A Person From the Past

Writers: Miriah
Date Posted: 5th February 2019

Characters: Yriadha, Stenlis
Description: A person from Yriadha's past visits her.
Location: Sunstone Seahold
Date: month 9, day 12 of Turn 9

Yriadha

"Headwoman, there's a man here to see you. He says it's important."

A quiet voice spoke at the door, breaking Yriadha's concentration on
the ledgers. She looked up to see one of her assistants and laid the
hide to the side. "What's this about? I have no appointments scheduled
for the day."

"I know, but he says it's very important." The assistant looked behind
her and waved the man forward. A tall man, grey at his temples and
with a short, clipped beard came around the door, a small smile on his
lips. Yriadha recognized him immediately and if she had had the hides
in her hand, he would have dropped them in surprise. As it was, her
eyes widened enough that her assistant immediately noticed and took an
interest."Stenlis?" Yriadha's voice was soft, uncertain.

"It's been a long time." Even walking with the slight limp and a cane
didn't detract from the size of him. He was broad and still strong,
despite his age. "You're looking well, Yriadha."

Her gaze flicked to her assistant. "You may go." She straightened and
collected herself, her posture firming as her expression cleared. She
waited until she heard the footsteps fade before she rose. "It's been
nearly thirty-five turns." She said simply.

"Aye." His lips lifted in a brief smile. "I've heard you've done very
well. here." He paused tapping his cane for a moment. "I also heard
about Demeltor's passing. My sympathies."

Her lips barely lifted in response. "It was a long time ago."

"Hm. I know." His eyes studied her.

Her brow twitched. "I heard you married Calibrisa. How is she?"

He cleared his throat. "Doing well. We have three sons and a daughter."

"I'm pleased to hear it. I am sure you are both very proud." The
polite conversation seemed stilted even to her ears. "Stenlis, why are
you here?"

He stepped in and closed the door behind him. "Primarily," he began,
"to offer a trade agreement."

"You're doing that well? Well, you'll have to speak to the Steward,
not to me," she began.

He lifted his hand, cutting her off. Her brows rose then furrowed,
lips thinning, but he continued. "I know. I have an appointment this
afternoon, but my ship arrived early." He leaned on his cane, not
taking a seat. "I've a message from your father. And I wanted to see
you." She immediately stiffened and held out her hand, expecting a
roll of parchment, but Stenlis shook his head. "It's not written. He
simply asked me to speak to you on his behalf."

Her expression went immediately cool and she gestured with a hand for
him to continue. Stenlis seemed surprised and then strangely
disappointed. "He asks you to visit him. Wait. Before you interrupt."
He saw her mouth tighten and continued. "He has regrets in his old
age, Yriadha. He speaks of them often."

Her chin lifted. "Regrets?" His voices was sharp. "A pity. And how
strange that he speaks to you of them."

Stenlis nodded slowly, his voice gentle. "Aye, regrets. You're his
only daughter and he's not seen you since Demeltor moved you away.
He..." He took a deep breath and considered his words. "he wishes he
had acted differently. And speaks to me often. He's not well. I do
what I can for him."

"Because you are doing so well now and he should have considered your
suit seriously?" The words were cold and cutting.

"Perhaps." Stenlis' couldn't deny the words, nor condemn them.
"Perhaps not. He couldn't see into the future. Nor could we."

Her jaw ached from tension. "I have your message. I will consider it."

He sighed, but nodded. His eyes never left her face. "And we could
have done things differently."

"Don't." Her words were hard and quick.

He paused, and nodded. "You're right, of course." He looked down at
his cane. "You've changed, Yriadha."

"I've had to."

He nodded slowly and looked up. "Aye." He cleared his throat. "Well,
can you direct me to your Steward?"

She nodded and walked around her desk moving to open the door. A light
hand laid on her arm as she moved past him, making her stop. "But
you're still lovely."

Her chin lifted as she looked up at him, meeting his gaze, but her
eyes dropped away after a moment. "Thank you." The words were quiet,
then she cleared her throat, opening the door. "The Steward's door is
down the hall. Three doors to your right."

Stenlis inclined his head in a slight bow. "I'll be here until
tomorrow morning. If you'd like to talk. Thank you, Yriadha."

"Perhaps." The tone left little promise of future conversation.

"It was good seeing you. I hope to do so again." He walked past her
and began his walk down the hall.

"Stenlis?"

He stopped and turned his head. "Yes?"

Yriadha's jaw worked for a moment before she spoke. "Have you been happy?"

A slow smile stretched his face and he nodded. "Aye. I have been."

She nodded. "I'm glad for you then." She stepped back into her office
and shut the door, then closed her eyes.

Last updated on the February 28th 2019

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A Person From the Past