Not Garnet Valley Anymore

Writers: Suzee, Eimi
Date Posted: 11th June 2017

Characters: Bryvin, D'arvn, Kiomo
Description: A new arrival has come to Sunstone...
Location: Sunstone Seahold
Date: month 12, day 8 of Turn 8

Bryvin

D'arvn

"This is certainly not Garnet Valley anymore," the holder said as he
threw his leg expertly over the blue dragon's neck and slid back down
to firmer ground. Though it had been Turns since he had spent time in
the Weyr, he had not lost the knack for a smooth dismount.

Scanning the horizon, Kiomo ran his fingers through his black hair,
roughly combing it back into place. He could not see the harbor from
this vantage point because of the dragon in his line of sight, but he
knew it was there. From the air he had been afforded a perfect view
of the landscape as a whole. Wall Island had lain in the mouth of the
harbor and the two standing stones that gave the Hold it's name were
prominent features. He had noticed the docks and piers were ships of
all sizes were moored up tight for unloading, while others sailed the
smooth waters either ending their journey or just starting out. There
had also been a cluster of buildings along the harbor, and the bustle
of activity among them had not escaped his notice.

Now his eyes had traveled along a very prominent path leading up and
away from the harbor, into the hills that lined the water. Steps of
terraces could be seen carved into the side of the slope with trees
and gardens soaking up the morning sun. Minor tracks had diverged
from the main, weaving in and out of the cots that dotted the
hillside. Finally, at the top of the hill there were the towering
walls of the Hold itself. But that was only half of it. A long
bridge had spanned the gap between it and the neighboring hill where
an even grander Hold building stood.

**This is _definitely_ not Garnet Valley.** Not even his own late
father's Holdings made such a grand impression at first sight. Morin
had certainly done well for himself. A land of opportunity indeed...

"What do you know of this place, D'arvn?" Kiomo asked as he stepped up
alongside the bluerider.

"I don't know a great deal," D'arvn said, "I'm not here frequently.
But they seem happy and prosperous. I don't think I've ever seen the
harbor without ships. I do know they never fail in their tithes."

"What do they tithe then?" Kiomo had an idea from the research he had
done, but he wondered if the dragonrider had any new insight.

"They trade on the sea and bring goods from all over. But I love the
oranges. They're so very sweet." He grinned at his handsome guest.
"We usually get large baskets of them." He shot a hip and asked Falzeth
to move out of their view. "They actually send their tithe on ships."

That explained the trees on the terrace. Most likely orchards of some
kind. "You seem impressed by their seacraft," Kiomo remarked as he
turned to enjoy the vista now revealed. It was a pretty harbor for
sure.

D'arvin took the opportunity to examine the handsome holder's profile
and sighed internally. He didn't get any glimmer of interest, besides
he wasn't one to poach at the Hold. So, he pasted a neutral smile on
his face and pointed to the path. "Shall I take you to the Hold? Are
they expecting you?"

"They should be. I believe Garnet Valley sent ahead a letter of
introduction." For a moment Kiomo had a flash of a frown as he
thought about what that letter might say, but then he reminded himself
that if their aim was to get rid of him as fast as possible, which it
certainly seemed to be, too many details would be counter productive.
"What do you know of Bryvin?"

"Well," he said stroking his chin as they started to walk. "I don't
know a great deal but it's said that he was Amethyst Hold blood and I
know he was Steward here for several turns. The conclave made him Lord
after Lord Morin died. I think marrying Lord Xelfin's daughter was
part of the price they made him pay."

"_Made_ him pay?" That was an odd phrasing. Kiomo's curiosity was
piqued. "Is she hard on the eyes, then?"

"Oh no," he chuckled. "Pretty little thing. But what man doesn't want
to choose?" Of course it didn't really occur to D'arvn that the Lady
didn't get to choose either. "She's doing her duty though so I imagine
he's happy enough."

"Ah." Well, that was useless information, Kiomo thought with an
inward sigh. That much he had known himself! "Is Bryvin generous
with his tithes then?" Surely the dragonrider would have heard
grumbling if he were not. "Is he one of those disgruntled with the
Weyr and giving as little as he can get away with?"

"Naw," D'arvin shook his head. "They don't short us and its prime
stuff they send. They're faithful in their duties."

As they climbed the path, Kiomo's eyes scanned the cots and fields
they passed. Things seemed in good order. It could be a sign of
competent leadership. That didn't necessarily bode well for him. "Do
you know any riders Searched from the area?"

"There are a few I'm sure. Falzeth has picked up candidates here."
Then a tall man approached them with a large canine at his side. "Lord
Bryvin," D'arvn bowed.

"Dragon rider," the Lord Holder smiled at D'arvn. "And I assume you are Kiomo,"

"Yes, my Lord," the Holder said with a deep bow, taking the
opportunity while his eyes were lowered to take the measure of the
beast. Least as a short hair he might shed all over the place. Kiomo
always tried to keep his appearance immaculate and rather loathed
anything that might shed. He seemed well trained at least, not like
his older brothers yappy little tunnelsnake of a pet.

Captain plopped his bottom next to Bryvin's boot and his ears perked
but there was no wagging tail to invite petting. Bryvin's hand dropped
to the black head and the beast relaxed slightly.

"Well met Kiomo," Bryvin smiled. Then his attention turned back to the
bluerider. "Thank you Dragonrider," he said with a slight bow of his
head. "My duty to your dragon and the Weyr."

D'arvn took it for the dismissal it was with a murmured "My Lord."
Then he turned and made his way back to his lifemate.

"Come," Bryvin smiled. "I have much to show you."

"Thank you, sir." Kiomo fell into step with the Lord Holder. "I have
been admiring your Hold, Lord Bryvin. Such a beautiful location."

"It really is," he agreed. "Although I can't take credit for that." He
lead the way toward the Hold proper. "Lord Morin was the one who had
the vision."

"What a sad loss," the holder said with a shake of the head. "I
remember attending his confirmation at the Lord Hold Conclave with
Lord Ishek. He had earned a lot of respect from his peers. Such a
tragic accident. It must have been a very difficult time for you. You
were his Steward at the time, were you not?"

"I was," he nodded."It was a sudden and unexpected event. Left us a
little rudderless for a time."

"Thank Faranth he had such a competent right-hand man who could take
the reigns." But Kiomo had to wonder just how sad Bryvin had been at
the prospect of a Hold of his own. "Had you much experience leading a
Hold before then?"

Bryvin knew flattery when he heard it and his eyes crinkled at the
corners. "I had a very good working knowledge of Sunstone and learned
a great deal from Lord Morin prior to his death." Yes there were gaps
in his knowledge of everything his former master had been involved
with but Sunstone had prospered under his management. As they reached
the Hold he smiled and turned. "The headwoman's staff will take care
of you and get you settled. Please join me for dinner this evening so
we can get better acquainted."

He turned and walked into the corridor that led to his office with
Captain at his heels.

"This way sir," a drudge said leading the way towards the stairs.
Another reached for his back "May I help you with that?"

Last updated on the August 13th 2017

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