Asking a Favor

Writers: Miriah, Suzee
Date Posted: 27th November 2017

Characters: Sophque, Yriadha
Description: Favors are not asked lightly
Location: Sunstone Seahold
Date: month 2, day 12 of Turn 9

Sophque

Yriadha

Sophque looked up from where she rocked little Yavin. "I have a tiny
bit of news too," she smiled at Yriadha.

Yriadha tugged at a stray strand of her embroidery and glanced
upwards. "What news?" She took scissors and snipped at the thread,
then continued on the delicate floral pattern. She noted the smile and
her brow arched. "You look rather pleased. What is it?"

"I had an interesting Turn Over," she smiled. "You know the cloth
merchant Devren?"

Her other brow raised and Yriadha paused. "Yes, I do. I recently
bought two bolts from him for new clothing for Yavin." She tilted her
head and a slight smile lifted her lips. "Is _that_ where that smile
comes from?"

"Yes," she smiled. "We walked out on Turns Beginning."

That brought an actual smile to Yriadha's face. "I thought it might be
something." She set down her embroidery. "He seems like a good enough
man. You like him, then?"

"Yes," she smiled and then a very small glimmer of something else
showed in her eyes. "He's a nice man and I think he likes me. But,
it's not like..." she let the thought hang in the air for a moment.

"It's not like..." She repeated, folding her hands over her lap. "Like what?"

"Morin," she said softly after a moment. She shook her head and pursed
her lips. "I don't think I'll find someone like that again."

For a moment, Yriadha looked reflective. "I envy you that you had that
once." She picked up her embroidery. "And of course it won't be." She
replied, a bit firmer. "They're different men. But I hope you'll be
happy with him, if it comes to that."

"Thank you," she smiled. "How are you feeling about things right now?"

"You deserve it." She replied, keeping her stitches small and neat.
The next question made her sigh just a little. "It's been quiet.
There's not any questions being asked about Yavin that I have heard. I
think Lord Bryvin has been stilling any talk. I've not noticed any
whispers from the staff either." Her brow knit as she tugged lightly
at a strand. "I've been able to feed him without any problems, so
binding has been helping."

"Good," Sophque smiled. "Then the pads are also working? No leaking?"

Yriadha nodded. "No leaking. I've been impressed with them. I
half-expected them to, but your skills are above reproach." She put
down her embroidery again. "But I have to admit, being a mother at my
age can be more trying than I remember it being." She looked at Yavin
with warmth, then her smile fell. "I'm tired more often than I'm not
these days and I admit, some days, I simply do not wish to get out of
bed."

"I remember that feeling," Sophque smiled. "I think I was tired for
almost a turn after Sophine was born. But I would love to give her a
brother or sister. So..." she looked up at Yriadha. She knew that the
Headwoman had resources she could never have. Though she'd never
thought to ask for a favor before she was just enough interested in
Devren to want closer contact. Morin had always cautioned her to be
very careful. "I was wondering if it would be possible to check on his
history. You know... just to make sure he's what he seems?"

Yriadha's brows raised in surprise, but they lowered just as quickly
as she spoke gently.. "Are you sure you want that information?
Sometimes the people you care for...once you know what they really
are...it changes things."

A small smile teased the corner of her lips. "And you think I didn't
know who Morin really was? What he did?" She shook her head. "Love is
not turned on or off by information. The heart wants what it wants. I
just want to know what I'm dealing with." She had loved the Lord
Holder for many reasons that she didn't need to share. To her he'd
been kind and supportive even though it had taken time for him to
believe. She had given her trust and never told anyone anything about
him. He in turn had provided for her and their daughter. It would
have ended if he'd married. He'd made sure she knew and accepted that.
"I just don't want to walk into this blind. Does that make sense?"

"It makes perfect sense." Yriadha nodded and became more firm, the
momentary gentleness fading as she considered the favor. "Of course I
can." She had access to records of all the Hold's inhabitants; only
with Bryvin's closest associates did she lack appropriate backgrounds.
"You simply want to know if he _is_ what he seems and what you might
wish to be cautious of, correct? Not his whole life history?" Her lips
lifted just a little. "Some things I'm sure you'll want to discover on
your own."

"Of course," she chuckled then began rocking again when Yavin stirred
in her arms.

"You'll have the information by the restday." She glanced at Yavin and
held out her arms. "He's probably hungry."

She lifted the bundle with a smile and placed him in Yriadha's arms.
"Have you thought about what he's going to call you when he begin's to
talk? It can't be Ma."

Opening her gown to offer him her breast, Yriadha couldn't hide the
hint of sadness in her eyes. "No, it can't be. Bryvin would never
allow it. " She smiled down at the little bundle as he latched on with
eagerness. " It'll have to be auntie, I think. That's all I can
officially be to him."

"What about Nana?" Sophque smiled. I was very similar to Mama after all.

She nodded. "Yes, that could certainly work. Thank you." She gave a
quick smile to Sophque. "But no one to call Papa. Well...that's my own
fault, I suppose. He'll be a great man someday, even without it. "

"Don't give up dear," she smiled. "Think of Lord Corowal. He had a son
no one knew about until he Impressed bronze at a Hatching. You never
know if Lord Bryvin will acknowledge your son at some point. Just keep
it together and don't pose a threat."

Though Bryvin had sworn to acknowledge the child, Yriadha knew enough
of him to know that the promise might never be fulfilled; if it was,
it would certainly be when Bryvin believed it to bring him best
advantage. "Bryvin has never believed me to be a threat to him,
Sophque." Her lips quirked. "You know that."

"Yes, well," her eyes twinkled. "You have made him mad at you."

She'd never told Sophque about the beating she had once received from
him. Her lips quirked. "Defiance does that. But I've learned my
place."

She smiled and nodded.

Last updated on the November 27th 2017

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Asking a Favor