Unpleasant Talk

Writers: Avery, Suzee
Date Posted: 25th May 2016

Characters: Yusanis, Benani
Description: Yusanis has to talk to Benani about an important issue.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 5, day 12 of Turn 8
Notes: Mentioned: Zathris, Rethisa

Benani

Benani paced in her office. Two emotions warred inside of her both the
concern for her husband and the fact that most everyone had given up
on finding him. She'd even heard the nasty rumor that the Harpers
wanted to declare him dead and settle a Lord Warder on her to hold
until Zathan was old enough to take Hold himself.

Today particularly concerning to her as the Steward had asked for a
meeting. To stop her nervous pacing and get Camnae to settle back down
on the carpet she went purposefully to the sideboard and poured a cup
of hot tea.

Yusanis knocked on the door. He'd borrowed a drudge to bring some
light sandwiches and finger foods as he had managed to miss lunch in
the rush to get things done.

Benani mustered a smile and opened the door. "Welcome Yusanis," she
extended her hand.

"Lady Benani," he said, taking her hand and bowing over it in an older
courtly gesture. "I hope I haven't troubled you. I brought food," he
added.

"Thank you," she smiled and swept a hand toward the comfortable chairs
at a nearby table. The drudge carried the tray obediently and after
unloading it's contents slipped out of the room.

She carried her tea to the table and seated herself. "I hope this
weather clears soon," she nodded toward the rain outside the windows.
"I'd dearly love to go riding. I'm feeling all cooped up in here these
days."

"Of course I'm sure the stables would be happy to saddle up for you.
Would you like company on the ride so you aren't lonely?" he asked. He
did love riding, after all, and it seemed polite to offer.

She smiled like the sun coming out from behind a cloud. "I'd like that
very much," she said.

"I'd like that as well. After all, you know the trails here far better
than I do," he said.

As a matter of fact she could think of quite a few places he might
like to see. She nodded and set her cup down. "We should do that soon.
Perhaps tomorrow morning?" She did love to ride in the early morning.

"I believe I can clear my schedule for that," he said with a smile.

"Excellent," she smiled back. "Now what was it you needed to see me about?"

He hated to bring it up and spoil the moment. "Much less pleasant
news, I'm afraid," he said softly, frowning. "It was regarding the
fact your husband's been gone two months, now."

Her eyes clouded a little but her back straightened. "Yes?"

"You must know that people are getting concerned about the fate of the
Hold, long term. I've been making interim decisions as though it's a
scheduled absence, but I'm not sure how long before they may call a
Conclave," he said reluctantly.

"No," she snapped. Then she visibly took a deep breath. "My husband is
missing, not dead. There's a big difference."

"You have great faith in him, as he must have had in you, when you
were missing," Yusanis said. "It's an admirable thing to have. And, my
Lady, I do not doubt you. But others wish more surety than this, and
they fear the Hold being left leaderless."

"I have brothers," she said after a moment. "They're were trained by
my father Lord Benaroy and are more than capable along with you to run
the hold until my husband is found." Perhaps it was time to remind the
other Lords that she would continue to defend her husband's right to
Hold. But, she figured Yusanis knew all that and was simply trying to
ease her into accepting Zathris.... but no. She shook her head firmly.
"I will not accept it unless you bring me his body."

Yusanis nodded. He hadn't expected her to quietly sign the papers. His
own father had sent him letters about the matter, implying it should
be declared done so the Conclave could make a choice and have it
settled. (He wondered if his father was doing it because he didn't
believe in Yusanis' skills as a Steward to hold the place together.)

"I understand, my lady. I know this can't be easy on you," he said.

She didn't blame the messenger at all but she knew this was only the
beginning. Benani had been raised as an umpteenth child of a master
politician and grew up soaking it in with her mothers milk. She smiled
at Yusanis. "I want my husband returned to me. Failing that, the only
thing I will accept is a Warder for our sons." Her tone was mild but
her meaning was inflexible. "Do you understand?"

"I do," Yusanis said. "Have you spoken about this with your brothers,
and are they of an accord with you?"

If it neared six months and Zathris was declared dead over her
objections, and if her brothers disagreed with her on this subject, it
could get ugly. The Conclave would probably prefer one of them placed
as Holder - unless someone was ambitious and wanted one of their sons
as a Warder. Yusanis' ambition had been to be the Steward and he'd not
been here long enough to have a runner in this race or any plans to
support a coup. Benani's solution seemed the most sensible to him.

"Only Royan," she said softly. Truthfully her elder brother had
already brought up the subject very delicately. That was most likely
why she hadn't instantly become indignant when the Steward brought up
the same thing. She'd had the time to think about it and formulate her
own response.

"My brothers could have put themselves forward as Lord when the
Conclave selected Zathris, but they didn't. Therefore, I know this
isn't about Royan or any of them wishing the position for themselves.
They'll Ward for their nephew. Zathan will take Hold when he is old
enough."

"Then working with them shouldn't be an issue. And if the Conclave has
to hold a meeting, one of them will take the job." And then it would
be fine.

"I can't believe they're rushing us into making some sort of
decision." She clenched her teeth and narrowed her eye. **Etheris, it
has to be him.** Since they'd taken Rethisa in there'd been tension
between her husband and his father or at least she thought there had
been. Maybe that was where this pressure was coming from. "Thank you,"
she said to the Steward. "I appreciate you informing me." It didn't
hurt her to be polite even if she was not seething inside.

"I'm sorry it had to be brought up, my lady," Yusanis said, bowing again
before leaving.

Last updated on the May 26th 2016

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Unpleasant Talk