A Bit Chaotic

Writers: AL, Paula
Date Posted: 4th August 2009

Characters: Zelanka, Zathris
Description: Zathris informs Zelanka about a change in staff.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 4, day 20 of Turn 5

Zathris

Zelanka looked around herself in the dining hall. The drudges were
setting the tables for the dinner. Everything looked perfect,
especially the high table: table clothes were snow-white and spotless,
silverware shone. She nodded approvingly and smiled at the staff.

"Ah, Zelanka." Zathris came up from behind then brought himself level
with her. "Something smells delicious. Dare I ask what's for
dinner?"

"Roasted wherry in redwine sauce, new tubers and greens," she replied
automatically before realizing who it was, "...sir", she added
belately.

"Sounds delicious." Indeed, Zathris' mouth was already watering, but
that was not the reason he had come. "May I have a moment of your
time, Zelanka?"

"Of course, my lord," Zelanka replied with a nod from her head. She
threw a sideways glance at her staff. "For Faranth's sake, just don't
spill that sauce," she warned one them.

"Unfortunately, I must ask that you pull yourself away for a few
moments." Zathris didn't particularly like discussing business around
others that weren't necessarily involved.

"Yes, sir," she replied and followed him.

Zathris led her through the hallway chatting pleasantly about nothing
important. When they came to his office, he opened the door and
motioned for Zelanka to go inside before him. He let it close behind
him as he strolled in then sat down in a chair that was usually saved
for visitors to his office and indicated that Zelanka should sit in
the other visitor's chair.

Zalanka took the indicated chair and crossed her fingers in her lap.
"What it is, my lord?" she asked.

Zathris lowered himself into the other chair and eased himself back.
"I'm afraid Cyrek is stepping down from his position as Steward. This
of course means things are going to be, perhaps, a bit chaotic until
another one is chosen. Also, I was wondering if you had some input on
a possible replacement." Zathris had worked as an assistant steward,
but most of his work had been done with Cyrek or Lord Benaroy directly
rather than the other assistants.

"Oh," Zelanka said and was silent for a moment. "Shadux is a good man
and so is Tarvon, my son in-law. Of course, they are both young,
perhaps too young and I'm not being impartial." She gave small, ironic
smile.

Zathris was familiar with the names and could put faces to them, but
he'd had little experience with how well the assistants worked in the
short time he'd been in the position he was. "I will consider that.
Any other thoughts?"

"Pretty much all of the Steward's staff are able lads. Benaroy knew
how to chose his staff," she replied. A hint of longing crept to her
voice.

Zathris nodded. He wasn't going to take the remark as disrespectful,
she was simply acknowledging the good judgement of the former Lord. A
small grin slipped upon Zathris' lips. "I guess I should be proud he
chose me. I still think Benani slipped something into his drink."

Zelanka couldn't help herself but smile. "She always gets what she wants."

"It's a good thing she doesn't want much eh?" Zathris chuckled. He
loved his wife and it was obvious in every word he spoke in regards to
her. "Since we're here, are there any issues you feel need to be
addressed?"

"No, things are going on as usual. We are busy with the harvest
starting to come in and making preserves for the winter," Zelanka
replied.

"Good. Good." Zelanka was a capable woman and Zathris was glad to
have someone like her in the position - it certainly made things
easier for him. "Well, I shan't keep you from your duties."

Zelanka bowed her head gracefully. "Always at you service, My Lord,"
she said. Although, she couldn't understand why he asked her opinion
on the matter. It was none of her business. The Lord Holder choose the
key staff members and she worked with whoever he chose. She was the
Headwoman, not an advisor. Was the new Lord Holder that uncertain?

Last updated on the August 16th 2009

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A Bit Chaotic