Confronting the Awkwardness P1

Posted on Sun Oct 5th, 2025 @ 1:28pm by Sr Journeyman Rena & Sr Journeyman Bensen

Mission: 3531 AL
Location: FSH
Timeline: M3 D14

Rena looked at Bensen as they were both kicked out of their rooms. They had not spent time just them outside of a quick candlemark or visiting each other at their place of work since they had married, and they certainly had not discussed what had happened between them after the bath. Lady Sena had turned up with her Ladies' maid to look after her granddaughter for the night, taking her off to the Lord Holder’s rooms with them, having instructions to do something different.

“Um… I am not sure I like your mother kicking us out and … what are we going to do?” She wondered, putting a hand on her bump.

Bensen had been caught totally off guard when his mother had shown up and carried Brenna away. He shook his head a bit, still not sure how to feel.

“Ah, must say caught me by surprise.” He really shouldn't have been though. His mother watched over her family. “That's a good question. Um dinner and a walk?” He was actually at a loss.

“Sure. Are we going for dinner in the Hold or would you like to go out and explore?” It had been a long time since she had done anything like that. Rena was not entirely sure this was not going to be awkward but it was too late.

Bensen looked over at her. “Do you feel up to exploring?” He didn't want her to overdo it if she would rather stay close.

“I do not mind wandering around.” Maybe that would help her mood being outdoors a little more? Being cooped up in the hold could not do her any good all the time?

He gave her a smile. “Then wandering it is,” he said. “You tell me if you get tired though.” Bensen didn't want her to overdo it and he wasn't sure where that point was honestly.

Thankfully the weather was still hot and not quite tropical wet hot to allow them not to need to worry about jackets as they stepped out of the main hold into the houses and buildings that surrounded the hold. “I will not overdo it. I am fine.” Fine was the word she kept using but she did mean it.

Bensen wasn't sure if she really was but he had no reason to question her. He looked around the Hold and then the homes they were stepping into. “I forget sometimes how pretty it is here.”

“It is. I really need to get out more and walk around.” She admitted. “I think the last time I walked around was when your runner gave birth and you showed me yours and Oseben’s secret spot.” She did not often mention her deceased husband's name but it was hard to have a conversation when he was so deeply engrained in things.

Bensen nodded. He loved being out with the runners. “That was a nice day.” He tried not to focus on the fact that Oseben was gone. “We will have to do it more often.”

“Before the mare went into labour.” She grinned a little as they reached the steps, and she held the bannister tightly as they went down. “I do not mind the runners even if Thunder hates all of us.” She said as they reached the bottom of the stairs, and she no longer worried about falling down the stairs. It was hard trying to keep the balance.

“Yeah that part wasn't so good. Thankfully momma and baby were safe though.” He shook his head a bit as he stayed close to Rena. “That stallion hates all of us.” He never could figure out Thunder's issue. They had raised him and the runner had never been abused.

“I blame Oseben.” Rena said simply as noticed how he stayed close noticing her change in gait. “So which direction?” She wondered quietly. She had been nowhere other than the stables and the Harper Craft hall in months.

“I'll second that,” he smiled. It felt good to be able to talk about Oseben a bit. Bensen looked around. “Hmm, well if you're hungry I know of a good tavern around here,” he answered.

“I can be hungry. Lead the way.” She instructed smiling as people moved around them taking no notice of them. It felt nice to not have people surround her who pitied her.

Bensen smiled. “Oh you'll love this place,” he grinned, nodding to a few people who passed. Thankfully he hadn't really dressed up before Sena had kicked them out so no one really paid any attention.

Rena smiled loving the way he grinned and fitted into the Hold like everyone else. It was nice to see just how down to Pern this man was, which really suited her. “I am sure I will.” The woman had yet to not enjoy anything with him. “Thankfully, neither of us had changed for evening meal, which I think your mother took into account.”

Bensen loved the Hold and the people. He would much rather be out among them then cooped up inside with hide work. “You are probably right. Mother never just does anything. She has it planned out.”

The woman nodded, maybe they had not been hiding the awkwardness enough. “I suspect she has picked up on some of our emotions.” She hinted gently as she saw a tavern just up the path. She had been there once before she had been stationed in the Hold.

He sighed softly. “You are probably right,” he agreed. “Mother does pick up on things like that even if we think we're not showing it.” They had been trying but it was a whole new step they had taken and would take time to get used to. “There it is,” he said, pointing at the tavern in front of them.

“I went here the night before I joined the Hold. This is where I stayed… had a really nice comfortable bed.” She admitted with a smile before she blushed a little. “Hard not to show what… I am a Harper ”. I am meant to be good at words.” She laughed.

“Well shards. Then it's not a surprise,” he grinned. “We're here already so we might as well have a bite.” Bensen chuckled. “Try being one of the Lord Holder’s sons. I should be able to find the words too but can't.”

“It’s been turns since I have been here. So it’s all new.” She promised smiling at him. “Well one of us needs to start this.” She murmured to him as they stopped outside the tavern and Rena glanced inside. It looked different if she was honest.

A smile touched his lips. “Good. Then it will still be a surprise.” Bensen groaned a bit. “You're right, but I still don't know where to start,” he admitted as he stepped inside. He nodded to the inn keeper who gestured to one of the tables.

“Well let’s get you an ale and start front here.” She laughed as they weaved through the tavern and got to the gestured table.

Bensen walked up to the bar to order the ale and some juice for Rena as she couldn't drink at the moment. He returned a few moments later with two mugs. “Juice for milady.”

“I miss a good wine.” She laughed as she had been people watching more than anything to avoid keeping her eyes on the man.

