FSH: Because it is my anniversary

Posted on Thu Jul 17th, 2025 @ 1:19pm by Jr Journeyman Senabena & Sr Journeyman Rena & Sr Journeyman Bensen & Sr Journeyman Sena

Mission: 3531 AL
Location: Far Site Hold
Timeline: M3 D6

Rena sighed as the healer left the room with a small smile to fetch a midwife. The healer had been happy to confirm that her arm was just bruised, as was her side, but she wanted a midwife to check the baby’s heartbeat as a precaution. The Harper looked at Bensen, who sat watching her intently. She had not said anything other than to assure people she was fine and apologize for causing trouble. She had taken Thunder for a walk, and about a candlemark in, he had gotten spooked and yanked free of the reins, sending her to the ground.

Bensen listened quietly to the healers. Thankfully, it seemed like Rena was right and she hadn’t hurt herself. He watched his wife with worried eyes.

“What made you take Thunder out?” he asked gently while the healer went to get the midwife.

Rena looked at the man and shook her head for a moment before looking away. “I just needed a walk and thought he might need one too,” she said, lying slightly. It was part of the reason, but not the complete reason. “I left a note,” she added, knowing he obviously hadn’t been back to his rooms before everyone had panicked.

Bensen nodded thoughtfully. “I’m sure you did. And I’m sorry—I must have missed the note. Then Thunder came back without you.” He shuddered a bit. “I was afraid something bad had happened.”

“But I am fine,” Rena assured him as the midwife came in.

“Well, that is for me to decide, Lady Rena,” the midwife said kindly, indicating that Rena should lie back and lift her shirt. “I’m just going to listen to the baby like normal.”

Rena nodded as the woman pulled out a cone and laid it against her bump several times, listening before she stopped. “And I would say you are absolutely right—you are fine. The baby has a nice strong heartbeat. You’re feeling kicks and pokes as usual, so I think you’re okay. But get some rest, and no more taking out wild runners,” she hinted, leaving the pair alone again.

Bensen moved out of the way for the midwife. He held his breath, waiting for the news, and didn’t exhale fully until she said Rena was okay.

“Thank Faranth. And no more wild runners,” he grinned, already forming an idea if Rena would agree.

Rena waited a few heartbeats for the healer to leave before gathering up her mud-covered jacket and boots, putting them all back on.

“Let’s get back and reassure your mother that I’m okay,” she sighed, already able to see the concern written all over everyone’s faces.

Bensen nodded. He knew by now everyone would be waiting. They really should have sent a note by way of Cadence, but he hadn’t thought of it.

“That’s probably a good idea. Are you okay to walk?” he asked.

“I walked in here despite you nearly picking me up,” Rena said quietly, shoving her hands in her pockets as they walked back to the Hold and saw several people waiting on the steps.

Bensen grinned a bit. “Not sorry for that. I was worried you’d been hurt and didn’t want anything else to happen.” Yes, he could be a bit overprotective, but he had been worried. He knew what Thunder was like.

“I know you’re not. That grin on your face speaks volumes,” Rena said gently as Senabena rushed down the steps and threw her arms around Rena, worried.

“Why did you go out on Thunder?” Senabena said in a cross tone.

Bensen was knocked aside by his worried sister. She reacted the same way he had when they found Rena.

“She just needed a walk and thought Thunder could too,” he said gently, smiling at Rena.

Rena was grateful for him backing her up.

“That was so silly,” Senabena said, hugging her tightly until Rena pulled away.

“I’m fine, Abe. I promise,” Rena murmured, looking at the floor again as she saw the Lord and Lady Holder waiting there.

Bensen pressed his lips together. He had told her pretty much the same thing when he found her. He was definitely going to help Rena around the runners—and he had the perfect start in mind.

“But you know he’s dangerous. You could—” Senabena didn’t even think about the baby at the moment; all she could see was the mud-splattered woman she cared about.

“I think she understands, little one,” Oben commented gently as he joined the group, pulling his daughter back a little.

