Something You Said

Writers: AL, Ames
Date Posted: 12th April 2011

Characters: Zathris, Wirnan
Description: Zathris has a little talk with Wirnan after his comments the day prior.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 1, day 18 of Turn 6
Notes: Mentions: Kaya

Zathris

Wirnan

Wirnan knocked on Zathris's door and waited. He'd come just as he'd been
asked to the day before when Kaya's father had been leaving. Uncertain what
Zathris wished to see him about he waited, shifting from foot to foot. They
hadn't spoken much since the wedding. Had Zathris reconsidered his ideas of
divorce? Nay, Wirnan knew that was not the case. Perhaps he just wanted to
share with him whatever was in the note he'd received the previous day,
without Kaya present. He figured he would know soon enough.

"Ah, Wirnan, come in." Zathris hadn't really started for the day. Not yet.
He'd gotten klah and pastries sent in case Wirnan hadn't eaten yet and was
enjoying one of those pastries when the steward arrived. "Sit." He pointed
to a chair, then lifted the pot that held the klah and poured some into the
untouched mug. "Have some klah. Pastry."

"Thank you, Zathris." He entered the room and took a seat, reaching for a
mug and a pastry. "I hope the hold has not fallen apart in my absence." He
raised a brow inquiringly, wondering if perhaps Zathris would share whatever
it was that had taken his attention away yesterday.

"Fortunately, you are a good enough Steward that we can get along without
you for a few days." Zathris smiled, but it wasn't quite as warm and bright
as usual. "But only a few days. I had something I wanted to ask you. Something you said. I
have to admit, it caused me some concern."

Wirnan stopped, his eyes fixed on his friend. With a quizzical look he tried
to imagine what he could have said or done this time. He felt like he'd
already been through the wringer these past for days. What had Zathris
concerned now? "Aye, what it is?"

"I remember when you were saying goodbye to Yarovan." Zathris put aside his
pastry and cradled his mug in his hands. "You mentioned to him that you
would be sure to show Kaya what a real man was made of."

Whatever look at been on Wirnan's face moments ago was replaced with a stone
cold rage. "That man is a bastard. He _beat_ her. Did you know that? She
could barely move it was so bad." He felt the anger welling up inside of him
again. "If I hadn't put my arm around her yesterday I think I would have
broken ever bone in that man's body." He hissed the last through gritted
teeth.

The frown Zathris had on his face turned into a scowl. "So that was why she
looked like she was in pain." The mug clapped hard against the desk,
sloshing klah onto it, but Zathris paid no mind. "I can't understand the
mentality of some men. How bad? She seemed stiff and sore, but..."

"It was bad," Wirnan replied through a harsh whisper. "She could barely move
for a couple of days. I didn't want that bastard to think twice about leaving her with
me, so I made sure he got the meaning out of my statement that _he_ needed
to get." Wirnan had meant what he'd said though. He _would_ show Kaya what a
real man was like. One who loved and cared for the people around him, rather
than beat them at the drop of a hat. He may not have loved her, and he
hadn't wanted any of this, but shardit if he was going to let anyone lay a
hand on her again while she was under his protection.

"Good. I just wanted to be sure." Zathris fairly growled. "Unfortunately,
there is little I can do, except discreetly. I will be making a tour of
some of the holds soon. Turquoise valley is on my list. I will speak to
his wife where he can not hear, make sure she is not being treated in the
same manner. And if possible, I will make...discreet arrangements."
Arrangements he hadn't been able to make for Wirnan considering the
situation.

"Aye," Wirnan agreed. "Get her out of there if at all possible. Unless he
only beats on his children," Wirnan snarled at the thought. "I still don't
agree with any of what she did, but I can't fault her for wanting to get
away from that bastard."

"I'll check. It may be that Kaya is merely stubborn enough that she
brings it out. It may be that she does not care. I will try and make sure
she is taken care of." Zathris assures him then looks his Steward over.
"Three more days. Then you will come back to work."

He nodded his agreement with the plans for her mother. While she wasn't his
concern, he did want to make sure she was safe as well. She was after all
Kaya's mother.

As for the other part, Wirnan quickly replied, "I could actually return
today if you needed me?" With all the arguing he and Kaya had been doing of
late, he could use a bit of a distraction.

"I think you have enough to concentrate on for now. You need more time.
Take more time. Now." It was an order, one that Zathris was not going to
back down from. Though he did reach forward to pick up a pastry. "Here,
one for the road, so to speak."

"Thanks," he said with a hint of sarcasm and he didn't mean the pastry. With
a sigh, Wirnan stood, turned and headed out of Zathris's office.

Last updated on the April 27th 2011

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Something You Said