Have You Heard?

Writers: Estelle, Lexy
Date Posted: 28th November 2003

Characters: Vivvi, Lindria
Description: Lindria asks Vivvi to support her in persuading Lord Alalir to send guards to Emerald Falls
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 11, day 8 of Turn 2

The next morning, Lindria sought out the Headwoman in her office, where she often began her day. Vivvi might not be as involved in dealing with the assignments of the guardsmen as Cyrek and Captain Dabryn, but she would be valuable in trying to persuade the Lord Holder to do the right thing and offer his support to Enrizial. That was, if Lindria could win her over first.

"Good morning, Vivvi," she said softly, entering the room with eyes downcast. "Have you heard?"

Vivvi glanced up and saw the young woman's distress and stood, hurrying over to her in concern. "Heard what, dear? Here, have a seat and you can tell me." The Headwoman took over, leading Lindria to a couple of chairs and sitting down next to her.

"Emerald Falls. My home...my brother had left it for a short visit, and in his absence it fell into the hands of a treacherous servant. A...son of my father's and a drudge. He has declared himself Lord of Emerald Falls and my brother is Holdless."

"But, how could he do something like that?" The Headwoman stared in
shock, reaching over to grasp Vivvi's hand in her own. "Surely his holders wouldn't support this usurper!"

"It was their support that made him Lord." She clutched at Vivvi's hand. "I can't believe that something like this could happen. Not to my brother - he works so hard for them and is so honest, he treats all of them fairly! How could they do this to him? The guards turned against him, when each of them is supposed to be bound to protect him and the Hold from danger."

Vivvi stayed silent for a moment, her own thoughts in a whirl. She'd heard about Lord Enrizial and the things he had done. Who hadn't there in the south? But, how did that figure in to what she'd just been told? And, how would those actions set precedent in other Holds. She grabbed the young woman's hand in her own, sympathy filling her gaze.

"But that's not all," Lindria continued, looking up at last and fixing the Headwoman with a desperate, nakedly pleading gaze. "My mother and father are still at Emerald Falls. I'm afraid of what he'll do to them, my mother especially. She would never admit that he had any right to be Lord. I don't know what to do! Lord Alalir will not lift a finger to help them. Everyone cites Hold autonomy as if that mattered when a crime has been committed!"

"Hold autonomy is very important," Vivvi answered carefully, rushing on when Lindria looked about to answer. "However, I do not like the precedent this could set."

"Imagine if every distant relation of the Blood thought that he could snatch the Hold when his Lord's back was turned. All the Lords have their rivals among their families, and it could easily be their turn next. Even Lord Alalir! Surely you understand what would happen if Cazriel went unpunished?"

"There is not a lot I can do, however, Lindria. Surely you realize that? I'm just the Headwoman, I have no power to influence Lord Alalir in such a way." And, she wasn't quite sure she would if she did.

"But you do! He respects you and values your word. And if all around him are undecided your support could be enough to tip the balance," Lindria replied, the desperation in her voice becoming more and more evident. "Headwoman, I'm so afraid for my brother and my parents and my sister, Lady Anaia. Will you at least ask Lord Alalir to allow them to live here, until Enrizial can regain his Hold?"

Vivvi glanced down at their clasped hands and thought through the issues for a moment before finally sighing. "Fine, I will approach Lord Alalir about at least offering them refuge. But, I will not promise anything! Lindria, this may be something your brother has to face on his own."

"Oh, thank you!" Lindria stood and came around the desk to hug the surprised Headwoman, not caring much about that last warning. After what had happened with Lady Jerandra, she was sure that Lord Alalir would not ignore what Vivvi had to say. The more voices she had in support of her cause, the more likely he was to reconsider and offer her brother aid. "Enrizial and I will always be greatly in your debt. I know you're doing the right thing by helping us!"

"Like I said, I will not promise anything! But, I will try." Vivvi
returned the hug and patted Lindria's back, concern for Lindria foremost in her mind. It seemed that she really did believe what she said about her brother, but the Headwoman wasn't so sure.

Estelle (estelle@triadweyrs.org)
Lindria, hold resident, ACH

Lexy (alexis@triadweyrs.org)
Vivvi, Headwoman, ACH

Last updated on the August 17th 2005

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Have You Heard?