ACH: Empty Cradles (10): A Little More Disobedience

Writers: Estelle, Nici
Date Posted: 23rd April 2005

Characters: Enriline, Alalir
Description: Enriline sends an apology for criticising Enrizial to Alalir, and he tells her there was no need.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 5, day 1 of Turn 3

Enriline had kept herself busy all day long in order to keep her fear for her grandchildren at bay. As the long hours passed with no news, she organised hot food and drinks and warm clothing for the search parties, soothed the mothers who were terrified that their own children would vanish in the same way, and made sure that the healers were kept discreetly informed of Lord Alalir's state of health.

By nightfall, those same healers had insisted that she herself get some rest, but even alone in her chambers she could not sleep. Surely there was something else she could have done? Perhaps she ought to have asked one of the ladies to keep an eye on Anaia. Supposing Enrizial decided to return to Emerald Falls and left her alone?

Or perhaps she ought to have written a note to Lord Alalir, apologising for having criticised Lord Enrizial - in the presence of another Lord, no less. He might be wondering why she had not at this very moment. Though she knew that her husband was not on the best of terms with Enrizial, what she had done was unheard of...a woman, treating a Lord like a child! Trembling as she remembered the harsh words she had used, she hurried to her writing desk and took out pen and paper.

Once the brief note was written, she ventured out to hand it to a passing drudge, asking the girl to hand it to Lord Alalir - but only if he was not busy.

She might have expected a note in return--perhaps something accepting her apology and requesting she also apologise to her son, Lord Enrizial. She might have even expected a rebuke for her hasty behavior. What she did not expect was her husband himself to suddenly darken their door, note in hand. "Enriline, what _is_ this?"

"It's only a note...to explain myself..." Enriline shrank back in her chair. She knew her husband was an infinitely more tolerant man than Lord Ziadriel had been - but she had never openly criticised another Lord in front of him before. "I was angry with him and I forgot it was not my place to speak out."

He moved across the fine carpets toward her. "I should have spoken to you earlier." He also should have rested earlier. Now that he was suddenly in their warm, comforting chambers he suddenly realized just how _tired_ he really was!

"I thought you would be angry. I shouldn't have spoken to a Lord in that way - not with Lord Aswic present as well."

"Why would I rebuke you for speaking your mind, not only with authority as his mother but with truthful words he needed to hear? And even he must agree you were right--he shut up awfully quickly and started acting reasonably...for him, that is."

Enriline winced, remembering the shame she'd felt at her son's words. Though he was bound to be distressed by the loss of his daughters, he'd said inexcusable things to the man who was leading the search. Everyone from the Hold's Heir down to the lowliest drudge was helping, and Enrizial had insulted them all.

"I'm sorry. He should know better than to treat you as he has..." She covered her face with her hands. "It's been so awful today. I couldn't stand for him to make it worse for poor Lady Anaia! Have you heard anything at all about where they might be?"

Alalir shook his head sadly. "Not as yet. Dabryn is like a man possessed and refuses to give up. He's gone out again to check out yet another route with fresh runners and guardsmen."

"You're tired..." She got to her feet and drew another chair close to the fire. "I hope you spared an hour or two to have a nap today - you know what Journeyman Targe says."

"I'm not tired," he lied badly, taking the offered seat. "And Targe thinks I'm old and should sit by the fire all day, a warm blanket over my legs..."

"He's only concerned for your health." Enriline's rebuke was gentle. "He doesn't keep telling you these things for his own amusement!"

"Oh, he was in fine mettle when he could keep me seated all day and you know it!" He reached out and took her hand. "We will find the children, Enriline...and they will be returned to their parents in good health. I've a feeling and it won't let me reliquish hope."

"I know - and I trust you." She stroked the back of his hand. "But you must get some rest - you'll think more clearly after you've slept. It's been more than a day and it's not good for you. Perhaps in the morning Dabryn will bring good news."

"Well, I suppose I can relax for a little bit..." He kept his hold on her hand and rested his head back a bit. "Not too long...I should check in with Alajeran soon." His eyes felt so heavy though and the fire was warm.

"Very well. I'll wake you after a short while." Enriline watched her husband's eyes fall closed with no intention of doing as she'd just promised. She had publicly criticised his son by marriage today, which was hardly the action of a good wife. A little more disobedience should do no harm...

Last updated on the July 10th 2006

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ACH: Empty Cradles (10): A Little More Disobedience