One Step Closer

Writers: Ainsley1, Eimi
Date Posted: 7th May 2007

Characters: Evaleine, Shadux
Description: Evaleine goes to Shadux to find out about getting new quarters
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 3, day 12 of Turn 4

Smoothing her hands over the dark green dress she wore, Evaleine adjusted the lighter colored gossamer scarf to see that it obscured most of the scar at her neckline. She straightened her shoulders, and taking a deep breath gave a solid knock on the office door wondering if the assistant steward would be in. "Come in," Shadux called as he looked from the report to the figures he had scribbled on the hide in front of him. Something about that sharding holder's tithe was off and he was going to find it!

"I'm sorry to interrupt your work," Evaleine apologized as she entered and her green eyes quickly took in the hides in front of him. "My name is Evaleine," she offered unsure if the man would remember the two times that they had met, given the number of people he'd surely encountered these past months. "I understand that you are the person I should see about seeking quarters?"

"Well, the Headwoman would be the one who would assign specific quarters, but I am the one to talk to first,"
he smiled as he set the hide aside. Finally, a much needed distraction! "Please sit. You are from Amethyst Cliff?" "Most recently," she answered inclining her head and taking a seat across from the man. "I was staying with my aunt at the time of the earthquake. Originally, I was from Coral Bay, but I am finding this side of the continent to my liking." "Well, I'm glad to hear that. I know Amber Hills has always been to my liking." It was always good to know a refugee was feeling more at home in the Hold of his birth. "Is it just you, then?"

"Yes, my Aunt died in the earthquake. I do have family back at Coral Bay, but none here," she explained as she considered the man before her. He seemed young, but then she supposed he must be around her own age. Having been married to a man ten turns her senior tended to skew her perception at times. "Will you be bringing any of them to live with you here? Children perhaps?" Shadux was still of the habit of jumping at the chance to add to Amber Hills numbers. It was a habit that was hard to let go of, even though they had filled out their Hold nicely after the quake.

A broad smile came to Evaleine's face and her eyes sparkled, "I'm afraid not, though I'll admit that is a pleasant thought," she replied thinking of her two nieces and her nephew. "My husband," here she paused briefly before changing the direction of her statement with the barest flush to her cheeks, "That is to say he died before we had any children. My father is a sea captain, my brother a seacrafter. It is unlikely anyone will be joining me."

"I have experience caring for a smaller Hold and can be quite handy in the kitchen," she felt inclined to share. "Ultimately, I think I would like to marry again." Having observed Shadux around the hall, she knew that he was very dedicated to Amber Hills and the Lord Holder. She wanted to assure him that she could be an asset to the Hold. "Well, I'm sure our Headwoman, Zelanka, could always use a woman with experience in Hold matters." The fact that she wanted to marry again was reassuring. There were plenty of bachelors, and Amber Hills needed new blood. "So who are you living with now?"

"Myself and two other young women have been staying with Ulorian and Weinarta," Evaleine answered her fondness for the old tanner and his wife evident in her voice. Shadux searched through his desk for a piece of scrap hide. "Ulorian and Weinarta, you said?"

"Yes, that's right. They've a daughter-in-law coming to stay with them soon because she's due to deliver a child and wants to be closer to a healer. I understand their son works at a more remote cothold. I think she'll be bringing two young children with her and I'm thinking Ulorian and Weinarta or going to be in need a bit more space." "That's very thoughtful of you," Shadux nodded. "Will the other girls be moving with you or are you hoping for an apartment of your own?"

"Though I know you must be bursting at the seams, I was hoping for an apartment of my own. One of the girls will be getting married, the other, well, she's not doing well. They've talked to the healer, but they aren't quite sure what's to become of her."

"She is not alone. Please don't worry about her. Lord Benaroy has been in touch with the Healer Hall. Apparently several of the refugees are suffering from a post-trauma kind of illness, but there is hope for them. It will not last forever." Shadux opened his bottom drawer and pulled out a large folder. "Could you spell your name for me?"

Evaleine spelled her name for the assistant steward, considering his words. Losing her aunt in the earthquake had saddened her, but they had not had the opportunity to grow extremely close. Some of the refugees lost all they held dear including home and loved ones. "It's good to know that there is hope. I should like to be of any help I can."

Shadux smiled and nodded. "I'm sure you will be of great help." He flipped through the folder until he found her particular sheet. They had done their best to keep track of all the refugees since they had come to Amber Hills. People from all over were still sending inquiries about family members who had been displaced by the quake. Some were still buried under the rubble at Amethyst Cliff... "All right, Evaleine, I have noted here that you would like to have private apartments. You will probably be housed within the Hold itself rather than in a cot. We would rather not have young ladies living alone and unprotected, if you know what I mean."

"Excellent, I had hoped so. That does put my mind at ease and when I write to my father and brother, I know that they will be much relieved. When might quarters be available?" she asked, trying not to seem overly eager. "Or is that information the Headwoman would need to speak to?" "I think that is something the Headwoman can tell you.
I will warn you, it may be that you might have to still share an apartment with another girl for a time.
You'd have your own room to yourself, of course."

She offered the man across from her another smile. "That would be fine." "Well, Evaleine, I've made a note in your file to say that you intend to make Amber Hills your home for now.
I would say your next step would be to speak with Zelanka and see if there is a position for you that is more suited to your talents. And if there's any way I can help you settle in and feel at home, please don't hesitate to ask!"

"Thank you, Shadux. I will seek out Zelanka first thing tomorrow," Evaleine answered her pale green eyes alight with glee. "And I will be watching for you around the Hold. Perhaps some restday you will be kind enough to fill me in on some of the history of Amber Hills. I wish to know everything that I can about my new home." Evaleine rose to take her leave pleased at having moved one step closer toward building a new life.

Last updated on the May 10th 2007

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