The First Date

Writers: Estelle, Miriah, Suzee
Date Posted: 18th December 2019

Characters: Bryvin, Yriadha, Brina, Oufelle
Description: Bryvin has his first dinner with one of the young ladies and it doesn't go well.
Location: Sunstone Seahold
Date: month 13, day 9 of Turn 9

Bryvin

Yriadha

Brina

Oufelle stared at Bryvin across the table, large brown eyes locked
onto him with out wavering as he sat down. "Good evening, Lord
Bryvin." Her voice, despite the substantial girth of bosom and hip was
wispy, breathy, and high-pitched; it was a little girl's voice. "Thank
you so much for the invitation to dinner." Her lids fluttered in what
she hoped was a fetching, coy display of femininity. "I was very
flattered and pleased when I received it. Your Hold is quite lovely as
well, it's a fine place."

"Thank you," he said with a gracious smile. "It is a pleasure to have
you here." His eyes rolled to his sister and he lifted a brow. He knew
he had to have these meetings with each of the young ladies but though
her ample tracts of land were quite attractive it seemed her mind was
a bit vacant.

He gave a tiny shake of his head and turned his eyes to Yriadha. A
corner of his mouth twitched and he narrowed his eyes slightly.
Clearing his throat, he smiled again at the young woman. "And what is
your name," he inquired.

The young lady tittered. "Oufelle, my Lord. My father is Lord Selvik
of Fallen Valley Hold near Vista Point Weyr. I'm his oldest daughter."
She offered what she hoped was a winsome smile and tried to ignore the
other women in the room. She knew that they had to be there, but both
of them made her a little nervous. "Can I pour you a glass of wine?"

Yriadha's lips barely quirked up; she had already formed an opinion of
the young girl. She was a vapid moron who never seemed to have
anything intelligent to say, but was easily handled. She did have
quite a valuable inheritance and her father's Hold was closer than
many of the other girls. It could be a potentially valuable match and
if Bryvin simply bedded her often to get her with child then left her
to her frippery, her intelligence wouldn't be an issue.

"Please allow me, Lady Oufelle." Brina deftly reached for the wine jug
and poured out a small measure for the guest before serving her brother,
fearing she might be foolish enough to overindulge and get herself
tipsy. She told herself firmly to be charitable; the girl was likely
nervous, as would be expected. Away from the other young ladies, and
with encouragement, she might show more character. "I hope Lord Selvik
and your family were well when you saw them last?"

"Oh, thank you." She smiled up at Lady Brina, deep dimples flashing in
her cheeks. "They are very well except that my mother always seems to
feel a bit poorly when any change comes about. She likes things very
structured and sending me to be fostered nearly sent her into her
vapors. " She turned to Bryvin, keeping her bright smile. "My mother
has them, you see, and it's quite fretful, so we try to keep
everything calm for her. I've never had them of course, though I've
felt faint before, especially during butchering time. We have ovine
flocks and butchering time is simply dreadful."

*Like mother like daughter* Bryvin thought, and while her connections
were quite attractive to the hold he couldn't bring himself to take a
brood mare that might produce children just like her. So, he smiled at
her. There was no need to be rude when he'd all but crossed her off
the list of potentials. "So tell me Lady Oufelle, Do you like to
ride?"

"In carriages, my Lord. Runners are simply dreadful. They mess
anywhere they please, they smell, and can be so uncontrollable." Her
nose wrinkled immediately. "My father enjoys them of course, but then
again, my father and brother enjoy many things that are just as
revolting." She lowered her voice. "The rumors I've heard..."
Oufelle's voice trailed off as she remembered exactly where she was
and who she was with, her eyes flicking to Lady Brina and then to the
Headwoman. Taking a quick sip of her drink, she cleared her throat.
"Not that I pay attention to that nonsense."

Yriadha looked up and glanced at Bryvin from her position in the
corner of the room. Though she kept her expression carefully blank,
the almost imperceptible shake of her head gave enough evidence of her
own opinion of the girl.

"Of course not," Brina said hastily, embarrassed on the girl's behalf.
Had her poor mother been too unwell to teach her proper topics for
polite conversation? "I'm sure you'll agree that we shouldn't give
credence to unpleasant rumors by discussing them. Perhaps you prefer
indoor pursuits?" she asked, changing the subject as best she could.
"Embroidery, or music - or dancing?"

"I embroider quite well, but we never got an opportunity to have much
dancing at our hold. I do enjoy music. We had the sweetest old Harper
stationed with us. My mother simply adored him to pieces and he'd play
for her whenever she asked, even privately." Oufelle gushed. "My
father ignored him mostly, but he was entertaining during the evening
meals. He'd tell us stories or sing during supper. Of course, my hands
were so clumsy on the harp, so I never learned, unfortunately."

"Well then," Bryvin turned to his sister. "Brina, why don't you
arrange a ball so we can have some... music and dancing?"

Oufelle clapped her hands. "Oh, that would be wonderful! I would
simply love a ball. I shall keep my first dance saved for you, of
course, my Lord."

"Of course," he nodded then pushed his chair back. "I am very sorry
but I have some pressing business with my Steward." He nodded first to
his sister, then the young lady. "It's been a pleasure Lady Oufelle,"
he lied then nodded to Yriadha.

Brina stood, with a slight nod to Oufelle to do the same, and turned to
her brother with a smile that was all perfect politeness. "What a shame.
But we won't keep you from your duties, my Lord." She looked at him with
a spark in her eye that was part exasperation and part amusement as she
made her curtsey. "I'm sure a ball could be arranged. Perhaps at Turn's
End... We can speak of it when you're not so busy."

Oufelle quickly rose at Brina's direction and curtsied. "Thank you for
your time, my Lord." Her breathy voice was pitched up with growing
excitement at the thought of the ball. She thought that she'd done
quite well this afternoon and surely the Lord Holder would favor her
among the other girls now. "I can't wait, my Lord. I greatly look
forward to dancing with you."

Bryvin didn't miss his sister's admonishment but he found himself at
the end of his tolerance and while the young lady didn't please him
neither did she deserve his ire. So he smirked in response. "As do I,"
he said with a slight bow of his head and turned to leave the room.

Brina watched him go, suppressing a sigh. "Well, even though the Lord
Holder couldn't stay, we shouldn't waste the dinner the cooks have
prepared." Bracing herself for a dull evening, she sipped her wine and
summoned a courteous smile. "Why don't you tell us more about your
embroidery, Lady Oufelle?"

Last updated on the December 18th 2019

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The First Date