Holding Inheritance

Writers: Suzee, Miriah
Date Posted: 8th October 2019

Characters: Yriadha, Bryvin, Wicoran, Pifer
Description: A visitor from Yriadha's former home comes to bring documents regarding her inheritance
Location: Sunstone Seahold
Date: month 13, day 6 of Turn 9
Notes: Mentioned: Wirnan

Yriadha

Bryvin

The old man Wicoran carefully came up the stairs, leaning heavily on
his cane as his other arm clutched at the wooden box nestled close to
his side. The trip had been a long one, and he'd wished once again
that he'd been able to find a dragonrider that could have brought him
far sooner. As it was, he still felt the aches from the month's long
journey over land, river, and sea. He doubted he'd make another trip
such as this again in his life time. Perhaps if the Lady was
inclined, she'd better able to arrange a faster return journey.

He was met by a rather skinny young man and Wicoran noted that this
man kept rubbing his hands together nervously. He seemed a weasely
sort, his eyes hungry. Ambitious, but stupid, Wicoran decided. "I'm
here to see Lord Bryvin."

Pifer, who'd been expecting this arrival, nodded hurriedly. "Yes, of
course. You're Wicoran, are you not?" At the answering nod, Pifer's
hands began unconsciously rubbing together a little faster. "I'm sure
you'll want to rest after your journey." He held out his hands for the
box Wicoran carried. "Let me take that for you. I'll deliver it to
Lord Bryvin immediately. "

Wicoran tightened his grip on what he carried. "No, thank you. I can
hand it to him. I've rested on the ship, so if you'll kindly show me
the way?"

Annoyed disappointment flared in Pifer's eyes. The contents of the
box intrigued him and curiosity gnawed at his belly. But the guest's
air of certainty dispelled any hopes of wresting it from him. "Very
well. If you'll follow me. " He led the old man to Bryvin's office,
eyes flicking with curious hunger at the box the mean clutched at.
Arriving at the office door, he knocked. "My Lord, there is someone to
see you. "

"Come," Bryvin called and looked up from the hide he was studying.
"Pifer?" He took in the knots and age of the man then tilted his head
questioningly.

Stepping in, Pifer cleared his throat. "My Lord Bryvin, this is
Wicoran. He manages the Headwoman's properties. He has traveled to
bring you documents pertaining to the property."

Wicoran eyed Pifer, irritated. He turned to face Bryvin, giving an
awkward bow. "I'm the Steward, my Lord. I received word last month
that Holder Stenlis' family was no longer managing the family's
holding. I did send a letter, but we don't have firelizards there or
regular access to dragonriders. I'm afraid that it may not have
reached you. " He nodded to the box he held. "Records for you and the
Lady Yriadha."

"Please come in Wicoran," he nodded. "Pifer can you please ask for
some refreshments and request the Headwoman to join us? Thank you." He
dismissed the understeward with a wave of his fingers.

Pifer nodded, eyes lingering on the box. "Yes, of course, my Lord.
But I think she's on an outing with the young Ladies today. I'll
check. " He stepped out, closing the door behind him.

"Thank you, Lord Bryvin." Wicoran approached, laying the box on the
desk. It carried a slight scent of char and smoke and when Wicoran
removed the key from around his neck to unlock it, the reason was
revealed. The top tied stack of his were clean and evidently well
cared for, but the bottom stack revealed evidence of charring,
darkening, and curling around the edges. Carefully, Wicoran, removed
the top sheaf and handed them to Bryvin. "For you, my Lord. A list of
all current assets." He gestured to the very top hide. "I had a map
drawn up."

The area of land was extensive, with indicators where orchards and
hardwood forests were situated. The land rested squarely between the
borders of Garnet Valley and Amber Hills. "We've currently 98 families
that work the land, including my own. Mostly woodcraft and
farmcrafters. One Healer that was able to come from the Hall and
cotholders of course."

"Almost enough for a Minor Hold," he nodded and took the map. "This is
a rather nice Holding," he added appreciatively. "Is it beholden to
Garnet Valley or Amber Hills?" Yriadha and Stenlis had always held it
was Amber Hills but the placement of some of the topography made him
doubt them slightly. He turned the map and could see where Stenlis'
Holding had abutted Yriadha's family's and a bit of light dawned.
"What kind of orchards are these?"

