The Problem of the Steward

Writers: Miriah, Suzee
Date Posted: 13th June 2022

Characters: Bryvin, Yriadha
Description: Bryvin and Yriadha discuss Wirnan
Location: Sunstone Seahold
Date: month 1, day 2 of Turn 11
Notes: Mentioned: Wirnan, Asaile

Bryvin

Yriadha

"My Lord?" Yriadha appeared in Bryvin's open doorway, carrying her
usual bundle of hides that she often brought to him. "I have your
reports and if you are willing to give me a moment of your time, I
have something I would like to speak with you about."

Bryvin lifted his hand motioning her to come in while he still looked
intently at the hide before him. Then he looked up in inquiry "Yes,"
he asked pleasantly. Holding his hand out for the indicated reports.

She stepped in and closed the door behind her, then moved to hand him
the reports. "It's about our Steward, my Lord." She stood at the other
side of the desk, hands lightly clasped at her waist as she peered at
him. "He's made mention of seeking a wife and explained
your...request."

His eyes narrowed slightly but the corner of his mouth lifted. "Yes,"
he repeated. "Did you give him some ideas?"

"Yes, of course I did. " Her reply was prompt. "And I suggested to him
that he might suggest to the childrens' nurse, Suynie, that they carry
on their relationship after his marriage, considering his feelings for
her. " Her lips pursed slightly. "I'm afraid that Suynie is now
seeking to leave your service and that of your children, my Lord.
They have bonded to her and I fear this will be painful for them. "

His chin came up. "I will not bend to blackmail. Did you sense that
she wanted what she wants and is trying to use the children's
affection to her benefit?"

Yriadha blinked, one brow arching in response before replying. " No.
She's not the type. She felt insulted that Wirnan suggested it,
unfortunately and doesn't want to stay here any longer, despite her
carrying for the children. She feels what Wirnan offered her is
beneath her and lacks honor. " Her lips pursed as she carefully
considered her next words. "My Lord, Wirnan would do anything you
asked of him and I know it's not my place, but perhaps it would be
beneficial for your cousin and for your children to remain content
with his own choice of wife. You have four acknowledged children who
can add to your family's Bloodline."

"I am aware, Yriadha," he nodded. "And yet," he said. "She does not
seem to be sufficiently attached to my children to regret walking away
from them, even if they are attached to her." His voice was hard.
"Wirnan's soft feelings got him in trouble at Amber Hills and now here
as well." He held up his hand as if to ask a question. "How do we know
she is not using him or my children to try and blackmail me into
giving into her desires?"

He crooked a smile at her, "Have you heard of the Loves Least theory?
The person who loves the least controls the relationship? Well I can
assure you that between my cousin and my children and her, she loses.
However, I am willing to talk with her."

"We don't know, " Yriadha admitted without pause. "And admittedly,
marrying into your family would undoubtedly give her more power than
she currently has."

The Headwoman pursed her lips at Bryvin's question, then shook her
head. "I have not heard of this theory. It certainly makes sense. "
It explained fully why she felt so little control over her own
relationship with the Lord Holder and why he had so much. "I will
inform her that you will speak to her. And I will also be searching
for her replacement."

"Do," he nodded. "If I were to give in, the children would still lose
her as their foster mother anyway. So, she must be replaced in either
case." It wasn't much in the way of blackmail as far as he could see
so she probably wasn't trying to do that but still. "Do you have any
idea if she has any highly placed family?"

"I do not. I don't believe she does. She has never spoken of any. "
She frowned. "I will also be speaking to Lady Tarani about Wirnan.
She's more highly placed and may be a suitable wife, though she
appears to not be interested in the slightest about finding a husband,
if I may be honest. "

"Understandable I suppose," he mused. He didn't wish to inflict that
one on his cousin either. She had given Bryvin the impression of a
strong will and that wouldn't be the best for Wirnan. Not after Kaya.
"So you don't recommend her then?" he asked, feeling she knew
something she wasn't sharing with him. "Do you have other thoughts?
Please," He waved her toward a chair. He did respect her intelligence
and skills in her job separately from her other talents..

She sat with a frown. "I considered Sophque, and mentioned her, but
she has no ties other than her daughter and Wirnan feels that she is
not much better than Suynie."

