Views at Sunset

Writers: Heather, Suzee
Date Posted: 12th February 2015

Characters: Demir, Rethisa
Description: A minor holder visits Amber Hills
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 11, day 14 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Zathris, Benani, Royan, Faldrimme, Wirnan

Demir

The day was beautiful with only a few clouds in the sky and spring
beginning to green the trees. Demir liked the time of the turn when
everything recovered from the long winter months and the whole world
seemed to renew itself. Of course that was probably part of why he'd
become a beastcrafter in the first place. He'd left early and watched
the sun rise over Hidden Meadows before he began the longer leg of the
trip down toward the river and Amber hills.

The shadows were long by the time the main hold came into sight. His
runner was tired when he handed him over to the groom. "Take a look at
his right hind hoof. I think he took a rock about a candlemark back."
The man nodded and took the fine runner to be cared for in Lord
Zathris' stables.

He stripped off his riding gloves and smiled as everything took on the
golden glow of sunset. "Thats what I love about this place," he said
as he trotted up the steps.

And then he saw her and stopped dead in his tracks. She was bathed in
the golden light of the setting sun. A vision of loveliness like
nothing he'd beheld in turns. Her hair was incandescent and her form
slim. He only saw her profile as she watched the sunset but it was
something he would never forget in all his life. He didn't want to
speak and break the moment.

"Oh," the woman turned when she sensed someone from her peripherals,
"pardon me." Rethisa stepped to the side, realizing that she was
directly in the path of those who wished to ascend the steps and
enter. Sunsets at Amber Hills were breathtaking, and Rethisa often
came outside on the front steps to take advantage of the view and get
some fresh air. There had never been time to enjoy sunsets at Verlow's
cothold as that had always been the time of day he would be returning
with the men, and she was usually hidden away inside by that point.

She didn't recognize the man on the stairs, but then there were still
several people at Amber Hills that she was unacquainted with. Rethisa
noted that even though he was a couple of steps below her he was still
tall, and the dust on his clothing said he had been traveling.

Her voice was cultured and didn't at all violate the picture of
perfection. "Ma'am," he nodded and took the two top steps in a single
stride. She was obviously not a drudge, though that wouldn't have
mattered a bit to Demir. Her gown was genteel as were her manners,
evidenced by the way she'd unconsciously handled the train to pull it
out of his path. She had to be one of Lady Benani's women at the very
least. He stepped slightly to the side so as not to frighten her. He
found it suddenly very important not to see her startle and run. He
used his own experience with approaching a rare and beautiful high
strung runner and moved slowly.

He took a breath to try and control the sudden hammering in his chest
and turned to look in the direction she had been moments before.
"Beautiful isn't it," of course his words had a double meaning but
that only made him smile.

Rethisa glanced back out at the sunset, "It is. Amber Hills has the
most beautiful sunsets and the sunrises aren't bad either." She
glanced back at the man. It was the first time in a long time she had
been able to look at a man and actually admire his physique. It was
clear that this man worked for a living.

Long forgotten was his promise to himself never to look at a woman
with blonde hair. Also forgotten was his half started courtship of
Royan's daughter Faldrimme. It would come back to him later and he'd
deal with it honorably. He'd never tried to attach her feelings or
declared himself. He was, after all, an honorable man.

"I'm Demir," he said by way of introduction to the vision at his side.
"Holder at Hidden Meadows." He turned to smile with a flash of his
very even teeth.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Demir. I am Rethisa, my brother is Lord
Zathris." It was the way she had been introducing herself since she
had come to Amber Hills. There was nothing about her former life that
she wished to carry forward. "Are you here on business?"

"Well met, Lady Rethisa," he continued to smile and combined a hand
over his heart with a small bow. "I am here to meet with Steward
Wirnan and pay my respects to your brother." He set his gloves down on
the low wall where they stood. "How is Lady Benani faring?"

"She has been well. I don't want to sound immodest but I think having
me around has helped by giving her something to focus her energy on."
Her sister in law had certainly made sure she had an appropriate
wardrobe and nice accommodations in her room. Often they visited with
one another in the day to have tea and see or play with the children.

"I'm sure you have a positive effect on those around you, my Lady," he
said with genuine feeling. Of course he didn't know her at all yet. He
could only hope she wasn't already spoken for and that he'd have a
chance for a closer acquaintance.

Rethisa glanced up at him, "Why thank you, Demir. That is nice of you
to say." As she looked back out to the sunset she sighed a little when
the last sliver of sunlight disappeared, leaving behind only a purple
and blue dusk over the mountains. "That's the disappointing part of a
sunset, you glance away for a moment and they're gone."

"Yes," he said softly,"But then the moons and stars come out." he
smiled down at her. Then he turned and offered his arm. "May I escort
you inside?"

"Yes, thank you." Rethisa slipped her hand into the crook of his
elbow. Being back at Amber Hills had forced the platinum haired woman
to freshen up on her etiquette.

As much as he wanted to he didn't cover her hand with his but instead
bent to pick up his gloves from the wall. He found himself glancing at
her profile and wondering almost like a boy, how to get to know her
better. He didn't notice the work roughened hands but only the gentle
demeanor and soft voice. "Will I see you at dinner my Lady," he asked
hopefully after they'd entered the hold. Drudges went out to gather
his things and take them to his appointed room.

The question made Rethisa wonder if the holder was hopeful that she
would be there, or if it was just a question of courtesy. It had been
so long since a man had treated her with courtesy, and without
ulterior motives, that Rethisa felt herself a poor judge of character.
"I will be there, yes." She smiled.

"Sir, the Steward will see you now," a messenger said at his elbow but
Demir's eyes remained on Rethisa.

"I look forward to dinner then my Lady," he said and bent over her
hand. He straightened with a smile then turned to follow the
messenger. No offence to Wirnan but Demir was looking forward to the
end of their meeting rather than the beginning.

Last updated on the May 11th 2015

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Views at Sunset