A Grim Message

Writers: Miriah
Date Posted: 28th February 2019

Characters: Yriadha, N'del, Pifer
Description: Yriadha receives a message and takes action
Location: Sunstone Seahold
Date: month 9, day 26 of Turn 9
Notes: Mentioned: Bryvin

Yriadha

Early in the evening an elderly blue rider landed in the courtyard,
pulling off his helmet as he slid to the ground. Brushing off his
leathers, he met the approaching understeward with a polite nod of his
head. "I have a message for Headwoman Yriadha."

"Thank you rider, I shall take it to her immediately." The
understeward held out his hand expectantly, but was surprised when the
rider shook his head.

"My apologies, but instructions were to directly hand it to her and no
other. Will you direct me?"

The understeward hid a frown, quietly displeased; he could hardly
report on the missive if he couldn't read it. "Of course. Follow me
please, Bluerider." Leading the messenger directly to Yriadha's
quarters, he knocked.

"Just a moment." There was a long pause, then an answer. "Come in."

The voice was muffled behind the door, but at the assent, the
understeward opened the door."A message for you Headwoman."

Yriadha rose from her seat, moving to place Yavin in his cradle before
turning around to greet the recognized voice. The sight of the rider
made her pause and a slim brow arched in askance. "Bluerider N'del,
Headwoman. I'm stationed as a Watchrider for Amber Hills Hold." He
entered, handing her a rolled piece of parchment.

She glanced down at the seal, her lips thinning. Looking up, she
sighted the understeward still at the door, obviously curious. "You
may excuse us, Pifer." She was quite certain that the young man was
one of Bryvin's eyes and ears, and if she wanted to share this
message, she would do so herself.

"But..."

Her voice became chilly. "You're being obvious, Pifer." She tapped the
scroll on her hand pointedly and took great pleasure as he paled and
quickly left. She huffed and glanced at the rider, who made no move to
leave. She frowned, the snapped the seal, rolled the small scroll open
and read. Her breath caught, her hands crinkling the parchment as she
paled, but taking a slow breath, spoke quietly. "Very well. Please
give me a half-candlemark to manage my affairs and I will meet you in
the courtyard. Thank you, Rider N'del."

He inclined his head and walked out and returned to his blue to wait.
Yriadha closed the door behind him and promptly tossed the rolled hide
in the flames of her fireplace. Pulling a satchel from under her bed,
she quickly packed. Glancing at Yavin, sleeping the sleep of a child
well fed, she made a quick decision. He would go with her; there was
little time to arrange for his care. She packed for him as well, then
fasted the satchel, laying it on the bed. Sitting down, she hurriedly
made notes for her staff with instructions that she expected to them
to follow in her absence.

The final note was directed to Bryvin. He was not expected back from
his business until the next morning, and she knew leaving without word
would likely anger him. She considered her words, then wrote quickly.
"Lord Bryvin, I have received a message that my father is gravely ill
and is not expected to live much longer. As his remaining child, it is
my duty to attend him. From my understanding, I should not be gone
more than two, perhaps three days from the date of this missive. I
have left instructions to my staff and they will ensure the smooth
running of the Hold until my return. Regards, Headwoman Yriadha." She
rolled it and quickly sealed it with plain wax.

Slipping her satchel over her shoulder and picking the sleeping child
up in her arms, she hurried out, heading to her assistant's quarters
to hand her the instructions, only giving a brief explanation that she
had to leave for a few days. The young woman didn't ask questions,
simply nodding her head and assuring her that they would be followed.
Yriadha left Bryvin's message on his desk herself, leaving it in plain
sight before locking the office behind her.

As she approached N'del, she grimaced. She hated the cold emptiness of
/between/ and didn't relish experiencing it once again. Bundling Yavin
in a secure warm blanket, she accepted N'del's assistance up on his
beast, took her child again and allowed him to strap her securely.
Clutching Yavin in her arms, she closed her eyes as the blue leaped
into the air and tensed as the cold nothing enveloped them.

Last updated on the March 3rd 2019

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A Grim Message