman you are." He said it quite honestly. Miralani had just handed him several neat answers all in one, although he wasn't sure yet how to get Otrina married off, but their wedding would be a good place.. and if he could get Fielton's daughter pointed in the right direction, perhaps Fielton would return the favor. "You are incredible, and already working to manage my household. Thank you, my Lady. It only makes me want to speed our wedding all the more! Faranth knows that Fieayz needs _some_ kind of proper influence."

"We can't speed it now, my dear. The invitations have already been sent." She leaned in and let her breath tickle against his neck. "How shocking would it be if the guests arrived to find us already wed?"

A fine little shiver crept down his neck from her breath. "Mmm.. quite shocking.. although the benefits might enable me to withstand a little shock." He smiled a little and took control of himself. She was quite intoxicating, his bride-to-be. "But I would not put you through such shame, Lady. We will wait."

"We will wait," she agreed, smiling. She had him right where she wanted him, after all.

Last updated on the February 24th 2007

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Right Where She Wanted Him