Tentative

Writers: Bree, Eimi
Date Posted: 2nd December 2005

Characters: Jio, Miryene
Description: Jio and Miryene's visit is interrupted by a most unexpected new arrival.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 8, day 27 of Turn 3

"I come bearing letters from your girls," Jio said brandishing his offerings. "Even little Kime drew you a picture."

Miryene's eyes lit up as she took the letters carefully from Jio, looking at the picture Kime had drawn first. It was mostly green scribbles with a vague hint of wings, but the childish letters that someone had helped her add to the bottom corner said clearly what it was supposed to be.
Smiling, she held the picture up. "I'm sure Ivy will be flattered. I think she's off with Pom again... she disappeared after lunch, and that's usually where she goes."

"Yes, those three make quite a group." A fond smile crossed his lips as he thought of the trio. "Ivy and Mulch are sure growing, aren't they."

"Faster than I imagined!" She gently set the picture to the side and looked at the first letter. "Did you get to see the girls?"

"Keeli and Marlen were in harper classes at the time, but I saw Kime."
In fact, his arms were going to be sore the next day he was sure from all the times she demanded he lift her about his head and play "dragon"
with her! "Jhonnel's parents assure me they are both settling in well, though."

"I'm glad," she said absently, most of her attention on the letters.
There was silence as she read through them, a small smile coming to her lips. "Thank you, Jio."

"Well, I know that if Talrian would let you out of that bed for any period of time you would be at the Hold to see them yourself." The journeyman knew how fond of the girls Miryene had been, even before her marriage to Jhonnel.

Miryene smiled sadly. "I keep reminding myself it's for a good cause...
but I get awfully tired of sitting here."

"I know you do," Jio said as he impulsively reached out his hand to cover hers. "But you are going to have a baby, Miryene. It's what you always wanted."

"It is." She turned her hand over to squeeze his, giving him the first real smile that he'd won from her since their fight. "Thank you, Jio. I know things have been... hard. I'm just going through a confusing time."

"I know you have," he said as he reached out for her other hand. "And, Miryene, I want you to know that, despite the ass that I was before, I am here for you. Anything you need just ask me. Anything."

"I will," she promised. "I just... I don't even know what I need."

"Well, anything, Miryene, truly." He had so missed seeing her smile at him.
Shards but it felt good to see it again! "Even if its just a shoulder to lean on a bit..."

"Well, I don't do much leaning," she replied lightly. "Seeing as they don't let me stand up! If nothing else, I can't wait until this child is born simply so I can walk around again!"

"Surely they let you out of your prison sometimes," he smiled. "Not even short walks?"

Miryene didn't want to admit that even the walk from her chair to her bed left her gasping sometimes, so she shook her head. "Journeyman Talrian says that some back pain is normal, but he thinks it's best I just rest."

"Well, we must do what the healer orders," Jio said with a regretful smile.
He missed seeing her walking about the vineyards like he used to.

"Yes, we must..." Miryene trailed off with a wince as one hand went to the side of her stomach. "Well... the baby seems to be awake."

"Is everything all right?" Concern flashed in Jio's eyes as he watched her reach for her stomach. After all she'd been through, to have something happen now...

Miryene smiled. "Yes, of course." She took his hand and placed it on the side of her stomach, so excited that she didn't think about whether or not it would be appropriate. "Can you feel it?"

At first all Jio could feel was touch of her hand and the warmth of her smile, but then he felt a faint tap on his fingertips. "Yes," he grinned.

The journeyman forgot his propriety as well as he moved from his chair to kneel down beside her so he could feel it easier. A memory came to him as he felt the little life inside her move and stretch. "I remember now. My mother used to let me feel the baby kick when she was pregnant with my little sister." He laughed at a particularly strong jab from the young one's foot. "That one was a good one!"

Miryene made a face. "You don't need to tell me! That's my stomach getting kicked."

Jio grinned up at her. "Well, I am no healer, but I would say you are going to have a strong baby soon."

"I think everyone who felt that kick would agree with you there,"
Miryene replied, sitting back in her chair. "It's soon now, I suppose.
Just another month and a half."

"You're going to make a wonderful mother. You know that, don't you."

"I hope so." The smile faltered just a little as Miryene tried her best not to think about the fact that she'd apparently be doing it alone.

Jio saw the light cloud in her eye. He took her eye and smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, Miryene. Everything will be just fine."

The knock on the door broke through their solitary moment, much to the journeyman's annoyance. Miryene pulled her hands back and sat up a little straighter. "Come in!" The door opened at her summons. "Miryene?" a familiar voice asked tentatively as the man took a cautious step into the room. His eyes found hers immediately. "Miryene..." he whispered, almost as if he didn't quiet believe his eyes.

Miryene stiffened, her eyes going wide as she stared at the man who hovered just in front of the door. "Ivenn?"

Last updated on the December 2nd 2005

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Tentative