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Writers: Cymiri, Miriah
Date Posted: 19th October 2012

Characters: Daimhin, Karhal
Description: Daihmin checks in with his superior
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 9, day 2 of Turn 6

Karhal

He had been given a week off for Orhla's passing, but Karhal was
not the type of man to sit around his home doing little. Sitting still
drove him crazy and it was now far too quiet in his home for
him to want to stay there unless it was to sleep. He supposed he
could begin the process of removing her things, but it wasn't something
he was ready to face just yet.

Instead, he had returned to his office and now sat at his spartan desk
to stare at the stack of hides that now greeted him. Scratching his head,
he stared at the stack for a moment longer and exhaled.

Beside him, Livie huffed gently, pressing her bulk against his leg. Absently,
he reached down to stroke her head, soothing the canine. She'd been a quiet
source of comfort the past sevenday and he appreciated her silent weight against
his leg. Continuing to rub her ears, Karhal reached for the first hide
and set it in front of him.

A sharp knock at his door would disturb the man. When he was given
entrance, Daihmin's salute was just as neat and crisp.

"Sir. My apologies for disturbing you. I merely wished to ask if there
was anything you require... and extend my condolances."
Daihmin's sunny face was, for once, quite serious.

Karhal looked up and gave Daihmin a very slight smile that didn't reach his
eyes. It was obvious that he was tired and his face was drawn, but he managed
to maintain an air of professionalism. "Thank you Daihmin." His brow knit for
moment. "You worked last night, so I'll not ask you to work this morning too.
I need to keep busy. "

He pinched the bridge of his nose. "But, if you know where any strong
Unsweetened klah is, I may just let you have tonight off too."

"If I'd known it were that easy, I'd have tried it long ago."
He said, very gently. The captain didn't make a very comforting sight.

Crossing back to the door, he 'suffered' his usual luck and managed to
*just* catch one of the Hold girl's on the way past. A request for a
fresh, private pot for the captain went down sunnily enough.
"And one pot of Klah on the way."

The usual crack about pretty service was absent- Daihmin had some tact.
Indeed, it wasn't long at all before a soft knock announced its
arrival. Daihmin served, counting himself welcome enough to grab one
as well. Fairly bluntly, but with empathy very apparent, he asked softly
"Is 'busy' enough?"

Karhal took the klah gratefully as he leaned back in his chair. "Thank you."
He took a long drink and for a moment, seemed like his normal self.
He stared at his klah for a long moment, then sat straight once again,
turning a gaze to Daihmin.

Any other person, save the Lord and Lady Holder, may have received an ice
cold stare for their attempt at empathy. But Karhal respected the man in front
of him, and he considered the question, knowing that Daihmin meant well
and would keep it private. Karhal's voice was quiet. "It will have to be. "
He didn't have much else, besides the canine already at his side. No children,
no family close enough to visit, and very few close friends. He'd always
been a quiet loner by nature.

He took another long drink of klah, his voice quiet but firm. "I'll be fine."

Daihmin nodded. He wasn't going to pry futher, though there was a
little pang deep down a tad stronger then the gruff-hearted
hale-fellow guard liked to admit to.

"Sometimes life's a bit like that, eh? Sure felt like it when Amethyst
went, too..."

*Not* a topic he often talked about, and in its own little way a peace
offering, realising his Captain had shared where he ordinarily
wouldn't.

Karhal's eyes shot to Daihmin, his eyes sharp. He slowly nodded.
No words were necessary; they completely understood each other.
He took another long sip of klah and exhaled through his nose.
"Get some rest, Daihmin. You've had a long night and I'm about
to have a long day." He gave a twisting of lips that could be
mistaken as a smile.

Daihmin's was freer.
"I won't say no. Hang in there. Sir"
The neat little salute was tempered in its formality with a wink.

Karhal chuckled softly and returned with a half-hearted salute
of his own. "And you, Daihmin. Thank you."

Last updated on the November 17th 2012

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