The Safety of Family

Writers: Anika, Avery
Date Posted: 21st November 2014

Characters: Corran, Gautrek
Description: Gautrek seeks out information about the safety in the area surrounding the Hold and meets Corran.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 10, day 5 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Geirlene, Zathris

Gautrek

Gautrek understood that the nasty business around Lady Benani's
kidnapping had been cleared up, but knowing of the incident still left
him with concerns. He asked around about the general safety for
unescorted females in the area and had been directed to the guard
tower. Apparently they had someone on duty to answer such questions.

When he arrived, there was a man, small of stature but probably in his
mid thirties writing on an official looking hide. Gautrek waited for
him to finish his task before making himself known, aware of how
annoying it was to be interrupted mid-thought while one was working.

Corran finished making sure that the report on the send ay's unusual
incidents was done before standing up to introduce himself and holding out
a hand. "I'm Corran, one of the guards here. And you are?"

"Senior Journeyman Gautrek," the vintner replied accepting the man's hand
offering a firm handshake. "I've just returned to the Hall after
journeying abroad."

"A pleasure to meet you, Journeyman. I hope you'll enjoy being back at
Amber Hills. Were you far away?"

"Most recently I was at a Sea Hold close to Coral Bay, but I've traveled a
good portion of the continent in my turns. When I returned, I brought with
me my niece and two nephews. I wanted to inquire about the safety of the
area and if it is advisable to allow my niece of fifteen turns to travel
between Hall and Hold unescorted."

Concern for his family. Corran found he respected that. The other guards
would probably prefer he say it perfectly safe and keep their reputation
clean, but Corran would rather have it reflect a little badly and be
honest about the risk than stretch the truth to look good.

"I was on the team that found the corpse of the Lady's kidnapper. Killed
by the elements instead of a trial, unfortunately. There continue to be
stepped up patrols, and if she truly feels unsafe we can provide an escort
upon request. But it is much better this spring than it was over the
winter."

"That is certainly good to hear. It isn't really so much that my niece
feels uncomfortable rather that I have been concerned. I fear she is too
naive, tending to assume the best of everyone. Not that I want her to be
timid and afraid, but I do worry, particularly after hearing about what
happened to the Ladyholder."

"I can promise you we guards are good men and if she does ask for an
escort, we can be trusted to keep her safe." Corran replied. There were of
course some unscrupulous men, but Karhal wouldn't let them stay on. "Is
she from a more sheltered area?"

"A smaller sea Hold," Gautrek replied with a nod. "I'll tell her that if
she's delayed at the Hold past dusk, she should request an escort home. It
sounds as if your guardstaff has everything well in hand and that she
should be fine in the daylight. This responsibility is a new one to me and
I probably worry overly much."

"Were you a bachelor before they came into your life?"

"Indeed I was and what a change it has been. Luckily, Geirlene is old
enough to look after her brothers while I work. Well, actually, Geirolf is
of an age to consider apprenticeship so he's fairly independent. They have
been a joy but I find myself very lacking in experience for the role. How
about yourself? Do you have a family?"

His thoughts flashed in an inappropriate direction, then settled down.
"No, I don't. The bachelor life has suited me well enough. Though I
confess, I'd love a son."

"Yes, I think I would as well, one day, especially after having this
opportunity to finish raising my nephews. Of course that would
require finding a women willing to put up with my eccentricities and I
don't know if that's likely to happen," Gautrek laughed at his own
failings. "I can become quite absorbed in my work at times."

Corran smiled at the image. "I've felt the same way myself. Amber Hills
seems to attract dedicated men with minds for their work."

"Not a bad thing to boast for sure, but I'm afraid our female
counterparts do not find it nearly as admirable a trait." He looked
slyly at the guard and his tone became jovial, "So how is the Hold set
for eligible ladies?"

"There's a few. Amber Hills women seem to marry pretty young, you don't
see a lot of older unmarried ladies." Which made it more and more
uncomfortable for him - he didn't want a teenage bride, but nearly every
woman his own age were married.

Gautrek let out a forlorn sigh. "That seems to be the way of it, and
I myself just can't imagine taking a bride who is young enough to be
my daughter, though I know it's common practice. I've visited more
than one Weyr and they do have some enchanting ladies but few are
inclined to leave, even if they do not ride a dragon. I suppose it's
good I'm very taken with my work."

"Wouldn't it be nice if a few more ladies appeared here to open up the
field? I know sometimes there are fostered Blood ladies, but those are so
young. As for Weyr woman, I do hear they're lovely, but not much need for
guards there I'm afraid."

Gautrek was probably in a better situation, Corran thought. As a new face
the ladies hadn't already gotten to know him. He worried he was seen as
too safe and well-known by the women here to ever be seriously considered.

With a hearty laugh, his blue eyes sparkling, the vintner agreed with
Corran's statement, "It would indeed. What we need is a Search like
the Weyrs have, only instead of the cutoff being twenty one, no one
under twenty five turns would be eligible."

"If so, check the cot holds. I think most of the women of that age stay
with their family so they're not shamed," the guard mused. "So we rarely
see them here at the Hold or Hall."

Which reminded him of something else the crafts-man might fear. "At least
Zathris is more lenient about marriage than many Lord Holders. You won't
have to worry about him pressuring your niece into marriage before she's
ready."

Gautrek's eyebrows raised at that. "I suppose you're right. I hadn't
given it much though but she is nearly sixteen turns." The vintner
shook his head in dismay. "I"ll have suitors knocking at my door
before I know it."

"That is a danger," Corran confirmed. "Some of the Holds are places you'd
have to worry about, they expect women wedded and with child by 18. But if
you're staying at the Hall a long time, it's a better climate here then it
could be elsewhere."

"Yes, I do plan on settling at the Hall for a long spell. I know
Geirlene wants a home and family but I certainly have no desire to
push that on her just now. I'd prefer to see her make a love match
and I know that's what her parents would want for her as they were
very much in love with one another." So much so that his sister-in-law
could not bare to go on living without her husband when he had died at
sea.

"Those are rare, but I wish her all the luck in finding one. Here will
give her the time and space to find one. Perhaps it'll even be among your
fellow crafters - or would you prefer her to live outside the Hall?"

"Honestly, I just want to see her paired with someone will who love
her and provide well for her. Ultimately, her happiness is most
important."

"That's a good view for you to have. I'm sure you'll do right by her."
Corran sneezed and then waved his hand to indicate he was fine. "I'm
sorry, I'm dragging this off-topic."

"On the contrary, I've found this conversation very beneficial. Thank
you for your insight and your reassurances. I feel much better about
allowing Geirlene to roam freely between Hall and Hold now. I hope
you'll find occasion to come to the Hall. I'd very much like to buy
you a drink at the tavern sometime."

"I promise you she'll be fine. And how could I resist such an offer?"
Corran said.

"I'll be on the lookout for you then. Good to meet you Corran. Have
a pleasant afternoon." Gautrek hoped Corran did cup for a drink as he
thought he would like to get to know the guard better.

"You too, Journeyman," Corran said, returning his attention to his records.

Last updated on the November 28th 2014

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The Safety of Family