Dinner with a Family

[E]

Relieved that he would, in fact, hold the dress for her, Apri smiled. She was slightly surprised to find herself almost disappointed in feeling the need to have him hold it, but it was in her nature.

“Thank you Killian… Please, lead the way.” Following the taller man, she closed the door softly behind her. Once outside, Apri was grateful that Killian traveled at a slightly slower pace than most as it was already dark, the sun setting earlier in the winter.

Picking her way carefully down the path, she nearly stumbled into Killian as he paused before a small house. Taking it in, she was surprised to find nearly every window open, even the door was propped open to allow passage.

“Is this it?” she asked curiously. It seemed like a pleasant little house to grow up in.

[shawncameron]

Killian actually walked past his old home at first; before he realized what he had done… his strides really had grown longer… “Yes this is it.” He sniffed the air sighing contentedly, “not moms cooking but that defiantly makes the mouth water.” Approaching the open door he knocked on the frame with his stick poking his head in before he was pulled forcibly in with a squeal “Killian Oh Killian!” this time it really was Beca and smiling Killian hugged her back.

She was shorter then Killian, even smaller Apricus, though she was the oldest child. “Beca it’s so good to see you again.” he held her out at arms length though he was staring above her head without realizing it. “This is Apricus, a friend of mine from the hall…” Looking past him Beca smiled, she had a kind face like Killian though her hair was more like Xicons, brown, like their mother. “Oh its nice to meet you.” She moved to hug her too only to find Killian in the way. She arched an eyebrow at him but bowed instead smiling and gesturing them into the house, which was much, much larger on the inside.

A winding staircase lead down into the main dining room and patio which looked out onto the bay, the table was already piled with food and it seemed that everyone was already there, save for Vinrin who had told them he would be late. Killian stayed by Apricus as Beca led them to the table and held her hand out to the family. “Apricus was it? This is our family, my husband Reto and our son.” The man waved wile the little boy looked first to Apricus then to Killian then pulled the other man next to him down to whisper in his ear. “That one is our youngest brother Zantar, you have met Larina and Xicon, that is Certain and his wife Krina.” Both waived as Certain stood to give Killian a closer look and a hug. “Their twin girls are in the other room. And I’m not sure where Vinrin is…”

“He said he would be late.” Killian smiled hugging his older brother warmly before pulling out a chair for Apricus and then himself next to her.

[E]

Putting on a smile as she was introduced to Beca, Apri couldn’t help but noticed the first adult she’d meet just a little shorter than herself. It was rather surprising. Noticing how Killian placed himself between his family and her once again, she couldn’t help but be thankful as she returned the bow that Beca offered.

Following the woman to the kitchen, she was surprised at just how many sat at the large table. Apri nodded to each person in turn as their names were given. Silently repeating them as she looked at each face, she hoped she would be able to remember them all. There were just so many in the family. Were all families so large?

Taking the offered seat, she folded her hands in her lap, not at all sure if she should eat, or start a conversation, or simply sit. She decided on the last.

[shawncameron]

Killian sat down once he heard the faint sounds of first Apricus and then Beca sitting. “Its good to be home… if only I had come sooner.” His face fell slightly but the mask and the smile never truly dropped as he looked back up. “But it’s so good to see you again… in a way.” He laughed at his own expence, Xicon and Larina joining him. They had gotten used to his blindness and his ability to take humor in it. The others just smiled weakly before they realized that he was not upset… it really had been too long.

Krina smiled from beside Apricus, she too was a small woman, petite like Beca but quieter. She seemed to be one of the few not thrown of by Killians piercing stare. “Here Apricus let me make you a plate…” with out waiting for an answer she picked up the harpers plate and began to pile food on it before moving to Killian’s. “it is so good to finally meet you Killian, you know your parents always spoke so highly of you… I’m sure they would be honored at your return.” She set the plate down in front of him before turning back to Apricus, “and you too, who would have thought they would get a visit from Two of the famed Harpers of Pern.”

That had broken the ice well enough as Certain leaned forward to talk to Killian as they ate speaking of the Hall and each of their work, and of his children. Killian used all of his charming Harping skills at first though after a time he seemed to relax not that any would have notice. He stayed by Apricus diverting any uncomfortable questions concerning her family just as he had with Xicon on their first lunch. It seemed after a time as though he had never left, as though he had always been there. Even Apricus was treated like an old friend like someone they had grown up with only with out the pats on the shoulder as not only Killian but Xicon was blocking those.

