Having Potential

Writers: Anika, Miriah
Date Posted: 4th February 2015

Characters: Eirock, Yriadha
Description: Yriadha and Eirock converse for the first time
Location: Sunstone Seahold
Date: month 11, day 2 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Humari, Taril, Bryvin

Eirock

Yriadha

Yriadha approached the new steward's office with prim formality. She'd
yet to truly interact with the man except in passing when Bryvin had
introduced them. She had taken on some of the duties of the steward
before Bryvin had found this one and was reluctant to let go of some
of the responsibility. She was also curious as to how this younger man
would mesh with her Lord and the way she ran the domestic matters of
the Hold. His usefulness would have to be measured carefully.

The door was open, but she knocked on the frame, face set in a civil,
serene expression.

"Come in. Ah, Yriadha, I'm pleased to see you." Eirock stood to greet
the headwoman who was the same age as his own mother. Her impeccable
posture and dispassionate air marked her as a woman of strength and
position, and he had every intention of dealing cautiously with her
until he had her measure. Of course he'd made surreptitious inquiries
and found her management style to be strict and somewhat harsh. As
Steward, his only concern was that she was effective. Eirock was
completely dedicated to the success of Lord Bryvin and Sunstone
Seahold.

She inclined her head in answer. "I hope I won't take too much of your
time, Eirock." She handed him the hides. "These are the figures for
the tithes that I collected before you came into your position. I'll
be glad to be done with that chore, to be honest."

"An onerous task no doubt, but your timing today is perfect," he
stated, accepting the hides. "I was just noting that Echo Ridge has
been negligent. The lumber from the surrounding hills of that Hold
would be quite useful just now. Being so far inland they are also
able to grow different fruits and vegetables that would be a welcome
addition to your larder I'm sure."

"I looked over the hides in depth and they make a habit of being late.
Not all of their production is choice quality." Yriadha gestured to
the hides. "It would be a wonderful addition, if I could get what the
hold required from them. The last shipment was short and I could not
get a response from them as to why."

"That is something that must be remedied," he stated grimly. Though
any minor Hold not fulfilling their duty would bother him, the fact
that it was _this_ Hold particularly vexed him. His look was rather
dangerous as he continued, "I assure you that very soon we will be
receiving our just due."

One brow arched high. "Really? After Turns of having to struggle to
receive from them, I'd like to know how you plan on accomplishing
that. They're only reliable about being late, I'm afraid."

"Let's just say I know both my cousin's weaknesses and fears quite
well," he replied, with a glint of malice in his green eyes. "That
and I can be quite persuasive," Eirock stated with a lighter tone and
affable grin. "So long as your storerooms are well supplied, I doubt
you'll want the boring details of how I procure Sunstone its just
due."

Yriadha stared at him for a long moment, eyes considering his words
and the expression on his face. Perhaps this was a man she could work
with. An idea came to her that pleased her. If perhaps Taril put aside
Humari, she could angle it to be Taril's lacking and not Humari's.
This man was far better placed, though perhaps not as wealthy, but it
would be a better alliance. It was a pity that her daughter was with
child, but a few well placed herbs in a drink could take care of that
and it could be manipulated against Taril as well; not only would it
make him look bad, which didn't disturb her at all, but it could be
beneficial to have her family tied more firmly to the Hold. It would
be something she would have to think about.

A light smile lifted her lips. "No, I care not about those details. I
have faith that you can fill the store rooms adequately."

He didn't miss her change of countenance, as if he had passed some
test. So long as they could establish a good and productive working
relationship, that was all that mattered to him. "I assure you that
your faith will be well placed. Now, I was wondering if I might ask
about a somewhat personal matter?"

She inclined her head. "Certainly you may ask. How might I help you?"

"My mother will soon be arriving at the Hold. I need to arrange rooms
for her, but beyond that," Eirock searched Yriadha's face, wondering
if he could get his point across without revealing too much. "As her
eldest son, it is my duty to care for her as my father would have had
he lived," Eirock explained without showing the depth of feeling he
actually harbored. In reality, his mother was very dear to him and he
wanted nothing more than to provide her with a life of leisure, though
he doubted she would have that. "She is still fairly young, as you
are yourself, and certainly hale. She has always been a doer and will
want to be active, but I don't want my mother making a drudge of
herself. You're a mother, how do I tell her this without being disrespectful?"

"Rooms are not a problem at all. I have some that would be suitable, I
think." She mused about his situation and arched a brow. "You do not.
If she is willing to be active, allow her to be; for some, lack of
activity only increases the chance for ill health, especially if they
are accustomed to it." She touched her fingertip to her lip, finding
an opportunity too good to pass up. "I am in need of an assistant,
actually. The Hold is growing and it is difficult for me to oversee
all aspects of the household in good time. It is not difficult work,
and perhaps your mother would enjoy the duty." And she could learn
more about this Steward; he would also be in her debt.

Quite pleased with the possibility, Eirock offered a smile. Better
than he'd hoped for. His mother would be pleased by such a
responsibility and he would have additional feedback on how Yriadha
ran things as well as the Headwoman's leanings on various issues. Of
course he'd owe her, but it wasn't a huge debt and indeed with his
mother's prowess at household management, the Headwoman might very
well end up thanking him.

"I appreciate your advice and the excellent solution, Yriadha. I
think we'll find we work quite well together."

She inclined her head. "I do believe so." She would have to ask a few
questions, investigate this man. "And you are most welcome. Feel free
to come to me should you require anything." A good match for Humari,
indeed. If she could get Taril out of the way.

Last updated on the February 10th 2015

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Having Potential