What's Best for the Hold

Writers: Ainsley1, Vix
Date Posted: 21st June 2007

Characters: Nimroy, Benaran
Description: Nimroy drops off a report for Benaran and the brothers discuss Hold politics
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 4, day 21 of Turn 4
Notes: Mentioned: Royan, Royah, Lord Benaroy

It was late in the day when Nimroy approached Benaran's office, his face
lined with irritation, though he was pleased to _finally_ be done with the
onerous task. The door was ajar and the light on so after a curt knock he
pushed it open giving the papers he held a wave. "Quarterly trade
reports. Father said they went to you when I was finished."

The older brother looked up with an exasperated expression, his desk
already containing stacks of reports. "He really does want us to learn all
aspects thoroughly, doesn't he?"

With an exasperated sigh, Nimroy deposited the reports amongst the others
on the desk, and flopped into a chair. "That is for certain," he replied.
"Which is fine for you, you'll need that most likely but I'm quite happy
handling trade affairs, playing emissary, and quite frankly traveling
_away_ from the Hold as much as possible."

This brought a derisive snort from Benaran. "What's to say that I won't be
doing the same thing that you are right now and you'll be behind the desk?
Father could decide on any of us as heir."

Nimroy laughed and laughed loudly. "Come now Benaran, of all our brothers
do any seem to argue and disagree with father as much as myself? And that
coupled with the fact that I would much rather be _out_ of the Hold than
in it," Nimroy chuckled again. "Well, I highly doubt I have to worry
about him naming _me_ heir.

Benaran had to admit to himself that this was true and that this brother
was probably one that he could least worry about and most trust. Still. .
. "You never know with Father. He may see that argumentative streak as a
sign of knowing your own mind and persisting in what you know to be
right."

"He never believes any of my ideas or positions to _be_ right - that's the
problem between us," Nimroy said shaking his head. "I have the utmost
respect for the man, but..." here he shook his head, "No I would say that
you and Royan are the top picks for heir, maybe Royah now after he's
worked so closely with him. Father might surprise us, but not with me I
think."

"Royan has been groomed for it from the start," his brother mused quietly,
biting absently at his thumbnail, "more so than the rest of us. I think
he's the one that Father has chosen from the beginning and the rest of us
are merely being strung along to keep him on his toes."

Nimroy shook his head, "I don't think so. I think he is giving all of his
sons, even the younger ones the opportunity to prove themselves, possibly
distinguish themselves. You have a point about keeping Royan on his toes,
though, I think father wants us _all_ on our toes and at our best and
hopes by not naming the heir we will all continue to strive, well perhaps
most of us anyway."

"That may be, but with his health. . ." Benaran paused, a cold feeling in
the pit of his stomach. As much as he wanted to hold, to have Amber Hills
for his own, the thought of this place without his father suggested an
emptiness to him. "He needs to make a decision."

"He will. Father always does what's best for the Hold," Nimroy stated
confidently noting Benaran's pause and wondering if his older brother felt
a bit more than he liked to let on. The younger man did not like to
consider his father's failing health either, particularly with all the
angry words that lay between them.

Benaran raised his eyes to his brother. "In the end we all do what's best
for the Hold. It's what we've been brought up to do and none of us could
do anything else."

A rather undignified snort came from Nimroy. "Well, that is definitely a
true statement. If not I'd be in the Weyr or at sea."

This brought on a loud guffaw from the older brother. "The Weyr? Why would
you want to be at the Weyr?"

"The uniqueness of the culture fascinates me. I would not go now, but if
I'd gone on search when I was young..." Nimroy shrugged. He knew his
older brother didn't really understand his interests out of the Hold and
most certainly not his bitterness at being talked out of leaving with that
search dragon when he was a boy.

"Not me! I'm comfortable where I am and will stick with what's familiar."
Benaran murmured an added comment, "Perhaps a few changes, but still
familiar."

