Indulged

Writers: Estelle, Nici, AL
Date Posted: 14th September 2005

Characters: Kohler, Enrizial, Mirdra
Description: Kohler and Mirdra arrive at Emerald Falls with Cazlik and are greeted by Enrizial
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 8, day 15 of Turn 3

Emerald Falls had changed since the burning of the Harper Hall. The road that ran along the river between Hold and Hall was noticeably quieter, and travellers coming in by boat or by road were greeted not by faint melodies drifting on the wind, but by a blackened patch of tumbled stones and charred timbers.

People were quieter too. Triumph over having driven out the meddling harpers, who had defied the traditions of the Hold and lost, had given way to worry. A few harpers remained - those who had been unwilling to leave Emerald Falls for the Weyr - but they were not enough to teach all of the children or give justice in those disputes that were too minor for the Lord Holder. Woodcutters worried about where they would sell their produce now the harpers was gone, while farmers regretted the loss of a Hall full of hungry journeymen and apprentices, who'd been good customers for their food.

Most of all, there was the loss of prestige - where they had once had two Crafthalls, now they had none. Nor did they have a Lady, or an Heir. Many holders were muttering that this would never have happened in old Lord Ziadriel's time, and some even dared to mention the name of Lord Cazriel with regret.

It was into this atmosphere that the new Steward of the Hold was to arrive, with his wife and a little boy who, though young, was unmistakeably one of the Blood of Emerald Falls.

Mirdra jerked her attention away from her thoughts to her husband and the road as the Hold came into sight. She cast a glance over at Cazlik, trying to read his expression, then looked to her husband. It hadn't been an easy decision and she wondered if he would regret it. She hoped not. The young woman cast a smile at Kohler and reached out to lay a hand on his arm, just for a moment, before turning her attention back to Cazlik.

To be honest, she was a little worried about the boy. How would he be received at the hold? It was no secret as to who he was. How would he adjust being back in the hold that his father had once tried to take?

"Almost there," Kohler said unnecessarily. To be honest, he was _terrified_
of this move. Cazlik was protected at Green Valley. He had a viable holding, now being taken care of by Rendick. While his steward was more than capable, there was a part of him that didn't like relinquishing anything to someone else's control.

He looked down at Cazlik. "See where we'll be staying? It's huge and there will be other children to play with..." He'd make _sure_ of it....

"I remember..." Cazlik burrowed into Mirdra's side and said nothing else, leaving Kohler wondering just how much he really did remember.

They were greeted respectfully by the guards outside the Hold, who had clearly been told to expect the new Steward and his family, and escorted directly to the Lord Holder's private sitting-room. Lord Enrizial met them there, looking both pleased and profoundly relieved at their arrival.

"Kohler - it's good to see you!" He shook the other man's hand and bowed as he greeted Mirdra, but his smile faded slightly when his gaze fell on Cazlik. "And this must be my...nephew."

Cazlik, drawn by the new voice, finally peeked out from under Mirdra and just stared at the Lord Holder. Papa! But no...there was something different about him, both in voice and demeanour. Closing his eyes, he once again hid against Mirdra, seeking comfort from one of the few people who'd offered it to him.

"He's...shy." Kohler smiled uneasily at his wife and turned to Enrizial. "It was a long journey. I'm sure once we're settled, he'll be fine." He hoped...

"I see." Enrizial spoke somewhat coldly. A Lord's Heir should greet his elders respectfully, not hide in a woman's skirts - the boy would need to learn that before could be presented to the holders as his Heir, which meant more delays. Still, Kohler was here, and that outweighed any disappointment he might feel in his nephew.

"I've arranged for the best chambers to be prepared for you both. They were formerly occupied by my lord father, so there's a private sitting room you can use to receive visitors and work on any business concerning Green Valley. Cazlik, of course, will sleep in the nursery since he's too young for the Heir's quarters."

That roused Cazlik. "I want to stay with Mirdra and Kohler." The child's dark brows knit together and he stared down at the man who looked like his Papa but wasn't, a sudden stubborn mien taking over his features.

"Ah...." Kohler fought down the sudden embarrassment. "I'm afraid, he got used to us, while at Green Valley, milord. It was not an easy time for him when he first arrived." He looked at Mirdra, a few odd emotions flitting over his feature--he'd warned her about letting the boy get too close. Then again, it wasn't all her fault. It had been so easy to forget after all. "We indulged him. Something I take full responsibility for."

"No matter. After all, no-one could have anticipated that he would have to take on the burden of being Heir." Despite his words, Enrizial looked down on the child with a distinct lack of warmth in his eyes. "As long as he understands that the time of indulgence is now over."

"Perhaps we could work on it, Lord Enrizial?" Enrizial looked like he had swallowed a sour redfruit when he gazed at the child. In Mirdra's mind, his attitude didn't bode well for Cazlik. "At least give him some time to adjust to his new situation before taking him away from us?"

"Your concern does you credit, Lady Mirdra, but that won't be necessary,"
Enrizial replied. Cazlik would have to learn that he could not seek refuge with women when he became Lord Holder. "However, you may take him to the nursery and get him settled in while Kohler and I discuss his new duties."

Duties?! The child was but four turns old! Suddenly Kohler understood a lot about why Enrizial was the way he was. It was rather..sad. He wasn't going to let Cazlik become the same way...but it might take a bit of...diplomatic persuasion. "A kind offer, milord." Kohler sent Mirdra a 'look', knowing she was a few breaths from arguing the point.

Enrizial nodded. "The guardsman outside will find someone to show you the way, my Lady." Whatever momentary pity he felt for the little boy was quickly stifled. Other, lesser men might indulge their sons, but Cazlik was to be Lord Holder one day. He must learn not to expect love or loyalty from anyone - it was Enrizial's own failure to learn this from his father that had led to his appalling betrayal by his own wife. "Afterwards you may wish to visit your own new rooms and rest after your journey. I've asked for a special welcoming dinner to be served this evening for my new Steward and his wife."

"We look forward to it, Enr--Lord Enrizial," Kohler smile was more tentative, but no less genuine. Perhaps it had been a good idea to take his new position. Someone had to look out for Cazlik's best interests and remind Enrizial that he was still a boy, still grieving for a father who'd been taken from him, no matter what the circumstances.

Mirdra bit the side of her cheek to keep her from saying anything that both she and Kohler would certainly regret. If she had her way, she'd give Enrizial a few choice words about what she thought of him. However, he was the Lord Holder and she didn't want to cause any trouble for Kohler or make things worse for Cazlik. She wasn't going to let Cazlik go that easily.
She smiled slightly and nodded politely, but the corners of her mouth were tight. Enrizial needed a swift kick in the pants.

Last updated on the September 15th 2005

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Indulged