My Sweet Lady
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: Miriah, Suzee
Date Posted: 4th November 2024
Characters: Bryvin, Asaile, Yriadha
Description: The Lady of the Hold has a request
Location: Sunstone Seahold
Date: month 2, day 8 of Turn 12
Smoothing her hands down her gown, Asaile walked quietly down the hallways, smiling politely as staff bowed towards her as she passed. She'd gotten used to that, but it still troubled her that they looked at her as though she might topple over any moment. She was feeling better today and felt far stronger than she had been over the past turn.
Which was why she was headed to where she was going now. Her retinue of ladies trailed behind her, speaking softly to each other and giving faint giggles that she only paid half a mind to. Her mind was elsewhere... on her husband. Bryvin had been treating her gently and with affection, but he'd rarely come to her in the evening and her mother had been writing to her with concern that she had not provided him with a male child. He needed another male child and it was her duty to provide that. It had been over a turn since Savina's birth and though she loved her daughter, she knew that Bryvin needed another son. Only then would her duty to him be complete. She loved her husband and wanted to please him.
Approaching his office door, Asaile knocked lightly on the door, then smoothed her dress again. The ladies behind her tittered and she looked over her shoulder at them with an embarrassed little lift of her lips.
"Come," Bryvin said without looking up from his hidework.
Asaile opened the office door and shushing her ladies, waved at them to leave her and her husband to privacy. "My Lord, may I have a moment with you please?"
Bryvin was a little surprised since his wife never came to his office. Though it didn't follow that he was unhappy with it. So, he smiled and held out his hand. "Of course, sweet girl," he said and patted his knee.
She flushed at the offer of sitting on his knee and though she momentarily hesitated, sat lightly upon his lap and took his hand. "I have not seen you much, my Lord." She began, clearing her throat. "I understand that you've been quite busy." She looked down at their linked hands. "But...I miss you."
"Yes," he said. "That is the nature of the Hold. There's always something to handle. Some emergency to solve." He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. "You look lovely today."
"Thank you. I wanted to look nice when I saw you." Asaile flicked her gaze up to look at his face, her cheeks pink as he kissed her fingers. "You've...you've been absent from my bedchambers, my Lord. I..I miss you there too." She finally looked up to look him in the eyes. "I would like to give you more children and...I want to be a good wife to you. I feel like I'm not doing that. I would not like for you to not have your needs met."
"My sweet lady, you _are_ a good wife to me," he assured her. "I'm sorry," he said the words softly and kissed her cheek. "I don't want to lose you sweetheart. The healers have cautioned me that you should not conceive again." He really was quite happy with Asaile, she had always been innocent and compliant. It had been a far more rewarding union than that of his first wife.
"But if you really wish for my company, I can come to you this evening," he smiled.
"I do want your company," She insisted and leaned her brow against his lean cheek. "The healers could be wrong. And I am feeling very well now. My mother said the second child is easier to bear." She took a breath and slowly reached a hand to touch his cheek, feeling braver. "Please...Bryvin... come to me."
"I will," he said softly and kissed the side of her head.
She smiled in relief at his assent and then dropped her fingers to lightly toy with his collar. "I'm also ready to take on more responsibility. I feel like I do very little in the Hold to help you. What can I do more of to ease some of your burdens?"
"You can take some of the load from my sister. Brina is finally going to marry her Captain and while they're gone, you will be my Hostess and direct the headwoman. Let's meet with Brina tomorrow?"
Asaile looked hopeful for an instant and perked up. "I would like that. I want to do more for the Hold and for you. and Brina." She paused for a moment then shifted on his lap. "Do you think I can do it?"
"Of course," he opined. "Just lean on Yriadha. She has a great deal of experience and will support you. You are the Lady Holder."
The idea of leaning on the intimidating Headwoman was frightening, but if Bryvin believed she could do it, then she would certainly try. Asaile gave a more confident smile and lightly kissed her husband's cheek. "Thank you. You are a wonderful husband."
"Thank you sweetheart," he stood and gently put her on her feet before leaning down to gently kiss her lips. "I'll see you tonight," he added as he walked her to the door.
Asaile smiled brightly at him. "I can't wait." As she was ushered out of the door, she heard the giggling of her maids and blushed as she strode down the hall, heart beating fast and full of hope. So filled with the hope of the evening, she didn't see the Headwoman patiently waiting near the door, hands clasped at her waist. Nor did she see the knowing gaze in the dark eyes at the glowing expression on her face.
Before Bryvin could completely close the door, Yriadha rapped lightly on the door frame.
"Come," he called as he returned to his desk.
Yriadha stepped in and closed the door behind her. "Your Lady Wife seemed quite happy with you."
"Yes," he said with a smile in his eyes. "She came to tell me she missed me and wanted me to come to her tonight. So, I told her I would." He leaned back in his chair. "Have you made sure she's on the teas?"
"Of course." Yriadha inclined her head. "Nightly." She silently adjusted her plans for the evening with simple acceptance of necessity. "I don't think she realizes what she has been drinking. She's been told that it is for her constitution."
"Good," he nodded. "I don't want her catching if I'm to resume my duties to her. She has an excellent attitude and keeps her nose out of my business."
He rose from his seat and took her in his arms. "Thank you and your son for taking care of her." He kissed her deeply.
She gladly accepted the kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck to pull herself closer to him. After the kiss ended, Yriadha pulled away and allowed her fingers to lightly caress the back of the Lord Holder's neck. "My duty to you, my Lord." Her lips pulled up in a slight smile. "So I should not expect you this evening?"
"I think not Beauty," he said softly. "I believe she needs me to give her maids a small show to boost her status. When Brina gets married and moves to her husband's home we want it to appear that Asaille has taken up her duties."
"We all have our duties," he added after a moment.
Last updated on the November 23rd 2024