**An evening full of surprises... good and bad**

Korathin knocks lightly on your door, his voice ringing out, 'May I come in?'

Mikayla calls out, "Come in.."

Korathin opens the door, just enough for him to slip in, then closes it behind him. He holds one hand behind his back as he slowly walks over to you, 'Well, my love.. I think you will be in for a nice surprise.. but, first.. there is one more thing I must ask you to do.'

Mikayla is sitting near the small fireplace that warms the room, brushing out her hair which is still faintly damp from a recent bath. She smiles softly, "And what would that be?"

Korathin removes his hand from behind his back, holding a simple cloth, a small, mischevious smile on his face, 'For the sake of.. genuine surprise.. you need be blindfolded, temporarily.'

Mikayla blinks, looking up at you, then smirks, "Well.. if it's for the sake of surprise.." she rises and sets down her brush on the table as she moves over to you.

Korathin grins lightly, moving the blindfold up so it covers your eyes, making it nice and snug, 'I assure you.. it is so that you can learn of one of those.. how did you put it?  Yes.. one of those many qualities you'd learn I had as time went on.'

Mikayla frowns slightly and sighs, "I'm not sure if I like surprises, Korathin..."

Korathin leans down, kissing you softly on the cheek, 'Trust me..'  He gently takes your hand, leading you out of your room, down the hall, and through another doorway.

Mikayla follows, holding your hands tightly and walking slowly to avoid falling over.

Korathin stops as he leads you a few paces in past the last doorway, then moves behind you, fingers resting on the knot of the blindfold, 'Are you ready for the surprise?'

Mikayla shakes her head slightly, a small frown still on her lips, "I suppose I am... "

Korathin slowly removes your blindfold, revealing you to be in the dining room.  A candle, setting in the middle of the table, is the only light source in the room, illuminating two plates on the table, a side of beef and mashed potatoes on each plate.  There is also a tea pot, and two tea cups, completing the dinner presented.

Mikayla smiles as her eyes sweep over the table, then she turns to you and wrap her arms around you, "Thank you my love.. this is very thoughtful."

Korathin leans down, kissing you lightly on the lips, 'Do not thank me yet.. you've yet to see if the food is any good.'

Mikayla blinks, "Don't tell me you cooked..."

Korathin gives a small nod, slowly walking you over to the chair, 'I did, thank you much.  It may not be as fancy as most places.. but my mother did at least teach me the basics.'

Mikayla smiles brightly as she moves to the chair, "Well it certainly smells good.. I may just have you cook all the time."

Korathin sees you seated, then walks around to the opposite end of the table, sitting down himself, 'Only if you don't mind eating this all of the time.. its about all I know.'

Mikayla laughs softly and shakes her head as she places her napkin in her lap, "Well, I will just have to teach you more then... Then I can spend the rest of my life in leisure, sitting back in the parlour eating sweets."

Korathin grins mischeviously, one eyebrow raising, 'You think that is how it will work, hmm?'  He places his napkin in his lap as well, then picking up his knife and fork.

Mikayla nods, her expression innocent, "Of course... you did say you would do anything for me.."

Korathin cuts off a piece of his beef, chuckling lightly, 'Ahh.. I see, I see.  I suppose you'll be too busy with other things to worry about cooking all of the time anyway..'

Mikayla nods, "Like reciting poetry with all of the lady friends I invite over for tea... lounging in the garden... taking an afternoon swim..."

Korathin pops the beef in his mouth, saying after he swallows, 'If that is what you wish to think you'll do, sure.'  He blinks innocently, changing the subject, eyes growing slightly with curiousity, 'You said that you never were able to visit Saldaea much when you were growing up, right?'

Mikayla nods in agreement with your question, "I was able to visit my estate a handful of times... but not as much as I would like to have."

Korathin nods slowly, eating another bite of his beef before replying, 'Ahh.. well, I was thinking of what we might do tomorrow.. and I believe I've an idea.'

