Elendor
Siv's Dinner with Ranol
Siv has a dinner date with Ranol.. Or is it a business dinner?
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Dwarven Camp
Description: Ranol had a long day. A very long day. The conversation with Ovor was agonizing and he spent the rest of the afternoon figuring out what to do. Finally he settled on simple. A small fire, as requested by her, and a basic dinner of grilled fish and some mead that he purchased back in the town. He's made a basic effort to smooth his hair back and comb out his beard, but the huskarl is worried about showing that he's put too much thought into this. He doesn't even know her, really.
[Siv(#24218)] Siv, too, has found time to wash in the river, comb out her hair, re-braid it, though she doesn't use the leather cords with flowers on them that she often wears in the Lonely mountain--today her hair braids and leather belt have only runes carefully worked on them. "Hello!" she cheerfully greets Ranol, coming toward the fire. Bottle of wine in her hands, some sort of red. "I bought this from the locals. They say it's good. And the food smells good."
Ranol rises to his feet as she approaches, too well-mannered to remain seated for the somewhat formal occasion he's found himself involved in. "Good evening.." He says in a soft voice. "It's.. only fish. I told you that I don't know much about cooking." His gaze wanders over towards the wine, his brow lifting.
[Siv(#24218)] "You're a good sport," Siv grins, thrusting the bottle toward Ranol. "I hear Ovor had words with you already?" A brow is arched at that. "ANd I -think- red wine goes with fish, but I never can figure out these things. Silly humans, not sticking to ale, but I thought....why not."
Ranol gives her an uncertain smile at her comment, and it weakens as she mentions Ovor. "Ah.. yes. It seems some rumors were spread and Ovor was wondering what -my- intentions were." He moves to sit down now, reaching to tend to the fish. "Siv.. ahh.. did you say things to people?"
[Siv(#24218)] "I'm looking for a husband, Ranol!" Siv snaps, irritated. "Of course I didn't tell anyone about you and I. But it's a small caravan, and likely folks overheard." The leatherworker shrugs. "So you caught and gutted fish for me?"
Ranol lets his suspicions drop for now, his gaze shifting away from her. "Sorry.. I just thought maybe.. " Her mention of a husband again has him thinking as he stirs the fish around. "No, I didn't catch them. One of the clan-karl's did. I had too many things to see to." He looks up at her again, "Siv.. Don't you want to get to know someone first, before committing a lifetime to them? Your father can't force you into things. It's your happiness."
[Siv(#24218)] "Happiness, bah," Siv snorts. "It's not about happiness. It's about having children to preserve the clan and Durin's way. Tell me of any married couple you've ever met that was happy after 5, 10, or 15 years. Look at Thari and Frarin. Already they fight. That's happy? No, Ranol, you see you have it wrong. It's a business arrangement. Find someone willing to agree to have children with you who can provide for you in exchange. And it helps if it's good for both clans. That's all. Happiness...." Another snort.
"Then why bother with a dinner at all? It's just business.. why go through the motions? You also said that you didn't like the men that your father picked for you, so you must care at least a bit about who you might be spending the rest of your life with." He keeps his words soft and measured, not judging her for her opinions immediately. "My grandfather loved his wife very much."
[Siv(#24218)] "That's the older generation," Siv replies. "THe younger dwarves are different. Times are different. And there's nothing wrong with a business dinner, is there?"
"No.. I guess not." Ranol goes back to the fish, pulling the cooking pan from the fire. "So, you only want children because your father, whose in the older generation, is insisting upon it?"
[Siv(#24218)] Siv frowns, staring at the fish frying in the pan. "Well...he can't -force- me to marry, can he now?" she answers defensively. "But as I'm the only female in the family, there's tremendous pressure, no? Surely youc an understand that."
"No one can make you marry, no.. " Ranol says, nodding. He carefully divides the fish pieces onto two plates that he brought, and passes one to her. Then he fishes out forks and two cups (originally intended for the mead) and he reaches for the wine bottle. "What do -you- want, Siv? What plans do you have outside of the pressures of your family?"
[Siv(#24218)] Siv holds her cup out, waiting for Ranol to pour the wine. "Well, I -have to- carry on my family line. It'd be dishonorable not to!" she says, aghast that Ranol would even ask that question, apparently. "It doesn't matter what I want," she continues firmly. "That's secondary."
