Capable Hands

Writers: Paula, Rylie
Date Posted: 10th April 2006

Characters: Zelanka, Benaran
Description: Benaran discusses arrangements for the refugees with Zelanka
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 11, day 2 of Turn 3

Benaran had already reviewed the rooms available in the various wings of the hold. He had also started considering the closer cotholds and sent messages. When the refugees started arriving, he would be ready, at least to some extent.

Now he sought out the headwoman. She would undoubtedly be able to help in planning to house those from Amethyst Cliffs. Not surprisingly, he found her busy with a group of drudges she was offering direction to. He waited until she was finished, but stood where his presence would be obvious to Zelanka.

Zelanka had noticed Benaran's arrival but had been too tied up with the drudges to acknowledge. Some of them were simpletons that need the instructions repeated time after time before they remembered them. Finally she sent the last one away and went to join the Lord's son. "Benaran," the headwoman smiled, "Looking for me?"

Benaran returned her smile, thinking not for the first time how sensual her lips were. Had she only been a few turns younger he knew he would have pursued a relationship. "That I am. I'm sure you have heard bits and pieces, but I don't know if you are aware that we will be taking in refugees from Amethyst Cliffs Hold," he paused to see if she was aware of this fact before continuing.

"Yes, I got the word. I just sent them," she pointed after the drudges, "to make the place ready for them."

He gave the ever-organized woman a smile, "I knew you would be on top of things Zelanka. We are not certain what kind of numbers we will be looking at but I wanted to know how we are set for bedding, linens, and extra cots. I know we had some set aside for tithe, but I think we can use those now and replace them later if need be."

"We may run out of blankets," the headwoman warned. "I would like to ask all our minor holders to borrow what ever extra they have."

"I will see to that. I'm also asking for them to house some of these people so they may be reticent to give up what they think that they may need...still they should be able to offer some aid. I have yet to hear the outcome of the meeting that my father had with the steward and hallmasters, but I would like preparations to be made to house all of them in the family wing. Looking at the rooms we have available, that should be possible." He paused, thinking what else he might need of the
efficient headwoman.

Zelanka listened and nodded. "I need to do inventory of your food store," she said with a slight frown. "But it probably has to wait until we have gotten these refugees settled. Is there lot of injured ones?"

"I'm afraid that I know very little, but from the reports, yes, I think there will be a fair amount of injuries. They may wait for some who are injured to stabilize before moving them. I cannot say for certain. We will undoubtedly be facing many minor ones. Are we well set for bandages, numbweed, fellis? We may want to talk to the healer about having a calming herbal tea available."

"Fellis is not a problem, but bandages and numbweed may be. We're not stocked to for something this large. Well, old linens can be cut to bandages, but for numbweed..." Zelanka shrugged a bit and considered their options. "Maybe we should request weyr's help with it. They should have plenty in store. I also need to talk with the healers about enlarging the infirmary. It really can't house that many patients." A memory flashed into her mind. People laying along corridors, in make-do beds, coughing, crying,...dying. She forced the image away and took a scrap hide and pencil from her apron pocket. She scribbled a few notes.

Benaran gave a nod. "I believe dragonriders will be transporting some of the holders so requesting the numbweed will not be difficult, but let me clear that with father first," Benaran nodded. "Please keep me posted on the room preparation, depending how many wounded there are and how severe,
we may need to designate some rooms for the infirm. Is there anything else you need from _me_, Zelanka?" Benaran asked, his mind already moving on to his next task.

Zelanka tapped the pencil against her cheek in thoughts. "No, not at the moment. I think we got all the immediate problems covered. If something come up, I'll track you down, or someone from Steward's staff," she said finally.

Benaran gave a nod. He knew he could trust many of the arrangements to Zelanka's capable hands. If only all were as competent as the headwoman!

Last updated on the April 18th 2006

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Capable Hands