One Thing Business and One Thing Personal

Writers: Ainsley, AL
Date Posted: 7th February 2009

Characters: Zathris, Nimroy
Description: Nimroy talks to Zathris about some Hold business as well as a personal matter
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 1, day 22 of Turn 5
Notes: Mentor Approved

Zathris

"Zathris," Nimroy called to the other man as they left the dining hall. "Do
you have a moment to discuss something?"

Zathris nodded and stopped where he was to allow Nimroy to catch up. "Of
course, anything for my favourite brother." The young man grinned. "What
can I do for you?"

"Well two things really," Nimroy responded with a smile of his own. "One
business, one personal. The first, I was wondering how things were coming
along on the investigation of the thefts of the tithe?" he asked, moderating
his voice for discretion.

"Ah." The smile faded at the serious subject. "Well, there is a suspect,
but there's some hesitation on the investigation regarding him. Evidently
the Captain of the guard isn't so certain that he's the culprit."

"But the evidence points in his direction? So I assume he is being
watched?"

"Yes." Zathris nodded slowly. "The guard who has reported these findings to
me is keeping a close eye on him. Hopefully this will be resolved soon."

"I hope so as well. This really isn't the best time to have this lingering.
I am concerned that with the Hold in mourning," Nimroy didn't even mention
the unrest due to the fact that his father had not yet named an heir, "The
thieves might take advantage."

"You're right, and I'm hoping that's not the case." Zathris shook his head.
It had bothered him that all this had happened when Benaroy who wasn't doing
well had to deal with it. Now, without a Lord Holder, things were going to
be a bit more complicated. "The Steward, however, is aware of the
situation."

Nimroy nodded. "Well, there is little else to do at this point. I was just
curious. Now on a more personal note..."

"Yes?" Zathris' eyebrows arched upward. "Is something wrong?"

"Oh, no, nothing is wrong. I was in to see Benani with Ailnim the other
day. I'm not sure if she mentioned it or not. She took care of him since
Nandrie was ill.."

"Ah, yes." Zathris relaxed. He supposed he was a bit up in arms
considering everything that had happened recently. It wasn't good to be so
tense so much. "Yes, she did."

"Did she mentioned that she offered to care for Ailnim once he is weaned?"

"Oh that." Zathris laughed, glad that the subject wasn't a solemn one.
"She's mentioned that to me on many an occasion."

Nimroy smiled at his brother-in-law. "Well your laughing, so I guess the
idea did not meet with your disapproval?"

"Of course not! I love Ailnim. I'd trade you in and keep him if I could."
Zathris grinned to show he was joking.

"Well, now it's funny you should say that," Nimroy said, giving his friend a
wink, but his tone became serious, "Because that is where I was going with
this conversation, or close anyways. I've become very aware how tenuous
life is and how it can hurt those you love if you die with things unsettled.
I wanted to ask you, as my friend, as my brother, if you would be willing to
raise Ailnim as your son should something happen to me? I can think of no
one that I would rather have raise him than you an Benani."

Zathris frowned deeply and shook his head. "I really don't like you talking
like this, Nimroy. Of course we will, we'd be glad to, but I seriously
would prefer that you stick around."

"I hardly plan on dying just yet, Zathris, but things do happen.
Earthquakes, hurricanes, illnesses. Obviously I have a large family and my
son would be cared for, but I do not wish to leave the decision to be
decided by others who might not have his best interests in mind.
Personally, I plan on living to be at least 100 turns, I read in some
harper's archive that that is the average age of a Pernese man who does not
live a harsh lifestyle," Nimroy stated with a grin, hoping to reassure his
friend.

"I would hardly call our lifestyle harsh." Benaroy hadn't been a hundred,
and Zathris couldn't help but think of it. Still, he hoped Nimroy would
last longer than that. "Regardless...yes, we would be glad to. Perhaps it
would be best to file a statement regarding this with the Harper Hall."

"That was my plan, after I spoke with you. I have not spoken with my sister
yet, not that I am concerned with her answer. I simply did not want to get
chastised for even considering the possibility of an early demise."

"You need not speak to her if you want to avoid that." Zathris chuckled
softly. Yes, Benani _would_ chastise Nimroy for being so pessimistic. Not
that she didn't have her moments too. "I know her answer is 'yes'."

Last updated on the February 17th 2009

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One Thing Business and One Thing Personal