Trust and Respect

Writers: Avery, Eimi
Date Posted: 9th July 2006

Characters: Kiomo, Ishek
Description: Kiomo brings a little wine and a little good advice
Location: Garnet Valley Hold
Date: month 12, day 24 of Turn 3

"I come with a gift," Kiomo grinned as he walked into the Warder's office carrying a tray with a small pottery pitcher and two small glasses. "Somehow I thought you'd still be here."

Ishek looked up and nodded politely to Kiomo. "That's me, usually here."
he replied, slightly flippantly. "Gift? I'm assuming we can dispense with business and titles then?"

"Most definitely," Kiomo chuckled as he set the try on a clear spot on the desk. The smell of something warm and sweet waffed up from the pitcher. "Since we were talking about my Hold's rice wine, I made sure to ask to have some sent to me, and here it is. I hope its all right.
I prefer it sweet and warm."

"If that's the best way to try it," Ishek said, "then I'll be glad to try it that way." What a nice gesture of Kiomo, he thought. Remembering things like that...then again, maybe he should learn things like that, too. Maybe that was one of the useful skills for a Lord Holder people talked about.

"Well, I suppose I really do come from a way of life that is a bit different than here. Different foods, different tastes, different lifestyles. It's good to share a bit of where I come from," the Holder smiled as he poured them each a glass. "Now, you just sip at it and let it relax you."

Ishek nodded, again impressed by Kiomo's insights. "I like that philosophy." he told the other man, reaching for it and taking a sip. At first he wasn't sure what he thought, but he was so used to one kind of wine, could he immediately judge? He took another small sip and decided he liked it. "Very nice." he commented appreciatively.

"Let me tell you, this stuff is the perfect cure-all," Kiomo said as he settled back into a chair and breathed in the smell of it. "Colds, stomach aches, bad days... It just makes you feel good all over. But be careful, it catches up with you."

Ishek laughed. "Often prescribed at your home Hold, then?" he asked, resolving to be careful with the drinking. Wouldn't do to impair his judgement. "Wine certainly tastes better than most Healer's remedies."
he quipped.

Kiomo nodded in agreement. "That it does. So what can my wine cure for you today?"

Ishek shrugged slightly. "A little of this, a little of that- a bit of boredom with the hidework, and general loneliness."

"Oh, well, that sounds depressing," the Holder snorted. "Really, Ishek, its not good for you to be so down. You need to find yourself a wife, start a family, get a pet, _something_."

"A pet..." Ishek pondered the notion. "I have a flit. He's lazy. And as for a wife...I've received an offer or two," he admitted. "I just keep putting off meeting anyone."

Kiomo leaned forward to refill the Lord Holder's small glass. "What's been stopping you from meeting people? Too busy? Pressing Hold matters getting in the way?"

"The feline thing, for one, and general other matters. Plus I don't really...want to." He sighed. "It's hard to remember I can't choose want anymore, but instead political need. I keep resisting. People keep getting angry."

"A Hold without a Lady, it can be... unsettling. It leaves the people with a sense that their home is not quite finished. But at least you don't have quite the same pressure to produce an heir." Kiomo sipped thoughtfully at his wine a moment before asking, "What feline thing?"

"Herdbeasts have been killed by over-intrusive felines. I've been having reports collated and talking with hunters to see what can be done about it." Ishek explained.

"Felines, eh? That's never good," Kiomo frowned. "Have all your Holdings been warned?"

Ishek nodded. "We've sent out cautions, as well as a suggestion to increase patrols and to add extra protection. Pre-emptive measures will hopefully succeed."

"How about Beastcrafters? Have you consulted with any of them to find the causes?" he asked curiously. "There are beastcrafters who specialize in wild beasts, after all."

"Not yet, but that's a good idea!" Ishek looked grateful. "Thanks, Kiomo."

"You know," Kiomo said as he leaned forward to refill the Lord's cup and top off his own, "it wouldn't be a bad idea to take this opportunity to visit some of your outlying Holdings. Use this as an excuse to meet more of your Holders. Its important for you to earn their respect, especially since you are as yet unknown really. You can see some of the holdings for yourself, take the measure of the men, see what the Hold is all about. Call it checking on 'feline preparedness', but take the chance to strengthen political and economic ties."

Ishek nodded as Kiomo refilled his glass and took a few small sips as he listened to the other man's words. "Honestly, Kiomo," he remarked, "you're becoming invaluable." He contemplated the other man's words.
"Besides, if the Beastcrafters do find some ways to protect, I can carry that news out as well."

"That you could," Kiomo nodded. "How do you think our lessons in diplomacy are going?"

"I'm getting better at it, aren't I?" Ishek asked. "I don't know...it's starting to come to me, but I still don't like it." he muttered rebelliously.

"Well, here, I have an idea. Penryn is stuck out in the fields this time of year, so why don't I go with you on these visits? I can help you feel out the place, give you my opinion of the Holder, do a bit of poking around while you talk to the head man. Two heads are better than one."

"I'd like that." Ishek said with a smile. "You're less suspicious talking to holders and workers then I am, I suspect."

"As I should be. We want people to recognize you, after all," Kiomo smiled as he poured the remainder of the rice wine in Ishek's glass.
"You seem to like this. There's more you know. I just have to heat it up a bit."

"I have to admit there's a part of me that's really starting to enjoy the treatment, of being nodded at, looked up to, called Lord..." Ishek shook his head slightly. "But it's wrong to enjoy that isn't it? I mean Lords are supposed to work _for_ the people, not rule over them like tyrants." he said pensively. "And yes, I like it a lot."

"There's nothing wrong with liking the fact that you are a respected man, Ishek," Kiomo said with a wave. "You're not a tyrant just because you're appreciated. You're only a tyrant if you abuse their trust and respect. Enjoy it, its your reward for the hard job you do." He grabbed up the small pitcher and smiled. "Shall we have another?"

"Please." Ishek said with a nod. "And if you were a Lord Holder, Kiomo, would you enjoy having such trust and respect?"

Kiomo rolled the pitcher around in his hands while he mauled the question over. "Who wouldn't like to be respected? I hope that in whatever I do I will be respected."

"I'm sure you will be, considering your abilities. An asset to any place, I say."

"Thank you, Ishek. That's very kind of you to say. Now, how that thought and I will get us some more rice wine," the holder said getting to his feet. "I'll be back soon. We have lots more to talk about."

"Yes, indeed we do." Ishek remarked. This was certainly an interesting turn of events- Kiomo was certainly a complex man. And useful with his abilities, as well. He was lucky to have his aid.

Last updated on the July 9th 2006

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Trust and Respect