Uncertain

Writers: AL, Jane
Date Posted: 11th February 2009

Characters: Zandreu, Zathris
Description: Zathris and Zandreu talk about the new situation at the Hold.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 1, day 15 of Turn 5

Zathris

It was the first time the Tavern Master had seen his friend from the
Hold since the Lord Holder's death and as soon as Zathris appeared over
the Tavern's threshold Zandreu excused himself from his discussion with
one of the vintner apprentices and crossed the room toward the other man.

"I'm sorry to hear of your loss, and the Hold's." It had been a
sevenday since the old man had been found dead in his quarters and
though Zandreu was sure the Hall would have sent some sort of message of
sympathy and condolence that wasn't particularly from _him_ nor was it
especially to Zathris.

"Thank you Zandreu." He and Benani as well as the rest of the family
had been receiving similar condolences from many people, but Zathris
accepted Zandreu's with a bit more heart. "It's appreciated. I'm sure
Benani will appreciate your wishes as well."

"I don't suppose she feels like coming out to the Tavern yet? It's a
pity because you're both always welcome guests here. Would you mind if
I joined you for a drink?"

"She didn't really feel like getting out today. She's spending some
time with Ailnim, though, so she is at least occupied." Zathris
motioned toward a table and made his way to it. "I always enjoy company
for a drink - even if that company doesn't really drink."

"I drink ... just not the products of the Hall," Zandreu said, leading
the other man to a table in a booth that would give them some privacy.
"Ailnim?"

"Ailnim?" Zathris echoed, eyebrows raising. "My nephew? What of him?"

"That was the question. On the local side, I take it? Which one's his
father?" Zandreu knew there weren't many daughters - Zathris' wife and
the missing one. Perhaps another? He wasn't sure.

"Nimroy. His wife passed on." Zathris knew there was a lot of guilt
wrapped up in that and hoped that some day Nimroy would forgive himself.
"Why do you ask?"

"Because the family's all new to me, since I'm not a local." The older
man shrugged. "Now the inheritance is uncertain people are more
interested but most of them know the situation."

"Yes." Zathris wished Benaroy had named an heir. Now the Hold was left
scrambling and it just made things rather chaotic. He was doing his
best to help, but as an Assistant Steward, he could only do so much. As
of late, he had been pouring a lot of himself into Benani, helping her,
and himself, through the grief. "Hopefully that will be resolved soon."

"How? Is it a Lord Holder's Conclave situation now?"

"Unfortunately, yes." Would they make the decision that was best for
the Hold? It was hard to say. Zathris hoped they would as opposed to
trying to glean something from the situation. "I'm not sure how long it
will take them to make their decision."

"I don't suppose it affects the Hall much, since we're independent of
you folk in most things - but what about the Hold? Does it still
function all right without a Lord Holder?"

"Well, for a while it will." Zathris sighed and leaned back in his
chair. "I mean, things are going to take longer and there are some
decisions that won't be made until someone steps into position, but
hopefully those will be few and far between - and an heir will be chosen
quickly."

"Good. I'm following it all with interest. Never known anybody so
closely involved in such a thing before."

"I'm not that closely involved. One of Benaroy's sons will most likely
be chosen." Zathris gave Zandreu a half grin. "Though I certainly hope
that it's Nimroy. We seem to get along the best."

"I don't think I've met him. You'll have to bring him along one
evening. Or does he eat is finer style up at the Hall?"

"I should definitely bring him here." Zathris wasn't sure why he hadn't
thought to before - Nimroy was a pleasure to be around. "Perhaps next
sevenday."

"I'll look forward to meeting him."

A whistle across the great room dropped the hum of voices momentarily
but as nothing else happened people went back to their drinks and meals,
but Zandreu knew that there had been a message and that his presence
was required. He got to his feet. "I'll have to go, but I hope you
have enjoy your drink, Zathris. It sounds like you've earned it."

"Heh, thanks Zandreu." Zathris saluted the Tavern Master with his mug
before taking another long swig and watched him go. Yes, he would have
to bring Nimroy there. He and Zandreu would probably get along quite well.

Last updated on the February 17th 2009

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