Turns End At Amber Hills

Writers: Suzee, Paula, Eimi, Chelle, Ames, AL
Date Posted: 16th March 2011

Characters: D'ale, Shadux, Kenza, Wirnan, Zelanka, G'nir, P'nal, Zathris, Benani, Petriv
Description: Turns End feast at Amber Hills Hold
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 13, day 29 of Turn 5
Notes: Turns End

D'ale

They'd spent so many hours getting things ready for this evening that
she could hardly believe it was finally here. She stood in front of
her mirror looking at her new Amber Orange gown with it's blue and
black trim. Hold colors skillfully wrought by the halls weavers.

Outside she could hear the revelers as the sun faded from the sky.
Tables for the hold folk were set up in the great hall below and soon
they would begin to flow in. Benani took a deep breath and smoothed
her skirt before she exited their rooms and descended the stairs to
join her husband in the receiving line.

Zathris' laughter could be heard before the Lord could be seen. He
stood, speaking with one of the holders who had come to join in the
festivities. Hands were clasped and shaken, and then a brief pat on
the back joined it. He was a pleasant fellow, and it was always a
pleasure for Zathris to visit his hold. The holder brought Benani's
arrival to Zathris' attention and he turned, his eyes lighting up.

"There you are!" Zathris' extended his hand to his wife. His own
outfit was woven of the same colours, jacket trimmed with blue and
black, black pants and blue shirt completing the outfit. To be
honest, Benani got the better end of the deal. Of course, she made
the dress rather than the other way around and as soon as she drew
close enough, the Lord Holder leaned over to whisper just that into
her ear.

Zelanka stopped outside their door to adjust her husband's collar and smooth
down her own wayward curls. "Don't you look handsome, dear," she said
admiringly.

"Thank you, love," Petriv grinned "I do my best. You're lovely tonite
too."

And she did. The warm beige colour looked good on her and her blue eyes
sparkled with pleasure when the months preparations culminated to this
evening. Her waist was almost as slim and trim as it had been the day
they
married.

Wirnan arrived sporting a new jacket that fit just perfectly over his
short frame. One hand rested on the shoulder of a young lad who
couldn't be more than 6 or 7 turns old.

"Come now, Wrice, we shall have a great time at the feast. And don't
worry your mother and father and little Caenifer will be along
shortly. How about we go check out the sweet treats that have been
prepared for us tonight?" Wirnan grinned and raised an eyebrow at his
nephew who nodded enthusiastically in reply. On the way towards the
tables, Wirnan caught sight of Zathris.

"Ah Lord Zathris, Lady Benani. Pleasant evening to you both." He
inclined his head in their direction before smiling at the pair of
them and not for the first time envying them the relationship they
shared.

It was Zelanka's and Petriv's turn.Zelanka curtsied. "Evening, My
lord, M'lady," her voice was full of warmth. Petriv bowed, his voice
more neutral.

Shadux stepped up next to Zelanka, giving a polite bow to the Lord and
Lady, and a nod of acknowledgement to the Steward. He had considered
buying something new for the occasion - his last Turns End at the
Hold he grew up in. After all, it truly was the end for him, of so
many things. In the end, he decided to wear the same tunic as the
last Turns End and commissioned new gather finery in Amethyst Cliff
colors instead. He had tried it on that morning. It still didn't
look right. But then again, nothing looked quite right any more.

Benani returned a warm greeting to each in turn. Even Shadux after
their painful interview received a warm smile and pleasant welcome.
They had grown up together and spent many more years as friends than
their last meeting might have shown. She would miss him.

"Good evening." Zathris' tone was full of warmth. It was a good day
and would be a good couple of days. Turns End was here and soon
Turn's beginning would come. It was a new turn, a new start. The
future was something to look forward to, especially with Benani at his
side. Even the shadow that Shadux cast could not dampen Zathris'
spirits. He leaned over and whispered to his wife, "At the very
least, I claim the first and last dances from you." Then straightened
to grin down at her before turning to those who had come. "A good

Turn's End to you all. A prosperous New Turn as well. Today, you
should all take some time to enjoy yourselves. Now...where's the ale?"
Zathris clapped his hands and rubbed them together, a twinkle in his
eye.

