A Delicate Situation

[Darastrix]

Zira frowned to himself as he entered the temple. Between the rumours whizzing around the court and what both Zack and Bun-Bun had to say about the latest chatter in the Soahcian wing, he was a bit worried about his newest maid. But to express his concern to Nalani himself.... Well, he wasn't exactly sure how to go about it.

By then, he knew the cause and topic of her and Ryder's fight, again, due to having a constant source for temple gossip, but just because he knew didn't mean he could bring it up. And now Nalani might be pregnant. Concerned or no, it would be awkward for him to just mention it out of the blue.

Zira caught the attention of a priest, who quickly led him to Snowflake. It was starting to feel like a habit now; he'd been stopping by now and then to let her know how Nalani seemed to be doing.

[Kender Bard]

Snowflake rose to greet Zira. She bid him to sit and had already tea and fresh cookies set out - admittedly it had been a snack for herself but she was more than happy to share.

"I trust word has reached you about my Nalani's condition," Snowflake murmured, looking down at one of the little gingerbread cookies. She made a soft sound - something caught between a sigh and very quiet cry. "She didn't need this. I'm only glad to know she's safe from the malicious whispers of course and, yes, even the temple while she's with you."

[Darastrix]

Zira nodded and sighed softly as he took a seat. "Even without the gossips, I'm rather concerned. Not for any pressing reason, mind you," he added quickly. "It's just the whole matter. I'm not exactly sure how things are between her and Ryder, but aside from him, she has no one. No one that she talks to. She gets along fine with the rest of my servants, but she's not tried to make friends. And I hate to think of her being so alone, especially if she is with child."

"I'm at a loss," Zira went on. "I would like to talk to Nalani on the matter, but it's so personal and, well...." He gestured to himself. "I'm a man and around ten years older than she. Even if she weren't also working in my household, that's enough to make things particularly awkward."

[Kender Bard]

"I understand," Snowflake agreed. "And indeed, it would be improper for you to broach her on the subject. I am sorry she hasn't made friends - I think, upon reflection, she may not be entirely sure how. When I selected her as my successor, it set her apart from the other orphans. When she came into the priesthood as an acolyte, she was given special attention - extra studies, more work. She bent herself to them diligently, but as a result, I think her social abilities are a little... stunted."

Snowflake shut her eyes. "I would go talk to her. Love knows I yearn to. But I don't know how well that would be received, if she's still angry with me and the priesthood." She folded her hands together and stared pensively at her interlocked fingers. "Do you have any servants near her age that, with a little coaxing, might become friends with her?"

[Darastrix]

Zira tapped a finger against the arm of his chair. "There's Dillon," he mused. "He's a little shy about speaking around new people, though. Oh!" He smiled slightly. "Alice is coming back to us this week. She's a sweet girl and I don't think she'll be very put off if Nalani doesn't warm up to her right away."

[Kender Bard]

"Either one which you feel is appropriate," Snowflake murmured. "Female is best but I leave the choice up to you. Whoever it is, they must be willing to have patience."

Snowflake pushed back a few strands of hair as she reached for her coin purse and counted out a couple silver, pushing them towards Zira. "Whoever you choose, have them and Nalani go somewhere for fun. Let her spend some time around her peers in a setting that isn't work related. She needs time, Zira, but I think with some gentle prying she will open up again."

[Darastrix]

He nodded at Snowflake, figuring that she knew Nalani best. He did think that, all things considered, Nalani might be different than before, but change didn't have to be bad.

"Snowflake, I can't take this," Zira protested gently as he tried to to slide the coins back to her.

[Kender Bard]

Snowflake lay her hands over it and pushed it forward again. "Then spend it on Nalani for me," she told him. "Or think of it as a gift - may way of saying 'thank you' for helping us both through this troubling time."

[Darastrix]

Zira bowed his head in acquiescence. "I'll spend it on Nalani, then," he agreed, taking the coins and slipping them into his own purse. It wouldn't be difficult, he mused. He doubted finance had been included in Nalani's temple upbringing.