Siv says, "Do you want one boy or two?"
Ranol reaches to pour the wine for her, quiet for a moment as he pours some for himself as well. "Humor me.. It's a business dinner, after all. If you're looking to hire me for this.. union, I get to ask the questions, right?" He sips the wine cautiously, pursing his lips at the sweetness of it as he lowers the cup. "Supposing we did get married, as a husband I would have obligations. One of which is to see to my wife's happiness. So.. what do -you- want?"
[Siv(#24218)] "Ah." Siv nods, voice crisp and all busienss. "I want a husband with a steady, reliable income. Whose eyes don't stray to other women. Strong and hearty, but not afraid to fight the enemy. Able to control his temper. Talented and focused and proud of what he does for a living. A good provider and someone steady and reliable. That's why I'm interviewing those who fit that description." She pauses to take a long sip of her wine. "Ale is better, alas." Then she sets the mug down. "I want at least two boys, but I would have more if only just to try for a girl. Girls, of course, are so important."
Ranol runs a hand through his hair, barely holding back a groan. It's flattering, really. He is, to a degree, but he's also wondering how he's going to get out of this situation. "And after the kids? Then what?"
[Siv(#24218)] "Grandchildren," Siv answers without skipping a beat. "Ensuring the children are raised well, trained to a profession and good, respectable and reliable. And that they know it's their obligation to bring grandchildren into the world, whether they 'want' to or not." She rolls her eyes.
"So.. you plan to force your children into the same situation that you're in?" Ranol takes another sip of the sweet wine, thinking it's going to take the entire bottle she brought and the mead he has to get through this.
[Siv(#24218)] "Force?!" Siv looks horrified. "Who said anything about force? It's duty! Honor! Responsibility! Does anyone -force- you to work? Did anyone force you to fight back there in the forest?" She pounds the ground with her fist for emphasis, sending up a little puff of dirt. "No, you did it because it's a part of who you are, who we are as a people. Because it would be wrong not to! The same thing with children! Force!" She eyes Ranol suspiciously. "How could you even -say- such a thing?"
Ranol draws back, staring at Siv in silence. "I'm.. sorry. I guess I didn't understand." He gestures at the food, "How's the fish?" The huskarl asks, finishing off that cup of wine and reaching for the mead.
[Siv(#24218)] "Fish is good," Siv says, poking at it and not really eating more than a small bite. Her own wine is picked up and sipped. "All right. So I suppose you're not interested? Somewhere this business deal went sour? YOu know, I -do- stand to inherit all from my father. Given...well, you know."
"Given?" Ranol asks, latching onto the last bit of unknown in lieu of trying to respond to any of her other assumptions or implications. Maybe his expectations are too high. Maybe marrying for love or happiness is unrealistic. Maybe he simply needs more to drink. He pulls the cork from the mead bottle and refills his cup, then offers it to her.
[Siv(#24218)] Siv sticks out her cup for a glass of mead. "Given," she says, eyes narrowing, "that both my brothers were killed years ago. And that I am the only child left in my family and therefore the one to whom it falls to produce heirs. But also I will inherit my father's business and his savings over the years."
Ranol fills the cup, and his expression softens some at her explanation. "Oh. I didn't know that. I'm sorry to hear that." He waits a moment, out of respect, then takes a sip of the mead. "What's your father's business?"
[Siv(#24218)] "Leatherworking, of course," Siv smiles. "It was many years ago. My brothers, that is.In any case, I've long since decided that the best course of action for me, given this predicament and responsibility, would be to be very direct. What's the sense of trying to lure soemone in? It's all messy and stupid."
At least it all makes sense now, he driven attitude towards parenthood. "Do you enjoy leatherworking?" Ranol asks, trying to stay away from the topic of children as much as possible, but the alcohol is definitely helping him to relax. He looks far less terrified now.
[Siv(#24218)] "Yes, actually, I do," Siv smiles, touching the leather cords in her hair. "But I like small, detailed things, like the runes in these cords. Do you enjoy woodworking?"
Ranol nods. "It's relaxing. It was what I had planned to go into. What I will pursue again someday, when I'm older and settled." Then, after another considerable drink of the mead he asks, "So who are the other canidates, in this.. search.. of yours?"