P'nal was sitting with the rest of the rider contingent. The
Wingsecond was ready to enjoy the festivities and he had gotten
himself a bit of ale already. He didn't have a woman with him, but he
knew there might be a willing one in the crowd somewhere.

Benani grinned at her husband so handsome in his finery. Tonight would
be a wonderful night and she knew they would enjoy every moment of it.
"At the very least." she returned.

D'ale pulled Kenza's hand through his elbow as he escorted her to join
the rest of the rider contingent. He acknowledged P'nal with a lift of
his chin. He knew he would enjoy an evening of dancing since he
wouldn't have to be the one playing this evening. "This looks like a
fine party." he said then spotting the ale he grabbed a pair of
glasses and handed one to Kenza.

"I of course, will have more if I have my say." Ale! It was brought
and Zathris scooped it up and took a long pull. His lips smacked
together after he drew the mug away and grinned down at his wife. "I
suppose we should start things in earnest? Don't want everyone to
starve. It wouldn't look very good if our guests fainted from
hunger."

Zelanka gave a glance at the serving staff's direction, but they knew
what they were doing. They didn't need the Headwoman's supervision.

She could just relax and have fun. "Don't stare the riders," she gave
her husband a nudge.

"Sorry, dear. Just trying to spot if there is familiar face," Petriv
murmured sheepishly.

"Forget it. You're staying close to me, no sneaking off with a rider,"
her voice was low and warning.

"Yes, dear."

G'nir was served the appetizer and he found himself staring at the ample
bosom of the serving maid. "I like these feasts," he remarked
appreciatively to P'nal, giving the girl a wink. She looked like she was interested.

Benani grinned and placed her hand atop Zathris' as they promenaded
toward the head table. The hall was full of the sound of conversation
and Zelanka's well oiled staff were already passing through the tables
with trays laden with food. They had not skimped anywhere. Wine and
ale selections were also being presented to their guests. She glanced
toward the harpers who had begun to play softly a dinner selection she
had requested. She smiled and acknowledged familiar faces as they
passed.

Kenza smiled as she walked in with D'ale. She had to admit she was
thoroughly enjoying his return to the Weyr and the attentions he willingly
bestowed upon her. It made her feel young again, just as she had when she'd
first known him. Taking a glass in her hands, she drank, and then nodded her
greeting to the other riders who had already gathered at the
celebration.

People were making their way to their seats, the flutter of
conversation remaining strong. Zathris' eyes danced over the heads of
those gathered and then he lifted his voice, his tenor strong, sure,
and carrying through the great hall with ease. "Attention everyone!"
He waited a moment

to allow the rush of words to die down, then lifted his glass. "I
call a toast!" He lifted his mug, still half filled with ale. "To
Amber Hills and all who live within her boundaries. May we have a
happy and prosperous new Turn."

P'nal shared in the toast, grateful that the food would be coming
soon. "They give tithe and then they let us come here and eat again.
Can't beat that. Good looking Lady too."

"Aye," G'nir agreed and joined the toast too.

Kenza raised her glass and joined in the toast with her fellow riders.
"Here's to a new Turn."

Wirnan, on the opposite side of the room, joined in the toasts and
celebrations with all the holder folk. His lord had done them all
proud with his speech. Wirnan could not have been more pleased than
ever that he had accepted this position at Amber Hills.

Benani raised her own glass to her husbands toast and yelled a hearty
"Hear, hear" before taking a long pull on her favorite red. Her eyes
searched the sea of faces for Master Fayazel and when she found him
lifted her glass to him with a grin and a tap of her finger on the
glass. She nodded her head in thanks for his help.

"To a New Turn!" Zelanka and her husband said too, lifting their glasses.
Zelanka took a careful sip of the wine. "Not a bad one," she murmured
appreciatively.

Zathris took a hearty pull from his glass. Then he lifted it along
with his other hand. "Let us feast and partake in the fruits of the
labours of all Amber Hills. To those who have worked hard in the
fields and orchards, who have taken care of the flocks and herds, we
thank you. To those who have taken the time to prepare the food, who
have worked long and hard to bring this to our table, we thank you.
Let us _all_ enjoy the food and celebration!"

Last updated on the April 27th 2011

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Turns End At Amber Hills