To the Prosperity of the Hold

Writers: Ainsley, Vix
Date Posted: 18th February 2009

Characters: Benaran, Nimroy
Description: Nimroy and Benaran discuss the future of the Hold.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 1, day 11 of Turn 5
Notes: Mentioned: Royan, Benaroy, Zathris
Mentor Approved

A sharp knock at the door let Nimroy know that his brother had arrived so he
grabbed the glasses and set them on the side table between the two chairs.
He'd procured a very nice wine, knowing his older brother enjoyed fine
wines. Shells! His brother enjoyed fine everything...runners, women, food,
wine. Though he did not know exactly what he hoped to gain from this
conversation, he felt inclined to talk with Benaran. It had only been days
since Benaroy's death and Nimroy still felt a little hollow, but he wanted
to look to the future of the Hold and Benaran always seemed to be the one to
manage crisis so well.

He opened the door, "Thanks for coming Benaran," he greeted. "Please come
in."

The elder brother shrugged as he entered. "I haven't much time."

"Enough for a half glass of wine and a word about the Hold?" Nimroy queried
motioning Benaran toward the seats as he tried to gauge his brother's mood.
Benaran could be difficult to deal with even under the best of
circumstances.

Benaran raised an eyebrow in contemplation, and then shrugged. "I suppose I
could spare a moment for a drink and conversation."

Pouring both himself and his brother wine, Nimroy offered Benaran a glass
and took a seat. "I know your time is precious so I will get right to the
point. It seems unimaginable that Father would have allowed the Hold to
fall into contention, yet he did not name an heir. He and I were at odds more
often than not, and I know that I sometimes I demonstrated a certain
disregard for Hold matters, but I would not see Father's dreams for Amber
Hills halted." The younger brother paused, taking a sip from his wine. "Do
you have any idea why he would not have named an heir? I have long since
assumed he would name you or Royan."

"I'd have expected him to name one." Benaran's reply was curt, the thought
having been foremost in his thoughts since the moment he had heard of his
father's death.

"As would I." But he had not, at least not so far as anyone was yet aware.
"If no record can be found," Nimroy paused, "How long do you think it will
take for the Conclave of Lord Holders to choose a successor?"

"Too long," the elder brother replied. "With no clear choice offered, the
other Lord Holders will want to negotiate with prospective candidates to see
which will offer them the most. We'll be lucky to escape with the Hold
intact."

"Shards!" Nimroy swore setting down his glass. That was exactly what he had
suspected. "How do we keep that from happening?"

Benaran shrugged. "I assume that someone has claimed all of his
correspondence and started combing it for mentions of his preference. Beyond
that, we've little to do but wait." He took a sip of wine. "Unless, of
course, we can come to a consensus on our own and make a recommendation to
the Conclave."

"I had thought of that," the younger brother replied, his eyebrows knitting
in contemplation. "It would take every bit of diplomacy I have, but it
might be possible. None of us want to see Amber Hills diminished or
completely decimated." Nimroy steepled his fingers and gave Benaran an
appraising look. Honestly, he suspected Benaran would be one who would go
to great lengths to become Lord Holder. Should it come to political mayhem,
Nimroy rather thought Benaran would be right in the middle. That did not
mean he would not make a good Lord Holder. Though many found Benaran less
than endearing, Nimroy knew his brother had a keen business sense and one
did not have to be "nice" in order to successfully run a Hold. Of course
convincing his other brothers of that could prove difficult. "Once again I
see it coming down to you and Royan. Somehow I cannot see one of you
yielding to the other."

The elder brother frowned at the younger. "Are you suggesting that I should
yield?"

"No brother I am not," Nimroy was quick to assure the other man as he picked
up his wine again. "I am just pointing out the potential impediments to an
otherwise plausible plan. I do believe that the Hold would prosper under
your leadership and should you be chosen, I would have no problem supporting
you. You do realize, however, that you have alienated a person or two along
the way, some of whom are closely related to us."

"And father never offended anyone?"

Nimroy laughed outright. "Well me for one. And others I'm sure. Many of
his decisions were not popular. However, he had _one_ brother who
voluntarily left the Hold so that Father could be confirmed."

"Indeed. So if that were to happen this time, who would you suggest should
leave?"

Nimroy snorted, "If all but one of us left and took their families the Hold
would be down by a quarter." He took a drink of his wine. "But between you
and Royan?" Nimroy shook his head. Which brother would make the better
Lord Holder? He might have an opinion, but who was to say that his was
better than anyone else's. Regardless he did not see either brother
yielding or leaving. "Who knows if it would even help? Even if we could
come to a consensus amongst ourselves there is no guarantee the Conclave
would honor that recommendation."

Benaran pursed his mouth and regarded his brother. "So you're going to sit
on the fence and try to remain in good standing with whoever is chosen?"

"Are you looking for an endorsement?" he snapped sarcastically, glaring at
the other man.

The elder brother shrugged. "It would be to your advantage to back me,
though I don't really need your support. I'm the best person for the job and
I'll reward those who stand with me."

Nimroy shook his head, "You're an arrogant cuss, but you probably are the
best man for the job. Your lack of ....sentimentality...keeps you objective
and able to focus on the big picture. I'm not looking for advantage or
reward, I just want to see Amber Hills in tact, and prospering."

"And that's all I want as well," Benaran admitted. "I think I could do the
job, while others would fall short."

Running through his brothers, Nimroy had to admit Benaran was probably
right. Now, Zathris, he might make a good Lord Holder, but he was young. He
could not see the Conclave choosing him over a son of the blood. Though he
was not ready to fully commit to backing Benaran, Nimroy realized that he
wasn't far from it. This needed to be settled as soon as possible in order
to keep his father's Hold together. Yes, nomatter who became Lord Holder,
Amber Hills would always be Lord Benaroy's Hold in Nimroy's mind. "Here's
to the prosperity of Amber Hills," Nimroy stated raising his glass to his
brother.

"That's all I want," the older brother stated, his expression smug as he
raised his glass in return.

Last updated on the February 28th 2009

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To the Prosperity of the Hold