Interesting Pillow Talk

Writers: Leigh M-F., Avery
Date Posted: 6th July 2016

Characters: Nohria, Goulan
Description: The bandits make their next plan.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 6, day 17 of Turn 8
Notes: Mentioned: Yusanis, Zelanka, Benani, Zathris, Karhal, Corran.

Notes: Rated PG-13.

"Not that I'm complaining, but what brought that on?" Goulan asked a little fuzzily from where he was sprawled bonelessly in the center of his bed.

Nohria sat on the edge of the mattress, combing her hair. It had gotten really tangled during their activities. "I was getting soft. I had to remember who I really am. You're the only person I trust in this Ancients-forsaken Hold." He was also smart enough to know even though Nohria had invited herself to his bed, she wasn't interested in him, and so he would understand this was just two consenting adults blowing off steam. "So what's our next plan of attack?"

He let himself luxuriate for another moment before returning to thoughts of their work. "Your mind is still sharp," he complimented.

As for the plan, that was changing. "The new Steward's sharp. He's not as distracted by family issues and he and the Headwoman are keeping an eye out. I'm not sure what else we can steal right now. Though I might try to adjust the books a bit. Make him look bad."

Nohria worked out a larger snag in her tresses before answering. "That's worth a shot. Even if the Lady doesn't truly believe he could have done it, it's enough to rock the boat. I'll see if I can find anything useful in his office the next time it needs to be cleaned, even if I can't steal it." She paused, and looked over her shoulder at him as inspiration struck. "Actually, is Tarny still in the camp? And if so, does she still make those special wax-boxes? If I can find any keys, I could make impressions and have our smiths come up with copies, just in case."

"I haven't been back in a few sevendays, too risky," he cautioned. "But I'll send a letter to my cousin, ask about special jewelry. They'll know what I mean."

"Perfect." Nohria set the comb aside and started braiding her hair. "When should we start leaving written threats?"

He pondered that one. "What kind were you thinking?"

"'This won't end while Zathris reigns. Rise, oppressed of the Hold.' Stuff like that," Nohria said, reaching for her hairpins to fix the tip of her braid in place. "We could paint it on walls, or just leave bits of hide and parchment everywhere possible."

"Not a bad idea. I'd say maybe at the end of this month. People think we're quiet. That should change," he said.

Another idea struck the bitter understeward. His handwriting mimicry talent was useful - and unknown to his superiors. "Who would we want to imply is leaving these notes?"

Nohria hesitated. There were several options. "Karhal, any of Benaroy's male children, or even Yusanis or Benani." The idea of making the Lady a victim again rankled. But while she too was in power, the Hold wouldn't change as desired, what with her loving Zathris and being his broodmare.

A different thought came to her, and she reached for her underclothes, trying to drive it away. But it persisted. "There's Corran, too." Oh, how she loathed herself for saying that. But if he wouldn't come to her willingly, accept all of her and her cause, maybe she would have to drag him down to her level, make it seem as if he had no choice- The idea made her sick to her stomach. "No, forget I mentioned him. He's too pure. No one would believe him capable of such things, and he would have too many alibis."

Goulan listened to her ideas and let them simmer for a moment. The male offspring who had been passed over sounded like they had potential. He'd have to research if any of them - or their own children.

"Corran sounds incorruptible, as does Karhal. The man's a good canine, loyal to his master," he said dismissively.

Then a thought struck. "I'll see if I can implicate Yusanis. The man is new enough. Maybe it could be implied he's ousted the prior Steward to get the job to work on his own aims."

And if that freed up the spot that _Goulan_ coveted...

Nohria had never felt so happy to have one of her ideas disregarded. The relief bothered her. "Let's make it happen," she said, and rose to put on her dress.

"If you find anything in the Steward's office I can use to hold over him, please let me know," Goulan said. He didn't intend to get dressed or leave his quarters for the rest of the evening. And he trusted Nohria to leave safely and undetected.

"Yes sir. For a better day."

Last updated on the July 6th 2016

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Interesting Pillow Talk