Mismatched

Writers: AL, Jelena, Suzee
Date Posted: 20th October 2014

Characters: Sophque, Aini, Herlis
Description: The matchmaking doesn't exactly go as planned.
Location: Seacraft Hall
Date: month 9, day 5 of Turn 7

Sophque

Herlis steeled himself as he reached the Headwoman's office. Aini had
found him a few possible marriage candidates and the first one was
waiting behind that door. All of a sudden he wasn't so sure if this
was the right path for him anymore. But there was no turning back now,
was there?

He knocked on the door politely and waited for an answer from inside.

"Come in." The door was cracked which allowed Aini's voiced to carry
a little better. She finished a signature upon a piece of parchment
with a gentle flourish, then opened and drawer to insert it. That
done, her desk was clear save for another piece of parchment which
remained blank and her inkwell with her pen. The Captain was greeted
with a bare smile accompanied by a polite incline of her head. "Good
morning. I hope the day finds you well."

Sophque sat straight backed in one of the chairs her eyes were
downcast but she rose to her feet when the Captain entered the room.
"Sir," she said with a small curtsey.

"Ma'am," Herlis said, acknowledging her curtsey with a small bow of
his own as he studied her appearance. She was easy on the eyes at
least. He liked her hair, it looked soft. And she had a very nice
voice. He extended his hand to her to introduce himself to her
officially, even though he doubted she hadn´t already heard his name.
"I´m Herlis, captain of the Southern Star."

Aini observed the interaction with a cool, silent air. Sophque's form
had a sadness that weighed upon her shoulders and Aini wished she
would lift her gaze. Although perhaps that would be a trait the
Captain preferred. Well, they would soon see. "Please, have a seat."

Sophque took the offered hand. "A pleasure to meet you sir," she said
and then seated herself where she'd been instructed. "I hope you are
well." she added.

"The pleasure is mine," Herlis said, though it felt a little strained.
This wasn't him, this courting business. It had come naturally with
Chayale, but now... He sat down "I am doing fine. Clear skies and calm
waters. Are you well?"

"I'm fine," she said and attempted a happy smile. Normally, she did
have a happy and sunny disposition but the loss of Morin bound her up
in a sadness she couldn't reveal or share with anyone by Yriadha. No
one else knew of her relationship with the former Lord Holder. But she
was realistic enough to know she had to think about her daughter's
future now that Sophine's father was no longer here to take care of
it. So she took a deep breath, relaxed and looked at the man directly
for the first time. "I'm sorry sir," she said softly. "I'm afraid I
haven't put my best foot forward. I lost my first husband to the sea."
**And my love.**

The waves came in and the waves went out. She hated the sea.

That didn't bode well - if the woman had lost a husband to the sea,
how would she deal with a second husband who was a Seacrafter? Aini
studied the woman closely, but remained silent. Ultimately, the
decision wasn't up to her, but she would give her advice if asked.

"I see," Herlis stiffened a little. She knew her own grief, he wasn't
sure how he felt about that. Maybe they would understand each other
better. But his children deserved light and happiness, not grief. "Can
I take that as you not being too keen on marrying another Seacrafter?"

She blinked up at him. She certainly hadn't intended that when she'd
said it but thinking about it now, "I suppose that is true though I'd
never thought of it like that," she said. He was a nice enough man she
didn't want to make waves for Yriadha nor Aini. "I'm very sorry sir if
I've offended you."

"Oh no, no worries Ma'am," Herlis nodded, feeling himself soar with
relief suddenly. "I'm only glad to find out now and not after a
marriage, when you're sitting at home all day feeling miserable as...
well feeling miserable."

This time Sophque's smile was genuine and sunny. "Thank you sir," she
held out her hand. She hadn't missed the relief on his face anymore
than she imagined he missed it on hers.

"Well, then, if there isn't anything else I can help you with, I guess
there is no use in continuing this like some kind of charade." Perhaps
a bit blunt, but he didn't see the use in dragging things out.

Sophque was rather startled by the sudden change of manner. It hit her
like a cold splash of water and her hand snapped back to her side
unshaken. "Right." Her eyes turned to steel and she turned to the
headwoman and dropped a curtsy. "Good day ma'am." she said and turned
on her heel to sweep out of the room without a backward glance.

It had turned out to be a disappointing meeting, but it was also good
in a way. Although Herlis was still without a wife, there was no
since in moving forward if the two would not be a good match. He
needed someone who would make him happy and care for his children as
her own. "Thank you for coming, Sophque. Clear skies."

"Clear skies," Herlis just about managed to get in before the lady left. Had he done something wrong? Well, it wasn't the first time he'd upset a women and it wouldn't be the last. He could only hope his wife-to-be would have a thicker skin.

Last updated on the October 27th 2014

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