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“But at least grant me the right to mention to you and expect your attention when I see a problem that needs to be addressed. I will not be brushed aside in my own home.”
Lord Athanar was a man of principles and required that everyone knew their place. That being observed he was quite a reasonable and polite man dealing with other people. He had no idea of lady Saeryn's background - the pure fact that he didn't know her lineage suggested to him she would not be from any influential or aristocratic family - but he had still decided to treat her as the wife of an eorl... well to all odds a former eorl, but still. He had honoured her as being on par with him. But now he was losing his temper.
So this woman is not only of low birth but also of shallow wits... or with terribly short memory... Wynflaed saw his husband's expression and threw a sharp glance towards him. Athanar noticed it clear enough and held his temper. That's what a long marriage creates; an understanding from a slight wink of an eye. And Athanar knew his wife was right.
"Of course lady Saeryn..." He bit his lip to hold back the words his mind went through. I just said a minute ago that she will have a say in what is done here... But that she'd just need to negotiate things with us... and we'd help her as she'd help us... with a special status at the Hall... Now what else is she looking for?
"We will actually need your help in pointing out things that require addressing lady Saeryn, and I think my husband agrees on it fully." It was Wynflaed who decided to save the situation as it took time for Athanar to continue.
"Yes I do." Athanar smiled to his wife and then nodded to both Thornden and Saeryn.
"I think there is one thing you both might point to us rather now than later..." lord Athanar had once again gathered himself and was into bussiness. "Now I understand people loved lord Eodwine - well you of course are a special one lady - but the people in general working and living here loved him..."
The two nodded, Saeryn did it especially slow but firmly.
"It is clear for any experienced leader that new subjects are not too enthusiastic about any new order and there maybe even an air of resistance or people trying the guts of a new leadership. I'm pretty comfortable with that as I have led many households and companies of the Rohirrim... one to the war in the end. But looking at the situation here... can you tell me of any individuals who I should be more careful with, or any issues the people here would be especially sensitive on? That information would be valuable indeed, for the good of us all."
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