Suddenly Unsecure

Writers: Eimi, Paula
Date Posted: 16th January 2009

Characters: Corowal, Erassa
Description: Corowal warns Erassa that her position isn't now as secure it was.
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 13, day 26 of Turn 4

"Now, who hasn't gotten a kiss from dad before he goes to work?" Corowal asked in the children's playroom. He had always made sure he spent a moment with his children everyday.

"Me!" little Wallia piped up.

She was amazing child, full turn now and already spoke several words. She still didn't walk or even crawl around much. But she could stand and sit on her own. Corowal picked her up from the pen and smacked a kiss on her cheek. "And how is daddy's little hatchling this morning?" She giggled and patted his face, feeling around his features with her small fingers. "Unggy" she told him and nearly poked her finger to his eye.

"Hungry, huh? Then were is Erassa?" Corowal asked.

Wallia cocked her head and called: "Mommy!"

"Yes, yes, I'm coming," the fostermother said, wiping her hands on her apron as she walked into the room. Her own little son, not much older than the little girl, came toddling in after her. "Are you getting hungry baby girl?"

"Yes, she is. She's almost had daddy's eye for breakfast," Corowal grinned and handed her the baby. "Oh, and Erassa, I need to talk with you. When you have a free moment, come to my office," he requested.

A free moment? With all these children underfoot? "Yes, sir. I'll bring the babies by after the older ones have left for Harper classes."

"All right," Corowal said to her. Then he said his bye's for the children before leaving.

~ ~ ~

Erassa adjusted the baby on her hip and released her son's hand to knock on the door. When she heard the summons, she turned the knob and then quickly reached for Beleran's hand once more. "You asked to see me, sir?" she said, slowly walking the little tot into the room.

"Yes." Corowal nodded. "You can give Wallia for me for a while," he smiled.

"Yes sir." She left Beleran to play with the little stuffed canine he had carried in his chubby little hand from nursery and walked the little girl around the desk to him. Despite how little she liked the Lord Holder, no one could deny that he had always been an attentive and loving father. Still, she escaped back around the desk as soon as possible, using her own child as an excuse. Erassa felt much better having a large piece of furniture between them.

Corowal handed Wallia a little wooden statue he used as paper weight to play with while she sat on his lap. "I'm sure you are aware that I'm going to get married by now?" He asked.

"Yes, sir, I had heard the news," she nodded. It had been somewhat of a relief to her. Perhaps with a wife in the home he would not parade his latest conquest so openly in front of his children.

"That means your situation comes under consideration. Wallia doesn't need a milk mother any longer," Corowal said.

Erassa could feel a hint of panic rising at the back of her mind. She hadn't even considered that her position might be in jeopardy. And with it, her sons. If she was not working for the Lord Holder, as odious as he was, what kind of work could she find? What kind of future would her bastard son have to look forward to? In the Lord Holder's household he had an opportunity that she could only dream for him! "I see... But, surely your young bride will need some sort of nurse or fostermother to help with the children?"

"Quite possibly, it's one of the things Felyna and I haven't discussed yet. Wallia does have special needs and my five can be handful. The children are attached to you and you do a great job with them. But Felyna is young and she may want take care of the children by herself. The situation is something that must be considered carefully and not to be haste about," Corowal said. He did like her, despite her attitude.

"I... am attached to the children too." It was true. As big of a challenge as it had been to take care of six children every day, she had grown incredibly fond of them, and she loved Wallia almost as if she were her own. Would they remember her if she were to go? Would they think kindly of her when they were old enough to understand what she did? The rumors that swirl around her?

"There are many factors to be weighted about," Corowal sighed. Perhaps his feelings for her were more than just liking? He wasn't sure. He just knew he had tried to get her into his bed without success and almost given up. Almost. She was intriguing challenge.

"I understand." She felt suddenly numb. Her future, and the future of her son, weighed in the balance now. It would be up to some stranger to decide their fate. Unless there was some way to tip the scales... But just how far would she be willing to go? "Is that all sir? I'm sure you have a busy day."

"Wallia has a one turn check-up with master Miranek tomorrow at 13th candlemark, nothing more. I keep you informed in this other matter," Corowal said.

"Yes, I remember," she replied absently. "Will you be taking her or would you like me to do it?"

"I'll try, but I'm not sure if I can squeeze it to my schedule," Corowal grimaced.

"The older children will still be in harper classes so I could bring Felcoron and Beleran along, if you can't manage it." Would his new wife be able to handle two small children so well? Especially two children she is attached to in name only, Erassa thought bitterly.

"I'll send you a word when I know how my day's turn out."

"Thank you, sir. I'll take Wallia now." She just wanted to get out of there - out of the sight of the Lord Holder so she could think...

Last updated on the January 19th 2009

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Suddenly Unsecure