Visiting the cots
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: Chelle, Suzee
Date Posted: 26th March 2011
Characters: Benani, Rula, Bethra, Napern, Pelna
Description: Benani visits the cots.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 1, day 3 of Turn 6
Benani walked out from the Hold proper that morning to visit some of
the cots. She'd heard that some of the women were sick and she wanted
to make sure they were all provided for. She had several drudges
following her with baskets of food. She'd visited several when she
finally arrived at the end of this particular row.
She approached the door and knocked. "Hello?" she called.
A small child opened it and peeked out. When he saw who it was, his
eyes widened and he disappeared. An older girl returned, opening the door
and giving a quick curtsey. "M'lady, what can we do for you?"
Benani had started to speak to the small child that had disappeared
but then the older girl came to the door. "I heard some of the women
were sick and came with some supplies. Why are you not at your harper
lessons?" she asked concerned.
"Mother hasn't been able. So I've been doing for us," she answered proudly,
her chin held up.
The girl couldn't be more than nine turns if she was a day. Benani
smiled with admiration. "My aren't you all grown up then," she said.
"And where is your da?" she asked.
"He's away, with the sheep." They were in the high meadow, camped out,
just as they always did.
"Oh," she said and nodded. "Would you mind if I came in to check on
your mother?" She smiled and added, "We have some fresh bread if you
and your brother would like some." Benani turned to beckon the young
journeyman healer she'd brought along.
The girl looked dubious for a moment, but then she remembered who it was.
"Come in please." She sent the boy deeper into the cot, ostensibly to warn
their mother who was coming.
Benani entered the dimly lit room that was the main living area and
kitchen. She bit her lip at the state of the place. She'd visited the
woman before and Pelna kept a spotless home. She turned to the healer
and he didn't need more than her look to go and check on the woman.
Benani set the small basket of bread down on the table. "I tell you
what, why don't we help pick up a little?" she smiled at the children.
She began picking up and moving dishes to the cupboard and trash
toward the door. The two drudges heard and began helping and
maneuvering the Lady out of the way and into a chair.
The children followed her example, though the little boy lost interest
after a few minutes. The girl watched the Lady Holder with keen interest,
however.
Their mother was in bed. She didn't look her best and there was stained clothing
and bedfurs on the bed and around it. Her face was pale and clammy and
her breath was shallow.
Benani's heart went out to the family and to the valiant little girl
who was trying so very hard. The healer came out of the bedroom with a
dark look on his face. He consulted in quiet tones with the Lady
Holder then she turned and looked at the children.
"We're going to send for your da," she said trying to smile. "Resenti
is going to stay with you to help until he gets home, alright?" She
nodded at the female drudge. The young woman was capable and worked in
the creche as part of her normal duties.
"What is Da gonna do about the sheep?" They might be young, but they
made the connection between the sheep and the food that they ate.
"We'll send someone who will care for the sheep while he comes back to
help your ma, ok?" she said with a reassuring smile. Neither she nor
the healer knew what would happen but they were certain the woman
needed more care than a pair of children could provide. "You're all
going to be taken care of. Lord Zathris and I will see to that. What
is your name darling?" Benani pulled the girl closer and encircled her
with an arm.
"Rula," she offered, not quite sure about this whole thing just yet.
"Well hello Rula," she said. "You can call me Benani," then she looked
across at the younger boy. "And what's your brother's name?"
"Napern," came the easy answer.
"Ah Napern," she smiled. She looked back at Rula "You've done very
well here Rula. You've taken good care of your ma and brother." One of
her drudges had set a small pot of soup on the hearth to heat.
She looked up at the others. She couldn't just leave the children here
when their mother was so very ill and their father in the upper
meadows with the flocks.
"Well, someday maybe I'll have a cot of my own with a husband to
feed. Mother says, Faranth willing." Her chest puffed out again, easily
showing her pride in their meager cot.
"And I'm sure she is right, your mother sounds very wise."
The soup was heating nicely and the drudge portioned out two hearty
bowls for the children and put them on the table along with thick
slices of bread. "Oh look at that," she said. "Bethra has filled your
bowls. Why don't you go eat that good soup?"
Easily distracted by the promise of food, the children pounced on the bowls
and dug in.
Rising, Benani walked toward the door. She spoke first to the healer
and then Bethra while the children ate. She made sure the young woman
would stay in the house caring for both the mother and children until
the father returned. She made a mental note to send the healer back to
check on them as well as she left.
Last updated on the April 27th 2011