Bryvin smirked and gave a soft snort. He'd been the one to give out
the former Lords bequests and could read between the lines where that
woman was concerned. "Not true, of course," he murmured. He'd have had
no objection if Wirnan had decided to marry her. The daughter was
looking more and more like Morin every day and while she was certainly
blood, she was also far too young, still a child. "Do you think she
would favor the match?"

"Yes, I know." Yriahda considered that for a moment, tapping a long
slender finger against her chin. "She may. Wirnan is handsome and
seems to be a kind man. He would treat Sophque's daughter well. She
may favor the match and she is young enough to provide him with more
children. I could speak to her about it, but if Wirnan isn't willing,
there may be no point. But I would rather not see him saddled to a
woman barely out of childhood; he strikes me as a man who would prefer
a partner, not someone he would have to mold."

"Wirnan doesn't know anything about Sophque's history. However, I do
know she is your friend, Beauty. Do you think she'd treat him well?"
He didn't even realize he'd used his nickname for her. All he could
think was trying to protect his cousin from another woman who might
try to use him. He'd already been through a rather difficult time with
his first marriage, not even taking into consideration the trouble
he'd cause escaping from poor decisions.

"Without a doubt." Yriadha's eyebrow barely twitched at the use of his
private name for her, but she did notice. She thought in amusement
for a moment, of how Brina had attempted to pair she and Wirnan
together. Sophque was far more gentler soul than herself; she and
Wirnan would not have suited each other in the slightest. "Sophque is
a good woman, Bryvin. She would treat him well."

"Very well," he said. Then he thought a moment. "Do you have other
candidates for Wirnan? I'd like him to have a choice," he said then he
turned away and walked toward the window overlooking the harbor. "As
for Suynie, I'm willing to speak with her if you think if will do any
good." He turned back to her. "While I do respect her choice regarding
Wirnan's offer, we will let her go if that is truly her wish. Provide
her with good reference and give her transportation to wherever she
wishes to go."

"I am considering others, but many women of the Blood that we have
here are your wife's age and may not be fit for him or his
personality. I will consider it further." She sighed softly, brushing
her hands over her skirts as her eyes followed him as he moved around
the room. They flicked along his back and bottom until he turned to
face her and lifted to meet his gaze. "Honestly, I do not think it
will matter what you say to her if it is not to allow her to marry
Wirnan." Yriadha answered simply. "Some women think less than that
beneath them." She rose from her chair. "I will tell her you will
speak to her and do as you ask."

"Thank you," he nodded. "And Beauty," he said with a hint of a smile,
knowing exactly what he said this time.. "I would like to visit you
tonight." It almost sounded like a question.

A pleased gleam emerged from her dark eyes before she stepped forward
to stand before him. She didn't quite understand the odd tone of his
words, but she had missed his touch and his company over the last few
sevendays. Looking up at Bryvin’s face and meeting his gaze, she
lifted her hand to lightly trail her fingers over the line of his
cheekbone to his jaw and then to his lips. Her voice was soft as her
fingers caressed his lips and chin. "I would welcome your presence,
Bryvin. You have been missed."

His lips curved in a small smile and he lifted his hand to the side of
her face. Then he circled her waist with his other arm and pulled her
gently but firmly against him. "As have you," he said softly.

Unbidden, Yriadha's arms lifted to wrap lightly around Bryvin's neck.
As tall as she was, she didn't need to raise herself too much to press
her lips against the Lord Holder's and with a soft sigh, one hand
tangled gently in his hair. Her kiss wasn't hungry, but was instead
soft, sweet, and alluring, beckoning the man in her arms with
feather-light touches and sweet caresses.

He responded hungrily for a moment then reluctantly pulled back with a
sigh. His hands on her shoulders, he grinned. "Tonight," he said with
more confidence than he felt. She was so mercurial that she melted his
reserve at times and while that was exciting it was also dangerous.
"Tonight," he said again and lifted her hand to his lips.

"Tonight," She readily agreed before stepping back, slowly and with an
almost regretful air, pulling her hand from his. She then gave a low
curtsey and turned to walk out the door, but paused before leaving to
look over her shoulder at the Lord Holder. There was a flash of a
smile before her face straightened to its normal even expression and
she stepped out.

Last updated on the July 15th 2022

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The Problem of the Steward