Getting Caught Up

Writers: Avery, Eimi
Date Posted: 15th January 2006

Characters: Ishek, Penryn
Description: Ishek asks Penryn to fill him in on the state of the Hold, including the search for Meijah and Verora and what to do with Lady Thalia.
Location: Garnet Valley Hold
Date: month 9, day 2 of Turn 3

**Tour, completed, research into the Hold's history, working on it, research into the Hold's production, not done yet, looking at the tithe and supply records, not done yet, getting caught up, not done yet, find out about the bandit search, needs to be done...** Ishek sighed as he examined the list he'd written for himself of things to do. He felt behind and a bit lost.

He decided that now was as good a time as ever to speak to Penryn. His Steward had been so incredibly helpful to him, with the tour especially.
Now he would need to call on him yet again in order to figure out things. Penryn had been here long enough to know what the state of the Hold was and what things Ishek would need to know.

Writing a short message, he tied it to Yimas and sent the flit looking for Penryn. While waiting, he stood up and paced for a moment before sitting back down and trying to look dignified, even though he didn't think he needed to. **Appearances must be maintained, at least until I'm familiar enough with him to break them.** he thought.

"Lord Ishek," Penryn said with a polite greeting as he entered the room.
"I got your message, sir."

"Sit down if you'd like." Ishek offered. "I just had some questions for you, mostly just getting caught up on things here- do you have the time to answer them, or did I call you away from anything important?"

"Of course not, sir. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have." Penryn took the offered seat.

Ishek tried to organize his thoughts. "How have things been doing here, are they getting back to normal? Do we have enough supplies, is trade and productivity going as it usually does?" The more general things first, he supposed.

"Well, in the winter we can't count on much trade. The Hold is hard to get through to with only one real road into it. There are those who brave it, of course. But our stores are well stocked. Lady Thalia had mentioned a need for more laundry degergent, and some fresh fruits if possible I believe, but I suppose we can wait until we recieve our supplies for your Welcome affiar. No sense asking them to brave the pass twice."

"That makes sense." Ishek said with a nod. "So we're fine there. What about the search for the bandits, how's that going? Or is the fact that it's winter hampering that?"

Penryn felt a slight stab of vexation and guilt. That was his greatest regret - that he had not avenged the Lord and Steward as he had sworn he would. "There are many factors, sir. The weather is surely one. Man power and the murder's knowledge of the land and tactics are also factors."

"I see." Ishek remarked. "It's almost impossible to hunt down bandits in the dead of winter." he said softly. "I can't blame the guards for not finding them. Tell me more about the murders, will you? I understand the Headwoman was involved, as well as a guard?"

"Meijah," Penryn replied with a slow nod. Just saying the hateful name left a terrible taste in his mouth. "He was in league with the Headwoman. We know for sure he murdered Bitron and... mistreated Ryalane. It is not so clear what his role was in the death of the Lord Holder and the Steward."

"I see." Ishek said. "And Meijah's being a guard is part of what's hampering the search then?" He shook his head, disgusted. "That people can have such base cruelty to others... the bandits... I hope we find them and bring _them_, at least, to justice." Memories of Shama flashed through his mind. To cover the sudden sense of loss he felt, he shook his head and tried to move onto other things. "Anything else you need to inform me about regarding the hold's management?"

"I do have a question, sir." Penryn wasn't sure it was any of his business, but part of him had been wondering for some time. "If it is not too bold to ask this, but, what role in the Hold do you intend for Lady Thalia?"

Ishek sighed softly. "I'm glad you're the one who asked it. Actually, I wanted to discuss it with you- you know the Lady better than I do. I don't intend to turn her out, I never would. I'll gladly support her however I can. Do you think there's a position she'd be suited for or interested in taking? I'll give her anything I can. She deserves to stay here with honor."

Penryn frowned slightly. "Well, sir, I am not entirely sure. She has been a great help to me with the Headwoman's duties, and it is she who is doing most of the planning for your Welcome Party. But Lady Thalia was raised to be a Lord Holder's wife and to attend to those duties." Ishek closed his eyes for a moment. "I don't know what role I should ask her to take on. I don't wish to marry her, at least not right away- it might seem the logical thing to do, but it seems cold. She has just suffered a loss, and I... I have lost as well. But it doesn't seem that she's suited for the Headwoman's duties, or is she? And if not a Lady Holder, or a Headwoman, what can I give her? She deserves much, being the Heir's mother..." He looked at Penryn. "Have you any ideas at all?"

Penryn considered the information at hand. So it did seem Ishek was at least considering the possibility of marrying Lady Thalia. Of course, it is the logical choice, but he could understand the Lord's hesitation.
He had lost someone as well, and was not ready to think about marrying again yet, if ever. "Well, sir, she has certainly not abandoned her duties after the death of her husband. Perhaps she should act as your Lady Holder until you take a wife. If you intend to marry her, then it is well to have her start as soon as possible. If you chose to marry another, perhaps by that time another role will have presented itself."

"I believe I'll speak to her on that matter then." Ishek said. "Having her act as Lady seems a good and logical choice for now. Your insight has been valuable on this matter. I don't know what I would be doing now without your help." he admitted.

"I'm only doing my duty, sir," Penryn said, unaccustom to the praise. Ishek nodded. "Even if it's just duty, it's still true." He liked Penryn. Perhaps one day, he would get to know the man better, as a friend as well. "Is there anything else you can think of to discuss now?
Any more questions, or concerns, or pieces of advice?"

Penryn thought a moment before saying, "I would just ask that you be gentle with Lady Thalia. She puts on a strong face but... Well, please, just be gentle."

"I will." Ishek promised. "It wouldn't be right to treat her otherwise.
I could never treat a lady like that, and any man who could...well, he's off in the head." he said.

His steward nodded. "Well, sir, if you don't have any further need of me, I had best be going." "I don't have any further need." Ishek confirmed. "So you're free to attend whatever needs doing." He looked down at his desk. "I suppose I should as well." he added ruefully.

The steward gave him a polite bow. "Please call me if you need me, sir." "I will. Have a good day, then." Ishek said, smiling before turning back to work.

Last updated on the January 15th 2006

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Getting Caught Up