A Suitable Gift

Writers: Ames, Emma
Date Posted: 14th December 2010

Characters: Royah, Wirnan
Description: Royah seeks out Wirnan to help acquire a special birthday gift for his daughter
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 12, day 16 of Turn 5

Wirnan

"Wirnan!" called out Royah. "Have you a moment?"

"Of course, Royah," Wirnan replied, having met the other man shortly after
his arrival. He turned and waited for Lord Holder's assistant to catch up.

"My daughter, she has a birthingday coming up and I need a bit of help to
get her a special present."

"Come," Wirnan said, "gesturing Royah off to a side alcove. He didn't know
all that much about the assistant yet, having only met him the one time.
"So, tell me what you have in mind? How old will your daughter be? How can I
help?"

"Yatia will be seven at the start of month 13. I want, well my wife and I
want to get her a doll, and I heard that the last traders who passed though
had some that could open and close their eyes."

"I've seen such things before Royah. They are...fascinating," Wirnan told
the other man, wondering if his niece would enjoy something like that. She
was still just a babe, but maybe someday. "What can I do to help?"

"I was wondering whether they left their schedule with you, and if it had
where they were headed next," explained Royah. "I might be able to get one
sent here, or someone to pick one up for me that way."

"Let's go check. I have so many scrolls in my office that haven't even
sorted through." Wirnan led Royah to his office, which was in fact full of
stacks of scrolls everywhere. Mumbling to himself, he sifted around a bit
until he finally rose with an "A-ha! Here it is!" Wirnan turned with a grin
and handed the scroll to Royah.

"That's not far away," Royah pointed to the schedule. "Grey River is a day's

ride from here."

"Wonderful!" Wirnan replied, smiling because he knew he had helped Royah.
"Do you wish to choose one yourself or would you like me to help you arrange
for a runner to go and purchase one in your stead?"

"If there's a runner heading that way. A journey just for that reason would
be totally frivolous. I can hear what my father would have said to that."

"I know of a runner who can make the trip. In fact there's a few things I
can purchase for the Hold as well. Why don't you bring me the marks and I'll
have him set off in the morning. He should be back within a few days."
Wirnan was already thinking about what items he felt were needed that he
could get as well.

"So long as it isn't a wasted journey for him." Royah could hear his father
telling him that, but he could also see the look on his face as he watched
his young granddaughter playing with the toy; how she'd wander over to him
and show it off and want to be made a fuss of.

With the money and plans made, Wirnan had the runner head off to pick up the
items. Within a few days, he called Royah back to meet with him in his
office, a box, the prefect size for a doll sat atop it. The door was open,
inviting to all to enter without knocking.

"May I?" Royah put his head around the door. "I got your message."

"Yes, Royah, come. Your package arrived," Wirnan motioned the other man in
and pushed the package across the desk.

The look on his face mirrored the one that would most likely appear on his
daughter's face as she opened it. It was in a box, and he gently lifted the
lid off to reveal a doll with eyes shut. As he lifted it out, and
straightened the doll's dress, the eyes snapped open.

"Oh," he exclaimed. "It really does work."

Wirnan couldn't help himself. He hadn't wanted to touch the toy before Royah
had seen it, but now, he, too was just as eager to see the little doll.
Rising from his desk, he walked around and his eyes opened wide just as the
dolls did.

"My, that is some ingenious invention. A doll whose eyes open like ours. I
don't know how they thought of it, but it's quite impressive. I hope your
daughter will be pleased."

"She'll be spending all the time we let her with it, no doubt."

"No doubt," Wirnan replied, trying to stand a bit taller. "You are pleased I
take it then?"

"Very. Thank you Wirnan."

Last updated on the February 25th 2011

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A Suitable Gift