Title: Priorities
Rating: G
Cast, in order of appearance: Merry, then Estella
Disclaimer: The characters themselves do not belong to me. Only the situations do.

“A PICnic?”

“Yes, beloved, picnic... p-i-c-”

“I know what a picnic is... but the planting is behind, because of all the rain, and...”

“-n-i-c. By the little waterfall, on a blanket, with your best-beloved...”

“...the Breelanders are due tomorrow to settle next year’s trade agreement, and...”

“With sunshine and cold roasted chicken and...”

“...and Merimas says the Ferry repairs will be more extensive than we thought...”

“...apple tart.”

“Apple tart?”

“Apple tart. And me.”

“Ah, well, perhaps just an hour or two... I can always work a little later on the morrow if need be...”

“Of course you can, beloved.”