Nimroy smiled. He wasn't surprised by Benaran's words. "So what changes,
brother?" the younger man asked curiously.

Lounging back in his chair, Benaran steepled his fingers, tapping them
together as he formulated his reply. "A younger man holding to start.
Perhaps more accountability for those given charity? Beyond that, who
knows?"

"Well, both of those make good sense," Nimroy was not at all surprised in
this. Some took offense because Benaran seemed unfeeling, but Nimroy had
found that his brother was an excellent manager of people and that his
choices tended to yield positive results. "Accountability for charity is a
pressing matter right now with so many refugees. There is no denying that
their numbers help us in many ways, but we receive the shaft as well the
wheat in accepting them no doubt. What kinds of accountability would you
set into place, should you be called to do so?"

"First off, I think we've been too free in distributing land and aid to
work it." Benaran supplied this answer quickly, having thought it through
often. "With so many coming to us for a new home and a new start, we
pretty much accepted them at word, believing all that they told us about
previous situations. I think that we need to investigate those as we can.
Though perhaps some truly would like to start over and might even change,
there are probably many who did not pull their share back at Amethyst
Cliff and saw this as simply an opportunity to be given something."

"But if they don't prove themselves, they won't keep what they've been
given and it can be distributed to those who do well. Isn't our
benevolence a means of helping to build a new loyalty, fidelity even, in
those that could be valuable holders? In the long run, won't the
investment now pay off later?" Nimroy was curious if Benaran thought the
cost outweighed the possible good or vice versa.

"Loyalty is fine and to be cultivated," agreed the older brother. "But we
want the loyalty of those who are willing to commit to making the Hold
productive, not those who merely want a hand-out. Those who _cannot_ do
their part should be supported, but those who _will_ not should be told to
find some place else to live."

Nimroy nodded, "That makes sense, but is easier said than done. Having
traveled some since the earthquake, I can tell you, we are well thought of
by the other Holds for taking in the refugees and this has not hurt us in
trade. If we start turning people out, particularly those that no one
else wants, we are going to lose an advantage. It will have to be done,
but how to do it with the fewest repercussions?"

"There's nothing to say that they must move far," stated Benaran. "Perhaps
instead of a punishment for the non-productive, it could be a reward for
the productive. Those who do not do the work could serve as extra hands on
land given to those who proved themselves competent to hold. Then if they
were dismissed, it would be because those holders chose to do so."

"Your ideas are sound. You should discuss them with Father," Nimroy
suggested.

"Possibly," conceded his brother. "But if you like them, would he?"

"Just tell him I was adamantly opposed to them," Nimroy answered, blue
eyes sparkling as he got up. "I should be going. I need to check on
Ailaya before my evening meal," mentioning his own wife brought up another
question he had for his brother. "And when are you going to take another
wife? It seems every time I'm in trade negotiations I am asked which of
my brothers is seeking a bride."

"Eventually, perhaps." Benaran regarded his brother through half-lidded
eyes. "After all, I have already produced a few offspring, so there isn't
as much pressure. Of course, if you see any who are suitable as well as
desirable, let me know."

Nimroy chuckled, "I will of course, and I was just curious. It always
makes for interesting bargaining if the person with whom I'm negotiating
has a daughter and knows I have a brother looking to marry. You are right
though, you've done your duty to the Hold. I'll pick on one of our
younger siblings."

"And soon, my son as well," Benaran reminded him. "He's not quite ready,
but it doesn't hurt to look around and to decide what alliances would be
of most benefit to the Hold."

"I will let you know of any promising possibilities, but do give the boy
some time!" Nimroy laughed, heading for the door. "I'm off to see how my
wife is doing," he paused, "We should get together for a drink soon
Benaran."

"We should," his brother agreed. "Let me know when you're not tied up with
traveling or seeing your wife through birthing."

With a sigh and shake of his head Nimroy answered, "Will do," before
taking his leave.

Last updated on the July 1st 2007

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