Sparks by Independence1776

Negotiation

Makalaurë negotiates with Maitimo to get something he wants. Rated General.

This was originally written for B2MeM 2010 and has been edited somewhat from its original posting.

Makalaurë turned, a large mixing bowl in hand, as I entered the kitchen. “Maitimo! Please, can you finish making dinner for me tonight? I promised Mother and Father it would be done by the time they returned from Lady Vilyandolië’s poetry reading, but I completely forgot I was meeting Narmincë in an hour for dinner and a concert. ”

I raised a hand to stop his flow of words. “What will you do in return? You know you shouldn’t break your promises, especially to Father.”

His shoulders slumped and he nearly dropped the bowl. “Anything you want.”

“Even something unpleasant?”

“Yes!”

“Intervene the next time Father tries to pick a fight about my lack of interest in romantic and sexual relationships.”

“Fine!” He shoved the full bowl into my arms and ran out of the kitchen. I shook my head as I heard him pounding up the stairs. He’d regret the agreement once he actually thought about it, but he was my brother. This would be neither the first nor the last time we traded favors.