Meloncholy Babe

Writers: Paula, AL
Date Posted: 21st June 2011

Characters: Zathris, Yanley
Description: Zathris runs into Yanley and asks a favour.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 2, day 20 of Turn 6

Zathris

Yanley

The evening was drawing nigh and for once, Zathris was done with his
work early. He had Wirnan to thank for that. The man had kept on top
of everything and the Lord Holder had found himself with no more work
waiting for him. It was nice. And it was a good thing considering he
was still getting over that long trip!

A familiar form drew into his sight when he turned a corner. His smile
tugged at his lips and he picked up his pace, calling out warmly.
"Yanley."

Yanley stopped and turned to wait him. "Lord Zathris," she replied, her
smile not quite reaching her eyes. They remained sad. Why did her
siblings had to have so many children? They just reminded her of her
own failure.

By contrast, Zathris' own smile was warm and gentle for the woman.
"Good day to you." He greeted, one hand gently placed upon her
shoulder briefly before letting it fall back to his side. "Are you
doing well?" It had been
a month since her return to Amber Hills after that bastard had cast her
aside. Zathris just couldn't understand. Yes, the man needed an heir,
but to turn away his wife? Of course, he also realised he was in an unusual
position - Zathris was actually in _love_ with his wife. If she had
never been able to bear children, he wouldn't have divorced her - he
would have simply chosen one of the children of her siblings, whomever
seemed most suitable.

"Yes, trying to catch up with all my siblings," Yanley replied. "You
don't realize how many there are until you try to visit them all."

"Tell me about it!" Zathris laughed and shook his head. "Benani of
course _told_ me how much family she had, but it was a whirlwind when I
finally tried to meet everyone!"

"I know that feeling," Yanley's smile was still a sad one. "Golansin
has a large family too."

"Have I ever told you how large _my_ family was?" Zathris' father had
made certain to keep more than one woman around at a time, and the
result was a good many children - not all of them legitimate. He
didn't hold that against his siblings, however.

"I've met Lord Ethris," Yanley remarked.

Zathris chuckled. She'd met him. Of course she knew. "I didn't
realise you knew my father at all."

"Lazur Lake has hosted a Conclave, so I've met most of the South's Lord
Holders," Yanley replied.

"Ah, yes, how could I have forgotten." Zathris shook his head at
himself. He glanced over at the woman and cleared his throat before
changing the subject. "How are you finding things here? Are you
comfortable? Anything you need?"

"I'm fine. I'm still adjusting to things that have changed here since I
last been here any longer time," she replied.

"What sort of things are you adjusting to?" Zathris wanted to make
things as easy for her as possible. The woman had been greatly wronged
and if he could ease things for her, he would do it.

"Oh, people I knew are gone or married and having children. There's
plenty of new people arrived, new halls, that sort of things. The hold
itself is the same," Yanley replied.

"How are you keeping yourself busy?" Zathris thought maybe she should
_stay_ busy just to keep from dwelling on matters. She'd gone through
a lot in such a short time and he wanted to make her both welcome and
comfortable, but he wasn't quite sure how to do that.

"I'm helping Benani and teaching the fosterlings or the other young hold
folk. I visit the old auties and uncles. And I ride," she really didn't
have proper job at the hold yet. Perhaps she sould talk with Zelanka
about it. She didn't hesitate to get her hands dirty if needed.

"Actually..." Zathris glanced over at the woman, a small smile curling
over his lips. "Helping Benani might be something you can help _me_
with."

"In what way?" she asked curiously.

"Well, as you know, we're expecting twins." Of course the whole hold
knew by now. Zathris had made the intial announcement and it had only
be a few days after that they found out about the multiples. "And I
don't want her to work as hard. I want her to relax. She's going to
need someone to help take over her duties for a while. I've spoken to
Zelanka, but you would be a perfect candidate until Benani is able to
return to her full duties."

"I'll love to help. Of course, you should be careful of what you wish
for. I'm former Lady Holder, I just might take over the whole hold from
you," Yanley replied and then added with a teasing tone.

"Feel free to do exactly that." Zathris chuckled, a twinkle entering
his hazel eyes. "At least, take over the whole hold from _Benani_. If
I can get it to where she doesn't lift a finger til the children are a
turn old, I'll feel much better."

"You can count on me. Lucky you for having twins," her smiled faded a
bit.

"Yes." Zathris noted the look and his own took on a sorrowful tint.
"My second and third child."

"Oh,yes, you were married before," Yanley said slowly.

Zathris nodded slowly and looked straight ahead. He didn't talk about
Maisla much anymore - and on the rare occasion she was brought up, it
was generally with Benani. "Yes."

She didn't want to bring up any sad memories and fell silent. So many
people had sad memories.

"I should get back." Zathris stated after a rather uncomfortable
silence. "But if you need anything, Yanley, don't hesitate to ask."

"Don't worry, I won't," Yanley said.

Last updated on the July 6th 2011

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

Meloncholy Babe