Securing Aid (1/2)

Writers: Avery, Heather
Date Posted: 30th December 2017

Characters: Zelah, Ranni
Description: Ranni and Xeladrie take a walk to speak to K'dee.
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 1, day 14 of Turn 9
Notes: Mentioned: Bryvin, Kiomo, K'dee
Notes: Part 1 of 2

Zelah

Ranni

Xeladrie smiled at Ranni when the maid came in with breakfast. "Would
you like to take a walk with me outside today? Perhaps a stroll and a
picnic lunch? I feel the need for some fresh air very desperately.
Perhaps the baby craves it," she said.

What she really wanted was to be outside of the Hold's walls so she
could tell Ranni about how they were going to signal K'dee and let him
in on the plan they were forming.

Ranni glanced around, immediately suspicious, because she'd never
heard Xeladrie say anything to indicate she did things for the best of
the child growing within her. "Of course, milady, we could do that."

"Do you think you could run to the kitchens to get some food for the
picnic and some clothes to eat on, maybe white ones?" she asked
hopefully. Those could serve as the signal...

As Ranni went to get the items, Xeladrie stuck some jerky in her
pocket to attract Glimmer's attention.

The drudge ducked into the Lady's bedroom and retrieved a flowing,
white linen dress that would be the best to keep her ladyship cool
while outside in the heat. Then she stopped by the trunk that was
lined with cedar and pulled out a good size blanket. "Do you wish me
to braid your hair, ma'am?" Ranni asked as she delivered the items.

"Yes, please. Just in something to keep it out the way of my neck, I
find it gets very sweaty," she admitted.

Ranni grabbed a bristled brush and made quick work of brushing out her
Lady's luxurious hair. She marveled at the color the tresses. With
deft fingers Ranni made quick work of braiding Xeladrie's hair and
then twisting it up into a neat bun that she pinned into place with a
silver comb. "That should hold up against the wind, milady."

"I appreciate your work as always. And I'm glad you're willing to come
outside with me," Xeladrie added. She would appreciate having Ranni's
company as they walked out.

"There's an area I'm thinking of about half a candlemark's walk from
here, a flat meadow by a small creek. I used to picnic there with my
siblings," she mentioned.

Ranni looked at her Lady's swollen belly dubiously, "Are you sure
you'll be able to walk that far, milady? We could take a carriage part
of the way?"

That was a good point. She'd hoped to get there discreetly, but if the
carriage only went part of the way, and they chattered about
inconsequential things... "That's a good idea, though I'd like to walk
the last bit."

"Absolutely. I will arrange for the carriage to be set up for you."
Ranni was relieved that Xeladrie had agreed to the ride, otherwise she
was afraid her Lady would over do it.

"If you can find someone who you think would be discreet about this,"
Xeladrie mentioned hopefully.

"I am sure I can," Ranni had learned early in life that everyone had a
price and was willing to bargain if you knew the right currency.

Xeladrie waited patiently for Ranni to arrange the carriage to take
them out. When it was ready, she let herself be helped into it by her
maid. She chattered with Ranni about inconsequential things - how it
had been nice to see Kiomo earlier in the month and hear news from
Sunstone, the weather and how she was excited to have it be nice
enough to take a walk, and how she remembered playing with her
brothers in this area as a child...

Once they got off of the carriage, Xeladrie leaned against a tree for
a moment. "That made me feel a bit nauseated," she admitted to Ranni.

Ranni made a sympathetic face. "I've got that oil the healers said you
could dab behind your ears to help with the nausea. Do you need some,
milady?" She asked, reaching for the brown satchel she wore across her
shoulders.

"That would be good, thank you," Xeladrie said. "Hopefully when we get
to the clearing we can just sit and wait..."

The carriage had rattled out of sight now, so she said, "We're going
to signal down K'dee to speak with him."

"So that's the reason for the sudden desire to walk and get fresh
air." Ranni said as she found the small phial of liquid and put a
couple drops on her fingers to apply behind Xeladrie's ears.

"It is nice to be outside the Hold and its familiar walls and the
weight of the histories there," Xeladrie said, turning her head for
Ranni to reach. "But K'dee said he was flying a sweepride today and
tomorrow, so we should be able to get his attention."

"Let's hope so, people will wonder if you return to the Hold
sunburned." Ranni said, putting the oil away in her satchel as they
began walking down a well-worn path.

It was only a few minutes before they reached the clearing along the
small brook. It was a lovely area, with flower patches growing here
and there, a few rocks to sit on, and enough clear space for a dragon
to land.

"If we just run this sheet up for a signal, then we could start eating
and talk 'till he gets here." Xeladrie was hoping Ranni would have
some interesting gossip, or some more ideas about rebelling against
Bryvin, that she would share.

Last updated on the January 1st 2018

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Securing Aid (1/2)