[Siv(#24218)] Siv swirls the mead around in her glass, drinks it, and smiles. "Well, I'm not going to tell you -that- certainly. It might dissuade you from trying. It -is- a good deal, if you think about it. In terms of business. Are you really that worried about a silly strange notion like being happy in a marriage? It's such a strange notion after all."
"It had crossed my mind. Honor and duty are important, of course. But, well.. What makes you happy? Seriously?" Ranol is trying to understand. "Are you looking forward to being a mother?"
[Siv(#24218)] The look on Siv's face sours. "Of course I am!" she answers. "It's my duty and an honor! Of course it's difficult work--much toil and turmoil and heartbreak. But if dwarven women stopped for a moment and considered this strange idea you have of being made happy by having children, by Durin, the dwarves would die out in a year! Less! Happy!" Another snort, loud, from Siv. "Leatherwork makes me happy. Children fulfill my honor and duty to my family."
Ranol looks down at his cup. Damn, empty again. "Two boys and a girl?" It's not as if he's really -opposed- to having children, and if she's not worried about happiness.. well, he would never have to worry about keeping her happy. Then again, he wouldn't be happy either. An interesting thing to ponder.
[Siv(#24218)] "Two boys and try for a girl, up to four boys before we stop trying." Oh that just sounds like so much fun, the way she puts it. SIv smiles, apparently happier now that Ranol seems to have come to his senses.
Ranol is -losing- his senses. "Four?!" Has any dwarf ever had four children? Three is pushing it, generally. "So would it be a crime if you were happy at the same time?" He asks with a small smirk, refilling his cup, and hers if it's necessary.
[Siv(#24218)] "Aye, if you want to shower me with jewels and a handsome home and fine clothing, I won't complain," Siv laughs, then eyes Ranol, her head tilted. "You may in fact be more of a prize than I thought you were, given this insistence on happiness. How many siblings do you have? Are you the only one? How lucrative is your line of work? Is it steady??
"If you're happy.. what more can you ask for?" Ranol says with a shrug, and finally starts eating some of his fish. He's enjoying a nice buzz now, the drinks he's had mixing well with the drinks he had -before- the dinner started. "My work is steady enough, I suppose.. I have a brother and a sister. Both are younger."
[Siv(#24218)] Siv digs into her fish now with gusto. "This is good. ALl right, so you can cook. That's positive. Steady work, good." As if she's checking off a list in her head. "Don't mind children, even if we try for four. Good. How do you get alogn with your parents and siblings? I'd like to meet them." Hopefully Ranol won't choke on his lovely dinner.
Ranol looks up sharply, the warning bells going off through the alcohol haze. "Oh.. wait. Whoa. No, I think you're getting way ahead of yourself. I can cook -fish-. That's not difficult. Any fool can do that." He sets down the plate, frowning. "What about your clan? You'd be joining Bundazanul.. it's different."
[Siv(#24218)] "Well, tell me about Bundazanul," Siv says smooothly, not at all phased. SHe reaches for her drink, drains it, holds the cup out for more. "Cooking fish isn't much different from cooking other dishes. LIght a fire, throw in some spices, cook. What's there to it?"
Ranol has had Thari's cooking, they all have.. There are differences. He keeps his mouth shut, though, and busies himself with refilling her cup and topping off his own. He'll regret this in the morning. "For one, we elect our Thanes. That's quite a difference right there. We have different traditions and customs, for another."
[Siv(#24218)] Siv hrms, but gladly accepts the refill and drinks it. "Well, do you -like- your clan? Has anyone ever switched clans? Though you're a woodworker...but...you never know."
Ranol stares at her as if she's suggesting he go live with elves or something. "Of course I like my clan. I would never switch." Crazy talk! She has some strange notions, this one. The entire dinner is a show of that, though. "I'm the Huskarl." He adds, as if that alone is a testiment to his devotion to his own.
[Siv(#24218)] "Aye, I know that," Siv waves her hand dismissively. "Guess you can't give that up. Well, maybe I should stick to my own clan. Ovor...." The wheels are spinning in her mind, perhaps. "What do you think of Ovor?"
