Creche Consequences

Writers: Estelle, Miriah, Suzee
Date Posted: 1st March 2020

Characters: Bryvin, Brina, Oufelle
Description: Oufelle receives consequences for her actions with Yavin
Location: Sunstone Seahold
Date: month 1, day 14 of Turn 10
Notes: Occurs after "Creche Duties Gone Wrong"; backdated because it
fell through the cracks!
Mentioned: Yriadha

Bryvin

Brina

Not allowed to change her muddy gown and now utterly miserable in the
quickly drying filth, Oufelle found herself in Lord Bryvin's office
facing both Lady Brina and Lord Bryvin. Hand clasped nervously
together, she was the image of contrition, head bowed meekly as as
stared at the floor. Inside, however, she was a torrent of emotion.
Self-recrimination about losing her temper, horror about finding that
the boy was in Lord Bryvin's good graces, and confusion about the
overall upset. **It was just a tiny little slap. It's not like the
little beast was someone Blooded or even important!** She recalled
hearing that the boy being cared for by the Headwoman was an orphan or
something. No rank of any kind. She didn't see the reason for being
brought to the office at all.

"Lady Oufelle," Bryvin started slowly. "The opportunity for fostering
at Sunstone, has another purpose of which I am sure you were made
aware of by your parents if no others. Am I correct?"

Oufelle flushed. It was never openly spoken of, not in proper company,
but everyone knew why all the Ladies were here. She looked at Lady
Brina for aid, hoping that her chaperone would look at her poor soiled
gown and understand. She shifted on her feet and drew herself up,
nearly spilling out of her filthy bodice. Keeping her voice soft and
wispy, she nodded. "Yes, My Lord. But...this was all just a
misunderstanding." She gestured to her gown, certain that it was now
hopelessly stained. "If I'm to marry well and to the right person..."
She flicked a gaze at him, "I need to always look my best and he
ruined it. He was very badly behaved for a child."

"He's only three Turns old." There was a touch of exasperation in
Brina's usually mild tone, and she paused, took a breath to calm
herself. "Being clean and well dressed is important, yes, but a Lady
must behave with patience and dignity, and above all, keep her temper."
A little common sense wouldn't have gone amiss either, she thought. What
had possessed the girl to wear such a gown to her duties? The neckline
was barely decent.

There was so much he could say and besides the fact that he was livid
with anger he clamped his jaw shut on what he really wanted to say.
Instead he nodded at his sister. "This hold is in need of a Lady
Holder. However, a true Lady, in addition to having beauty and
patience, must be graceful and kind." The muscles in this cheeks
bunched as he clenched his jaw momentarily.

"As I am sure you are aware, I have an heir and a daughter in need of
a mother. However, I believe you have proven yourself unequal to that
task." His eyes were as hard as stone. "We do not strike small
children at this hold. However, As I do respect your father and the
duty placed on me by taking you under my protection, perhaps Lady
Brina can assist you in finding a husband... elsewhere." He hoped he'd
made it abundantly clear that she was no longer being considered as a
possible candidate.

Oufelle paled her mouth parting in shock and dismay. "But... but...
I'd never ever consider striking your children, my Lord. Not ever! I
was raised to be a good, fair mother. Sometimes ill-bred children
need correction, to learn their place and..." her voice trailed off
as she realized that nothing she said would change either of their
minds. "Lady Brina, you know that I've been trained well. You've even
complimented me. I'm..." Embarrassed and humiliated, she shrank back.
"What shall I do? How can I make amends, my Lord?"

He shook his head and looked at his sister. "Learn from your mistakes
My Lady," he said as her turned back to her. "You thought that child
was a nobody and treated him as such. It is always a mistake to assume
you know what is going on around you." His tone gentled though he
hadn't changed his mind. "I am sorry but it just means that we are not
a good match." **and you did hit my child whether you know it or
not.**

Brina hid a sigh. Oufelle's parents would not be pleased by this turn of
events, but she couldn't blame her brother. Perhaps it was kinder of him
to be honest now, rather than let her continue to hope. "Why don't you
go and change your gown, Lady Oufelle, and we can talk more about your
future once you've had time to reflect." She'd have to speak with the
Headwoman, she thought, and rearrange the girls' schedule of duties.
This young lady wouldn't be working with the creche again.

"Yes, Lady." Embarrassed and humiliated by the turn of events, Oufelle
bowed her head and nodded glumly. Being cast of as an option for the
Lord Holder meant that she'd have to scour the young Holders here for
any potential matches that her father would approve of. She hadn't met
any she'd really liked yet! And if she didn't find anyone, her father
would marry her off to someone that she probably wouldn't like at all.
**Probably Moldun. He's almost Father's age too and has three children
already.** Feeling sulky, she gave a curtsy to Lord Bryvin, then Lady
Brina, before turning and hurrying out of the room, quickly wiping at
her stinging eyes.

Bryvin took a deep cleansing breath and shook his head. "Pity," he
said as he watched her go. "She had several points in her favor."

His sister gave him a long-suffering look. She wasn't so unworldly that
she didn't realise some of those points might be located around the
rather indecorous neckline of Lady Oufelle's gown. He might be her
brother and Lord Holder, but he was also a man.

Still, perhaps she was being unfair. "An alliance with her father's Hold
would have been advantageous. But if you're not suited," she said, her
voice softening, "it can't be helped. I'll talk to her. She may learn
from her mistake, and find a husband among the minor Holders here."

"I hope she does," Bryvin nodded in agreement. He looked at his
sister. "I can wish for love," he said a bit sadly. "But that doesn't
mean I'm going to find it." He looked serious for a moment. "Were you
happy Brina? In your marriage, I mean."

She hesitated, a brief shadow crossing her face. "There were happy
times, of course. More, as the Turns went on, and we grew to respect
each other. And then," she went on, her voice warming, "there was our
daughter. I wouldn't change her for anything." Gently, she laid a hand
on his shoulder. "Give yourself time. Some of the other girls have
kinder hearts."

Last updated on the May 31st 2020

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Creche Consequences