Rena could feel the burning behind her eyes that hinted at tears. She hadn’t wanted anyone to worry; she’d planned to be gone just a candlemark or so, taking a quiet walk with the runner.

“I just wanted to do something to remember Oseben on our wedding anniversary. No one else was going to remember, so at least I could look after his runner, despite how aggressive he can be. I didn’t ride him—we just went for a walk. I know I messed up, I know I have no idea how runners or Beastcraft works, but I’m trying,” Rena shot out before moving past the group, rushing up the stairs.

Bensen’s eyes widened in alarm. Shards, it was their anniversary? What a wherryhead he had been.

“Rena!” he called, taking off after her.

Rena stopped at the call as she reached the top of the stairs. She turned around and looked at him.

“Just let me get out of these clothes and have a bath or something. Alone. I’m fine, just a little bruised and battered, but I’m trying,” she whispered.

Bensen stopped on the step below her. “Rena, why didn’t you say something? I’ve been so busy I lost track of the days. I’m so sorry.” He felt awful for forgetting.

“Because it isn’t yours to remember, Ben. It’s mine. I was his wife for less than four years, and I just… just wanted to honor him quietly. And here I am making a scene.” Tears finally fell, hot on her cheeks, and she scrubbed at them. “So don’t apologize,” she said firmly, turning away to carry on inside.

“But it was—and is—important to you,” he tried. “If you’ll permit me, I have an idea once you’re settled and feel ready to face the world again.”

Rena nodded. “I’ll see you in a bit,” was all she said as she disappeared into the Hold.

Senabena joined him. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know. I’m just worried,” the teenager whispered softly, looking guilty for having chastised her earlier.

Bensen watched Rena disappear up the stairs before turning to his sister. “It’s okay. I didn’t know either and reacted the same way when we found her.” He blew out a breath. This was a mess.

“We do need to do something about Thunder, though. He can’t keep worrying us when anyone takes him out,” Senabena sighed as she started up the stairs, thinking they needed to tell Mother what was going on. She always knew how to help.

He nodded. “We do. He was a handful even when Oseben was alive. I’ll talk with Johu and see if he has a suggestion.” Thunder was one of their prize stallions, so they couldn’t geld him. They would have to think of something else.

“But Oseben knew how to handle him. But yes… my heart can’t go through that again,” Senabena admitted. It was the first time she had truly worried about losing someone. The gather had happened so quickly she hadn’t had time to worry before; one moment Oseben had been there, and the next he was gone.

Bensen nodded. That was true enough. Thunder had been Oseben’s pride and joy. “Which means we can’t give up on him. I’ll take him out later and see if I can work some of his energy off,” he answered. Then he would see about putting his plan into action.

Senabena nodded, throwing her braid over her shoulder. She wasn’t one to give up on a runnerbeast, but they needed to do something. “I’ll go tell Mother everything is okay and meet you for our evening meal. Or are you taking your meal elsewhere?” she wondered, thinking of how late it was getting.

“I’ll be down. I want to check on Rena first. Don’t know if she’ll be up to coming down or not.” He knew physically Rena was okay, but he wasn’t sure how she was doing mentally.

“Give her a little time, son,” Oben advised as he joined them, looking worried.

Bensen hesitated on a step. His father was probably right. Shards, this was hard. “That’s probably a good idea. I’ll come with you.”

“Just a candlemark, Ben. Enough time for her to clean up and calm down a little with Brenna,” Oben soothed. He remembered the early days of his marriage, though it had never been as complicated as Bensen’s with Rena.

Bensen nodded slowly as he stepped back down onto the floor. This marriage thing was definitely something he didn’t fully understand yet, but he wanted to be there for Rena and Brenna. “You’re right, Father.”

“I won’t always be right in your marriage,” Oben said lightly, making Senabena laugh a little at the gentle tease. Oben raised an eyebrow, and the teenager fell silent, though she smiled at Bensen.

The Lord Holder indicated they could both go ahead of him as he spotted his steward walking toward him.

Bensen shook his head with a small smile. For this one time, he knew his father was correct. Bensen got in step with his sister. For now, he needed to give Rena some space.