Learning About You

Writers: Paula, Avery
Date Posted: 11th February 2006

Characters: Ishek, Alrog
Description: Ishek speaks with Alrog and they exchange information about themselves.
Location: Garnet Valley Hold
Date: month 10, day 2 of Turn 3

Alrog waited his audience with the new Lord outside his office. He fiddled nervously with the pile of reports he was holding. He didn't have to deliver them personally, he could have sent them easily with a runner, but he wanted a chance to meet Ishek. Except for the brief introduction at the welcoming party, he hadn't yet met properly.

Ishek heard Yimas chirp that someone was near. He stood and walked around his desk. "Please, enter!" he called. "Come in and take a seat."

Alrog entered the office. Lapis watched the other flit curiously from his shoulder. "Good day, Lord Ishek."

"Good day." Ishek replied. "May I ask your name, Hold, and your business?" he inquired politely, curious about the man. He had seen him once, at the feast, but there were many there that day.

"I'm Alrog, holder of Iron Lake hold. It's a mining hold in the mountains. I'm bringing these reports to you," Alrog answered and offered his hand.

Ishek shook the offered hand. "It's good to meet you, Alrog. Mining hold, eh? Seems like it would be a rewarding, if difficult, life. How has your hold been prospering?"

"Pretty well. Our main product is iron and we have some difficulties with it. But the gem mining project we started last summer got a wonderful start," Alrog told.

"I'm glad to hear everything's doing well for you." Ishek said. "Did things change much for you when Lord Aswic died? And have things stabilized any since?" He wanted to see how the Holders not within Garnet Valley Hold itself had been affected.

"No, except we tightened the security around the hold. Otherwise everything went on normally. Nothing much disturbs the mining operation. The loss was more personal," Alrog replied, his tone betraying the sadness he felt. He looked at the lord Warder and felt that little explanation was needed. "You see, Aswic and my father were fosterbrothers in their youth, and Aswic remained as the family's friend ever since. Shells, I grew up calling him uncle Aswic."

"Ahh, I see." Ishek said softly. "I know how it is to lose those you're close to. I'm sorry for your loss." He paused. "I hope you don't see me as an intruder here?"

"No, not at all. Someone has to run things around here," the holder assured.

"That's good." Ishek remarked. "Do you have any questions, comments, concerns- anything at all you need to talk to me about? While you're here, you can ask about anything you want. I want my holders to trust me."

"I just want to know you," Alrog replied softly.

"And how can I help you with that?" Ishek queried. "I am at your disposal. Anything to make you feel at ease with me."

"How about if you tell something of yourself and your history and I tell you about me and my hold?" the young man suggested.

"Fair enough." Ishek remarked, impressed by the shrewedness of this holder. "I came from a prosperous minor hold in this territory, much like yourself." he began. "My father died when I was 11, so instead of being fostered out or entering a Craft, I spent my time learning the duties of a Steward and a Holder and other such things. I married when I was 20. Shama and I were together for 10 Turns before..." He paused and closed his eyes. Yimas crooned comfortingly from the corner. "She was killed by bandits."

"So you see, I can understand what Garnet Valley Hold has gone through. I can understand the pain that Lady Thalia feels- the loss of a love. They... they were never brought to justice. I will not rest until I catch those who did this to the Hold- I was too late for Shama, and yet, for Garnet Valley, I may still succeed." He looked at Alrog, hoping the man would see the truth. "I have nothing to live for but my work. I will do nothing but the best for this Hold. This I assure you."

Alrog nodded. Now it was his turn. "I hold Iron Lake hold that locates in Iron Lake Valley, few miles south from here. It's a mining hold. We produce mostly iron but also zinc, silver and gems. My father Rogin was fostered with Aswic and the old Lord was our family's friend. I was the second son, I have a older brother Rorin. My father became ill and died when I was fifteen. He surprised everyone making me his heir instead of Rorin. I was being trained by Auren to be a steward."

The young man interrupted to smile a bit. Seemed like they had something in common. "I've been holder for seven turns and have yet to marry. My brother Rorin..." Alrog grimaced, but the new Lord Warden needed to know it... "has discraced his name and his family. He raped a woman, stole from the hold and is now wanted man. We don't know where he's currently. Last time we heard from him he was again involved in rape in Jade Harbour Hold." He stared the floor, shame colouring his cheeks.

Ishek nodded slightly. "Indeed, your Hold seems to have had its share of...issues. Fortunately, you are nothing like those of disrepute in your family, from what I have seen. It would not be fair to paint you with the same tarred brush- and indeed, if anyone does, please inform me. I want no one thinking ill of my holders."

Alrog nodded. Worst of it had already passed and other scandal's had replaced it in people's mind.

"Is there anything else you wish to know?" Ishek asked Alrog.

"Not at the moment," Alrog replied, "I'm sure we will be meeting in the future."

"I look forward to it." Ishek said. "Remember, if you have any need, questions, or concerns, my door is always open."

Last updated on the February 13th 2006

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