An Emerging Understanding
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyrhold
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Elsewhere on Pern
NPC Weyr (NPC)
River Bluff Weyr
Seacraft Hall
Writers: Aaron, Corrin
Date Posted: 28th October 2024
Characters: Sybana, Corofel
Description: A conspicuous sight! Sybana and Corofel dine side-by-side at the high table on Turn's End. They discuss holds and alliances.
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 13, day 29 of Turn 11
Notes: Mentioned: Damarin (NPC), Corowal
People were staring. Sybana was used to that. She grew up seated at her father’s high table, and then at that of Opal Cove. Emerald Falls’ was no different-- and yet it was. Tonight, in the Falls, she was seated for dinner beside the acting Lord Holder. Both young, both unwed. Speculation would be rampant. And let them speculate, she thought. Let them gossip until they’re blue in the face, until the words Corofel and Sybana sounded as natural as can be together!
She was _born_ for this. She wouldn’t wilt under their scrutiny. It helped to know that she looked her best. Dressed in an exquisite emerald gown, a matching gem at her throat, Sybana felt well armored against this night. Well prepared. Her family had gotten her here, now she just had to do the one thing her brothers couldn’t: win over Corofel.
Corofel. She glanced over at her esteemed dinner partner. He was far handsomer than she’d expected, though younger than she’d hoped. Still, that could be a blessing. She had heard younger men were easier to manage. She flashed him her most charming smile. “I must thank you again, my lord, for the gracious hospitality of your Hold.”
"It's my pleasure to host you," said Corofel. He returned the smile with cheer. He was, of course, wearing the new pocket watch her brother had gifted to him. "How are you enjoying your stay so far?"
“Oh, it’s been a whirlwind,” she admitted with a soft laugh. “But very enjoyable so far. Your staff have been extremely kind and I was given a tour of Harper Hall earlier. It’s a gorgeous structure. Your father was very wise to bring the Harpers back. They are the heart of our culture and belong out here, with the people.”
"I agree. It's important to me to support the Harpers and the Printers both. I want Emerald Falls to be known the world over as a hub for education and culture." Corofel almost did not notice that he had spoken as though he was finally admitting his father was not coming back. Almost.
"And I know that when we find my father, he'll be proud to know that I've been true to his plans for the future."
Sybana noticed the slip and the correction. It was admirable, she thought, how Corofel seemed to be trying to save space for his father. Futile, in her opinion, but admirable. "They're noble plans. Well worth pursuing," Sybana agreed, before regarding the young lord thoughtfully. She had known a few lordlings and holders-to-be both at Skyvale and Opal Cove. Some were ambitious, others were not. She wondered where this Corofel lay. "But you must have your own vision for Emerald Falls too, for the days you will rule in your own right. Your father will be remembered for bringing back the Hall. What do you want to be remembered for?"
"I..." Corofel did not want to worry about being remembered at all. He wanted to be alive. But it was something he needed to be thinking about. Nobody built a legacy in a day. "Want to be remembered for justice." And more than just for punishing crimes. But for seeing to it that all of his people were fed and warm and dry and healthy. There was going to be no more need for incubating resentment in his Emerald Falls.
Well. That wasn't a very elaborate goal, though Sybana supposed it made sense given what happened to his father. She was unaware of Corofel's unspoken depth of feeling on that matter, but if she was slightly disappointed she was too wellbred to show it. She smiled, lifting her glass. "Well, here's to justice then. If Skyvale can aid you at all, you've only to say."
"I appreciate it more than I can say." Corofel raised his glass to her as well. "I hope today is a big step in that direction."
Sybana blushed happily. She certainly _hoped_ so.
"I organized the cooking competition in hopes that no one would stay home for worry that they could not afford to buy meals here. And I'm setting plans in motion to make sure no one in my territory has to go to bed hungry, ever."
Oh. Oh he meant _that_ sort of justice. "That is a grand goal," she said earnestly. "It'll be costly, real change usually is, but with the right alliances and some good investments I'm sure you can find lasting solutions."
"That's my hope." Corofel smiled. He had met many young women. But this was the first time he had been fairly certain that he had little choice but to marry this one if he wanted to meet his goals. She _was_ beautiful. But there was something missing. They had only just met, of course, but... something inside him told him there was something missing.
He would simply have to put his people's needs ahead of his own. That was a Lord's duty.
"I'm willing to do the work."
Last updated on the November 4th 2024