Mikayla takes a bite and smiles, nodding in approval as she chews.  After swallowing she asks, "Another idea?  You seem to be full of those lately." she winks playfully as she cuts another piece.

Korathin grins lightly, his eyes seeming to hold a secret to themselves, 'You don't know the half of it..'  He takes another bite, then says quietly, 'Well.. with the recent snow we got yesterday.. I had thought, if you did not already know how, that I might try to teach you how to ski..'

Mikayla smiles softly and nods eagerly, "That sounds like a lot of fun.... though if I get hurt, who will help you when you break your leg?"

Korathin chuckles, slowly shaking his head, 'What, you do not trust me to take care of myself?'  He grins, taking several bites from his mashed potatoes.

Mikayla nods after taking a bite of potatoes, "Of course... you'd probably just rinse off the broken leg in water and wrap it in a dirty cloth."

Korathin gives a small nod and innocent smile, 'See, nothing to worry about!'  He glances down, taking another bite from his beef.

Mikayla chuckles and mutters softly, "Men.."

Korathin grins lightly, finishing off his beef.  He places his knife and fork down, settling into his chair, 'You know.. I was thinking of what you said the other day, in the barn.. about children..'

Mikayla's fork stops midway to her mouth and she looks at you curiously, "Oh?.. what about them?"

Korathin slowly stands up, pushing his chair back slightly, 'Well.. that you were right of what you said.. and that more than likely, your father will be too busy to come any time soon for a wedding.. then.. I had another idea..'

Mikayla still hasn't taken that bite as she watches you, "Uh oh.. another idea... What's your idea, love?" she finally takes the bite, but her eyes never leave yours.

Korathin slowly walks around the table, but, surprisingly, keeps walking past you, headed to the door behind you, 'Well.. I had thought.. perhaps there is a way we could have children, of a sort.. until we got married.'

Mikayla watches you curiously, the rest of her meal forgotten, "Oh?  You're just full of surprises tonight."

Korathin disappears around the corner, a few moments later, his head pokes back out, 'Yes.. I am.  But, this one was not my idea fully.. but, its still a surprise.. so turn back around until I tell you can look..'

Mikayla sighs impatiently and turns back around, muttering to herself.

Korathin grins lightly, appearing back into the room, something in his hands.  He stops, kneeling down next to you, a puppy cuddled up into his arms, its smooth golden fur reflected in the candle light, 'I had thought.. maybe..'

Mikayla gasps softly as she sees the puppy and reaches out to touch its soft fur, "Ooh... Korathin.  It's adorable."

Korathin smiles softly, holding the puppy out for you to take, 'A old friend of mine stopped by and told me he had a few puppies.. I couldn't resist getting one..'

Mikayla takes the puppy and cradles it in her arms, "It's so cute... we get to keep it?" her eyes gleam with an almost childish delight.

Korathin smiles, giving a small nod, 'Yes.. we now have a baby puppy to take care of.'  He starts to stand back up from the side of your chair.

Mikayla beams up at you as she cuddles the puppy, "Thank you, Korathin... But will be be able to take him back to Caemlyn?"

Korathin pauses a moment, then nods, 'I think I can manage, as long as he doesn't get much bigger very fast.'

Mikayla pets the puppy gently as she looks at you, her expression becoming serious, "You know, I've been thinking, Korathin.."

Korathin tilts his head slightly, looking down at you, curiousity shinning in his eyes, 'Oh?  Seems I'm not the only one with ideas, perhaps, tonight.. what have you been thinking of, my love?'

Mikayla says softly, "Well... I was thinking we should stay in Saldaea.  Here awhile so you can visit your family.. then maybe travel up to my estate.  We can send for Father to come here when he can.."

Korathin eyes study yours for a few moments, then he nods slowly, 'I think that would be a fine idea, Mikayla.. if you are sure it is what you wish to do.'

Mikayla nods, "Yes.. until the wedding at least.  I have spent so little time in my own country... I haven't met the people on my lands since I was a child.  I'd like to spend some time here before I go out and see the world... if that is okay with you.."

