A Weighty Matter

Writers: Suzee, Paula, Clancey, Avery
Date Posted: 20th July 2014

Characters: Fymer, Ishek, Corowal, Zathris, Corowal, Bryvin, Xelphin, Rahlor, Alendren, Ethris, Golansin
Description: The Conclave convenes to elect a new Lord for Sunstone Seahold.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 7, day 28 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Benani, Corofel, Yanley (not by name), Briata (not by name), Wirnan

Zathris

Bryvin

Bryvin trailed by Fymer walked up the steps of Amber Hills hold with
their documents in cases. The dragons that had brought them could be
summoned back by the drums when their business was done. He was on the
lookout for his cousin Wirnan but didn't see him as they passed
through the entry.

"This way sirs," a young drudge met them and took them through the
wide Hall toward the chambers designated for the conclave. "If you
would wait here please?" They were shown to a waiting room with
refreshments and comfortable seats.

"Have all the Lords arrived," Bryvin asked the drudge.

"Not yet sir," the young man said as he closed the doors.

"Good," he nodded at Fymer. "We're neither the first nor the last.
Everything ready?"

Lord Alendren of Opal Cove arrived shortly after Fymer and Bryvin.
He nodded to both of them and took in those who had arrived already -
and those who had not arrived just yet.

He took a seat near the wall, but out of the way, helping himself to
snacks and a drink while he waited for the rest to arrive. He had
taken in the prosperous Amber Hills on his way inside the Hold, though
he had not seen much of it from above, as he had been brought by
dragon.

It was a tragedy about Lord Zathris' Lady. He had heard, of course.
They all had. That is why he had left his own ladies at home, this
time.

As he relaxed, he decided that it almost felt like just yesterday that
they had all gathered to confirm Morin as Lord Holder. Now they were
here to determine his Heir. Tragedy indeed.

Ishek entered, thanking the drudge who led him there before he
departed. He'd enjoyed the dragon ride to the Hold, and regretted it
was under unfortunate circumstances. He took a glass of juice and
nodded politely at the other lords. Even after Turns of being a
Warder, he felt uncomfortable around his peers, men who were supposed
to hold the rank they did. So he stayed quiet, and listened to the
talk without participating.

Ethris' gaze traversed over the faces of those present. He knew them
all, of course, kept up with the gossip, though most notable of late
had been that of his own son's wife. If the boy couldn't keep track
of his wife and not lose her to madmen, how could he control an entire
Hold? It merely solidified his thought that Zathris would not have
made a good heir to Jade Harbour. As if somehow summoned by his
thoughts, Zathris chose that moment to arrived. While he was well
groomed, there was a hint of darkness in that gaze - enough that
Ethris did a second take. Something had changed in his son, enough to
notice. Ethris' lips pursed slightly, then relaxed as he inclined his
head toward his son in silent greeting.

Ishek's arrival was met with a nod as well. Another man who shouldn't
be in a position of power. It was well known that he was far too fond
of the drink and he'd driven away his own wife. She was off at River
Bluff, though from what he understood, with her unique ability, it was
probably just as well. Rather than request wine or some stronger
drink, it was noted that Ishek took juice. Had his divorce forced him
sober, or was it merely his drink in polite company?

Rahlor, the Lord Holder of Beryl Plains, had gotten a ride from the
Weyrleader
himself. Of course, since G'nir was his son, it was only natural. Age
was finally getting to him and when he greeted the rest, he was aware
that he should be naming his Heir soon.

Corowal had arrived several candlemark's ago and spent the time with
his son. It felt so good to see Corofel again. He had been surprised
how much the boy had grown. His smile to Zathris was full of sympathy.
He wandered over to Lord Golasin. "Greetings. How's your family? I
heard your former wife gave birth to healthy son?" he did enjoy so
much seeing Golansin flinch.

Fymer kept quiet, taking a seat in the back of the room. He pulled out
hide and quill, ready to record the proceedings for Bryvin.

