Concerned Response

Writers: Paula, Suzee
Date Posted: 3rd February 2016

Characters: Corofel, Zelanka, Benani
Description: Corofel learns that his actions had consequences.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 4, day 18 of Turn 8
Notes: Mentioned: Zathris, Corowal, R'gelen
Notes: Follows: "Friends Reunited"

Corofel

Benani

"Ouch, ouch, ouch," Corofel whimpered, being escorted along the Hold's
corridors by the ear. The Headwoman had a firm hold of his earlobe.
She was also keeping rather brisk pace so Corofel had to half run or
had his ear pulled off. Zelanka was furious. Fosterlings weren't
supposed to disappear, especially ones who were Heirs to the major
Holds. They were responsible for his well-being and if something
happened to Corofel...well, Zelanka didn't even want to think about
that. So, mixed with her anger was fear. After what had happened to
Lady Benani, kidnapping was looming rather largely in her imagination.
Just because the boy had returned safely _this_ time...

Zelanka knocked the Lady's door. "My Lady, I've have our missing
fosterling!" she called.

"Oh Zelanka thank you," she sighed in relief. Her eyes were worried
when she looked at the boy "Wherever did you go Corofel," she rushed
toward him. "Are you alright?"

Zelanka released her hold and Corofel rubbed his ear. "I'm fine.
Except the ear," he gave reproachful look towards the Headwoman.
Zelanka was unrepentant though. If Benaroy's sons could get a rap to
their fingers for stealing a bubbly, the heir of Emerald Falls Hold
wouldn't get any better treatment.

Her eyes questioned Zelanka. She'd been on the receiving end of one of
those ear delivery's herself more than once and knew it to mean
Corofel had done something he oughtn't. "What did you do," she asked
as her eyes returned to her charge.

"Well," the boy squirmed. "My friend R'gelen came over and took me for
a ride. He's senior weyrling now, so he can travel freely," Corofel
explained. Lying would be useless, too many had seen the young bronze
come and go.

Zelanka made a choking noise. While she could imagine worse things
than half-trained dragonrider abducting their fostering, they weren't
many and they usually ended up with mutilated body found from a ditch.
Zelanka sometimes had more imagination than was good for her.

"Corofel!" Benani almost gasped. She crossed her arms and all her
concern turned toward his future and responsibilities. She could
almost hear her father talking to her in the same manner. **Benaroy is
about to come out of my mouth,** she almost smiled at the thought. But
only almost. Perhaps Zelanka could here his voice in her head as
clearly as she could.

"Young man, do you realize just _who_ you are and the example you
_must_ set? You are _Blood_ and your fathers designated _heir_! You
_cannot_ go gallivanting all over the countryside or the sky without
telling anyone where you are and what you are up to. Are we clear?"

"Yes, ma'am. But nobody said anything when L'cor came to get me for a
ride," Corofel sulked.

"He had permission and had left us notice where he planned to take
you," Zelanka pointed out. "Not to mention he's adult and fully
trained wingrider."

"And your brother," Benani added. "You know there have been concerns
with security here Corofel. I'm...," she could finish the thought let
alone the sentence. She took a deep breath. "You're old enough to know
better. It isn't so much that you went un-escorted but that you failed
to inform us where you were. That can't happen again. Lord Zathris
isn't here right now but you are going to go into his office and sit
at his desk. I want you to think about all the people who will depend
upon you one day. Then you are going to write me a three page essay on
the duties of a Lord Holder."

"Yes, ma'am," Corofel said with resigned sigh. He was smart enough to
know when to shut up and just shoulder his punishment. He made a face
when he thought about those three pages. He didn't like writing. It
was going to take him forever!

Though her heart had stopped pounding she could still feel the anger
and fear that caused it. But she relented and let her soft heart show
through. She took a step toward her foster son and wrapped him in a
hug. "You know this is because we love you right?"
She really was a nice one and something in her reminded Corofel of his
mother. He had to blink rapidly for a few times. Sobbing in front of her just
wouldn't do. "Yes, I know," Corofel replied with muffled voice.

"Good," she said and let him go. "Off you go then. I'll see you at dinner."

"Yes, ma'm," Corofel replied and grinning, hopped back to his feet, ready
to scurry off. He gave a glance towards the Headwoman, but Zelanka's face didn't
show anything. Benani had made her decision and Zelanka would make sure
it happened.

Last updated on the February 9th 2016

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Concerned Response