Korathin reaches a hand out, petting the puppy in your arms, 'That is fine with me.. I think it will do us both good.'  He leans down, placing a light kiss on your cheek.

Mikayla smiles as she looks up at you, "And I think your mother would be happy to spend some time with you... and it's really not so far to my estate."

Korathin chuckles lightly, his eyes sparkling in the light, 'I think my mother would be happy to spend time with the both of us.. to tell me to mind my manners, and to tell you how to make me mind my manners.'

Mikayla laughs softly, "She is a good woman.. I like her.."

Korathin says quietly, 'And she likes you.. and, when she returns, father should be with her.. so you can meet him, as well.'

Mikayla nods and and cuddles the sleeping puppy, "How long would you like to stay here?"

Korathin shrugs his shoulders lightly, 'Until we are both ready to leave.'  He pauses a moment, eyes slowly traveling over you, 'And, I suppose, I shall have to try and find some old breeches of mine that may not be twice your size.. learning to ski in a dress isn't a good idea.'

Mikayla glances up at you, "Didn't you say you have a sister?  Doesn't she ski?"

Korathin smiles lightly, giving a small nod, 'Yes.. I will rummage through her room, see if I can find something there first.'

Mikayla laughs, "Now I remember why I enjoyed being an only child... so I didn't have a brother rummaging through my clothing."

Korathin grins mischeviously, winking playfully at you, 'You'd get use to it after a while.'

Mikayla shakes her head slightly, "I don't know about that... I think I'm used to being spoiled."

Korathin makes his way back over to his chair, the wood creaking lightly as he settles down into it, 'Perhaps..'  He smiles softly, watching you, 'Well.. what would you like to do now, since we've finished our meal?'

Mikayla looks thoughtful then looks back at the table, "Not do dishes..." she wrinkles her nose, then winks at you playfully.

Korathin sighs, faking mock hurt, 'Oh, I see how it works..'

Mikayla chuckles softly, giving you a sympathetic look.

Korathin glances down at the puppy, his soft smile returning, 'Any ideas?  Or are you just going to pay attention to the puppy and not me from now on?'

Mikayla snorts softly, "He gives me a puppy, but still wants all of my attention.." she looks down at the puppy and says in a voice reserved for puppies and children, "Well maybe if he was as cute as you.."

Korathin rolls his eyes slightly, muttering quietly to himself about women.  He settles into his chair, looking across the table at you, his lower lip slowly sticking out, eyes getting big and sad. 'But.. but..'

Mikayla whispers to the puppy, though loud enough for you to hear, "He's just jealous 'cause you get to sleep on Mommy's bed." she grins mischievously.

Korathin leans his chair back, grumbling lightly as he rolls his eyes again, 'I think I'll just go find a good book to read.'

Mikayla laughs and shakes her head as she watches you, "Can't take a little teasing can we?"

Korathin fakes an indignant sniff, his face full of mock hurt, 'Oh.. sure.. yes, you were teasing.'  He stands up, making his way over to one of the benches along the wall.  He picks up a book sitting on the bench, flipping it open.

Mikayla looks over at you, tilting her head to read the title, "Romantic Tales of Saldaea, huh?  I hear that's pretty good." she chuckles and pets the puppy.

Korathin sits down on the bench, eyes glued to the book, thou he never seems to quite get around to turning the page, despite the fact he doesn't bother to reply to your comment.

Mikayla laughs softly, "Oh, I see.. we're being ignored..."

Korathin blinks, lazily looking up and over at you, eyes full of mischief, 'Oh.. I'm sorry, did you say something?'

Mikayla hmphs, and stands up, carrying the puppy out of the room.

Korathin frowns lightly as you leave, a small sigh escaping his lips as he snaps the book closed.  He sits it down, leaning his back up against the wall, closing his eyes.

Mikayla can be heard walking down the hallway.. the door of her room closing softly behind her as she enters it.

