Author's Note: This is my first real drabble for the LiveJournal tortall100 challenge. June 14's subject: an obscure pairing and/or a breakup. I managed to write both. Length: 410 words.

Unfinished Business

By Trisana McGraw

"Daine . . . I'm not sure how to say this." Perin sighed, his eyes dropping to the pad of paper he held in one hand; the fingers of his other hand were busy twirling a stylus. He was a writer (or at least a clerk), for the gods' sakes! He should think of something poetical yet still sorrowful, a proper goodbye.

Sighing again, he squared his shoulders and met her blue-gray eyes. "I think we should see other people," he began. "Now, Daine, we had fun last year, and I was glad for the time we spent together. I just think that after all that has happened during the war . . ."

Daine struggled not to roll her eyes, but it was almost a losing battle. It was common knowledge that while she'd been risking her life for the kingdom, the most persistent of her swains had been bedding several maids in the palace. Besides, she and Perin had never had serious feelings for one another since the beginning, so she didn't see what the big deal was now. Ah, well. Best to let him get this out and spare her explaining that she was in love with Numair; they'd agreed to keep their relationship quiet for a little while, once matters in Tortall had settled down.

She refocused on what Perin was saying. "So much has changed, including my feelings for you," he said, setting down his tools and taking her hands. "I'm truly sorry that it didn't work out, Daine, but I think it's for the best."

Mouse manure, she thought in response to his first sentence. She agreed with him on the second half: of course "breaking up" – if it could even be called that – was the best thing for both of them. Nonetheless, she looked at the ground and nodded, trying to call up some semblance of disappointment while moments away from laughing out loud.

"Come here," Perin murmured, enveloping her in a firm hug. Pulling back, he abruptly announced, "Well, I'll be on my way, then."

Daine nodded and waited until he had turned a corner before doubling over. Once she had regained control of herself and had wiped her streaming eyes, she headed for Numair's rooms, which she would soon be sharing. They still had to assist all the mages with clearing away the remnants of dark magic their enemies had caused; then she and Numair could love each other in peace.