A Lord's Visit

Writers: AL, Avery
Date Posted: 21st November 2008

Characters: Ishek, Briata, Bridinar, Wenina
Description: Ishek makes a visit to Onyx Peak
Location: Garnet Valley Hold
Date: month 13, day 1 of Turn 4

Briata

The road that led up to the hold was on a slope and one could see another
coming a good half mile or more before they arrived on a good, clear
day. The hold itself was fairly large for a minor hold, spreading out.
To the east a large, sloping field was covered with grass farther than
the eye could see at that point, a stark contrast to the rocky terrain that
seemed to take over most of the area. Flanking the hold just a few miles
away were mountains, towering over it. One stood out, smaller than the
rest, but it's darkened stone was black, calling attention to it, it's peak reaching toward the sky as if it didn't care that it was smaller
than the others, it could be just as impressive.

>From what could be seen of the grazing land, there was a large, fenced in area where a couple of runners trotted over to the fence, their feet dancing merrily over the ground. They bobbed their heads up and down as if greeting the arriving party, then nipped at one another and trotted away to join a larger group of their kind. Further was another fence, this one containing ovines. There were a couple of people in there as party drew into their site as well, then began to pick
their way among the animals to head toward the hold.

Most of the field was not fenced and there were more Ovines there as
well, scattered about. At least two more human figures could be seen,
hovering over them. They stood when they saw what was coming, but unlike the others, the shepherds could not leave their flock. there were two or three smaller figures, dogs that helped to guard the ovines. Though from the distance they could see the arrival, they lifted no sound, no bark in warning.

Bridinar was told about the new arrival and he in turn told his headwoman, wife, and daughter. The guests were arriving. They had been
informed of Ishek's intent to visit and he had finally arrived. There was a scurry of activity as drudges and crafters, men and women alike rushed to get themselves as presentable as possible. What a great privilege this was!

When Ishek finally arrived, Bridinar greeted him with a bow. "Welcome to
Onyx Peak, Lord Ishek! You honour us with your visit!" Wenina
curtsied politely, one arm cradling a young baby.

Briata stood to the side and slightly behind her father and mother. When Ishek's gaze settled on her for a moment, she gave him a smile.

"It is always a pleasure to visit the minor Holds under my care." Ishek said with a smile. "I am pleased to see you again, Bridinar. Hello, Briata." he greeted the girl. "I am grateful that you and your family will put me up during my visit. I assume this is your lovely wife?"

"Yes, this is Wenina." Bridinar put an arm around his wife's shoulders. "She and Briata have prepared a meal. Would you care to wash up before we dine?"

"If you don't mind. It's a bit of a ride, and freshening up would be
good."

"Certainly." Bridinar turned to Briata, "Would you please show Ishek
where he is going to stay and where he can wash?"

"Of course, Papa." Briata stepped forward, her smile turning into a
grin. "My Lord, if you will follow me?"

Briata turned and made her way into the hold proper. They passed
through the entrance hall and then turned right onto a smaller hallway.
"Where you will be staying is just over here." She said, passing
only a couple of doors before she came to a stop. "This has a private
bathing room. Do you require anything?"

"No thank you, I have what I need." He hesitated. "Will there be a guide
to escort me to dinner when I'm done? I can send Yimas to find someone
so that they don't have to wait."

"How long do you need?" Briata queried, tilting her head as she
regarded the Lord Holder. "I will be happy to return and escort you to
dinner. The dining hall isn't far."

"Not very long, only enough to wash off the travel dust." Even in the
cooler climates, riding a runner for candlemarks tended to make one feel
grimy.

"Then I'll return in half a candlemark." Briata offered, "We have some
roasted bovine tonight, I hope you like it." She leaned forward, "I
used my own secret recipe."

"It sounds like it will be wonderful." Ishek told her.

~*~

He felt more refreshed as he left the bathing room, travel dust scrubbed
from his face and hands. He smiled at Briata, who had indeed returned.
"I hope I didn't keep you long." he offered.

Briata turned when she heard his voice, another smile greeting him.
"No, not long at all. I was here but a moment." She motioned down the
hallway. "Shall we go to dinner?"

"Please. Traveling makes one hungry."

Briata nodded, then turned and lead the way through the smaller hall to
the larger one, turned, then down through it toward the back of the
hall. They came to the dining hall, the doors flung open and a murmur
of those gathered greeting their ears. "My father's over there, waiting
for us." Briata stated, indicating a table at the far end of the room.

Ishek followed her indication. "Is this all of your hold's population,
or just those who normally eat at this time of day? I hope you didn't
have to arrange too much for me." he said apologetically.

"This is mainly those who normally eat. There are some still out in the
fields with the ovines." Briata walked with Ishek, winding her way and
leading him around the various people. Though there were many who had
never seen him in person, it was well known who the visitor was, and
many heads were bobbed in respectful greeting as they passed.

When they reached the table, Bridinar rose and indicated a seat at the
head. "Please, sit down Lord Ishek."

Briata waited until he was seated before taking her own.

He took his seat and smiled at the family. It was unusual to sit at an
unfamiliar table with unfamiliar people- though Garnet Valley was large,
he knew many of his holders by face at least. He'd dined at his outlying
holds before, but it was always surprising.

"It smells wonderful" Ishek said appreciatively.

Last updated on the November 23rd 2008

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A Lord's Visit