Kirianne Everness - Origin story: The First Kiss

They had a lovely dinner. Fresh bread, and well-seasoned stew, followed by dessert. Dessert was a rare treat indeed. The Everness home rarely had sugar to spare for such frivolities. She wanted to savour it, let each bite melt in her mouth as the flavour washed over her tongue, allowing the crumb to become mush before she swallowed it. She shut her eyes as she took the first morsel of the light, fluffy cake to her lips. It was so spongy and soft, with little flecks of stone fruit baked into it, providing just a hint of tang to counter the sweetness. Oh yes. She would enjoy this.

When she opened her eyes, she found Finean staring at her across the small oak table, his lips curled in an amused smile. “You like sweets, I take it?”

Kiri's face grew hot and she quickly looked down. “I'm sorry, Captain Olenan. It's so rare I get to enjoy a cake.”

“Just Finean, Kiri, by the Goddess. We need to drop these formalities when we're together, at the very least, don't you think? And I'm glad you're enjoying it. The cake, I mean. It's good to see you happy.”

Kiri looked at the man sitting across from her. She knew him well enough. Living in a small town, one can't get away from knowing the notable members at least a little. But she had never paid him much mind. After all, she didn't plan on breaking the law, so why would she need to know the Captain of the Guard? She hadn't even seen him looking at her. Of course, she hadn't really been paying attention.

Kiri remembered Finean as a proud youth. When they were growing up, he was of the upper class, and moved in different circles. During play times between lessons, he could be seen running through the fields with the other wealthier boys. He was older than Kiri by a few years as well, further dividing the two. She knew that the girls in his year giggled behind their hands and cast glances at him whenever he passed. He was a charmer. And when he grew older, Kiri assumed he had used that charm more than once to 'explore the wonders of the opposite sex'. He was a man, after all, and a man with both wealth and looks could surely get whatever he wanted in life.

Thinking about that annoyed her. He hadn't needed to court her, like he would have had to court someone of his own station. Maybe that was why he chose her. Maybe she was the easy route. Maybe his family told him he had to marry, and rather than spending time cavorting with the ladies of society, he chose the meekest woman of age that he could think of who wouldn't be able to refuse. Her face grew hot again.

“You're blushing a lot tonight,” Finean reached his hand across the table and brushed her cheek. Kiri flinched, and this time was unable to hide it. Finean brought his hand back to his side “I'm sorry – what's wrong, Kiri?”

Well... If she was going to be spending the rest of her life with this man, she had to be able to talk to him, right? She sat up straight and raised her eyes to study his face. “Why me, Finean? Why did you choose me? You don't even know me.”

Finean looked at her a while, his face remaining calm. He wasn't angry at the question. What was that look? Curiosity. That was it. She had made him think.

“Kirianne,” He started, obviously choosing his words carefully, “just because we haven't shared dances or drinks in the taverns does not mean I don't know you. It does not mean I haven't had my eye on you for a long time – the girl with flaming hair.”

It was Kiri's turn to look taken aback. So he had been watching her. For how long? She wasn't sure if she liked that. She thought herself fairly quiet and unassuming in public. It was in the depth of the woods when she fancied herself to be alone that she let her emotions and energies flow. She continued her study of Finean's face as he went on.

“You're quiet in the town. You work hard, and you obviously care deeply for your family. When you were old enough to leave your mother's market stall, you immediately started helping wherever you could. You are kind to others – I've never seen you lash out at anyone, even the lechers at the docks. And beyond all this, Kiri, I've seen you during the live performances. When the minstrels play to the crowd, you stand in the darkest corners of the inn and practice your dances, and you hum, and as quiet as you are your voice rings like the sweetest bells.”

Kiri listened to his voice, and it was low and soft. The deep rumble of memories like waves on the beach on a calm day. How could he have seen all that? And still, he continued.

