A Weyrleader and A Lord Holder

Writers: AL, Eimi
Date Posted: 18th October 2009

Characters: Zathris, T'mahl
Description: T'mahl pays the new Lord Holder of Amber Hills a friendly visit.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 5, day 6 of Turn 5

Zathris

The Weyrleader tapped his pen against his desk thoughtfully. Zathris had been instated as Lord Holder for a while now and had yet to actually have a conversation face to face. He knew the new Lord Holder was of the Blood, that he had been fostered at Sapphire Meadows, that he had married into Benaroy's family. Why exactly the Lord Holder Conclave had chosen him above Benaroy's own sons was actually none of his business. But it did make him curious. He had been waiting for the right opportunity to pay him and his Lady Holder a formal visit, but timing never seemed right.

Now the Weyrleader found he had a rare moment of free time on his hands, and and wondered if he just shouldn't drop by Amber Hills and see how the new Holder was faring. But would that be rude and improper? Perhaps he should send some sort of note to the Lord Holder and request a meeting. He wanted it to seem... friendly. A request for a meeting seemed much too formal. Besides, by the time he had crafted an appropriately worded note, sent it to the Hold, and given the Lord Holder time to craft an equally civil response, it would be dinner time and neither one would be in the mood for a meeting.

No, it was better to just go and take his chances. After all, he was a Weyrleader. His chances to get a spare moment with the Lord Holder were better than most!

~ ~ ~

When Zathris was told that a dragon was landing at Amber Hills, he was more surprised by the fact he was being told than anything else. After all, dragonriders made visits to the hold for friends and family. Of course, they always had watch dragons so that was nothing new. He was even more surprised, however, when he was told that the dragonrider in question was none other than the Weyrleader of their mother Weyr, Dragonsfall. T'mahl had decided to make a visit. This didn't bother Zathris at all, though it did wish that he had been given more of a warning. Then there was the matter of _why_ the Weyrleader was there. Zathris hoped it certainly wasn't to bear bad news of some sort. Of course, he hadn't met the Weyrleader and vice versa - perhaps that was the only reason for the visit. It wouldn't be out of place.

Zathris left his office as soon as he was told, wasting no time. He met T'mahl in the hallways as one of the Assistant Stewards had taken the initiative to guide the bronzerider into the hold and toward the Lord Holder's office. Zathris offered T'mahl a bright smile along with this hand. "Weyrleader, a pleasure." His voice was as warm as his smile. "Welcome to Amber Hills. To what do I owe this visit?"

"Forgive the intrusion, Lord Holder. I had some time on my hands and I realized I had not yet formally introduced myself." Which was really quite unforgivable since he had flown over the man's territory enough times battling Thread.

"No forgiveness needed, you are welcome here." Zathris spread and arm out to indicate the entire hold, though they could see but only the hallway in which they stood. "Would you care to join me for a drink in my office? Wine, juice, ale, whatever your preference."

"Juice would be fine, thank you." After all, he didn't really know this man yet. He didn't quite feel comfortable drinking with people he wasn't familiar with. T'mahl had been accused of being a light weight before.

He nodded to the Assistant who had hovered though the Lord Holder had arrived. The young man bowed, then hurried off. "Come, let's go to my office and relax." Zathris turned and led the way. They weren't that far and he paused to open the door, then motioned the Weyrleader to go through first.

"Thank you." The Weyrleader's eyes scanned the office, wondering how much of the decoration was his and how much the previous occupants. "I hope I am not pulling you away from anything important."

"Nothing that can't wait long enough to get acquainted with the Weyrleader." Zathris motioned to a chair and waited for the Weyrleader to sit before he took his own. "I hope things find you well."

"Yes, fine, thank you." T'mahl wondered just what all the Lord Holder knew about his... situation. He must have wondered where the Weyrleader was during Threadfall at the very least. "Have you settled into your new position? I hear your appointment was a bit of a surprise."

"Yes, it was." Zathris nodded as leaned back in his chair. "I had expected one of Lord Benaroy's sons to have been chosen. Not that I'm complaining, mind you." Zathris probably would have started his own Hold eventually had it not been for Benani, and he hadn't resented the decision to go to Amber Hills, even before the appointment.

"Your wife must be very proud." It probably had been an emotional time for her, though T'mahl didn't know if she had been close to her father or not.

