An Old Debt to be Repaid

Writers: Miriah
Date Posted: 6th February 2019

Characters: Yriadha, Stenlis
Description: Yriadha calls in in an old debt
Location: Sunstone Seahold
Date: month 9, day 12 of Turn 9
Notes: Mentioned: Bryvin

Yriadha

"I was surprised to hear from you." The tall man walked beside her,
his can tapping on the stones of the road. "Thank you for walking with
me."

Yriadha kept her cloak bundled about her,with the hood up to protect
her from the cool night air. She kept her normally long, purposeful
stride shortened to match the limp beside her. "I was startled by your
arrival."

He nodded. "I can understand that." Stenlis peered at the woman beside
him. "The Hold seems a pleasant sort of place. Larger than I
expected."

"Hm. There are still repairs to be completed from the flooding. It was
more pleasant before, but I have confidence that the we will continue
to prosper."

Stenlis studied her face as they walked. "I imagine you're kept very busy."

"Indeed."

"We're not large enough to require a Headwoman at all times, but we're
growing. The flax we produce has proven to be very valued. It looks as
though we may have a standing contract with the Weaver Crafthall very
soon."

Yriadha turned her head, brow twitching upwards. "That is quite the
accomplishment."

He nodded. "Yes. We're quite proud." His pride was evident in his
smile. "Tell me of this Lord Bryvin. His Steward spoke of him in
glowing terms, but I imagine someone in his position would."

"He is a Lord Holder." Her reply was quick, but with studied
indifference. "One that commands loyalty and respect from his people."

"Yours as well?" The reply was curious, probing.

"I would not be in my position should I differ."

"I imagine not."

They walked farther in silence, coming to a slightly curved bridge
over an inlet where in silence agreement, they stopped. Except for the
constant sound of lapping water, it was quiet as the people of the
Hold began to find their beds. The moons cast glittering light over
the waves and Yriadha stepped to the railing, laying her hands lightly
upon it.

"Have you wearied of the small talk yet, Yriadha?" He leaned against
the stone railing. She turned her head, her face half-hidden by her
hood and he made a small huffing sound. He slowly reached out and
gently pulled the hood back and down. "It makes it even more difficult
to talk to you if I can't see your face."

"It's cool out." She didn't move to replace it.

"Not that cool." He studied her facial features that were highlighted
by the moons' light. "You used to keep your hair down." He reached up
to touch the white streak, but she pulled slightly away, and he
allowed his hand to fall away.

"It gets in the way." Yriadha turned away to look over the water, her
expression cool.

"What happened to you, Yriadha?" His voice was insistent, then he
leaned back with a deepening frown. "Was Demeltor that cruel to you?"

"Demeltor was a drunken fool." The words were a bit harsher than she
intended. "He was too interested in drinking and gambling to be
cruel." The long silence that followed was thick and she felt his eyes
on her, studying her face.

"Why did you really agree to talk with me, Yriadha?"

She finally turned towards him, drawing herself straight. "You owe me
a favor, Stenlis." She watched as one brow rose in question.

"Yes, I suppose I do." He sighed. "Perhaps. It depends on what you're
asking of me."

"I need nothing now." Her face tightened. "But in ten Turns perhaps
nine." She turned away to stare back over the water, thinking of large
hazel eyes and hair that was beginning to curl, despite it's darkness
. "There is a child that may need fostering." She felt more than saw
the frown. "A young boy of my family."

"Surely there are closer holds that would suit this boy. I'm several
sevendays journey away. That's far for a fosterage." He peered at her.
"Why?"

"The matter is delicate." She replied swiftly. She heard a deep breath
and she continued. "It is better for the child to be away from certain
rumors when he comes of age."

"A member of your family..." The words were drawn out. "I see. One of
your children was...." he gave a slight cough. "indiscreet."

She turned to meet his gaze, her expression stony, but she didn't
correct his assumption. "The child is innocent."

"Agreed." He exhaled and studied her. "Very well. On one condition."

Her brows rose. "You owe me."

"It's a larger repayment that you ask of me." His voice was quiet. "I
just want you to answer a question." She hesitated, then nodded,
waiting. "Did Demeltor ever realize?"

Yriadha blinked slowly. "Realize what?"

"You know full well what." Stenlis laid his hand over hers lightly,
but she jerked it away.

"No. Never. "

He rose to his own height. "And is there nothing left?" He reached out
and a single finger stroked down her cheek.

She stepped back and kept her gaze locked on his own, her chin high. "Nothing."

A large hand clasped the side of her neck, holding her still. It was
gentle, but firm as the thumb laid along her cheek. "Very well. In ten
Turns, I'll give you what you've asked of me." He watched as the
tension in her shoulders eased. "But not because of a debt, Yriadha."
She frowned and flicked a glance towards his hand, then back at his
face. "Because I should have done more." He bent, paused and then
lightly kissed her cheek.

She was still as he pulled away and stepped back. "Thank you."

Stenlis nodded. "Send me a message when this boy is ready." At her
nod, he picked up his cane. "Shall I walk you back?"

She shook her head. "No. I'll stay here for a bit longer."

"Will I see you in the morning?"

"No. I won't have the time away from my duties."

"Ah." He nodded. "I understand." He looked towards the main building
of the Hold, then back to her and without asking, took her hand and
lifted it to his mouth to brush his lips across her knuckles.
"Farewell, then Yriadha."

She didn't jerk the hand back this time, but instead slid it slowly
away. "Farewell, Stenlis."

He bowed and turned, walking slowly back to the main Hold with his
cane making quiet 'clicks' against the cobblestone.

Yriadha turned back to the water and stared across the inlet. If
Yavin's features developed to look less like her own, and she feared
that they would, waiting ten turns would be the least of her worries.
She knew Bryvin cared little for the child; he had his heir and
another, but the risk of anyone spotting Yavin and Bryvin together and
realizing the truth was too much.

Last updated on the March 3rd 2019

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An Old Debt to be Repaid