Korathin slowly shakes his head, muttering about bloody women, then stands up.  He exits the room, heading towards his own room, closing the door behind him.

**Later that evening Mikayla takes a walk to a barn in the village nearby... not realizing Korathin would have the same idea....**

Korathin is sitting on a pile of furs in that same old barn, eyes close, hands up at his temples, seemingly oblivious to the sound of the wind outside.

Mikayla enters the barn, at first oblivious to the fact that Korathin is there, the puppy in her arms wiggling to get down while she tries to calm him.

Korathin shivers lightly as the gust of wind blows through the barn, his fingers rubbing harder at his temples, then slowly drop down to his sides as he opens his eyes.

Mikayla closes the door and sets the puppy down, "Don't pee on anything..." she tells him as he scrambles away.  She looks up and sees you sitting there and frowns, "Oh..."

Korathin watches the puppy for a moment, then returns his gaze back to you.  'Do not worry, I will leave, I don't wish to bother you.'  He starts to stand up, brushing his breeches off.

Mikayla frowns slightly as you stand, "Korathin.. " she sighs.

Korathin crosses his arms over his chest, gaze still on you, 'Yes?'

Mikayla rolls her eyes, "Don't look at me like that.. you remind me of my father."

Korathin smirks lightly, slowly shaking his head, 'Fine, I won't.'  He turns, taking a few steps towards the door at the opposite end of the barn.

Mikayla watches you start to walk away then reaches up and grabs something... seconds later hurling an ice pepper at your head.

Korathin stops in his tracks as the ice pepper hits his back.  He slowly turns around to face you, careful to keep his voice a calm, even level, 'What.  Are you not done telling me what else I do wrong?  How else I am not perfect, what else you don't like of me?'

Mikayla looks stunned, "How can you say that?  You speak as though I never say a kind word about you.."

Korathin slowly shakes his head, catching his voice as it starts to rise slightly, lowering it back down, 'Yes.  And for every kind one, there is a flaw you wish to change.. the way I look at you.. the fact that I can't take being teased.. and if I tease back, you leave the room.'

Mikayla moves over to a pile of furs and sits down, "I didn't realize I was trying to change you... or that I was such a chore to be around." she looks slightly to the floor avoiding your gaze.

Korathin sighs softly, his hands coming back up to his temples, 'I did not say you were a chore to be around.  You wanted to know what makes me me.. well, all of those flaws you point out -are- part of me, and shaped me into what I am.  If you change them, then I become a different person.'

Mikayla whispers softly, "I don't want you to change..."

Korathin softens his voice, replying quietly, 'Then, if you wish to be with me, you have to accept my flaws with every other part of me.'

Mikayla sighs, still looking to the floor, "I never said I didn't accept you, or that I wanted you to change.  I never made you any ultimatums or told you anything was wrong with you... Sometimes I make mistakes too, you know.. Sometimes I take things wrong or get hurt when I shouldn't..." she shrugs, "You should learn to take me as I am too.. or not at all."

Korathin takes a step towards you, whispering quietly, 'I do accept you, and I wouldn't want anyone else, or you to be any different.  But..'  He sighs, shaking his head again, 'What do you expect me to think when you run out of rooms, and throw ice peppers at me?'

Mikayla shakes her head, "I don't understand myself sometimes... I just... I have always been that way.. I don't like being ignored.  I know you were playing, but sometimes it gets to me... My real parents did that a lot before they died.. and my father sometimes will do that when he gets busy.  I suppose I'm terribly spoiled."

Korathin eyes study you for several moments, then he quietly asks, 'Do you think I could.. or would, truly ignore you, Mikayla?'

Mikayla shakes her head, "No... but I don't always think.  It was my fault for allowing the teasing to go to far when I wasn't in the mood to joke.  I ruined your dinner and the whole evening... and I apologize."

Korathin takes a few more steps towards you, closing the gap between the two of you, 'Mikayla.. I don't give a bloody care about the dinner.. I was more worried about you.. about us.'