"Yes, she is, though she is sad it had to be done in such a manner." Benani had grieved and Zathris with her. Benaroy had been a good man, good to him too even though they were not related by blood.

"I was very sad to hear about her father. He was well respected. Please pass on my condolences to her." T'mahl's eyes glanced around, looking for any hint of the man in front of him in the office that were in. It certainly was a grand space, especially with those windows looking out over the hills. "Did she help you decorate this office? It's a nice space."

"To be honest, I haven't touched the decorations." Zathris had almost felt disrespectful even thinking about it. He probably would make it more his own, but for now he was content to leave things as they were. "It's not something I felt necessary at this time."

So far T'mahl was learning more about the former Lord Holder than the current. It was obvious the son-in-law had a tremendous respect for the man. Benaroy also must have seen something in Zathris to have married his daughter to him. "May I ask how long you've been married?"

"We just celebrated our first turn of marriage last month." The thought brought a smile to Zathris' face. He had been devastated with Maisla had died and had thought he'd never be able to marry again. Then Benani had come into his life and brightened each day. He could help himself with her, and for some strange reason she returned the feelings. "I don't know what I'd do without her."

"I'm sure she is a great help to you." Though T'mahl really didn't know the feeling Zathris was trying to describe. Perhaps a man felt for his wife almost the same kind of bond a dragonrider had for his lifemate? The bronzerider doubted it was the same. "I suppose you will be trying for children soon? To establish your line?"

"We're already trying, before even this appointment." Zathris managed not to grimace at the last of the man's words. "Establishing the line is all good and well, but I don't want children simply for that reason." He gave a half grin. He did enjoy children, wanted them, but Benani seemed almost desperate to have one. "It will make things interesting. Do you have children of your own"

"I don't believe so."

An odd answer, but then, the dragonriders were quite a bit more promiscuous than holders were. It wasn't necessarily a good thing. "Ah well." He glanced up at the door as it opened and a young woman brought a tray with a pitcher of juice and two glasses. There was also a plate of cheese and crackers. "Ah thank you Adebola." The girl smiled and poured out a glass for each before retreating. Zathris picked up one glass and offered it to T'mahl. "Looks like redfruit is the juice for the day."

"That sounds just fine. The Weyr always appreciates your tithe of redfruit. It's certainly one of my favorites." That and the wine that has been coming from the Vintner Hall.

"Have you been to Amber Hills before?" Zathris took a long drink of his juice before he set down his cup. The question was conversational - Zathris would be surprised if the man hadn't at least visited briefly in the past.

The Weyrleader nodded. "I helped move the refugees from Amethyst Cliff."

"Ah, I see." Zathris hadn't thought about that - he supposed a great many dragonriders had gotten a good look at the hold during that time. "I take it the tithes we send have been satisfactory?"

"Amber Hills has been most generous, thank you," the Weyrleader nodded. "It seems the refugees have settled in and are becoming quite productive for your Hold."

"They are, they are indeed." Zathris agreed readily. "Though some have elected to return and rebuild Amethyst Cliff - my Steward was among them."

T'mahl remembered him from when they had moved from Amethyst Cliff. Cyrek had taken leadership of the situation to help move his people out of the ruins. If anyone could organize them again to build, it must be him. "That must be quite a loss for you."

"It has indeed." Zathris admitted without shame. "We're making do. I've still not chosen a replacement."

"Well, I'm sure you have some time this winter to weigh your options carefully." There was very little farming or repairs needing to be done that season the Weyrleader was sure.

Zathris nodded. "I've been able to pick up the slack thus far, but come Spring I'll be in great need of one. Hopefully a viable candidate will be chosen before then."

"I wish you luck with that," T'mahl said as he rose to his feet. It was time for him to be going. He didn't want to over stay his welcome. "Well, thank you for making time for me. I'm sorry it is only a short visit, but I really should be getting back to the Weyr."

That was a rather short visit, but Zathris didn't complain. "Please feel free to come by any time. You are always welcome here." Zathris stated warmly as he moved to the door. "Come, I shall walk with you back to your dragon."

"Yes, thank you," the Weyrleader smiled and waited for the Lord Holder to lead the way. "Please give my regards to your Lady. I would like to meet her one day."

Last updated on the November 16th 2009

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A Weyrleader and A Lord Holder