“I'm not a complicated man, Kiri. All I want in life is comfort and companionship. I work hard, and I see many things – some I'd rather forget. I want someone kind to come home to after everything is done. Someone I can talk to, who will listen. I want someone to share my life and my heart with. And, I think – I hope – that someone is you.”

He paused. Kiri said nothing – what could she say to that? He looked sincere. His eyes were soft – no longer full of laughter. She looked around the inn. Men were here after their day at the docks. A group of guards shared a table in the corner. An older couple were sharing a dinner across the room. She saw some avert their eyes quickly when they caught her looking at them. They weren't really alone here, and this conversation was not as private as she would like.

Finally, she turned back to the man across from her. “Let's finish our dinner and go for a walk? I'd like to keep talking to you, but... not here.”

The Captain nodded and leaned back in his chair. “Of course. Please – enjoy your cake.”

***

 

Finean hadn't said anything in a while. They were walking along the beach, away from town. Kiri was lost in her thoughts when she eventually noticed that they were alone – finally alone. And oh my, was it ever dark. The only light out here was the moon and its reflection on the water. This was her favourite type of evening – when the quiet of the night was so stark that you could hear the breeze sing through the grasses on the hillside, and the rustle of the leaves on the trees nearby provided their accompaniment. This was the type of night Kiri would sneak out of her room to lay in the moss under the trees and sing quietly to herself, and dream of places far away. But this time she was on the sand, and she had someone beside her. The aura of warmth from his body brushed her arm gently to remind her of his presence. She sighed. She would have to break the silence at some point.

But rather than words, she felt a strong hand carefully, softly, brushing her own. His hand encompassed hers, and he gently stroked his thumb over her skin. This time, she didn't pull away. She let it happen. And then, he stopped his stride. Since he was holding her hand, her arm felt the slight pull as he turned her body towards his and cupped her cheek.

“Kiri, I know this has been sudden for you. I'm sorry about that. We don't have to rush things if you don't want to. An engagement can last a while. We have the rest of our lives. I just... I just hope that you warm to me eventually.”

Kiri's heart leapt. What was he talking about? A warmth washed over her, and she realized she no longer wanted to run. What did she want? She knew what he wanted. It didn't sound so bad, really, being his little dutiful wife. A small squeak escaped her lips. Was that noise coming from her? How odd.

“Finean I... I'm sorry. I am already 'warming' to you. This has all been strange, and unexpected. I don't know what to say, or how to act. But, I'm not unhappy. I just... I feel lost.” She leaned her head into his palm for comfort. It was working. That strong hand was calming her, but at the same time her heart was racing. Was she about to faint? Goddess, she hoped not. That would be mortifying.

“Shall I help to find you?” Finean's gravelly voice resonated straight to her soul.

Kiri felt his fingers curl to the back of her neck, pulling her in. She felt him move in, and her head tilted back instinctively as she felt his lips meet hers. She relaxed. This felt right. She melted into the embrace and shut her eyes. Yes, he could help to find her. That would be nice.

Too soon, Finean pulled away and put his forehead to hers. So close. Suddenly she understood all those girls giggling behind their hands. She hadn't wanted this before, but she wanted it now.

Finean smiled again. “We have time. Don't worry, Kiri. We can find you – together.” His hands moved to her back then, wrapping her in a hug. She turned her head and leaned against his chest. Why had he stopped kissing her? This was nice too, but she missed the warmth of his lips. Darned decency. He was going to pull away now, because he was a gentleman, and he was treating her as a lady, not a conquest. Kiri was both glad and disappointed at his chivalry.

They shared the rest of the evening in silence. Finean held her hand and stroked her fingers as they walked along the shoreline. He walked her home, and bowed as she walked over her threshold.

“Goodnight, my lady. And sweet dreams. I'll see you tomorrow.” he kissed her hand again, and Kiri nodded, moving inside and shutting the door. She turned into the darkness of the house, and startled to see her mother sitting by the cold fireplace, watching her intently.

“Have a seat, Kiri. It's time we had a talk.”