"Lord Ovor is a good Thane. I like him. He's smart, a good warrior.. cares for his people." Ranol answers that easily, still working through the mead at a steady pace. "My grandfather always had good things to say for him and his father."
[Siv(#24218)] "Then you could give your loyalty to him easily!" Siv brightens suddenly. Maybe she -is- crazy, or certainly the mead has gone to her head. "I mean, if your grandfather respected him so, I'm sure it wouldn'be a problem for you to have Lord Ovor as your Thane. YOur clan would understand, after all, with you and I marrying. And so few women among our numbers, of course you'd have to make your wife happy. ANd I'd be happy if you gave loyalty to Lord Ovor, of course..."
"No.." Ranol answers in a soft, but firm voice. He shakes his head. "I won't do that." There's no yield in his tone, he won't budge on this no matter how drunk he is. "If that's what you seek, I'm sorry.. but I can't help you with that."
[Siv(#24218)] "Ah, don't worry about it," Siv smiles, humming to herself. "Maybe you could have dual allegiance? And this fish was excellent. Perfectly cooked. You ought to ask Thari for her recipes."
"I was born Bundazanul, I -am- Bundazanul." Ranol reiterates, his good mood beginning to fade. He takes a moment to calm his growing irritation. "I'm glad you enjoy the fish.. I'll bring it up with Thari sometime." Ha! That will be a good laugh.. or punch to the face.
[Siv(#24218)] "Well! If that's the case, why would you marry Zinbar? Though certainly we are worthwhile. We've proved ourselves now!" Siv retorts, sitting up straight as if to make herself taller. "There's no need to be ashamed of marrying Zinbar!"
Ranol sets down his cup and runs both hands through his hair now, searching for that diplomatic answer that might diffuse the situation back into something peaceful and easy to handle. "Well, traditionally when dwarves from two clans marry, it's the woman that joins her husband's clan. My mother did such. That's how it's always been."
[Siv(#24218)] "Well, Ranol," Siv answers, voice a little cold as she stands, cup still in hand. "I can't diminish my clan. If you...If you -really wanted to make me happy," she sniffs suddenly, "then you'd understand that and not ask me to live Zinbar, tradition be damned!" Another loud sniff, and she turns to run off to the wagons. Fickle woman.
Ranol stares after her, wondering where the wagon went off the track and crashed into a stone wall. The huskarl sits quietly for a -long- time, then pours more mead into his cup and drinks deeply. Fickle woman can be fickle alooone.
[Siv(#24218)] Siv, too, has found time to wash in the river, comb out her hair, re-braid it, though she doesn't use the leather cords with flowers on them that she often wears in the Lonely mountain--today her hair braids and leather belt have only runes carefully worked on them. "Hello!" she cheerfully greets Ranol, coming toward the fire. Bottle of wine in her hands, some sort of red. "I bought this from the locals. They say it's good. And the food smells good."
Ranol rises to his feet as she approaches, too well-mannered to remain seated for the somewhat formal occasion he's found himself involved in. "Good evening.." He says in a soft voice. "It's.. only fish. I told you that I don't know much about cooking." His gaze wanders over towards the wine, his brow lifting.
[Siv(#24218)] "You're a good sport," Siv grins, thrusting the bottle toward Ranol. "I hear Ovor had words with you already?" A brow is arched at that. "ANd I -think- red wine goes with fish, but I never can figure out these things. Silly humans, not sticking to ale, but I thought....why not."
Ranol gives her an uncertain smile at her comment, and it weakens as she mentions Ovor. "Ah.. yes. It seems some rumors were spread and Ovor was wondering what -my- intentions were." He moves to sit down now, reaching to tend to the fish. "Siv.. ahh.. did you say things to people?"
[Siv(#24218)] "I'm looking for a husband, Ranol!" Siv snaps, irritated. "Of course I didn't tell anyone about you and I. But it's a small caravan, and likely folks overheard." The leatherworker shrugs. "So you caught and gutted fish for me?"
Ranol lets his suspicions drop for now, his gaze shifting away from her. "Sorry.. I just thought maybe.. " Her mention of a husband again has him thinking as he stirs the fish around. "No, I didn't catch them. One of the clan-karl's did. I had too many things to see to." He looks up at her again, "Siv.. Don't you want to get to know someone first, before committing a lifetime to them? Your father can't force you into things. It's your happiness."
