The Headwoman Returns

Writers: Miriah, Suzee
Date Posted: 5th September 2019

Characters: Bryvin, Sophque, Yriadha, Riadem
Description: Yriadha is rescued and returns to Sunstone
Location: Sunstone Seahold
Date: month 10, day 19 of Turn 9
Notes: Mentioned: Stenlis

Bryvin

Sophque

Yriadha

She was exhausted and it took effort to keep herself straight in the
saddle of the runner. The storm had hit hard and though she'd
weathered it, it had destroyed her small shelter leaving her without
immediate cover until the rescue team that had been sent arrived; she
was sunburned, her clothes were tattered, and her hair was a mass of
tangles, so she didn't have to act to play to the small crowd
gathering at the party's arrival. The arm around her was supportive,
but only to keep her from falling, not for any comfort. She didn't
recognize the man holding her up, nor did she care to ask him who he
was.

All she knew was the crowd around her was buzzing and growing, people
running for the Hold. She wearily lifted her head, spotting the
massive main hold. Yavin and Bryvin were in there. She blinked
steadily. Faranth, she wanted to see them both.

Sophque held Yavin on her hip and pointed at her. "There," she smiled
at him. "See, there's your auntie."

"Teeeteee," Yavin bawled loudly and threw his hands in the air
reaching and opening and closing his hands.

"Yavin...Sophque..." As the runner approached, the man behind her
dismounted and carefully helped Yriadha down. At first her knees
wobbled, but the man's hand under her arm steadied her. She accepted
the help up to the stairs towards her son and friend. A smile of
relief spread on her face as she drew near, and with an
uncharacteristic move, embraced both of them. She whispered softly in
Sophque's ear. "Thank you...I'll explain when I can."

Sophque gave an imperceptible nod against the side of Yriadha's face
then leaned back and smiled. "It's so good they found you safe," she
said loud enough for those around to hear. "Why don't you let me carry
him into the Hold, Headwoman," she said and nodded to the man
supporting her to keep helping her through the doors.

"Thank you." She allowed the man to support her, and found herself
being directed towards the Healer's area. She balked at first. She
just wanted a bed. And she wanted quiet time with her son.

A slender man emerged, auburn hair tousled. "Mother?" He rushed
forwards, taking the other man's place with a look of relief. "I'll
take her."

"Riadem." Yriadha allowed the quick embrace. "I don't need a Healer,
Riadem. I just want to rest. I'm fine."

He glanced at Sophque, the woman had more pull with his mother than
he. "I need to make sure."

Yavin fussed and Sophque knew it would only get worse if she were to
try and walk away. "We'll come with you, alright," she nodded toward
where Riadem stood.

**Where is Bryvin?** Yriadha nodded and tried to soothe her son,
taking his hand to offer comfort. "It's okay, Yavin." She turned to
Riadem and gave a nod, following him into the infirmary and allowed
herself to be led to a cot. She laid down upon it with a sigh, then
held out her arms. "I can take him."

"Mother, just give me a moment to..." Riadem began.

"Riadem, I'm not hurt. I'm tired." Even her voice showed the strain.
"I've no injuries and I didn't swallow water. I just have a little
sunburn and I'm thirsty."

He rubbed his face, not willing to argue with her after the worry of
the past two days. "Very well. I'll go get you some water and some
cream for the burn." He left the two women alone.

Bryvin slipped in the door his eyes roving over her appearance in a
swift assessment. "Thank you Sophque," he said.

"My Lord," she nodded and went to the curtain turning her back to the pair.

He reached for her with one hand and cupped his son with the other. "I
was worried," he admitted.

Yriadha finally completely relaxed when Bryvin stepped in, the
tension in her shoulders easing. Yavin snuggled up to her, burying
his face in her shoulder as his fingers wound in her tangled hair.
Sheer caught his hand in her own, her grip light. The admission was
surprising, but welcome. "I'm alright." She kept get voice soft. "Just
tired. The man you sent left. He got frightened. I think he's dead."

Riadem brushed past Sophque, looking down at the small bottle of
salve. "This will help with the sunburn..." He looked up and went
silent. Eyes flicked to Bryvin and his mother, then down to their
hands, then to where Bryvin cupped the head of his mother's charge.
Eyes narrowed, then widened slightly as his face paled. "Excuse me,
my Lord. I didn't know you were here. I'll come back at another time."

"Stay where you are," Bryvin said. "We'll talk later," he said to
Yriadha. Then he bent to kiss her forehead. He turned to leave
stopping by the healer, "Come to my office when you're done tending to
your mother." He continued out of the room.

Sophque mouthed "sorry," to Yriadha and stepped out herself.

Yriadha's eyes closed at the soft kiss on her brow, but nodded. "Yes,
my Lord." She watched Sophque leave, knowing she would have to
explain in detail about the reality of what had happened. She trusted
her friend like she trusted no other and knew that Sophque would keep
her confidence. Her eyes turned to her son, who remained pale. She
cradled Yavin, stroking the small back and Riadem's eyes followed her
hands. She saw him take in the dark hair, the features of the young
boy and saw suspicion, then realization grow.

"Mother... is he..."

"You know nothing, Riadem. Nothing." She interrupted him quickly.
"Do you understand me? You've seen nothing but the Lord Holder
checking on the Headwoman after a horrible accident."

"Your new husband..."

"I grieve my loss." The response was cool and without emotion.

Riadem swallowed, recognizing that cool tone far too well. His jaw
clenched and unclenched as he struggled to find words. "Yes, I can
see that."

"Good. Keep seeing it and if you care anything for your family and an
innocent child, " she looked pointedly at Yavin, who was lightly
patting her face for attention, "that's all you'll see."

Riadem looked away, then handed her the jar of salve. "This still help
with your sunburn. You need rest and plenty of water. I suggest you
take at least a sevenday to recuperate."

"Of course. Thank you, son. "

Last updated on the September 9th 2019

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The Headwoman Returns