Stay Near the Hold

Writers: Yvonne, Devin
Date Posted: 2nd November 2006

Characters: Thalia, Zanen
Description: Zanen and Thalia cross paths one morning
Location: Garnet Valley Hold
Date: month 13, day 9 of Turn 3

Thalia stepped out from the Hold's front doors and paused on the top step, shading her eyes as she scanned the courtyard. It was still early; the sun was barely skimming the tips of the rocky mountaintops, and the air held the promise of heat. Insects sang and the outlying buildings hummed with activity as holders and crafters began their day. And to think - tomorrow would bring Thread.

Her runner was saddled and waiting patiently, her ears twitching nonchalantly as she shooed away ambitious flies. The Lady adjusted her hat and began down the stairs. Her heels clicked against the cool stone and Nipper raised her head and waited impatiently for her rider to join her.

"Good morning," Zanen said lightly as he came down the path. Fang and Silver trotted along behind him, sniffing at the ground.

The Lady glanced at him and inclined her head. "Good morning." A new face; she'd seem him coming to and from Ishek's office, and in the banquet hall at mealtimes. A hunter, apparently. With his scruffy appearance and well worn clothing, he certainly looked the part. And those canines...!

"Going for a ride?" he asked.

"Yes." It was no secret that she rode every second morning or so.

"Not too far from the Hold, I hope."

Thalia frowned. "I beg your pardon, but my circuit is none of your concern. Please, if you will excuse me..."

"Sorry, I don't mean to pry, but there's been some trouble with felines lately in some of the nearby Holds," Zanen said. "I don't mean to scare you, but it might be safer to stay near the Hold until it gets taken care of."

"I ride close enough to the Hold that felines are not an issue."
Thalia's tone implied that she was of the opinion that felines were not an issue at all. She straightened her cuffs and looked meaningfully toward where her runner waited.

That was good to hear, but the felines seemed to be getting bolder every day. "All the same, riding alone might not be a good idea."

What was with everyone insisting that she take an escort?! Between Ishek and Penryn worrying about an ex-guard and a former assistant Headwoman (who had undoubtedly died over the winter) and now a strange hunter worrying about _felines_ of all things... "Thank you for your concern, but I am perfectly fine without an escort."

Zanen decided to try a different tactic. "Well, alright. But maybe you wouldn't mind showing me around? I'm new around here and I'd like to get to know the place. My name is Zanen, but the way." He offered his hand.

Thalia reluctantly took it. "_Lady_ Thalia. And I apologize, but I am not overly familiar with Garnet Valley's territories; at least, nothing as far away as a hunter would need to go. You would be better off finding another guide; perhaps Lord Ishek, or one of the guards."
As if she'd truly go off riding with a strange man - felines were no threat compared to men with agendas.

Lady Thalia . . . it took him a moment to place the name. The former Lord Holder's wife, mother of the heir. Zanen made a quick bow. "My apologies, Lady Thalia. I didn't realize who you were. As I said, I'm new to Garnet Valley."

"Of course. An understandable mistake." She privately thought otherwise; she'd known who _he_ was, but how could he not recognize her!?

"I won't keep you from your morning ride any longer. But please, stay near the Hold for your own safety," the hunter said.

"Mmm. Naturally. Thank you for your concern, Hunter Zanen, but I will be perfectly all right." She hesitated, then smiled at him. He _was_
new, and perhaps was attempting to find his place at the Hold still by making himself seem invaluable. It made Zanen seem a little less intimidating to think of him that way. "Please, if you will excuse me, I ought to collect my runner before the stablehands get too impatient. If you wish an escort around the Hold's territories, please don't hesitate to ask Lord Ishek or Steward Penryn; both would be delighted to help you, I'm sure."

"Thank you, Lady Thalia. It was a pleasure to meet you." He made another short bow. **She sure wanted to get rid of me fast.**

Last updated on the November 5th 2006

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Stay Near the Hold