Mikayla nods slowly, unable to meet your eyes, "But I care... I don't wish to fight with you.. or lose you.."

Korathin kneels down next to you, one hand cupping under your chin, trying to bring your gaze up to meet his, 'Mikayla..'

Mikayla looks at you, her eyes sad and apologetic, "Yes, love?"

Korathin eyes search yours as he says softly, 'You will not lose me.  I don't know what you think it means.. but that ring I gave you.. I gave to you because I love you, and want to spend my life with you.. not because I plan to go running off when you might step on my toes..'

Mikayla nods and sniffs softly and brushes away a tear, "I'm sorry... I just want to make you happy."

Korathin smiles softly, gently bringing his other hand to brush back your hair, 'You make me very happy.  And I will see you married to me..'  A small grin creeps across his face, 'Even if I have to throw you over my shoulder and carry you around until I find the first person who can marry us.'

Mikayla smiles through her tears as she touches your face, "Thank you for not wishing to be rid of me..."

Korathin smiles softly, shaking his head, 'I could never wish that, my love.'

Mikayla frowns suddenly and looks around, "Korathin.. where's the puppy?"

Korathin glances around the barn, a small frown coming across his face, 'I don't know..'

Mikayla stands up and begins looking around frantically.."Puppy!"

Korathin mutters something about needing to find a name for the mutt, quickly standing up as well.  He moves over to the first pile of furs, peering around and on them.

Mikayla looks toward you, "There is no other way out of here that he could have found is there?"

Korathin shakes his head slowly, 'No.. I don't think so.. maybe he found a nice place to sleep.. or a nice place with things to eat..'  He sighs, moving to the next pile of furs, looking around them.

Mikayla groans, "I hope he doesn't find any peppers... the poor little thing.."

Korathin glances over to where he was standing before, 'Where is the pepper you threw at me..'

Mikayla frowns and looks toward the door, "Blood and Ashes!" she swears as she looks more quickly around, "Puppy! Where are you?"

Korathin quickly moves between piles of furs, finally rounding one.  He grimaces, looking down, 'I found him.. and whats left of the pepper..'

Mikayla rushes over and looks down, "He *ate* that?  He should have taken one bite and been crying like a baby."  She puts her hands on her hips.

Korathin smiles lightly, trying to hide it, 'Well... some people can eat them..'

Mikayla peers at you, "Puppies and children shouldn't eat ice peppers.... even I don't eat them."

Korathin blinks innocently at you, 'I eat them.'  He glances down, patting the now quite full and sleepy puppy on its head, 'Like father like son, you know.'

Mikayla sighs and shakes her head, "I suppose you are both strange...."

Korathin gives a small nod, 'Yup.. I coulda told you that a long time ago.'

Mikayla laughs softly and shakes her head as she looks down at the puppy, "Well.. I think we found his name.."

Korathin raises an eyebrow, his smile never diminishing, 'And that is?'

Mikayla says with a grin, "Pepper?"

Korathin chuckles, giving a small nod in agreement, 'Yes.. I think pepper will fit quite fine.'

Mikayla ruffles the puppies fur softly so as not to wake him, "Alright then... Pepper it is.."

Korathin sits down on the pile of furs the puppy is curled up beside, 'Well.. so, here we are, throwing peppers, then not paying attention to the puppy and letting him get out of our site.. it has been an.. interesting evening.'

Mikayla moves over to you to sit on your lap, "Interesting, yes... I am just happy to not be away from you.."

Korathin wraps one arm around you, bringing his other hand up, softly touching your face, 'And you are not away from me.. nor do you ever have to be.'

Mikayla nods and rests her head against your shoulder, "I will try to remember that..."

Korathin places a soft kiss on the top of your head, 'Good.. I will always be here when you need me, Mikayla.'

Mikayla smiles, sighing contentedly, "That is good to know.. because I always need you.  Whether I admit it or not.."

Korathin smiles softly, whispering back quietly, 'And I always need you.'