Too Late: Too Cruel

Writers: Bree, Estelle, Nici
Date Posted: 13th September 2005

Characters: Vivvi, Alalir, Enriline
Description: Vivvi tells Alalir and Enriline about Calanna's accident
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 8, day 3 of Turn 3
Notes: Follows 'The Feeling of Failure'

It was the time of day Alalir most treasured--time alone with Enriline at midday, when they could relax. They either talked, or she would work on her embroidery while he read. Whether they spoke at all seemed irrelevent--it was a break in their otherwise busy days, peaceful.

That peace was broken however by the knock on Alalir's study door, however.

Vivvi slipped through the door, closing it behind her firmly so that no one passing by could overhear what she had to say. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but it's important."

"Of course, Vivvi..." Alalir set his book aside. "What's the matter?"

There was no easy way to tell them, so she took refuge in formality. "It's Lady Calanna, my Lord. There's been an accident. Journeymen Targe and Dikero tried to save her, but there was nothing to be done.

Alalir instinctively reached over and took Enriline's hand, his face going pale. "What happened, Vivvi?"

Vivvi glanced down at her hands. "She fell. On the stairs, I believe. I don't know all of the details yet, I came as soon as the healers were sure."

Enriline stared at her, clutching her husband's hand painfully tight. If it had been anyone other than Vivvi, who she trusted over all the women of the Hold save for her daughter, she would not have believed it could be true.
"But I saw her only this morning. She seemed her usual self..." She bit her lip. "And...the baby?"

Looking up at Alalir and Enriline, Vivvi shook her head sadly. "I'm sorry.
It was too soon..."

The Lady Holder shook her head in disbelief. "It's too cruel..." Sometimes she wondered if there wasn't something in the foolish stories of a curse on the Hold and the Lord's family. Calanna had been so young and carefree, with all her life ahead of her, and the unborn child... "Lord Jeralir - does he know yet?"

Vivvi's voice became carefully neutral. "As I understand it, he was... with her at the time of the accident."

Alalir stood. "I have to go to him. He saw her fall then?" How hopeless Jeralir would feel, not being able to stop such a horrible accident...

"I think so... I believe he is with the healers."

Alalir nodded, almost as if in a daze. He looked down at Enriline, still seated and looking very pale. "Will you come with me, Enriline?"

"Of course - if I can help." Calanna's parents would have to be informed -
she would need to write. How could she ever hope to understand their pain?
The thought of losing Lindria or one of her two elder daughters, at such a young age, was too dreadful even to contemplate.

"My Lord?" Vivvi hesitated a moment before continuing, feeling slightly uncomfortable. "Dabryn mentioned wanting to speak to you. After you've seen Lord Jeralir, of course."

Alalir nodded. "I can imagine he might. I'm sure everything can easily be cleared up. Jeralir...he and Calanna were _family_ and I'm sure he must be devastated to have witnessed this tragedy..." He held his arm out for Enriline to help her rise and needed to feel her touch suddenly. Once again, things seemed to be crashing down around him. He thought of Calanna's parents and wondered how they would possibly recover from this. First Calanna's near disgrace, now this!

Last updated on the September 13th 2005

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Too Late: Too Cruel