for Relm Hawke | strange events in Thedas

[unblistered]

[ Lothering is just off of the Imperial Highway, at the edge of the Hinterlands. Unless you live there, or you make the journey on said highway very often, it's not a place that most people would know about let alone settle in. And yet, there are two families who, for their own reasons, most certainly have.

One has three children.

One has only one, a boy who doesn't really resemble either of his somewhat-elderly parents.

These two farms, by chance, happen to be next to one another. This worked well for both families as both were somewhat rare in their tendency not to be particularly nosy into the other's affairs and while social, far less intrusive than was usual in a small farming community where everyone knew everyone else.

Kal, the Kent's son, is well regarded by most in town, primarily because he tends to offer help to anyone who might ask for it and rarely asks for much in return. He's a quiet boy, friendly but with a tendency to let his mind wander. More frustrating, his father and his mother both seem content to let him find his way and won't even speak on the subject of marriage. Then again, the Kents had always been a little odd...]

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[indigobird]

[The Kents really are the closest thing to perfect neighbors that could reasonably exist. Ever since the Hawkes moved in about eight, almost nine years ago, they strived to keep friendly with their neighbors, though perhaps not too friendly. Malcolm always worried about nosy neighbors and initially determined to keep them at arm's length, but the Kents, blessedly, kept their noses out of the Hawkes' private business. It allowed a companionable existence with each other. The family of five returned the favor, minus a handful of inquisitive pokes from Leandra about Kal.

Mostly on the subject of his marrying, because Leandra might have left the noble life behind, but the noble life and way of thinking never quite left her. Naturally, she's among those frustrated by their refusal to entertain his marriage prospects. He's a perfectly handsome young man, she often complained to Malcolm at dinner. Why wouldn't they jump at the chance to encourage him to look for a partner? Maker only knows, she'd go on, that he could have just about any young woman in the town.

Relm strongly suspects a great part of Leandra's frustration has to do with her mother counting her eldest daughter among said prospects. Because she has certainly been hounded about marriage, more and more over the past year. It's only thanks to Malcolm's laid-back attitude (and quiet hesitation in acknowledging his oldest is all grown up and ready for such things) that's prevented Leandra from making any serious overtures - or worse, plans - about it.

For her part, Relm simply believes the Kents aren't ready to give up their son. He's their only child, and a strong back to carry out the labor that goes into running a farm.

Whatever their reasoning, she's glad to know Kal isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Having been neighbors for so long, they've spent a good deal of time together over the years. While they were a little too old to play together by the time they met, they shared the joys and pains of going through adolescence together, buffeted by Kal's kind, generous nature and Relm's playful, outgoing personality. And now, in the dawn of their adulthood, they're set to embark on life's next stage.

But those are all far from her mind as she hops over the fence into the Kents' farmstead. Right now, she mostly wants to see Kal and get away from her noisy household. She always envied Kal's only child status, and his household provides a welcome reprieve from her own.

It doesn't take long for her to find him out in the field. She leans against a fence post, waiting for him to look up and see her. When he does, she smiles and waves.]

[unblistered]

[ Kal knows she's there. His senses have been keen enough as he grew up and only grew keener, especially sensitive to people who are familiar and people he cares about. Given that Relm is both, he waits to look up and smile at her til she's settled against the post, offers his own wave and smile, and starts making his own way over.]

To what do I owe the pleasure today, Mistress Hawke?

[ He's teasing her. Just a little.]

[indigobird]

My fine company that's in want of your fine company, Master Kent. [She teases right back, though the intent is sincere. There's something calming about his presence, and ever since she met him as a young teen, she's found it comforting. A living, breathing oasis in the chaos and precariousness of her life.]

Do you have time, or are you bogged down with chores?

[unblistered]

You should know that I'll always make time for you.

[ Which, from anyone else, might seem a line. But Kal's never been the sort, doesn't tend to flirt much and usually does so with an earnest willingness both on his face and in his heart. In this case, he merely happens to think she should know by know that he enjoys her company.]

You're not the only one who could do with some company.

[indigobird]

[Luckily Relm knows it's not a line. She does know him rather well, and with that knowledge comes the certainty that he's just being his usual, friendly self. Too bad most of the girls (and a few boys) in the village don't know better...]

I know you would, but it's always a question of whether you should. [Maker only knows Relm's been scolded more than once for neglecting her chores in favor of spending time with him. Which clearly made an impact on her because she's here and doing just that.] But if you're in just as dire need, then I'll attend to your company straightaway. [Always teasing and always overdramatic about it. But she'll happily hang out with him.]