Nip It In the Bud
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: AL, Jane
Date Posted: 13th December 2009
Characters: Zathris, Luanc
Description: Zathris talks to Luanc before he goes to confront the neighboring cothold.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 6, day 11 of Turn 5
Zathris wasn't looking forward to the confrontation that would occur at Shallow Creek Cothold, but it was evidently going to be necessary. Even his letter hadn't curbed the children's antics and the situation could not continue. So the Lord Holder of Amber Hills went to the problem. It may not have been normal protocol, but he wanted to help. Besides, it meant he had gotten to visit some of the other cotholds along the way, even if the ending wasn't going to be the most pleasant.
"I trust you slept well, sir," Luanc said, appearing as soon as the Lord Holder stepped out of the cothold's door.
"I did, thank you Luanc." Zathris stretched and looked about. He could see the first line of trees, a sight that greeted the residents every morning. "Let's hope things go well, eh? I shall head over as soon as breakfast is done and then hopefully we shall make our trek home on the morrow."
The cotholder nodded. "I - I know it's not for me to say, but -" He took a deep breath and said: "They're not bad people. I wouldn't want anything to happen to them - nothing bad - on my account. If it comes to that I can stand the loss."
"It wouldn't be because of you, it would be because of their lack of respect for other people's property." Zathris pointed out. "There's another cothold not much further away on the other side. Who's to say they aren't causing some problems over there and the holder is not reporting it because of similar sentiments? And if the children continue in this manner, they will not learn respect for others which can cause problems later all. Best to nip it in the bud. That being said, I'm not going to do anything drastic. We'll start small and work our way up, though hopefully we won't have to go that far."
The older man nodded, reassured by the Lord Holder's last statements. "It would certainly be a relief if it did stop," he admitted.
"Then let's make sure it does." It wasn't right by any account and Zathris wasn't going to put up with. He didn't really know Luanc, but records indicated the man was a hard worker and faithful tither. It was Zathris' duty to help make sure his cothold was successful and protected. "I hope you don't expect to come with me. I'd rather that you didn't."
Luanc grinned. "I'd much rather I didn't, too. I'll set you on a shortcut - it's a half day shorter than going back to the track - and leave you to it."
"Shortcuts are always appreciated." The less time it took him to get there, the sooner they would be home. Zathris had enjoyed his trip with Isily, but he did miss his wife. If only Benani could have come a well...alas.
"Through here." Luanc indicated a path winding off through the trees. "Aren't any of your men going to come along?"
"Oh yes, we're not leaving just yet. Breakfast would be good to have. I don't want to leave on an empty stomach." As if to bring more attention to that subject, Zathris' stomach gurgled audibly. "See, my stomach won't let me leave just yet.
Luanc nodded. He had had his own breakfast before he started work for the day but he could always eat again. "I'm sure my daughter-by-marriage will have something ready for you." He indicated the door of the cothold. "After you, sir."
"Thank you." Zathris moved inside after casting a smile upon the holder. He hoped that the other holder would be open and accommodating.
Last updated on the December 20th 2009