Bryvin watched the interaction of the Lords with hooded eyes and a
neutral expression. His only tell was his thumb moving in slow circles
over the embossed seal of Sunstone Seahold on the surface of the
leather folder in his hands.

Alendren, peering around for Zathris, stood to his feet. "Isn't it
time to get started, Zathris? We are all busy men, as you know. And
I'm sure you have other...concerns." His veiled reference to Benani
was almost kind, and not meant to pick at him. He understood, very
well.

"A moment." Zathris motioned toward a young woman at the door. While
the Conclave was about business, it would not do to be an inelegant
host. Drudges swept in, replacing picked at trays and refilling wine.
That done, then Zathris settled into his chair. "It seems we meet
again once more in regards to Sunstone Hold." Unfortunately, the tone
of the meeting was far less positive than the original.

Corowal took his seat and nodded at Zathris. He refused refill.

Since it appeared the Lords were ready to begin their business, Bryvin
rose from his seat against the wall and starting with their host
placed a copy of Morin's final version of his Hold patent which did
not name any wife, legitimate children, or other heirs in front of
each of the Lords. The man had been young and vigorous and he for one
would never have expected this to happen, not even in his wildest
dreams. When the documents had been passed out he again took his seat
next to Fymer. His knots alone should identify him as the Steward of
Sunstone Seahold.

That reminded Golansin that he didn't have Heir either. He did however
have a wife, and brothers and sisters, not to mention a horde of
nephews. So the Lordship would remind within the Blood if something
happened to him.

Xelfin had a vested interest in the Hold on his border and though
usually he kept his thoughts more or less private he wanted to assure
himself that there would be someone in place he could either trust or
manipulate. He had two sons and several daughters to uses. "My younger
son might be a viable candidate for the position," he said.

"The question is, who will take Sunstone." Zathris was eager to end the
meeting, but he would not do so at the detriment of the hold in question.
They needed a viable candidate, someone who would run it well and
help it grow. That being said, he wasn't without some preparation,
despite everything. "I bring to the table Bryvin, currently Steward
of Sunstone."

Corowal glanced at Bryvin's direction. "So, no Blood relatives? Not even
from the wrong side of blanket?" he asked, just to be sure. He really had
no real objections for passing the hold for someone who wasn't Blood,
if he was capable. "Does Bryvin have any recommendations?"

"He's not Blood," Rahlor protested. He didn't want to let any outsiders to
their elite club of Lord Holders. Even Ishek was barely tolerable,
since he was Warder, not actual Lord Holder.

Alendren joined Rahlor's protest. "He's not Blood. Surely one of us has
an eligible younger son that can be trained. He can remain Steward
and train a young lad of ours. " He eyed the man, the Steward.
Would it matter so much if he wasn't Blood? What would be next ?

Bryvin stood at Corowal's question and bowed in the Lord's direction.
Ignoring the other comments he spoke directly to Corowal. "No Sir," he
said. His face was a mask to cover his roiling emotions. "Lord Morin's
issue has only been female and illegitimate." Then he addressed the
other Lords, "Sirs, both I and my cousin Wirnin; are distantly related
to

Amethyst Cliff blood, but it is a distaff connection. I believe Fymer has
the papers." He nodded at the harper.

"A son from outside the area would be coming in without the trust of the
men who live in the territory. Bryvin is already known by the Hold and
has the detailed knowledge of its business. If he has some Blood, all
the
better for the claim." That was Ishek's opinion on the matter.

"Blood shouldn't matter more than the sweat and tears spent by a man
worthy." Zathris was of the Blood, of course, which had given him an
advantage, but he wasn't as hung up on relations like some others.

"Spoken like a man too young in turns." Ethris snorted and for a
brief moment, father and son exchanged a glare. "If there is
relation, then I have no problem passing the Hold along to one not
related to the former Holder. What, however, should be done if we
approve this and a suitable heir related to the late Holder_is_
found?"

Fymer got up after Bryvin's signal and delivered dealt the documents
for the Lord Holders. Moving silently, his presence was ignored by the
arguing Lords. Fymer wondered with amusement how they would react if
the knew the truth of Morin's so called Blood.

