Bad News Before Dinner

Writers: AL, Clancey
Date Posted: 28th September 2008

Characters: Daynar, Otrina
Description: Daynar tries to prepare Otrina for her future in his clumsy way.
Location: Smith Hall (NPC)
Date: month 12, day 4 of Turn 4

Otrina looked up from where she had been baking to cast a glance at
the door when she heard its tell tale creak. She offered a small,
hesitant smile to her father before turning back to her tarts and
pulling them. Done through and needed to cool. They would be perfect
once dinner was finished.

Daynar smiled expansively, and approvingly, at his only daughter.
Miralani had, indeed, been softening him. A little. "I'm pleased to
find you so hard at work, Otrina." He approached her, a bit closer.
"Your baking is very good, better even than your mother's."

The girl froze at the mention of her mother, back to her father. She
was grateful he couldn't see her expression, the way her mouth
twisted, the moisture in her eyes causing them to sting. She took a
deep breath, trying to calm herself and nodded, "Thank you, father."
Gingerly, carefully, she put the tarts into the warming bin and
turned. The expression of sorrow was gone, replaced by the same small
smile that had greeted him before. "Dinner is ready."

"Thank you, lass. I had something I wanted to discuss with you over
dinner, if you can join me?" He made his way out of the kitchen
toward the dining area, and his table, amid the active sounds of
apprentices and journeymen. His table, though, was empty.

"Oh, uh...yes." What did he want to speak to her about? Had he seen
her conversing with Fieayz? She had learned to be more careful about
where she was seen, especially over the last few months. The girl
followed her father out with an air of unease and approached the
table, wiping her hands upon her apron.

He nodded and smiled at her. "I'm quite proud of the woman you've
become, Otrina." He began, trying to think how to tell her. He
rarely had praise for her, at least this overt kind of praise.

He decided telling her outright was his only way, so he went on.
"I've found a journeyman who is just starting out, and he's looking
for a wife. I'd like to introduce you to him in two evenings. Give
you some time to prepare?"

"Oh." She knew it would be coming, but so soon? Why now? "Yes.
Time to prepare." And time to panic!

"Its just a meeting, lass. Don't worry, hmm?" That was the most
concern he'd showed her.. well... ever. It was Miralani's doing. She
suggested this entire thing, and would no doubt talk to Otrina on her
own a bit later.

A wife. He wanted her to become a wife. But did she? She didn't
know this fellow. What if she didn't like him? "Two...two evenings
from now?"

"Yes, that's right. His name is Nalad and I'm sure he will find you
lovely. Speak to Miralani tomorrow, hmm? I'm sure she'll be thrilled
to help you prepare."

"Yes sir." Otrina mumbled, lowering her gaze, hands playing at her apron
as she turned away from her father. "I'll serve dinner now." She would serve,
but Otrina didn't think she could eat. Her appetite had been stolen
away by the news.

Last updated on the October 1st 2008

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Bad News Before Dinner