My insignificant documentary on the Khanid may not have gone completely unnoticed, as I was invited to the court of lady Ithiria Deritan, Holder of one of the most important houses in the Kingdom, and Duchess of Fekhoya.
When I got this invitation, I found it hard to believe that such honor had been bestowed on me... Before I became a capsuleer, I had not met any Holder in person. For a baseliner who does not work at court, there is no reason to expect such a blessing. Even now, when I am face to face with nobility, it makes me nervous, although less so than my very first time, a memorable meeting Lord-consort Shutaq-Newelle.
The estates to which I was invited are beautifully and tastefully arranged, with a nice courtyard to wait. Security was much less paranoid and much more polite and discrete than on the Lok'ri estate. I was brought to a lounge, where tea was served and where I had a conversation with the Duchess.
She is kind and gracious, and shows concern for commoners. We talked about many topics, including books. She is the author of the best-selling "Holder's Handbook", describing the proper treatment and management of slaves. Many young Holder heirs would do well to read it. Oh, I must also remember to send a copy to mr. Nauplius.
And, to my great joy, the Holder's Handbook might get a new and expanded edition! With all that happened in the cluster, an update is in order.
The Duchess was also saddened by some harmful rumors that her competitors spread. Noble houses fight each other often by undermining each other's reputation. However, the slander spread at the expense of house Deritan is of exceptional intensity. Now that I have had the pleasure to meet the Duchess, I can vouch that in our interactions she was righteous in the faith, devout, and compassionate. Also her actions speak for her: she sent help to Tanoo in the immediate aftermath of the recent terror attack, even though the Duchy of Fekhoya itself needs its resources to mobilize.
I look forward to meeting the Duchess again, and to assist in what humble way I can in realizing and promulgating a new edition of the Holder's Handbook.
