My Spy

Writers: Avery, Suzee
Date Posted: 24th June 2015

Characters: Zelah, Larcha
Description: The Lady has a visitor with news
Location: Sunstone Seahold
Date: month 13, day 12 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Bryvin, Danrina, Taril, Humari, Yriadha

Zelah

Larcha balanced a tray of food on one hand as she knocked and then
entered the Lady's day room. If there had been anyone there with Lady
Xeladrie she would have done nothing more than leave the tray and
exit. But seeing the Lady alone caused a transformation.

"My Lady," she curtsied. The slightly confused and diffident air she'd
gathered around her like a cloak dropped and she smiled. "I have some
news."

Xeladrie nodded at her servant. "What kind of news?" she asked curiously.

"The headwoman is in very big trouble with Lord Bryvin," she said
swiftly knowing it was rare for the Lady be alone. Her attendants
could be back any time. "She displeased him in her bid to separate
Humari from Taril and miss Humari has gone into labor."

Xeladrie's eyes narrowed. "Will Humari be safe?"

"Yes," she said with certainty, "Lord Bryvin didn't mice words." She
put it as delicately as she could. "He declared her marriage to Taril
valid and sent the Steward with them to get her to the healers."

"Oh, that's good for her. She's better with him then her mother. How badly
angry is the lord?"

"I believe he is most displeased with the Headwoman or I miss my guess
entirely." She wasn't in a mind to scare the Lady but she had her
concerns about that man. "I couldn't stay nearby for long but I do
believe I heard blows."

She winced. "Sounds like she deserved it." But her tone was dubious.

Larcha privately didn't believe that any woman deserved to be beaten
and any man foolish enough to try her would find a knife at his throat
before he could try think. But then she'd had a rough life before she
found Sunstone and made herself of service to the Lady. Xeladrie paid
her well and she gave her loyal service in return. It was a perverse
sort of honor but it worked for her. "Well if she did, she got what
she deserved. Rumors say she's taken to her bed sick."

"So she's not likely to be in the way of anything..." Xeladrie
wondered how she could use that to her advantage. Could she wrest some
power while the older, more terrifying woman was 'indisposed'? "What
do you think I should do about this? Play innocent and concerned for
her?"

"Staying meek and in their good graces for now is probably the best
course m'lady," the drudge offered. "At least until your place is
secure." She thought a moment and offered another fact. "Miss Danrina
is being moved to a room closer to yours ma'am. They're working with
her trunks now."

"Is she being moved to be more comfortable? Her time here is nearly at
an end, isn't it?"

"That is the rumor. But I am not sure. She will be closer to you and
coincidentally Lord Bryvin. They have been seen talking m'lady and the
looks she gives him. I think her heart is involved. But that is just
my opinion." She shrugged. "Sad for her if she is to marry elsewhere."

"So she's interested in the Lord...hmm. She must have been
disappointed when I married him."

And yet Danrina had never been overtly unpleasant towards her. She'd
been nothing but nice, rather. And she _was_ facing the risk of an
unfortunate marriage to someone she didn't want, a fate Xeladrie
understood the loathing of.

"I hope she could marry within the hold and not need. I find her
assistance useful. And if we could arrange her something, she might
feel indebted."

"A wise move m'lady,' Larcha shrugged "but I believe her father
contracted her to marry a minor Holder. Her birth is gentle and it's a
good match. Yet, I've heard some things that object to the manner of
the man she's to marry. Perhaps your husband can help if you have need
of her."

"What's wrong with his manner? Maybe we can spread that around a
little and keep her somewhat protected."

Larcha didn't quite know how to answer the question other than with
another rumor. "They say his previous wives have," she made a movement
with her hand.. "died. When they couldn't produce an heir. I don't
know if that is true ma'am but he has no children."

"That's horrible," Xeladrie said. "I wouldn't want to see Danrina hurt
like that. Where is this man? Maybe they can be married and in the
hold, where he's under our sight."

"Well, I believe he's a minor Holder, so he can't exactly stay here."
She crossed her arms and tapped a finger against her teeth. "Do you
think your husband would keep her here if you asked? You know...
you're expecting and he might want to make sure you have what you
want." He wouldn't be the first man to be wrapped around a pregnant
wife's little finger.

"I tell him that she's very valuable to me and that I need her around.
If she has feelings for him it'll please her. And if he has interests
on the side..." Xeladrie's tone was interested. It could work.

Larcha had learned how the younger woman's mind worked over the last
turn. The way her eyes turned on that last statement made her believe
the Lady might not object to the Lord's interest in another woman.
"Smart m'lady," she said with an approving twist of her lips.
"Meanwhile you can still have your friend by your side."

"Thank you for bringing this information to me. It's certainly going
to be very useful for talking with my husband. And Turnover is a good
time to discuss new plans."

Larcha's shoulder dropped and her neck twisted slightly to the side.
Her eyes unfocused and she shuffled back over to the tray. "Thakee
m'lady," she mumbled, once again the simpleminded drudge no one would
look at twice. She hefted the empty tray and left the full one behind.
As she opened the door she looked at the Lady and winked before she
disappeared.

Now that the drudge was gone, Xeladrie leaned back in her chair,
considering. How best to bring up their new thoughts?

Last updated on the July 8th 2015

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My Spy