Flakes of Ash

Writers: Miriah
Date Posted: 5th March 2019

Characters: Yriadha
Description: Another message is delivered
Location: Sunstone Seahold
Date: month 10, day 17 of Turn 9
Notes: Mentioned: Danrina, Bryvin, Sophque

Yriadha

The days before she was expected to return seemed to go by quickly.
Yriadha had not sent a message like she had planned, but spent each
day burying herself in her duties, often working so thoroughly that
she forgot to take a meal. When she was busy, she didn't think, but
the Hold benefited; there was not even a scant bit of dust to be
found, which satisfied her. The drudges too were compelled to work,
and she knew some of them found her new-found fervor to be dismaying,
but she didn't care.

The evenings were more difficult than the days. She absorbed all of
the free time she could by playing with her son in the quiet of their
quarters and she was left undisturbed. It was only when Yavin fell
asleep in her arms after nursing and she laid him down for the evening
that she was left with memories and emotions that she didn't want to
face. The evening meals that were sent to her were thrown away
half-eaten more times than not, unable to stomach many of the
offerings from the cook.

She attempted embroidery, but found that the mindless activity offered
her mind too much freedom. She attempted reading, but could not
concentrate. Instead, she cleaned her own rooms until they too were
spotless. When she could clean no more, she simply laid down and
slept, making sure to lock her doors so she could be left in peace.
And when she could not sleep, she succumbed to the quiet tears that
she kept buried during the day.

There was anger too. Anger that she could not seem to master the swell
of emotions that overcame her. Anger at what had happened and at the
man she had so foolishly trusted. And anger at herself for being so
foolish. She should have known not to trust him or to let her guard
down; hadn't life taught her that no man was ever what he seemed? That
men wanted that one thing and little else except when it benefited
them? Stupid, stupid fool! She should have known!

A knock at her door startled her out of her thoughts; alarmed, she
tugged on her thick robe, pulled herself out of bed and approached the
door on quiet feet, glancing out of the window. It was just past dusk,
it wasn't Bryvin nor Sophque. Sophque would be spending the evening
with Sophine; Bryvin would be with Danrina or still busy in his
office. "Who is it?"

"A message for you, Headwoman. "

Her mouth went dry and she clutched her robe. She recognized the voice
of the understeward, Pifer. If he had the message, then the contents
were likely already copied and given to Bryvin. So be it. She opened
the door just enough to peer out and take the message. "Thank you,
Pifer." She closed the door before he could say anything else and
locked it back in place.

She examined the rolled hide and peered at the wax seal. The stylized
flax plant of Golden Waves made her nauseous, but she could also see
where the seal had been carefully reheated and reapplied. Pifer was
sloppy about his work. Dreading what she was to read, she snapped the
seal and read through the contents.

"My beloved,
Though it is before your time to return to me, I regret that we will
have to wait at least a month before our reunion. My dearest wife lost
her life evening last and I fear that I will need time to
appropriately mourn her with my children.

Perhaps this time will allow you to complete your affairs and perhaps
you can better forgive me for the misstep that was taken. I again ask
for your forgiveness and again promise you that you will have all you
have ever desired upon your marriage to me. No one can ever love you
as I do nor will make you as happy as I will.

Yours humbly and with the utmost sincerity,
Stenlis"

Yriadha felt both relief and revulsion clog her throat. Relief that
she was given more time before she would have to see him and revulsion
that he thought this pretty little message would change anything. She
swallowed hard and with spiteful fury, flung the hide into the flames,
then with growing anger, took the iron poker and beat at it until it
was nothing but flakes of ash.

Last updated on the April 16th 2019

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Flakes of Ash