When Bunter reappeared from dealing with Emad, he found Caprice leaving the pool area. He embraced her at once, inviting her to his room.
But despite Bunter's coaxing, Caprice told him she would sleep in her fairy house--alone. It was obvious he was not ready to talk. Besides, she was tired. The wedding party had lasted all night, and it was close to dawn.
She marched off by herself and quickly spun into her sprite form.
Even with all the excitement of the last few days, Caprice fell asleep easily. That last nightcap helped.
_____
Bunter decided he should check in with High Elder Walsh, report on his Kraken mission. He'd been tied up the past two days with the parties and had only called Walsh to briefly say the creature was no longer a threat.
Bunter: Your speedboat and diving gear have been returned to the harbor master, High Elder. There was no damage done to any of the equipment. And as far as the beast...well, I've closed up it's caves and tunnels. The creature itself has disappeared, bound for safer waters.
Walsh: You sure it won't return?
Bunter: There's always that possibility, of course. But its lair has been completely destroyed. There's really nothing for it here in Rinn Fada. And I was right about its shifting in size. Maintaining the larger shape drains its strength. I daresay it usually exists in a body more closely the length, or less, of a man.
Walsh: Take it easy, lad. Rinn Fada is usually a fairly quiet place. Let's hope there aren't other dangerous assignments for a while! Go home. Spend some time with your young lady.
Bunter wished he could spend some cozy time with Caprice. He just didn't know how he'd be able to keep spinning yarns about himself. Covering up his past ... all the fighting ...his Djinn nature. He really was a bastard, in every sense of the word.
Not the kind of man a girl like Caprice deserved. He was only stealing time with her. That's all he could hope for. Sure, he felt guilty for leading her on, but he wasn't going to give her up ...not until he had to.
_____
Bunter and Caprice's romance might have been rocky at the moment, but Piers and Hera were closer than ever. Their relationship carried its own strength. They understood each other and enjoyed one another's company.
That's not to say their romance was only quiet contentment. They definitely found time for passion.
_____
It was a late morning for everyone. But Piers and Hera woke lighthearted and happy. They had a honeymoon to prepare for, household matters to discuss with Bunter and Caprice, and last minute research to be tidied up.
But the newlyweds found it difficult to stick to business. It was on the first day of their marriage that the folks in Rinn Fada decided that Lord and Lady Piers were a blessed couple. Eternally Faithful, no doubt about it.
Piers took charge of the treasure Emad Faraz had so generously gifted them. Piers would have to offer a more formal thank you to Faraz. Maybe he could arrange something for the man with one of his peer connections.
The bulk of the treasure was sold, but they kept the seashells and one of the cut gems as wedding mementos.
That morning, Bunter had silently gotten to work cleaning and clearing away clutter from the party. Piers felt some concern for his friend. Was Bunter worried about how the marriage would affect his place in the household? Piers thought he had reassured him on that matter.
Hera and Piers had discussed a few things about Caprice and had come to a couple of decisions, particularly in regard to her relationship with Bunter. She was good for him. Piers hoped the young woman would be agreeable to their plans, but he didn't want to push. He found Caprice alone in the garden room and spoke to her.
Piers: Hera and I have been quite impressed with your management of the wedding and home renovations. Outstanding work, Caprice. We couldn't have hoped for better.
Caprice: Thank you, M'Lord.
Piers: No, no. Just Piers. Bunter is the only one who continues in that formal way of his. ...Ahem, about Bunter. He seems to be terribly busy lately. Determined to bring in funds for the household, although it is in no way expected of him. I say, Caprice, do you think you could stick around a bit longer while Hera and I are away? Help with the garden and grounds? And, uh, keep Bunter company?
Caprice: Sir, I'm not sure what you're asking. About Marvin, I mean.
Piers: Well, without betraying any trust here, I can only say that Bunter is having some difficulty adjusting to Rinn Fada. He's been acting out of character lately. But he's a private sort, so it's not always easy to read him.
Caprice: He doesn't confide in you?
Piers: Very little, I'm afraid. ...So what do you say? Will you continue on at the manor, at least until we get back?
Caprice: All right, I'll stay. This is very kind of you, Piers. I never realized Marvin was such a loner. Poor man.
Piers (face reddening): Hmm, yes, that is ...quite.
But despite Bunter's coaxing, Caprice told him she would sleep in her fairy house--alone. It was obvious he was not ready to talk. Besides, she was tired. The wedding party had lasted all night, and it was close to dawn.
She marched off by herself and quickly spun into her sprite form.
Even with all the excitement of the last few days, Caprice fell asleep easily. That last nightcap helped.
Bunter decided he should check in with High Elder Walsh, report on his Kraken mission. He'd been tied up the past two days with the parties and had only called Walsh to briefly say the creature was no longer a threat.
Bunter: Your speedboat and diving gear have been returned to the harbor master, High Elder. There was no damage done to any of the equipment. And as far as the beast...well, I've closed up it's caves and tunnels. The creature itself has disappeared, bound for safer waters.
Walsh: You sure it won't return?
Bunter: There's always that possibility, of course. But its lair has been completely destroyed. There's really nothing for it here in Rinn Fada. And I was right about its shifting in size. Maintaining the larger shape drains its strength. I daresay it usually exists in a body more closely the length, or less, of a man.
Walsh: You've done an excellent job, Brother Bunter. I am recommending you for full membership in the Lodge. You've earned your Golden Amulet, my boy. We'll arrange a ceremony, but I know you've been busy on the home front as well, so I'll give you a few days to catch your breath.
Bunter: Thank you, sir. But if there are any more missions...Walsh: Take it easy, lad. Rinn Fada is usually a fairly quiet place. Let's hope there aren't other dangerous assignments for a while! Go home. Spend some time with your young lady.
Not the kind of man a girl like Caprice deserved. He was only stealing time with her. That's all he could hope for. Sure, he felt guilty for leading her on, but he wasn't going to give her up ...not until he had to.
Bunter and Caprice's romance might have been rocky at the moment, but Piers and Hera were closer than ever. Their relationship carried its own strength. They understood each other and enjoyed one another's company.
It was a late morning for everyone. But Piers and Hera woke lighthearted and happy. They had a honeymoon to prepare for, household matters to discuss with Bunter and Caprice, and last minute research to be tidied up.
Caprice: Thank you, M'Lord.
Piers: No, no. Just Piers. Bunter is the only one who continues in that formal way of his. ...Ahem, about Bunter. He seems to be terribly busy lately. Determined to bring in funds for the household, although it is in no way expected of him. I say, Caprice, do you think you could stick around a bit longer while Hera and I are away? Help with the garden and grounds? And, uh, keep Bunter company?
Piers: Well, without betraying any trust here, I can only say that Bunter is having some difficulty adjusting to Rinn Fada. He's been acting out of character lately. But he's a private sort, so it's not always easy to read him.
Caprice: He doesn't confide in you?
Piers: Very little, I'm afraid. ...So what do you say? Will you continue on at the manor, at least until we get back?
Caprice: All right, I'll stay. This is very kind of you, Piers. I never realized Marvin was such a loner. Poor man.
Piers (face reddening): Hmm, yes, that is ...quite.
