Of Marriageable Age

Writers: Anika, Paula
Date Posted: 4th March 2015

Characters: Gautrek, Etadran
Description: A Holder seeks out Gautrek to discuss a marriage prospect.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 11, day 24 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Geirlene

Gautrek

Gautrek was surprised to be called to the main Hall with news of a
visitor. He wasn't expecting anyone, but he was told there was
someone asking after him so he made his way to the small sitting room
off of the tasting room.

The man sitting there was wearing clothes that indicated rank and
wealth. He had a brown hunting canine, her head resting on his lap
while he scratched her ears. He was around late thirties or early
fourties. He was fairly tall, fit looking, with brown hair and brown
eyes. His face and hands showed signs of outdoor life.

"Good day to you, sir. I am Journeyman Gautrek. I understand you
were asking after me?"

"Yes, I'm holder Etadran," he stood up and offered his hand.

Accepting the man's hand, Gautrek gave a firm handshake. "Pleasure to
meet you." Gautrek took a seat opposite the man, wondering if he
might be wanting to establish a contract with the Hall for goods used
in the beer or wine-making process. Many such matters were referred
to him because of his experience handling them. "How may I be of
service?"

"I knew your late brother, from the time he was stationed at the
Amethyst Cliff hold. We became something of a friends. I believe his
daugheter is now in marritable age?" Etadran answered.

"Ah, my that was turns ago, one of Geirik's, first journeyman posts,
but your memory serves you well, sir. Geirlene just turned sixteen."
Personally he thought this was still just a bit young for marriage,
but he knew that most of the Southern continent didn't agree wih him.
Etadran looked easily twice Geirlene's turns in age as well, another
common practice Gautrek didn't favor. However, he would certainly
hear the man out. "Are you seeking a wife for yourself?

"Yes, I am. My first wife died few Turns ago. It's time for me to
remarry," Etadran smiled.

"I'm sorry to hear about your first wife, but I'm glad you've gotten
past your grief," Gautrek offered. "Do you have children?"

"I had two from my marriage, but they died too. It was the earthquake
that destroyed Amethyst Cliff hold that took them away from me,"
Etadran's pain was visible when he mentioned his children. "I also
have one out of wedlock," he admitted. He petted his canine for
comfort.

"Once again, I offer my condolences, I lost many friends in the
earthquake, but no family," the vintner paused to give the man a
moment. "Can you tell me some about your current life? About what
you are hoping for in a wife?"

"As I mentioned, I'm holder and a widower. I have a wealthy little
hold in Amethyst Cliff hold. We have some lifestock, ovines and
herdbeasts but mostly I grow crops: barley, hop, tuber roots and
cabbages. I like to hunt and I breed this fellas," the canine received
a pat again. "I'm a member of Amethyst Cliff's Blood. As what I hope
from a wife...she has to be well bred and presentable, able represent
my family with grace and honour. I'm looking someone capable of taking
care of large household and to be mother of my heir," Etadran did have
quite high standards. His little mistress was not up to those
standards, being just a farmhands daughter.

Gautrek listened attentively, giving the man his full attention. When
Etadran finished, he gave a nod. "You are obviously a very
successful man and quite frankly a good marriage prospect for a young
lady. I do need to be honest with you, though. This has been a
difficult turn with much upheaval for Geirlene and her brothers. They
lost their father, watched their mother deteriorate and then seven
months ago, lost her as well. Then I took guardianship and soon after
moved the children here. Although she is certainly of marriageable
age, Geirlene is young and I would like to give both her and her
brothers some stability and some time to adjust to their new lives
before ushering in more change. I would like to invite you to join us
in our evening meal so that you might meet Geirlene and she you, but I
am not prepared to entertain marriage contracts for another several
months."

"I can accept that," Etadran replied, "and I gladly join you for a
meal, thank you for the invitation."

With a broad smile, Gautrek rose to lead the man to his cot. He could
not believe he was actually interviewing suitors for his niece! What
he'd said to Etadran was true, he did want to give Geirlene some time,
but if he were completely honest, he had grown quite fond of the girl,
truly did think of her as a daughter, and was not ready to see her go.
Also, though, Etadran was indeed a good marriage prospect for someone,
Gautrek was not sure his niece was that person. He would very much
like to see Geirlene in a love match, though the age difference did
not preclude that by any means. Well, they would meet and he would
observe the interaction and get Geirlene's impressions later. Unlike
many male guardians, he would never marry her off without consulting
her and taking into account her wishes in the matter. Neither would
he marry her off to a stranger, so he was pleased that Etadran had
accepted his invitation.

Last updated on the March 16th 2015

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Of Marriageable Age