Lunch Time

Posted on Thu Mar 26th, 2026 @ 10:53pm by Sr Journeyman Rena & Sr Journeyman Bensen

Mission: 3531 AL

Bensen leaned against the fence, watching Hope kick up her heels in the pasture as Star watched her foal with what could only be described as motherly pride. He smiled a bit. So far his and Oseben’s idea was working out well. The filly already seemed to have speed but she was as sweet as her mother. Hopefully, she would stay that way. He hoped to gift the little filly to Brenna but only after he knew Hope was safe.

Rena still felt like she had been hit by a dragon but a walk to the stables with the baby strapped to her chest. “So this is where you have been hiding?” She greeted as she held out a woven bag. “The headwoman sent me down with this as you missed lunch and so did I it seems.” She added thinking of the attempt at trying to lesson plan for her assistant whilst the baby slept had knackered her enough that she had fallen asleep through lunch.

Bensen turned at the sound of the soft steps behind him. He smiled when he saw his wife and baby girl. “Sorry. Was just checking on Star and Hope,” he answered, not having realized he had missed lunch. “Shards, I didn't realize it was that late already. Thank you for bringing it out. How are you two this afternoon?”?”

“Needing some fresh air despite being tired.” She admitted. “I was trying to do some harper stuff and fell asleep.” If the head woman had not brought her some food she would have likely slept through. “But someone is comfortable against me.” She laughed looking down at her jacket that was over the baby keeping them both warm.

“I get that,” he smiled. “You need the rest. I'm glad you were able to sleep some.” A smile lit up his face when he saw the baby all snuggled under the jacket. “She does look quite content.”

“But I also need to attend to my harper duties.” She smiled sadly. No one expected her to be doing anything but it her own self inflicted need to work hard

“Only at your pace,” he pointed out gently. He knew she wanted to work but he also knew she needed to rest. He stepped over and kissed her forehead. “Just don't over do it.”

“I won’t. Eat your lunch.” She advised gently as she stepped back and started to look around feeling like she was pregnant with how top heavy she was with Osena strapped to her chest.

Bensen raised a brow before motioning her to where a bench had been placed for one's to enjoy the runners if they wanted to. “Come on. Eat yours too.”

“Yes Sir.” She teased as she rolled her eyes but sat down grabbing out one of the meat rolls from the wrapping. It was still warm enough for her. She was not overly hungry but she knew she had to eat well to keep her strength up.

Bensen laughed. “Gotta look out for my wife,” he smiled, taking the other meatroll. Hope trotted up to the fence and nuzzled Bensen’s sleeve while watching Rena. “Looks like we have company.”

“Hello.” Rena said smiling at the runner appearing by them obviously checking out if they had anything suitable for her. “How are things going down here?” She wondered undoing her jacket a little to make sitting down a little more comfortable with Osena. She glanced down and felt the burst of love for the baby just like she had in random moments with Brenna.

The foal whickered a tiny Hello to the two sitting by her fence. Star kept an eye on her baby but let her explore. Bensen chuckled a bit as he scratched the star on Hope's head. “Things are well here. Some of the mares have had their foals and no other issues.”

Rena nodded as she choked down her meat roll. “So I should expect to not see you between sunrise and sunset hmm?” She teased a little. She was not new to this time of year with the foaling season.

He looked over at her, clearly having not thought about that. He hadn't ever had to consider a family before. Bensen shook his head. “No I plan on spending time with my family,” he answered, finishing his meatroll.

“It is okay Ben.” She laughed a little and touched his arm. “Your craft is important too.” She reminded him. She had no doubt that he would try but she knew from Oseben how well that went sometimes.

Bensen nodded a little. “I still have a lot to learn about being married,” he admitted. “It is but so is my family.” He was glad she seemed to understand.

“You do but you are not doing so bad. We have not had screaming arguments or silence.” She pointed out putting down her meat roll for a moment. “You have been a great husband and a great father.”

“That's true enough,” he chuckled. He knew some couples were like that. He didn't think Rena and Oseben had been though. “Thank you. I love you all and want to make sure you are happy and loved.”

“Just the truth Ben.” It was not an easy ride at all but it was certainly a lot nicer than she expected it to be. “But we are. I would not bring you lunch if I was not happy.” She pointed out picking up her own food again.

He smiled at her. He knew she meant every word and he loved having her in his life. “And how is our little one this afternoon?” He asked, looking down at Osena.

“Sleepy but I believe that might be because she was up every two hours.” She laughed a little, caressing her cheek. She was so beautiful and how lucky she was to have the last little part of Oseben still with her.

Bensen cringed. That was a lot. “You don't have to do that on your own love,” he said gently. “I will gladly get up and feed her so you can get some rest.” Since Osena was bottle fed he could help there.

“I know you will but it was okay last night. She was just hungry. I suspect we are about to have a growth spurt. So do not be surprised if we are all asleep and miss dinner especially as we’ve come out to get fresh air.” She grinned hoping that she did get some sleep.

He could understand that. He knew she needed sleep and that new mothers slept when their babies did. “My offer still stands,” he said, playing with Osena's tiny fingers. “I'll help any way I can.”

Rena just smiled as she watched Bensen. His whole demeanour lit up when Osena was around and it really made her happy she had chosen the correct brother. Bensen would do anything to make her happy because it made him happy too, Enabon would have suffered and fumbled trying to do the right thing.

“I can't believe how fast she is growing already,” he commented. The baby had already weaseled her way into his heart right along with Rena and Brenna.

“They grow quickly and soon become like Bre.” Rena said quietly as she stroked the baby's cheek softly.

He nodded. He did know that. It was just amazing to watch. “So we'll have two running around then,” he chuckled. “That will certainly keep us on our toes.”

“Soon enough but for now. She is easy to keep occupied as she sleeps a lot to grow right now. Just wish it was at night and not through the day.” Rena said looking tired but happy. She was just happy to alive right now.

“It does seem she has her timing a little backward,” Bensen chuckled. He didn't really know if that was normal for babies or not. “Anything you need. Even if you need me to watch her for a bit while you sleep.” Bensen wanted to help any way he could.

Rena looked up from the baby to see him looking at her. She smiled and leaned forward pressing her lips against his. “Just you being you.” She caressed his cheek softly smiling at the stubble under her finger tips.

Bensen leaned into her gentle kiss. “I think I can handle that one,” he whispered, brushing a wisp of hair behind her ear. Shards he loved her. He had never thought he would feel this way.

“It is one of your best qualities along with being handsome and kind.” She whispered back again before kissing him softly. She was affectionate when she was relaxed and she was certainly relaxed and happy now.

He laughed softly. “I like the sound of those qualities,” he smiled, kissing her back. being affectionate had certainly gotten easier as they were together longer.

“I am lucky.” She assured before a polite cough sounded and Joni was stood there grinning at the pair.

“I can come back.” The younger man commented.

Bensen turned, laughing a bit. He hadn't thought about anyone else being out there. “It's fine,” he answered.

“I should get back to my attempts to organise.” Rena said, rising from where she was sitting to stand awkwardly. “It is nice to see you, Joni.”

“You too, my lady. You look brighter than last time.” The man said smiling a little as he scuttled past the pair grinning.

Bensen wasn't ready for her to leave but he knew she had her duties too. “I'll be there soon. Gotta finish my rounds here and then I can get Bre and come back,” he offered.

“Sounds perfect.” She squeezed his hand before reluctantly letting go to get out of there before any more journeymen or apprentices turned up and made things awkward. She did not need they reputation.

He returned her gentle squeeze. “See you soon. Get some rest too,” he said gently, reluctantly letting her go.