Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Work became my closest companion from that moment on. It had almost consumed my life in the past, but I made sure it did now. Training my blues, running numbers, sending and receiving reports, filled my days and most of my nights.
Much to my relief and disappointment Meliara never approached me again in private. We would only speak in the presence of my father when we discussed Tlanth's state of affairs, or at dinner as we made polite conversation for the sake of my parents.
As for my relationship with my cousin, we returned to as close to what we had before as we could, given the situation. I would catch his troubled looks every now and then, but he kept his concern to himself. He knew the reason for my behavior and nothing he said could change things.
It was my mother who finally addressed me on the matter. Sharing tea in her sitting room she made casual talk until she breached the subject. "It's lovely to spend time with you," she said warmly as she set down her cup. "You've been work so much as of late."
"Forgive me for neglecting you mother," I apologized in earnest.
She stood and moved to kneel next to me. "I intend, not to reproach, but to understand. Though I have a notion already as to why you have become a slave to your desk."
When I did not respond she wrapped her arms around my shoulders and pulled me towards her. Stroking my hair, she whispered, "You love her… And Russav, with his good intentions, has driven a wedge between you two."
I felt pitiful being held by my mother as if I were a child, but I had no one to turn to for consolation, save her. "Yes," I answered not knowing how to explain. She continued to soothe me with her gentle caress. "My son," she lifted my gaze to her and smiled in a way that only served to make me feel more juvenile, "Whatever the argument Russav has made that has convinced you to let her go, know this, women do not appreciate when men make choices for them regardless of kind intent. I will not envy either of you when, and I mean when, she puts things together. Meliara is no fool, to have two to young men meddling on her behalf without taking note."
Brushing my cheek one last time, she gave me a rueful smile, "Unfortunately, I know my words fall on deaf ears."
Embarrassed I looked away, "No one holds a candle to you mother."
"It's called experience, my boy," she chided, "Now drink your tea."
oOo
She was right. Her words, though wise, did not sway me. Keeping Mel at a distance became increasingly more difficult as I treated with her solely on terms of diplomacy and politics. Meliara's passion and ingenuity, only served to captivate me more.
Respite seemed within view with the appearance of Lord Branaric. Meliara, of course, was the first to know he'd arrived. It was still early light when she rushed past the practice yards, skirts flying behind her. The sight was enough for everyone to stop and watch.
At a distance we could see a tall slender form approaching. "Bran!" Mel called elated. "Bran!"
Lord Branaric's laugh boomed in the morning silence. "Blast, sister! How did you spot me so quickly?"
"I've been waiting for you," she said voice muffled in his embrace.
"But aren't your rooms…" he started then laughed. "Never mind."
Russav nudged me and we jumped over the fence that separated the yard from the paved path, towards the siblings.
"Branaric" Russav greeted him with a slap on the back.
Bran whistled, "I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it with my own eyes. My pretty bird turned swine."
"You can blame Danric for that," Russav replied with a nod in my direction. "Speaking of…"
Branaric didn't wait for the formal introductions, "So you're Vidanric. Glad to meet you at last."
"The feeling is reciprocated Branaric." I answered. I could tell instantly we would get on well.
"Is that because your caught in the barrage and need reinforcement?" he joked indicating towards Mel and Russav.
The awkwardness of the truth was to conspicuous to hide. Branaric glanced between us and whistled again. "Ice…Should have brought warmer clothes. Winter came early to Rensalaeus," he teased not at all uncomfortable.
"What did you do this time?" he asked turning Meliara.
"I haven't done anything," she answered bitterly.
"Ah, so the other brother struck again," he laughed as he began walking. "Russav, like I always say, while I appreciate you being the sensible one and letting me be the fun parent, sometimes you need to let her follow her path."
"Sure, and let her fall off a cliff," drawled Russav.
"Her life, her cliff, her mess," he answered still in his calm manner. "Well for my sake, let's call a truce, I'm starving."
"When aren't you?" Mel quipped.
"When he's eating," Russav replied for him.
"That's right, now feed me!" Branaric agreed.
oOo
As he predicted, Bran turned out to be the reinforcement I required. With him around Meliara and I could be around each other without the constant tension of unspoken words. It had been more than a fortnight since the night she'd left my room fuming and I was sure she would not be demanding an explanation from me.
The week with Bran ended all too quickly and while I thought I had managed to evade the heavy confrontation. Of course, in typical fashion Meliara proved me wrong.
After our final breakfast together, I made my way to the stables to avoid anymore goodbyes. Meliara stood in front of my horse's stall making it clear she was waiting for me. She was changed for her journey,h dressed with fitted trousers and deep green tunic cinched with a belt.
My grey nipped at her hair asking for her attention. Mel stroked her fur gently even as she turned to address me.
"Come now dearest," she drawled imitating me, with an added edge to her voice, "you have nothing to say to me?"
"What would you like me to say?" I asked flatly. We both knew what she wanted but wouldn't hear.
Her eyes narrowed and sniffed with scorn. "You're a coward. You needn't say anything, I'll say it for you," she spat then with indignant tears in her eyes said, "Don't wait for me. Right?"
Could everything be summed up so easily? "Mel," I said reaching for her, unsure of what to say.
"No!" she snapped moving out of my reach, "If this is what you want… If you want it over before it begins… then don't worry. I won't wait."
Watching her storm off the second time was even harder than the first but I did.
TWO IN A ROW! Thanks for the Reviews!