[Siv(#24218)] "Happiness, bah," Siv snorts. "It's not about happiness. It's about having children to preserve the clan and Durin's way. Tell me of any married couple you've ever met that was happy after 5, 10, or 15 years. Look at Thari and Frarin. Already they fight. That's happy? No, Ranol, you see you have it wrong. It's a business arrangement. Find someone willing to agree to have children with you who can provide for you in exchange. And it helps if it's good for both clans. That's all. Happiness...." Another snort.
"Then why bother with a dinner at all? It's just business.. why go through the motions? You also said that you didn't like the men that your father picked for you, so you must care at least a bit about who you might be spending the rest of your life with." He keeps his words soft and measured, not judging her for her opinions immediately. "My grandfather loved his wife very much."
[Siv(#24218)] "That's the older generation," Siv replies. "THe younger dwarves are different. Times are different. And there's nothing wrong with a business dinner, is there?"
"No.. I guess not." Ranol goes back to the fish, pulling the cooking pan from the fire. "So, you only want children because your father, whose in the older generation, is insisting upon it?"
[Siv(#24218)] Siv frowns, staring at the fish frying in the pan. "Well...he can't -force- me to marry, can he now?" she answers defensively. "But as I'm the only female in the family, there's tremendous pressure, no? Surely youc an understand that."
"No one can make you marry, no.. " Ranol says, nodding. He carefully divides the fish pieces onto two plates that he brought, and passes one to her. Then he fishes out forks and two cups (originally intended for the mead) and he reaches for the wine bottle. "What do -you- want, Siv? What plans do you have outside of the pressures of your family?"
[Siv(#24218)] Siv holds her cup out, waiting for Ranol to pour the wine. "Well, I -have to- carry on my family line. It'd be dishonorable not to!" she says, aghast that Ranol would even ask that question, apparently. "It doesn't matter what I want," she continues firmly. "That's secondary."
Siv says, "Do you want one boy or two?"
Ranol reaches to pour the wine for her, quiet for a moment as he pours some for himself as well. "Humor me.. It's a business dinner, after all. If you're looking to hire me for this.. union, I get to ask the questions, right?" He sips the wine cautiously, pursing his lips at the sweetness of it as he lowers the cup. "Supposing we did get married, as a husband I would have obligations. One of which is to see to my wife's happiness. So.. what do -you- want?"
[Siv(#24218)] "Ah." Siv nods, voice crisp and all busienss. "I want a husband with a steady, reliable income. Whose eyes don't stray to other women. Strong and hearty, but not afraid to fight the enemy. Able to control his temper. Talented and focused and proud of what he does for a living. A good provider and someone steady and reliable. That's why I'm interviewing those who fit that description." She pauses to take a long sip of her wine. "Ale is better, alas." Then she sets the mug down. "I want at least two boys, but I would have more if only just to try for a girl. Girls, of course, are so important."
Ranol runs a hand through his hair, barely holding back a groan. It's flattering, really. He is, to a degree, but he's also wondering how he's going to get out of this situation. "And after the kids? Then what?"
[Siv(#24218)] "Grandchildren," Siv answers without skipping a beat. "Ensuring the children are raised well, trained to a profession and good, respectable and reliable. And that they know it's their obligation to bring grandchildren into the world, whether they 'want' to or not." She rolls her eyes.
"So.. you plan to force your children into the same situation that you're in?" Ranol takes another sip of the sweet wine, thinking it's going to take the entire bottle she brought and the mead he has to get through this.
[Siv(#24218)] "Force?!" Siv looks horrified. "Who said anything about force? It's duty! Honor! Responsibility! Does anyone -force- you to work? Did anyone force you to fight back there in the forest?" She pounds the ground with her fist for emphasis, sending up a little puff of dirt. "No, you did it because it's a part of who you are, who we are as a people. Because it would be wrong not to! The same thing with children! Force!" She eyes Ranol suspiciously. "How could you even -say- such a thing?"
Ranol draws back, staring at Siv in silence. "I'm.. sorry. I guess I didn't understand." He gestures at the food, "How's the fish?" The huskarl asks, finishing off that cup of wine and reaching for the mead.
