Desperate Measures

(Set after Ready, and Desperate Times)

Part 1

Tayend heaved an exasperated sigh - an action he was incredibly well-practised at, Mayrie couldn't help but consider. However on this occasion, Tayend was justified in his dramatic behaviour – or at least, he believed he was.

Her brother had come to visit her, and it soon became apparent that Tayend had a reason for the stay. This reason was none other than Lord Dannyl.

Tayend had spent the last half hour detailing to her his worries about his relationship with the magician; pausing occasionally to take a mouthful of wine. Mayrie had refrained from cutting in with remarks as best she could, and let her brother pour out his problems to her. Now he seemed to be at the end of his emotional rant; for after his dramatic sigh, he declared wearily, "It sometimes feels like we shall never be intimate, as Dannyl has so many complicated issues he needs to deal with."

From Tayend's prolonged silence (and the fact he was busy filling up his wineglass for the fourth time), Mayrie presumed it was safe to speak now.

"So," She asked, "You came to me to ask for advice regarding your tragic love life?"

Despite himself, Tayend grinned. "Exactly."

Mayrie grimaced slightly, as she replied, "Didn't I warn you that Dannyl might have issues with being close?"

The scholar's grin grew even wider. "You did. So no doubt you were prepared for me having this conversation with you."

"Oh Tayend," Mayrie sighed, belatedly realising that this tendency for exasperated sighs was a trait they both shared. "If you weren't my own dear little brother, I would call you a helpless romantic fool."

Her brother raised an eyebrow, and feigned seriousness. "Oh Mayrie," He said mocking her tone, "The fact that I'm your dear brother doesn't usually stop you from insulting me!"

Mayrie considered this before retorting, "Yes, that's very true." They both laughed spiritedly.

Finding his breath, Tayend took another swig of wine before declaring passionately, "Curse my attraction for men! They're so much trouble!"

"I'm so glad you've finally realised that," Mayrie chortled. "But you should have thought of that the day you woke up and decided to be a lad."

Tayend gave a thoughtful smile in response to his sister's joke. "Why ever did I allow myself to follow my crazy inclinations? If only I had settled down with a sensible woman and had seven children." Tayend gave a sober pause. "Actually, all jesting aside, that prospect is terrifying. Imagine me with a family… Those would be some seriously strange children!"

"I'd love nothing more than to disagree with that statement, but… my honesty forbids it."

Tayend smirked. "Bless your honest nature, Mayrie! Well, I'll have to be satisfied to be an eccentric uncle to your children."

Mayrie grimaced. "Well, don't get your hopes up just yet. I doubt I'll be having children for some time."

The scholar's expression sobered. "So I take it that your and Orrend's attraction for each other hasn't miraculously increased?" Mayrie shook her head, and her brother continued, "I can't say I'm surprised. He's an incredible bore, he's unnecessarily arrogant, and he always seems to have a permanent scowl on his face when I'm around." Tayend added impulsively.

"I've already explained it to you. He disapproves of men, like you, who give into their impulses and shun respectable duties, such as finding a wife and having a family. I'm not even going to try changing his opinions; it would do no good, and only cause another argument." Mayrie exhaled in weary acceptance, as she herself took a hearty drink of wine.

The scholar frowned at his sister. "He sounds just like Father. No wonder he wanted you to marry him; they get on so well! If I was to offer you some advice on your love life, it would be to find yourself a Lord Dannyl." As Mayrie's face suddenly broke into a wicked smile, Tayend hastily added, "Not my Lord Dannyl, of course, but another man similar to him. Perhaps I could suggest someone not quite so tall; from my personal experience, constantly craning my neck up to look at him proves rather annoying after a while." The young man shot his sister a sly grin. "Although, it does give me a respectable excuse to fix my gaze on his chest…"

Mayrie laughed, and affectionately patted Tayend's arm. "You're priceless, dear brother. I honestly have no idea what I would do without you to lift me out of my misery."

Tayend's eyes widened with slight surprise. "Ah Mayrie! That might just be the kindest thing you've ever said to me. But I'm glad to be here to cheer you up." His sister absently toyed with a strand of her brother's long hair.

"If only Lord Dannyl was as comfortable as you are with being close to me," Tayend chuckled.

Mayrie couldn't repress herself from giggling. "Perhaps he doesn't trust you to keep the relations from wandering into territories that he isn't comfortable with. And speaking of our dear Dannyl, I do believe I was supposed to be imparting my wisdom on your relationship with him."

Tayend settled himself back into his chair and nodded eagerly, "Ah yes! Please do continue."

(I decided to divide this fic up into 3 chapters, so this is the end of Part 1. All feedback welcome! )