Could Be Trouble

Writers: Bree, Eimi
Date Posted: 1st April 2006

Characters: Miralani, Kiomo
Description: Miralani and Kiomi get to know each other...
Location: Garnet Valley Hold
Date: month 10, day 8 of Turn 3

"Excuse me, Miralani?" Kiomi asked as he ducked his head into the
Headwoman's office. "I believe Lord Ishek told you to expect me. My
name is Kiomi. I'm the new Holder."

Miralani looked up, examining the man from the top of his head to his
boots. By the time she'd reached his face again she'd already decided
that he could be trouble. Devastatingly handsome and single men of high
birth usually were, and she recognized the careful cultivation of his
attractiveness easily enough. After all, she spent enough time on her
own appearance to recognize that care in someone else.

It also meant he would probably be far less susciptable to her pretty
smiles and charming manipulation. Still, she gave him a friendly, warm
smile as she rose to her feet. "Of course, Kiomi. Please come in and
have a seat."

"Thank you," he smiled. He knew he was under careful review. It was
nothing new. A Lord Holder's son was always under scrutiny it seemed.
"It's an honor to make your acquaintance. I hear your brother depends
on you quite a bit."

"Some parts of a Hold need a woman's touch," she replied, settling back
into the chair she'd been seated in. "Until my brother finds another
wife, I don't mind making sure things run smoothly."

"Yes, but I suppose it won't be long until that happens. I'm sure he's
received several offers from eligible young ladies." He looked around
the room, taking note of all the books on the shelf, the lists, the
charts. "And of course there is always Lady Thalia. That would be the
obvious choice in his mind, I'm sure."

"It's a thought," Miralani replied evenly, eyeing Kiomi with renewed
interest. Was _that_ what he was here about? Miralani couldn't decide
how she felt about letting Thalia marry someone who was _quite_ so well
connected as Kiomi was. The thought made her faintly uncomfortable. "My
brother isn't in a hurry to rush into anything, though."

The Holder shrugged with indifference. "No reason for him to be. It
sounds like the succession has been decided. I just mean she's an
experienced Lady Holder. She would have a lot to offer him."

"I'm sure she would have a lot to offer any man," Miralani replied
thoughtfully, studying Kiomi.

"I'm sure there are plenty of men who would certainly find her
connections and breeding appealing. And of course, she has proved
herself to be fertile and would produce more children," he mused.

Miralani tilted her head to the side. "Are you looking for a wife,
Kiomi?"

He shrugged nonchalantly. "I will be one day."

"Well there are plenty of eligible young ladies here at Garnet Valey,"
Miralani said easily. "Rather more young ladies than eligible young men,
I think you'll find. The odds should certainly be in your favor."

"I suppose so," Kiomo nodded. "Although, I have a bit of a romantic
streak in me. I always figured when the right one came along, I'd know.
Until then, why worry myself?"

A romantic streak? Miralani's eyebrows climbed toward her hairline.
"Most of us aren't lucky enough to be able to wait for romance. Of
course, I was lucky to find love with my first husband, but that was
certainly a pleasant surprise."

"Well, like I said, maybe one day I will be forced to look for a wife.
Until then, I will just see what happens."

"Of course," she replied easily, though her eyes still expressed polite
disbelief. "Well, if you're looking for something to do, I'm sure my
brother could find some way for you to be useful. There's plenty to be
done."

"Yes, in fact," Kiomo smiled, "I am to help Lady Thalia plan the
Weyrleader's visit to the Hold."

"Excellent. I'm sure she'll be happy for the assistance." Which was more
diplomatic than saying she was sure Thalia could _use_ the help. The
girl seemed to be a total airhead.

He nodded. "Well, I will do my best. I'm sure between the two of us,
everything will be perfectly planned out in time for the Weyrleader's
visit."

"My brother and I will be most grateful, then." She straightened in her
chair, folding her hands on the desk. "Well, thank you for stopping by,
Kiomo," she said in obvious dismissal. "If you have any questions or
concerns, please feel free to bring them to me."

"Thank you," he smiled as he stood up from the chair. "You can be sure
I will."

Last updated on the April 30th 2006

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Could Be Trouble