[Siv(#24218)] "Fish is good," Siv says, poking at it and not really eating more than a small bite. Her own wine is picked up and sipped. "All right. So I suppose you're not interested? Somewhere this business deal went sour? YOu know, I -do- stand to inherit all from my father. Given...well, you know."
"Given?" Ranol asks, latching onto the last bit of unknown in lieu of trying to respond to any of her other assumptions or implications. Maybe his expectations are too high. Maybe marrying for love or happiness is unrealistic. Maybe he simply needs more to drink. He pulls the cork from the mead bottle and refills his cup, then offers it to her.
[Siv(#24218)] Siv sticks out her cup for a glass of mead. "Given," she says, eyes narrowing, "that both my brothers were killed years ago. And that I am the only child left in my family and therefore the one to whom it falls to produce heirs. But also I will inherit my father's business and his savings over the years."
Ranol fills the cup, and his expression softens some at her explanation. "Oh. I didn't know that. I'm sorry to hear that." He waits a moment, out of respect, then takes a sip of the mead. "What's your father's business?"
[Siv(#24218)] "Leatherworking, of course," Siv smiles. "It was many years ago. My brothers, that is.In any case, I've long since decided that the best course of action for me, given this predicament and responsibility, would be to be very direct. What's the sense of trying to lure soemone in? It's all messy and stupid."
At least it all makes sense now, he driven attitude towards parenthood. "Do you enjoy leatherworking?" Ranol asks, trying to stay away from the topic of children as much as possible, but the alcohol is definitely helping him to relax. He looks far less terrified now.
[Siv(#24218)] "Yes, actually, I do," Siv smiles, touching the leather cords in her hair. "But I like small, detailed things, like the runes in these cords. Do you enjoy woodworking?"
Ranol nods. "It's relaxing. It was what I had planned to go into. What I will pursue again someday, when I'm older and settled." Then, after another considerable drink of the mead he asks, "So who are the other canidates, in this.. search.. of yours?"
[Siv(#24218)] Siv swirls the mead around in her glass, drinks it, and smiles. "Well, I'm not going to tell you -that- certainly. It might dissuade you from trying. It -is- a good deal, if you think about it. In terms of business. Are you really that worried about a silly strange notion like being happy in a marriage? It's such a strange notion after all."
"It had crossed my mind. Honor and duty are important, of course. But, well.. What makes you happy? Seriously?" Ranol is trying to understand. "Are you looking forward to being a mother?"
[Siv(#24218)] The look on Siv's face sours. "Of course I am!" she answers. "It's my duty and an honor! Of course it's difficult work--much toil and turmoil and heartbreak. But if dwarven women stopped for a moment and considered this strange idea you have of being made happy by having children, by Durin, the dwarves would die out in a year! Less! Happy!" Another snort, loud, from Siv. "Leatherwork makes me happy. Children fulfill my honor and duty to my family."
Ranol looks down at his cup. Damn, empty again. "Two boys and a girl?" It's not as if he's really -opposed- to having children, and if she's not worried about happiness.. well, he would never have to worry about keeping her happy. Then again, he wouldn't be happy either. An interesting thing to ponder.
[Siv(#24218)] "Two boys and try for a girl, up to four boys before we stop trying." Oh that just sounds like so much fun, the way she puts it. SIv smiles, apparently happier now that Ranol seems to have come to his senses.
Ranol is -losing- his senses. "Four?!" Has any dwarf ever had four children? Three is pushing it, generally. "So would it be a crime if you were happy at the same time?" He asks with a small smirk, refilling his cup, and hers if it's necessary.
[Siv(#24218)] "Aye, if you want to shower me with jewels and a handsome home and fine clothing, I won't complain," Siv laughs, then eyes Ranol, her head tilted. "You may in fact be more of a prize than I thought you were, given this insistence on happiness. How many siblings do you have? Are you the only one? How lucrative is your line of work? Is it steady??
"If you're happy.. what more can you ask for?" Ranol says with a shrug, and finally starts eating some of his fish. He's enjoying a nice buzz now, the drinks he's had mixing well with the drinks he had -before- the dinner started. "My work is steady enough, I suppose.. I have a brother and a sister. Both are younger."
