A Matter of Love (Merrek & Sulia)

[cynath]

Zieve stepped into the bright midday sun, eyes squinting against the sudden light. He completed tucking in his shirt, suggesting some form of an earlier state of clothesnessless. Yes, he'd been seen in the company of Valyn earlier that day, but of course, everything was left to the imagination afterwards.

And now, back to business. He searched for his Lord Holder Merrek on the matter of a particular favor regarding a cartain other lady.

Having completed fixing his attire, getting raised brows and skeptical looks from various courtiers as he passed deeper into the courtyard. He knew if he kept walking he'd eventually find Merrek... mind you, that could take all day.

[kayla]

Merrek was taking a stroll. He was dressed warmly against the cold air, but he needed to think about what had been discussed at the Conclave. There had been much that had not set well with him, though not all had been bad. However, he still needed to process some of it before he decided what his own course of action would be.

While Merrek was wondering, thinking he happened to notice the Harper. While there was still plenty that the Lord of Fort needed to do, there was one problem that he hoped would soon be laid to rest. While the middle-aged man believed that things were much better with Sulia and that his wife knew how much he loved her, he knew that those rumors that Zieve had made him aware of needed to be addressed.

Shifting from thoughtful wanderings to deliberative stride, the Lord headed to the Harper. "Harper Zieve. I trust you are having a good day. Come, walk with me."

[cynath]

Dark eyes lit up with a sparkle of a smile that pulled his lips.

"Of course, My Lord, I was on my way to find you. As luck would have it, you found me." he chimed, his mood obviousy light, though it was rare that hismood was anything but. Upon meeting the Lord's placement, he spun on an easy heel and fell into stride with the older man.

Zieve's smile hardly changed. "Conclave was certainly... interesting, this turn, wasn't it, My LordHolder?" It was a redundant question. More of a hint that maybe the Harper knew more than he ought. Which was common in Zieve's case.

"But I'm sure you do not want to discuss such things with me..." an easy dismissal of the subject.

[kayla]

Merrek grinned as he glanced over at the other man. The Lord of Fort had dealt with several Harpers, more than most Lords did since the Harpers' Hall was located at Fort Hold. He had dealt with Harpers who were subtle in their attempt to find out information - especially information that they thought that Holders would not want them to have. He had also dealt with Harpers who tried to use charm, or who were blunt about it. Even some Harpers had attempted to pry information out with alcohol.

Zieve's approach amused Merrek - the blunt observation and then dismissal. Merrek knew how the game went. He knew that the Harpers would have a pretty good idea of everything that went on quickly, though Merrek was careful to make sure that Ariashi and those she hand picked were the only ones who served at the Conclave. But there were ways, and the Harpers always found them. What amused him was that Zieve had gently reminded Merrek of that fact without trying to confirm or wrestle any more information from the man, a decision Merrek felt was rather wise. "You are a smart Harper, Zieve."

"You were on your way to find me? I hope you are going to tell me that you have finished the project I aked you for?"

[cynath]

Zieve's smile widened just a tad at the corners. He felt himself smart if not cunning an wise. To be one step ahead of the game was always a plan. Long legs fell easily into the stride the Lord Holder set for them. Though he watched where he was walking, he spoke easily in casual conversation.

"I have."

He confirmed with a slight nod of his head, dark bangs falling forward with the motion and being swept back in an almost feminine manner with delicate fingers.

"Would you like to hear it?"

He'd practiced and perfected it to memory, with Valyn's willful cooperation, of course. Helped to have someone to help correct the flow to a verse.

That small thought brought another smile to the harper's lips, a secretive amused smile. The Lor Holder may ormay not know went on under his own roof, yet it was of little concern to Zieve.

He tilted his head slightly, dark eyes regarding Merrek with a slightly raised questioning brow.

[kayla]

"Yes. I would. I have to admit, I hope that my Lady will be moved by this song as much as I hope that my little problem will be taken care of." And he did. He hated that he had to defuse a ridiculous rumor. He also hated how it reminded him of the fact that Sulia had expected him to hit her. How had he garnered that reputation? He was stern, demanding. And yes, he had once or twice killed a man in a duel of honor - though he always regretted it, and never did it out of anger.

The middle-aged man shook his head and turned back to the Harper. "If the song is as good as I'm sure it will be, then you will be properly rewarded." And he had to admit, if it touched the right chord with his wife, the Harper would find himself even more generously rewarded.

[cynath]

Zieve smiled.

"Aye, it is my hope as well, My Lord." That was any true artist's hope. He gave his throat a slight cough to clear it before he started.

"Love is where you found me
And mended my heart
Which was shattered so long ago,"

He paused to gauze an initial reaction. His tone was, without any background music he ha to keep a light tempo. Then he launched right into, closing his eyes even while he walked. Thankfully, he had an excellent memory.

"Taunt me how bitter sweet
This thing called love
Could taste upon my lips

And tingle with pleasure
Between my hips
Tantalizing my soul

Love is where you found me
Lost in this sea of loneliness
Forever to live in bitter bliss

With broken heart
That lingers true
And mended just for you."

Now he looked to his Lord, brown eyes inquistive. Every man loved art a little differently. Art was suggestive to a personailty. He walked in silence then waiting for critique.

[kayla]

Merrek was caught by the image of the broken heart. That was how he had been after the death of his beloved Ralyn. He had not thought about that in a long time, and he did not believe that Zieve had known enough of him at that time to know that. Perhaps it was the flowery words of a Harper and an artist's imagination, but the words were fairly right.

There had been another who almost healed that hurt, but there were reasons that would not have been right, and then Sulia had come along, and the man had been completely captivated by the young woman.

"That is wonderful, Zieve. You will be rewarded handsomely. Would it be possible for you to sing that at dinner tonight? I'd like to surprise 'Lia with it."

[cynath]

An instant smile pulled the Harper's lips. One always like to hear one's work was appreciated.

"I'm sure I can spare the time for My Lord and his Lady this evening." A formal "of course", becuase a Harper was never to busy to please as it were.

"Just give me a time, a place, and a background tune," he added smartly.

He'd have to bathe, shave, and redress before then and time allowing, talk with Valyn. He was good with words it seemed, to a certain extent.

"If that's all, My Lord, I will leave you to prepare for this evening." he sai simply, no point in waisting both their time....