#zahen

[wally-b-feed]

Anthony Fineran (B 1981), Zahen 10E, 2023

[k-sunrael]

The light scratching of her quill against parchment was the only sound in the room aside from the crackling of the fireplace across from the desk. It has been the first time in a handful of weeks that she had sent out missives, cards with holiday greetings and even looking to extend words beyond those within the household. Once upon a time she use to be busy constantly and the scratches of a quill never seemed to cease. These days, it was harder to keep busy since transitioning from one job into another.

A single thought caused the writing to cease and Kaevia’s eyes scanned over the room. Usually her mind would have been settled upon more positive and light hearted thoughts but even with all the glittering, warm, welcoming and festive decorations it was difficult to do so.

“This is not me worrying over nothing. If you had seen her face you would know.”

Taleyriel was certain that someone had been harming Anrise but in some way it all didn’t add up to the Priestess. Perhaps it had been how it came across and was worded but Kaevia was certain he meant bullying. Anrise never spoke of having friends or people she hung around with for her to be bullied nor did she ever return to the house with marks on her – or that the Priestess could see, anyways.

Her bright green eyes settled to the clock along the wall that ticked ever so softly, her hands smoothing out along the pristine letter as she took to her thoughts.

She would have to be an idiot not to consider Viktor in this equation given how fresh the entire ordeal had been but there was little to no signs. No nightmares or whispers, Taleyriel didn’t seem to be seeing things that caused him to ramble in his conversations. There were two things that made sense to her: One being that someone was truly bullying Anrise or two, Selaenice. Prior conversation with Taleyriel brought the Priestess to the notion that since the Lady Starsworn voiced her opinion on recent matters, it wasn’t beyond her to think that the woman could have been accosting Anrise from afar.

Knitting her brows while the thoughts stewed, she pulled from the desk and left her chambers, while walking the hall she noticed the hole in the wall and simply paused to scan over the damage. Sure enough, it had to have been linked to the conversation and muffled voices of Ahlaia and Zahen she heard in the hall just the night before. The sound was enough to cause her to stir from her work but having had Jaeras living with her prior, nothing came as a surprise these days. A delicate touch rimmed the gaping hole before her, “This will be dealt with soon enough.” her tone was calm and her words quite soft as the Priestess hiked up the hem of her skirts and continued on.

The house was full and by this, she knew a lot more of these instances were to come in time. A roof that housed 8 people and 6 pets was bound to become a war zone if not kept in check. She could have pulled them all into a small family meeting and laid down a few house rules but that was borderline of collecting people to chide them like children. A note might have done the trick too…

She paused just outside of the office where a small note was perched along the face of the door: Only Anrise, Zahen, Silvia or Illdarien can come in. Otherwise, have a wonderful day and sweets with tea before bed? Amin mela lle.

Kaevia deadpanned at the veto of her name and she stared at the note in bewilderment. Arguments leading to holes in her walls, a reticent teen who thought it best to bottle up anything and everything and a Fiance who was keeping her at bay from secrets behind closed doors. The very thought of it all caused her to narrow her eyes slightly before stepping from the door.

Chaos had found her living space but being who she was and the Lady of the house, she had every right to find order and discipline within the halls.

Her feet had already brought her down the large staircase while her mind was blazing full steam ahead, the familiar sound of Silvia’s footsteps coming towards her was almost lost until she lifted her head and regarded the elderly woman, “ Silvia.”

“ My lady?”

“ If you would, please summon for Ahlaia and Zahen when you are able. I have a few words to exchange with them in the parlor – “ her words clipped while looking over at the clock along the wall near the foyer entrance, “within the hour and no later.”

A simple nod came from the grayed woman and a befitting smile she always offered, “ I’ll be sure to. Anything else I should offer them if they inquire as to why they are meeting?”

“ Damage control and if they are bold enough to argue with it just assure them that they are in no trouble or in a position to be given verbal lashings. Just….a chat.”

First things first she would deal with the hole and argument. Sweets, tea and relaxation would have to come later.