[Siv(#24218)] Siv digs into her fish now with gusto. "This is good. ALl right, so you can cook. That's positive. Steady work, good." As if she's checking off a list in her head. "Don't mind children, even if we try for four. Good. How do you get alogn with your parents and siblings? I'd like to meet them." Hopefully Ranol won't choke on his lovely dinner.
Ranol looks up sharply, the warning bells going off through the alcohol haze. "Oh.. wait. Whoa. No, I think you're getting way ahead of yourself. I can cook -fish-. That's not difficult. Any fool can do that." He sets down the plate, frowning. "What about your clan? You'd be joining Bundazanul.. it's different."
[Siv(#24218)] "Well, tell me about Bundazanul," Siv says smooothly, not at all phased. SHe reaches for her drink, drains it, holds the cup out for more. "Cooking fish isn't much different from cooking other dishes. LIght a fire, throw in some spices, cook. What's there to it?"
Ranol has had Thari's cooking, they all have.. There are differences. He keeps his mouth shut, though, and busies himself with refilling her cup and topping off his own. He'll regret this in the morning. "For one, we elect our Thanes. That's quite a difference right there. We have different traditions and customs, for another."
[Siv(#24218)] Siv hrms, but gladly accepts the refill and drinks it. "Well, do you -like- your clan? Has anyone ever switched clans? Though you're a woodworker...but...you never know."
Ranol stares at her as if she's suggesting he go live with elves or something. "Of course I like my clan. I would never switch." Crazy talk! She has some strange notions, this one. The entire dinner is a show of that, though. "I'm the Huskarl." He adds, as if that alone is a testiment to his devotion to his own.
[Siv(#24218)] "Aye, I know that," Siv waves her hand dismissively. "Guess you can't give that up. Well, maybe I should stick to my own clan. Ovor...." The wheels are spinning in her mind, perhaps. "What do you think of Ovor?"
"Lord Ovor is a good Thane. I like him. He's smart, a good warrior.. cares for his people." Ranol answers that easily, still working through the mead at a steady pace. "My grandfather always had good things to say for him and his father."
[Siv(#24218)] "Then you could give your loyalty to him easily!" Siv brightens suddenly. Maybe she -is- crazy, or certainly the mead has gone to her head. "I mean, if your grandfather respected him so, I'm sure it wouldn'be a problem for you to have Lord Ovor as your Thane. YOur clan would understand, after all, with you and I marrying. And so few women among our numbers, of course you'd have to make your wife happy. ANd I'd be happy if you gave loyalty to Lord Ovor, of course..."
"No.." Ranol answers in a soft, but firm voice. He shakes his head. "I won't do that." There's no yield in his tone, he won't budge on this no matter how drunk he is. "If that's what you seek, I'm sorry.. but I can't help you with that."
[Siv(#24218)] "Ah, don't worry about it," Siv smiles, humming to herself. "Maybe you could have dual allegiance? And this fish was excellent. Perfectly cooked. You ought to ask Thari for her recipes."
"I was born Bundazanul, I -am- Bundazanul." Ranol reiterates, his good mood beginning to fade. He takes a moment to calm his growing irritation. "I'm glad you enjoy the fish.. I'll bring it up with Thari sometime." Ha! That will be a good laugh.. or punch to the face.
[Siv(#24218)] "Well! If that's the case, why would you marry Zinbar? Though certainly we are worthwhile. We've proved ourselves now!" Siv retorts, sitting up straight as if to make herself taller. "There's no need to be ashamed of marrying Zinbar!"
Ranol sets down his cup and runs both hands through his hair now, searching for that diplomatic answer that might diffuse the situation back into something peaceful and easy to handle. "Well, traditionally when dwarves from two clans marry, it's the woman that joins her husband's clan. My mother did such. That's how it's always been."
[Siv(#24218)] "Well, Ranol," Siv answers, voice a little cold as she stands, cup still in hand. "I can't diminish my clan. If you...If you -really wanted to make me happy," she sniffs suddenly, "then you'd understand that and not ask me to live Zinbar, tradition be damned!" Another loud sniff, and she turns to run off to the wagons. Fickle woman.
Ranol stares after her, wondering where the wagon went off the track and crashed into a stone wall. The huskarl sits quietly for a -long- time, then pours more mead into his cup and drinks deeply. Fickle woman can be fickle alooone.
Players: Siv, Ranol
Located in: Erebor
