Tales of Solhaven (storyline)/Observations of a Magister 2 - Odelgarde 01.5123 (vignette)

By Pen and By Seal

Odelgarde stood beside Salnim near the entrance to the armory. It was difficult for her to read his expression as everyone seemed to be blanketed by a sadness that she was desperately trying not to feel herself. She had been working hard with the healer she liked to refer to as Nurse Wretched – on account of the woman always being so miserable – and the Baron was showing improvement. Slowly.

Before them, the Merchantile Guild sat at the table with Athalia, finishing the weeks of negotiating and discussions that they had started with Baron Dunrith. She had been watching the other woman through the proceedings and though she could see that Athalia was tired, she could see the strength in her, too.

She had been surprised, in fact, when the siblings had discussed the venture and when Salnim had suggested she see it through despite him being home. He wouldn't say it out loud, but she sensed that he was proud of Athalia. Ending Chaston’s Edict was important to both of them and this final thing, this last piece proved it would work and that many had accepted it. One by one the merchants penned their names to the parchment, added their seals, shook hands, and departed with a smile.

When only Athalia sat at the table, looking at her handy work, Salnim moved to stand behind her. Tilting her head back, she looked up at him with eyes bruised from worry and too little sleep but a smile that radiated with pride. Leaning over, he kissed her on the forehead.

"Well done, Athalia. Well done."