"So, let's name him acting Lord Holder then, and if nothing better
come up and he prove himself able to lead the hold, we can drop the
'acting' after Turn or two," Corowal suggested with reasonable tone.

"Is that issue in age for marriage? Then we can just marry her to
suitable son and then we would have the connection to Morin's Blood
needed to secure the new Lord's position. I have several nephews that
are quite capable to Hold a major hold," Golansin put in his opinion,
and placed his relatives to the table.

"And I have two sons and grand-son to offer as potential Lord
Holders," Rahlor said. He absently picked up the hide from Fymer and
read it. After reading it, he gave Bryvin a calculating look. "Are you
married, Bryvin? I have few granddaughters of marriageable age. The
problem was that Morin wasn't married and left no heir. We need to
prevent that happening. We should oblige whoever takes over Sunstone
to marry and produce offspring as soon as possible."

"No sir," Bryvin answered Lord Rahlor. "I am not married. Nor do I
have any understandings in place at this time. Lord Morin's daughters
are eighteen and three turns respectively. However, the elder was
already promised by Lord Morin himself prior to his death." He didn't
look in Fymer's direction.

Xelfin tapped a finger against his lips then stood to face the others.
I concur with Zathris and agree with Rahlor. Sunstone needs both a
Lord and an heir in short order. And as Sunstone's border marches with
mine I will offer my daughter as a match for Bryvin here. Her mother
was fruitful and I'm sure she would produce an heir in short time."

Bryvin hid the spike of exultation and schooled his face to cloud
slightly. "But my Lord, I have never met your daughter." It was a
patent falsehood but that was neither here nor there.

"Nevermind that my good man, she is pretty enough and will get you
sons," Xelfin dismissed the objection. "What say you my lords? Have we
a solution?" To Xelfin it seemed the perfect solution to his problems
with Sunstone. There had been some talk between himself and the now
dead Morin at one time but there had been the matter of a dowry he
hadn't wanted to pay. "I'll even release my claim to that strip of
land Morin coveted." Perhaps now he would have a way to control this
new lord through his daughter and grandchildren of nothing else.

"You are too generous my Lord," Bryvin bowed with hooded eyes.

"It seems that Bryvin marrying Xelfin's daughter would be an
acceptable condition," Ishek said. "It prevents the risk of this
occurring again and ensures the territory stays in the hands of a man
who knows it well."

Privately, Zathris wasn't too keen on forcing a woman to marry, though
he could understand the situation.

Ethris, however, had no such qualms. He stood and addressed all those
assembled. "I hereby move that we state Bryvin as Lord Holder under
the condition that he marry within a half turn, if not sooner."

"So, let's vote then," Corowal seconded.

Alendren considered the choices, and despite the man's lack of Blood,
if he would marry a Blooded Lady, then that would be an acceptable
compromise.

He nodded. "My vote is Aye. "

Xelfin spoke up immediately "Aye" he raised two fingers. He didn't
even hide the self satisfied smirk as he nodded toward the Steward
about to be elevated to Lord Bryvin. He had won against Morin's
demands and he wanted to rub his hands together in glee at the outcome
he'd wanted for months. "We'll see you at Turquoise Bay soon then
Bryvin."

"I vote Aye," Ishek said.

"Aye." Ethris echoed with a note of finality.

Zathris was not so quick. If he thought he had a chance, he'd try to
sway the Conclave away from forcing the marriage, but he knew they
were all rooted in their ways. Change wouldn't happen that quickly.
"Aye." He finally stated.

Corowal voted aye, thinking that Sunstone was better off with a man
who already knew the place and had interest developing it.

Rahlor voted nay just because he was annoyed that Xelfin had taken his
idea and ran off with it. He would rather had his own man or woman on
Sunstone.

Golansin went with aye-vote, following the majority.

Fymer dutifully recorded the votes.

"Thank you My Lords," Bryvin said when the voting was complete.

Last updated on the March 15th 2024

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A Weighty Matter