Post by hawksandfeathers on Jan 24, 2013 7:57:43 GMT 10
Rating: PG
Warning: Hints of abuse
Prompt: #66, Minor to Major
Summary: Roger/Daine. Daine knows what enchantment is, but clarity has always escaped her. Until then.
Notes: Not modern, but not Tortall either. Somewhere in between.
Nocturne
"Oh, Daine, that was wonderful," Sarra said, clapping softly. "Wasn't it?" She laughed, turning to Benek.
"I suppose," he grumbled from the armchair.
Daine closed the piano, chuckling. "Ma, he's not a one for glowing praise."
"Well, he should be," Sarra scolded. "He's your grandda." The petit woman watched her daughter. Daine's hair was dismayingly messy, and her hands were chapped. But her pretty blue frock fit her figure nicely, and her little heels were touchingly quaint. "You look lovely, dear," Sarra said fondly. "Are you going out today?"
Benek raised an eyebrow, tilting his mouth playfully. "Who'll it be then?"
Daine blushed. "Grandda! Well - " she faltered, fingering the bird ceramic on the mantelpiece. "I am going out today, yes. I met him - "
"Whoa, hold it, girl! What's his name?" Benek said loudly. Sarra glared at him.
"His name's Roger. He works at the jeweller's, you know that rich store uptown? He's very talented." Her eyes brightened. "You should see the things he makes! He said he'd - " she stopped again, hugging herself slightly. "He said he'd make me a beautiful diamond ring one day." She clicked her heels on the floor, pirouetting. "Well, Ma? Grandda?"
"He sounds lovely, but don't you think this is a little quick?" Sarra asked worriedly.
"Oh, no. Of course not. He's very patient. He treats me like one of his pieces." She smiled faintly, sighing. "And he's fair handsome, too."
"So that's it," Benek murmured. He took Daine's hand and kissed it, grinning up at her. "I know it's not. I trust your judgement. Teach him some of your archery."
"I will." She gazed at him warmly. "And Ma, don't burn the biscuits while I'm gone!" She grabbed her bow and quiver.
Sarra tutted. "Don't exaggerate, sweet. Have a good time."
"Bye!" Daine fled, ribbons flying. The door slammed behind her.
It was dark outside. No smoke came out of the chimney; there was no light in the house. Daine's throat caught. What if they were asleep? She needed them, right now. She tore at her shawl in despair, trying to cover her arms. She didn't want to be reminded of the jeering men with their whiskey breath and boorish catcalls. She knocked hard on the door. "Ma! Grandda!" Tears ran down her face, burning her raw cheeks. Over the wind, she heard a shuffling from inside. She brought her face to the door, listening. "Grandda?"
The shuffling stopped; the door opened slowly. Green eyes glinted at her tiredly. "You think I didn't wait up for you?" He took her by her shoulders, bringing her to his chest. His sweater was warm, and it smelled like rice from dinner. The pain in Daine's stomach sharpened.
"Thanks."
Benek closed the door and lit a candle. "What were you doing out so late?" His moustache quivered as he looked her over. "Show me your arms." He hissed as the bruises and cuts became noticeable in the light. "And your neck?" A long, shallow scratch traced the length of her collarbone.
"He… he almost had me, but I set him right with a good aim to the thigh. He's not dead, I made sure of it."
Benek was turning red, clenching his fists. "I'll find that uppity city boy if it kills me."
"He's near twenty, Grandda. I wouldn't try." She took his hand.
"Twenty! And you a mere sixteen? What were you thinking?"
"Grandda," she said, giving him a full stare, "He was fair hypnotizing. I was like one of those rare stones he always went on about. He held me so carefully. His eyes were so full of passion, and… and promise. But I didn't know."
"Passion! Promise! Daine," Benek said, eyes softening. "Don't fall for that again."
He led her to the piano, and steadied her on the bench. "Play that lovely tune Sarra used to do."
"I love that one." Daine smiled shakily, and spread her fingers daintily over the keys.
Thanks! <3
Maybe once we'd have seen it during Smackdown!