It's Been a While

Writers: Francesca, Yvonne
Date Posted: 29th July 2024

Characters: Gordenic, Panna
Description: Old friends Gordenic and Panna eat small pastries and catch up.
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 10, day 17 of Turn 11
Notes: Mentioned: Corowal, Corofel, Elana

Gordenic left the Kitchens, a plate in one hand and his cane in the other. It had been a long day; one that had felt at times like a dream. In fact, the momentous events of the past sevenday seemed more like a Harper's tale than reality: the Lord Holder's disappearance and the young heir being made Acting Lord Holder.

Gordenic had been at High Hills minor hold helping family when he had heard the first piece of news. His firelizard had returned from delivering a letter with a scribbled note. Once it was clear Lord Corowal couldn't be found, he had taken the first riverboat back to the Hold, ready to provide whatever assistance he could.

And now, he was Steward, and he wanted to have a moment of celebration. He turned down familiar hallways until reaching a door and knocking.

There was a short pause, then an elderly woman opened it and smiled broadly at the man waiting in the hallway. "Those knots suit you, Gordenic. Come in!"

Gordenic returned the smile. "It will take some getting used to." He entered, putting the plate on the table and sitting in the armchair he always used when visiting. Panna and his late wife, Julaye, had been friends. However, after Julaye's death, the two had eventually become friends in their own right. "I'll admit, it came as a surprise. At my age, I assumed I'd remain a senior steward until retirement."

"I'd assumed you'd retired," Panna said dryly. "Would you like some wine? I also have beer, if you prefer."

"Wine is good, as long as it isn't too sweet." He absentmindedly massaged his right knee to relax the muscles. He'd need to put some salve on it when he got back to his rooms. "I'll admit, I was considering moving permanently, but not too seriously. It would be hard to leave this Hold."

He settled more deeply into the seat. "How have you been with all the excitement? How was it around the Hold when news of the Lord Holder's disappearance spread?"

Panna had produced a wine bottle and poured Gordenic a glass while he sat. "People are scared. Between the Lord Holder going missing and what happened to the Watchrider... I know Lord Corofel is doing his best, but he's wet behind the ears for times like these. I can still remember him running under the tables in the dining hall in his nappies. Having you back and those extra guards from Amber Hills Hold helps, but..."

"He is young," Gordenic agreed with a nod. "And he's been away for Turns." He paused, wondering how candid he should be. He and Panna had known one another for decades. However, his new position suddenly had him feeling protective of the young Acting Lord Holder and reluctant to say anything that would increase concerns about his ability to leave. He drank some wine, then finally shared: "He has a good head on his shoulders and he seems willing to learn. I was worried he would have become cocky while he was gone, but he didn't. But," he sighed, "everything going on would be a lot for an experienced Lord Holder; much less someone barely 18-Turns-old."

Then his face brightened. "Some things haven't changed though. The Kitchens are still making those tiny fruit pastries. You should have a few. They should still be a little warm."

Panna's lips twisted in a smile as she reached for the plate. "You know me too well," she murmured as she selected a red one. Julaye had been an absolute fiend around them. "My niece ran into him-- did I tell you that I am fostering my great-niece?"

Gordenic popped one in his mouth, savoring the quick burst of sweetness when he bit into the fruit filling. "I remember you mentioning that. How is it going? Is she fawning over him like all the other young ladies?"

"Ah, it's to be expected when all the young women are taught to hope for a good match." Panna's lips twitched. "She actually did meet your young Lordling. He startled her while she was putting away laundry in the Lord Holder's childrens' room and she nearly hit him over the head with a wooden toy."

His eyebrows rose as he imagined the scene. "That's certainly an interesting way to meet. Glad no one got injured." He took another small pastry. "You know, that reminds me of the time I surprised Julaye in the closet." He launched into the story with a smile.

Last updated on the July 31st 2024

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It's Been a While