Nothing But the Truth

Writers: Avery, Suzee
Date Posted: 6th September 2015

Characters: Bryvin, Zelah
Description: Turn's End on display
Location: Sunstone Seahold
Date: month 13, day 29 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Danrina

Bryvin

Zelah

Xeladrie's nerves had been high all day. Turnover was a momentous
time, and while they weren't having the grandest celebration on Pern,
it was still important. She had to be perfectly dressed and coiffed,
the perfect smiling and doting wife to Bryvin. After all, they were
the romantic, happy couple of the Hold. And they had big news.

She pressed her hand against her abdomen. By this point she was
starting to show and there was no concealing her state. Though of
course no one would have asked her about it, just guessed and
whispered. It was good that they'd be announcing it. The words of an
heir coming should soothe people.

But she was still nervous about being in front of everyone, and she
played with her hair.

Bryvin leaned against the doorjamb as he watched Xeladrie. His long
green coat and embroidered vest set of the tight trousers and matching
boots that were the latest trend. His dark hair was swept back and
getting a bit long in the back where it tended to curl against his
collar. His expression was unreadable until he smiled and revealed
white even teeth where he caught her eye in the reflection in her
mirror. "You look lovely tonight my dear," he said.

She turned to smile back at him. "Are you nervous about presiding over
a Turnover? I'm nervous about being out there."

"No, I think I'm more excited," he said. "I'll be there for you to
lean on. Besides, you're beautiful and young and they're going to love
you." He held out his hand to escort her down their private stairs to
the reception room below.

She took her husband's hand. "I hope you're right. At the least, they
should love the news."

"Of course they will," he winked. He offered his support as they
descended the stairs and entered the Hall to take their seats at the
high table. He pulled out his wife's chair but remained standing
himself as he smiled at the small crowd.

He held up his hands to quite them. "I have some good news," he paused
for effect. "My wife has told me we are expecting." The hall exploded
with applause and calls of congratulations. "Thank you, thank you," he
said. "Sit, sit," he motioned to them. "Enjoy the evening. I
certainly shall." He took his seat and lifted Xeladrie's hand to kiss
it lovingly.

She smiled out over the audience, and pressed her hand to her abdomen
again when he announced it. It was gratifying to see the interest and
appreciation of the holders, to stand up with Bryvin and see them
responding to her. The kind of sensation that could go to her head.

When she settled down, she turned a more genuine smile to him. "They
must be relieved at the possibility of an heir."

"I'm sure they are," he smiled. "But I think they are enjoying having
a Lady Holder as lovely as you my dear. They haven't had one for many
Turns. Do you feel like dancing tonight?"

They didn't have one because they didn't have a real lord because this
wasn't a real Hold, she thought. But she let her smile widen and
didn't say the words aloud.

"I would love to."

"Good," he smiled. "I understand you toured the craft exhibits with
your ladies today. Did you find anything interesting?"

"I enjoy looking at the pottery," she said. "My father allowed me to learn
it."

"Oh did he?" Bryvin looked a bit surprised. He hadn't known Xeladrie's
father to support female crafting but he supposed pottery and
embroidery to be something ladies could enjoy. "Do you enjoy it?"

"When I do it right I do," she said with a little giggle. "Sometimes
I've made a pot and it's terrible and ugly. But sometimes you make one
and it's pretty and you can paint it and look and it and say 'I made
that'. I like that."

He smiled and then turned as he heard the musicians tuning up. "Are
you ready for the first dance," he asked. "None of the others will
until we have done."

"I am,"she said, letting him bring her up. "We'll show them how this
should be done."

"We will," he said with a smile and led her to the middle of the floor
and around in a circle to show off her lovely dress and look at most
of the attendees as they did so. He swung her into his arms and nodded
to the harpers to begin.

She did enjoy dancing with Bryvin. It was something expected of her to put
on a good show, but she'd liked the lessons and the chance to dance with
men when she was still on the marriage market. This was one of her public
duties she could fulfill without complaint.

"I'll miss this when I'm too big for it," she said softly.

"You'll be beautiful," he smiled at her a little possessively. He
might not be in love with his wife but he liked her. Maybe that was
enough of a start. She was carrying his child and the future of
Sunstone. He heard some "ooh in and awwing" amongst their guests. If
they chose to misinterpret his warm gaze at his wife that was fine
with him. He _was_ still a newlywed after all.

She was susceptible to flattery and leaned up to kiss him on the
cheek. "Thank you, my lord husband."

"Nothing but the truth my lady," he smiled. A smattering of applause
rose from his gathered guests and his warm smile turned to them as
couples began to join them on the dance floor. He determinedly did not
look for the young woman who would marry another man tomorrow. Tonight
was for Xeladrie and Sunstone.

Last updated on the September 7th 2015

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Nothing But the Truth