Setting a Trap
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Estelle, Heather, Suzee
Date Posted: 26th July 2024
Characters: Tasni, Arippa, Renette, Reven
Description: Tasni reports back to Reven and his family on what she found out
about the fire
Location: Green Valley Hold
Date: month 8, day 23 of Turn 11
After a few days at Green Valley, Tasni had a quiet word with Renette to pass on a message to her brother, and after the evening meal she joined the family in the parlor where they'd met on the day of their arrival. It was private enough that they wouldn't be overheard, and at this time of day the younger children were in bed.
Arippa sat darning one of Reven's socks where his big toe had poked through her invisible stitches making the toe stronger and more resistant to his sharp nails. "More tea anyone?"
Renette declined with a wave of her hand. Finally, Reven opened the door to the parlor. The person they'd been waiting for.
"Ladies," the Green Valley Holder said with a smile and an incline of his head. "My apologies, the steward wanted a word." He stepped to his wife's chair, dropped a kiss to the top of her head, and then took his accustomed chair. "Now, journeywoman," he addressed Tasni, "what have you found for us?"
Tasni summarized what she'd found out from talking to the harper and the fieldhands, and asking around in the kitchens, always a good place for gossip. "I didn't find any evidence that the fire was started by someone living at the Hold, even by accident. No one has been behaving unusually or showing signs of guilt, and almost everyone was accounted for at the time. But I did have an interesting conversation at the tavern."
She recounted what the people there had told her about the three men they'd seen, including their descriptions. "I can't be sure that they were responsible, but they were in the area at the time, and they had motivation: either to cause trouble for a loyal hold, or revenge for being kicked out of the tavern - or both. But even if it's just a coincidence they were here at the same time, I thought you ought to know about them."
Reven was pleased to hear that many of the people living and working in Green Valley were pleased with their lives and pleased with his leadership. Sometimes you could try and make all the right decisions and still not please everyone.
"Let's hope, then, that they were just troublemakers passing through and that we have nothing more to worry about on that front." Reven withdrew a pouch of marks his pocket. "For all of your trouble, Journeywoman Tasni. Thank you for looking into the matter." He passed her the pouch.
"Thank you, Holder. I've greatly appreciated your hospitality, and that of your family." Tasni tucked the pouch away, surprised but pleased. The Craft would have its cut, but that would still be a nice bonus. "I'll pass those men's details on to the Harper Hall, in case they start causing trouble somewhere else. Most likely they have moved on, but if there's a chance they haven't, I do have a suggestion."
"I'm all ears," Reven said, an invitation for her to share.
Arippa smiled into her work. She always admired her husband's way with people. He seemed to have 'the touch' her grandfather Lord Benaroy had always talked about. A way to give the person in front of him his full attention so they feld heard. Maybe that was why his people were so loyal.
Tasni took a breath. She'd been thinking over her idea, and the only concern she had was whether there would be a risk to the hold or the family. But that would be for Holder Reven to decide. "If there's one thing that people like those men dislike as much as dragonriders, it's female crafters. Before we return to the Hall, we could present a small concert. If they're still in the area, it might draw them in and give you the chance to catch them in the act. And if not, then we'll all have a pleasant musical evening."
Reven looked across the room at his sister. "What do you think, Renette? Are you up for a concert?"
A smile carved across her face. "I think a concert sounds lovely, and we made a pretty good trio, even with old Engad."
"It isn't risk-free," Tasni warned, feeling she ought to be honest about that. "But the people of Green Valley are as loyal as any I've met. I'd trust them to protect us and keep watch for any signs of trouble."
"I'll have the guards alert and watching," Reven said. "And I agree that the people of Green Valley won't tolerate any troublemakers."
"I'll make sure we have a reception and refreshments after," added Arippa. "The people are very proud of their Holder's sister." She smiled at her sister-in-law.
"That sounds wonderful. We can talk to Master Engad tomorrow and choose some pieces," Tasni suggested. "Most likely nothing will happen, but even if not I'd be glad to repay your hospitality with some music." Even so, she couldn't help hoping that the men might show up and walk straight into the trap.
Last updated on the July 31st 2024