A Lady Holder

Writers: Avery, Suzee
Date Posted: 31st July 2014

Characters: Zelah, Xelfin
Description: The Lord Holder tells his daughter of his triumph
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 7, day 28 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Bryvin, Morin

Zelah

When Xelfin returned to Turquoise Bay it was with a minor sense of
triumph. The dragon dropped him in the square in front of the main
hold. The day was beautiful and he had very special news.

He walked up the steps and through the doors, But on his way to his
office he called for his daughter to be brought to him.

Being called to her father's office made Xeladrie nervous. She had looked
forward to seeing him at dinner and asking what was going to happen. That
would be as informal as their family ever got. But the office...

She entered and stood in front of the desk in a respectful rest. "You
wanted to see me, father?"

Xelfin smiled at his biddable daughter. "Be happy my dear, for I have
made you a Lady Holder." He circled around his desk not looking at her
but still feeling very proud of himself and her. "The Conclave has
elected the Steward as the new Lord of Sunstone Seahold, and as his
claim was a little thin I suggested a blooded wife would strengthen
his claim." Xelfin had a selective memory in cases like these and to
his way of thinking it had all been his idea.

Xeladrie went silent, rooted to the floor in horror. She knew her duty, to
be married and produce offspring. And of course she'd hoped to marry well,
and marrying into the newest major Hold of the South was marrying well...
but had her father truly said the _Steward_?

"A Lady Holder," she finally managed to get out.

"Yes indeed," he smiled. "And, I will generously dower you with a full
new wardrobe and I'm deeding that small tract of land along the river
that Morin seemed to want so much." He was in fact so proud of his
work at the Conclave that he was feeling quite generous.

"That's lovely." At least she was being sold off for a good price.
Xeladrie understood that she wouldn't want to be traded for nothing.

"Are you sure he'll be...acceptable?"

"He's a nice enough looking man I suppose. No disfigurements and in
his prime, He'll get some fine grandchildren on you I'm certain. A
little bit self effacing but that might work out for you right?"

"It would be preferable." Her words were still clipped and her voice
strained. She couldn't believe her father was just acting like nothing had
happened!

Xelfin wasn't completely oblivious to his daughter's tone and his eyes
narrowed. "Do you have issues with my plans Xeladrie? Do you not
realize what this means?"

"For you, it means closer ties with a major border, and a potential to
manipulate him," she recited dutifully. "It's just that Morin was one
quantity, and Bryvin was another. My sister..."

"Yes," he nodded at each of her points Then held up his hand to stop
her. "You're a smart girl Xeladrie," he said in a stern tone.
"Whatever else he is, Bryvin is now the Lord Holder and you will marry
him. Are we clear?"

Xeladrie was smart enough not to keep challenging him. "Yes, father," she
said, though inwardly she began to rage.

"Do you know when the wedding might be?"

"Not yet," he said. "Lord Bryvin needs to get a few things settled at
his Hold and then he'll come here for a visit. In the meantime I'm
having the contract drawn up that will make certain he can't set you
aside without losing your dowry. He's not going to treat you like
Golansin did his wife from Amber Hills."

"Good," she said. She might not want to marry him, but to be forced to do
so and then set aside would be humiliating.

"Well then?" Xelfin shooed her with both hands. "Off with you. Go tell
your mother and tell her to start planning. I'm sure _she'll_ be happy
at least."

"Yes, father," she said again. Skittering down the hall, she wondered what
this would mean.

Last updated on the August 3rd 2014

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A Lady Holder