Half way though the meal, as Killian was waving away third helpings a shout made him jump and the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. “I’m HOME!” Vinrin was running down the stairs, a new dress on and his long hair done up in detailed notes looking for all of Pern like a Lady Holder. “oh I’m so sorry I’m late but My Man.” He sighed over dramatic. “Had to work and I wanted to bring him his diner before I came here. Beca you look lovely as always.” Hugging his sister he moved on to her husband who had also gone as stiff as Killian. Vinrin gave him a quick pat on the cheek and then on the but just as he relaxed sending him into a silent stiff shock again before moving around the table to each of them.

Killian said nothing as he got his hug somehow managing to keep his smile. But as Vinrin let go to move to Apricus he stood blocking him by moving be hind Apricus’s chair. “that really was delicious Beca, but we have had a very long day… Milady if your ready I can escort you back to the hall…”

[E]

Apri couldn’t help but find herself feeling welcomed in the family even as they talked all around her. Answering a few questions, she was content to do more listening than anything else. Each person, which she was proud to have put names to faces by the end, she found had a unique personality, but each had something small that seemed familiar.

Noticing how nearly all of the men tensed as Vinrin let himself into the room with a flourish of hugs, she couldn’t help but stiffen a little as well when she seen him hugging the women as well. Very aware of how Killian put himself, as uncomfortable as he was around the man/woman, between her and him, she smiled and stood.

“Oh it was a wonderful meal. It was nice to meet each of you, but I’m afraid that Killian is right… I’m exausted.” she said offering a slight bow to the table before stepping away from it and smiling to Killian. “I’m ready when you are.” Turning back to the table she nodded to the family again. “Good night…”

[shawncameron]

Killian continued to smile as he too bowed. Each of the family groaned, not wanting them to leave so soon but they all voiced their understanding as well waving and bowing them off. Killian stayed between them and Apricus as he accepted hugs from all of them in turn, Vinrin coming last a pout on his lovely girl of a face. “You two really do look cute you know…” he said sweeping Killian into a tight hug that the Harper returned after a wile. “Take good care of her…” it was a whisper in the ear of Killian meant only for him and it made him relax a little more which he quickly regretted as Vinrin grabbed his butt again.

Killian jumped away holding his ‘brother’ out at arms length as he giggled and his other brothers laughed. At least Beca’s husband was just as uncomfortable but Killian could not see this as he backed away from the giggling he she thing that was his brother… or should he be his sister now? It was all too confusing. Determinedly placing the smile back on his face he backed up and out of the house. “Thank you again everyone I will be seeing you again soon…”

[E]

Watching as he hugged everyone good night, Apri took a step back to stand in the doorway waiting quietly. Once he was outside, she sighed following him down the path. It had been a very good meal and the company seemed pleasant enough. She couldn’t help but find herself wishing that she had such a family to return home to and be accepted by.

“I… I like your family… They are nice…” she said quietly as they made it to the hall. Stepping inside, she lead the way up the stairs to stop at her door. Opening it, she went it, but turned around again just inside.

“Tomarrow… is there anything planned?” she asked tenitivly. After a week in a wagon and on the boat and even a night in Killian’s arms, she was more than ready to sleep well into the morning in the comfortable looking bed.

[shawncameron]

Killian just smiled at her complement to his family escorting her the rest of the way and trying to stay awake himself. “Nothing but sleeping in Milady… I’m exasted.” And with Vinrin popping out of nowhere ever since he had touched solid ground it was no wonder. “But come mid afternoon… if I decide to wake up… we can do what ever you want. It’s a small island with plenty of flowers turn round and lovely beaches…” he sighed everything about him seemed to wilt even his hair was not as soft as normal, “but that is for later… for now Sweet dreams.”

[E]

A soft smile found its way to Apricus’ lips as she watched Killian’s outline in the dark. “Sweet Dreams to you too, Killian.” she said as she stepped out of the way and closed the door softly. It did not take her long to undress and pull on an overly large shirt before falling into the large, lush bed.

Hitting her head on the forgotten guitar case, however, she stood again and rubbed her head before picking up the case and flower next to it and carefully setting them on the floor at the end of the bed. This time she took her times to peal back the covers before climbing beneath them and instantly falling asleep.