“I'm sure,” he said, setting the mugs down before sitting down himself. He knew someone would be around soon to take their food order. “When you're able to again I'll make sure we have the finest wine.”

“Thank you. Promises, promises husband.” The woman said smiling as she took the mug in her hands to keep from being nervous with them. “Look… um… yesterday was…”

“One I plan to keep,” he grinned, still getting used to being a husband. He looked down at his ale. “Ah…yeah.”

Rena smiled as she slowly reached across the table and took his hand in hers weaving her fingers through his. “I am not sorry it happened.” She admitted.

Bensen looked up at her as she weaved their fingers together. “You're not?” He asked in relief. “Thank Faranth cause neither was i.”

“I…” Rena started but stopped as a young girl came to take their order. She was barely old enough to be in the tavern let alone serving but she smiled sweetly at the pair. “I’ll just have whatever is the cooks special tonight.” Rena said quietly.

Bensen looked over and gave the girl a smile. “That sounds good to me as well,” he said. The food was always good at this tavern so whatever the special was would be

The girl looked at the pair smiling as she relaxed, taking in their ranks and not what the barman had told her they were. “It is our pie and root vegetables. So it won’t be long journeymen.” The girl ducked her head politely as she took note of what the pair wanted.

That sounded quite tasty. “Thank you,” Bensen said, glad no one was making a big fuss. It was nice to not have someone fawning over his position.

The girl smiled wider and quickly walked off to where the kitchens were leaving the pair alone again. Rena had taken to looking around until she could find her words again. She was watching the man at the bar trying to flirt and then the young apprentices in the corner trying to work out how they could get more ale. It was a nice experience to be there and out with people.

He smiled as the young girl walked off. It was nice to get away from the business of the Hold from time to time. Not to mention it gave him a chance to get to know the people in a more relaxed setting. He turned back to Rena and gave her a smile. “Thank you for coming out tonight.”

Rena looked back at him and smiled a little more. “I did not really have a choice. Your mother kicked us out and practically stole Brienna.” She laughed and squeezed his hand. It was not as awkward between them now but it was still hard to explain.

Bensen laughed a bit. “That she did but you didn't have to agree to come down to the tavern.” He grinned. “And you know Bre is being spoiled.” He had no doubt his sister was there too. He returned her gentle squeeze. She had been his friend for a long time so it really shouldn't be so awkward.

“You were looking at me with those big brown eyes and I couldn’t say no.” She said, rolling her eyes a little at him teasing. “Oh I am not worried for her safety. She’ll be having the best time.” The woman was in safe hands with any of her family.

He grinned broadly. “And that was the point,” he chuckled. He hoped they could get by this weird awkwardness and be friends again. “I have no doubt you're right. They will have her so spoiled.”

“I trust my daughter with any member of your family.” She assured quickly and pulled her hand back to sip on her juice. The last few weeks had been nice so why did this feel so awful suddenly. “Did I push too far too quickly?” She wondered finally. The tavern was too noisy for people to care what they were talking about c

He knew Brenna was quiet alright. His family loved that little girl. Bensen was confused. “What do you mean?” He asked gently. It had moved quickly, but he was happy.

“I think I… well, I seduced you… and… It’s been awkward the last day.” She admitted blushing a little more if it was possible. She hated how she had shifted them into something more awkward than it needed to.

Bensen reached back over to squeeze her hand. “I didn't mind,” he said gently. “I was more worried about you. I-I was afraid you would regret it.” He knew she had still been grieving Oseben and he hadn't wanted to rush her.

“I was the one who pushed because I have been starved of physical affection.” The woman reminded as he took her hand and squeezed it, making her look up at him.

Bensen slowly nodded. “At the time I hadn't realized that. All I had been thinking was I was taking things too fast for you.” He gave her a gentle smile. He just wanted her happy.

“I seduce you and for that I apologise.” The woman finally said quietly. “I should not have done that and caused this. I truly did not mean to push things.” She said looking late and more embarrassed by the moment.

He shook his head and reached out to squeeze her hand. “Don’t apologize for that. You did nothing wrong,” he said gently. It was probably the only reason he had given in so quickly. Otherwise he would have been too scared of hurting her or pushing her too soon.

The woman levelled him with a shocked look before she nodded. “I reserve the rib to be embarrassed though.” She told him relieved that the glows covered she pink tinge to her cheek.

Bensen gave her a gentle smile. “If that makes you feel better. But I'll say with you doing that it helped me realize you were okay with everything. I was worried I would move too fast.”

“I was more than okay. I just… I am not the shape that most men want so…” her thoughts were stopped by the arrival of food. Rena pulled her hand back as the young woman put 2 plates down in front of them.

“I’ll be back in a moment with some bread.” She promised adding cutlery to the small table for them both.

Bensen realized what she meant just before their food arrived. He nodded a thank you to the girl before looking back at Rena. “I do hope you don't believe I am that shallow.”

“No but still…” She started before shaking her head. “Drink your ale and eat your food.” She prompted picking up her fork to start herself before it got cold.

He frowned slightly. He thought Rena was beautiful and had never had any other thoughts. Apparently though things were still awkward. Bensen just nodded and picked up his ale.

Rena had to admit from the first bite the food was delicious. It was earthy and flavourful which she enjoyed. It was home cooked food that reminded her of going to the tavern when she was younger with her father. She did not miss the frown but let it settle between them leaving it alone for a moment.

Bensen focused on his meal for the moment. They could talk more after their meal as the food was too good to let get cold. Not to mention it would give him a chance to think about a response.