"Aye, should have been one, but it was never allowed." There was
evident bitterness in the man's tone. "Officially, it's Garnet
Valley, but we tithe to Amber Hills. They're closer and Garnet Valley
doesn't really have much sway there, if truth be told. We're
ignored." He eyed where Bryvin gestured. "That'll be the fruit
orchards. Finest redfruit and cherries to be had, acres of them.
They're a pretty sight in spring. Most goes to Vinter hall, I think,
for a pretty mark. Course, we don't see much of those marks. "

Bryvin frowned, "Where do the marks go then Wicoran?" He was certain
Zathris wouldn't be one to cheat his Holders out of their just
profits.

"Right now, to you, my Lord." Wicoran answered simply. "Since the
fire that killed the heir, the accounts have been held in trust. But
to be honest, Lady Yriadha's brother was tight fisted. Mark hungry, he was.
Especially after the blight hit some of our orchards. He was terrified
that the land would go back to Garnet Valley of he couldn't make it
prosper. "

"So, advise me then Wicoran, Where and how could the profits be best
used there?" A profitable holding could be turned unprofitable by
unhappy holders who thought their Lord didn't care.

The old man's brows shot upwards at the question, but it was evident
that he appreciated being sought for advice. "We need more resources.
We've only one road coming into the holding and that restricts travel
and trade. We only see traders once a turn at most. We've not enough
crafters to rebuild the damage done by the fire to the main home and
we need Healers for when our people get hurt." He tapped the map. "We
need technicians to look at our irrigation system. It's old and in
need of repair. But mostly, " he sighed, "it's a matter of morale.
These families and my own have served the holding family for nearly ninety turns. With the last man of three line and his heirs gone, we've no solid
foundation and Faranth knows that none of us want Garnet Valley poking
their noses into our affairs." His eyes narrowed at the thought. "I'm
getting old, my Lord, and my son can take over when I'm gone, but we
need sometime there to lead."

Bryvin tilted his head slightly, "His heirs are not gone Wicoran, his
heir is a woman." He held up a hand to forestall comment. "She does
have sons but they never expected to inherit and are not trained." He
heard a tap on the door. "Come," he said loud enough to be heard.

"Aye, but..." Wicoran's next words stopped as the door opened.

Yriadha stepped in, a tray in her hands. Setting the tray of drinks
on Bryvin's desk, her gaze went to Bryvin's guest and her brow
furrowed, then her eyes widened. "Wicoran?"

The old man rose as quickly as he was able and he bowed, taking
Yriadha's hands. "My Lady, it has been too long."

Real warmth flooded Yriadha's face and her smile held honest delight.
"Nearly twenty turns. It's good to see you."

"Indeed." He patted her hand fondly. "My condolences on your recent loss."

"Of course, thank you."

"I was telling your Lord about your lands and what we need. " He
reached to hand the wooden box to her. "And I brought your family
records. My son saved them from the fire. It's all there. Everything
that you'll ever need"

Yriadha's smile was faint and a bit resigned. "They're of little real
use anymore, Wicoran, but thank you."

"I can go through them if you'd like Yriadha," Bryvin offered and
indicated the side of his desk for her to deposit the records. Turning
back to Wicoran he nodded "I'll discuss this with my own Steward and
we'll all meet to discuss a plan for improvements and a warder for the
property. Why don't you stay a few days, visit with Yriadha and her
family. We'll send you back on a dragon once we figure this all out.
How does that sound?" He looked inquiringly between the other two.

"There's no need, my Lord." But she recognized the order within the
seeming request. With a faint smile, she set the box where he
indicated. "It's nothing but history. Your suggestion is a good
one. Wicoran knows more about the land than I or my brother did, I'm
sure."

Wicoran glanced at the box, glanced at Yriadha and nodded, though he
looked troubled. "That is agreeable, my Lord. I'll be glad to spend
time with my Lady and her family for a time. "

He noted the looks both of them gave the box. "Not to worry," Bryvin
said. "I'll keep them under lock and key and not show them to anyone
without your permission. Is that acceptable?"

"Yes." Wicoran quickly answered first, but Yriadha gave a tolerant
smile and nodded.

It was clear to her that Wicoran cared far more about the contents
than she did and Yriadha was not willing to offend the man that had
served her family for so long. "Come Wicoran, I'll find you a good
room so you can rest after your journey. We can dine together, if
you like. With your permission, my Lord?" She rose smoothly.

"Of course," Bryvin nodded and rose. "Thank you Wicoran, We'll meet
with Wirnan tomorrow and discuss your immediate needs," he reached out
to offer his hand to the older man.

Last updated on the November 26th 2020

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Holding Inheritance