I Know I Can Do It

Writers: Francesca
Date Posted: 2nd December 2024

Characters: Lindora, Zinora, Palinor
Description: Lindora tries to convince her father to let her transfer to the Printer Hall.
Location: Harper Hall
Date: month 1, day 12 of Turn 12
Notes: Mentioned: Arrilon, Aleriand, Cithara (not by name)

She had cried, and felt sorry for herself, and muttered angrily about
wherrybrained harpers. And then she had thought and planned. She was
going to find a way to set herself and her daughter up with a
comfortable life.

While the conversation with Arrilon at Turn's End had been awkward and
embarrassing, one of his questions had stuck with her. She had never
thought about leaving the Harper Hall until he had asked. And, in the
first days of the new Turn, she thought about what leaving would look
like. Finding a way to get to a Weyr would certainly open up
possibilities for her. However, while she could sneak away, it would
mean practically severing ties with her father and siblings. And,
weyrlife was not very appealing to her.

Instead, she set her sights on a much closer location. Now, it was
time to convince her father. She would prefer not to make this move
without his blessing. So, she made sure their home was sparkling clean
and she prepared some of his favorite dishes.

When he arrived, Zinora ran to greet him and Linora felt a pang of
guilt that the toddler would not see him as often.

"Hi Dad," she said. "Dinner is ready."

Palinor gave a grunt of acknowledgement, swung Zinora around and gave
her a kiss, then went to wash his hands.

Lindora put Zinora in her highchair and gave her a bread roll to keep
her occupied. Then she served her father and herself and took a seat.

Palinor took a seat without a word and began eating.

Lindora waited a minute, then asked, "How was your day? Any new books come in?"

The Master harper shook his head. "Not today. The printers are busy
though, so I'm sure some will be coming in soon. Mmm, that sauce you
put on the tubers is great."

"Mmm!" Zinora copied him.

Lindora smiled and gave the toddler some tubers without sauce. "You
know, speaking of the printers, their Hall is brand new and they're
looking for people. I was thinking of going to the Headwoman to see if
they have an opening in their kitchens.

Palinor stopped eating and looked at her with a frown. "Why would you
want to do that? You're doing just fine in the kitchens here. There's
no need to go anywhere."

"Things are ok here, but the head cook doesn't really let me do
anything special. And, more importantly, I think there are more
options there." Lindora had rehearsed what to say earlier. "You know,
the Hallmaster is single, and I know he has a sweet tooth."

"Aleriand?" His frown deepened. "That one should have been married decades ago."

"Yes, but now that he's Hallmaster, everyone will be pressuring him to
find someone. And, you know they say the way to a man's heart is
through his stomach. I just need a chance to get close to him. I know
I can do it. And, if it doesn't work out, there are a few other
printers that are a possibility."

He shook his head. "That's a silly plan. You can't just waltz up to
the Hallmaster and marry him. Just find a harper and settle down."

"It's not that easy," she said, more sharply than intended. She paused
to help Zinora clean up a bit and drink some water. Then, more calmly,
"I think living in the heart of the Hall will make it easier for me to
meet people. I'm determined to be married within the next Turn;
hopefully sooner. And this is the best way to make it happen." She
kept her voice clear and steady.

Palinor gave a noncommittal grunt. "It just seems a little extreme to
move to another Hall, even if it's nearby."

Lindora kept from smiling, knowing she was going to get her way. "I
can come back here often to cook and clean," she promised. "And
Dalinor is right there if I need anything." Her brother was a printer
and would take it upon himself to look after her, even though she did
not need it.

Their discussion continued on and off for the next half candlemark, as
they finished dinner and Lindora helped Zinora get ready to bed. When
she came back from putting her daughter to bed, her father looked at
her and gave a small nod.

"Try it out for a few months. Then, if nothing promising happens, come
back here," he said.

"Of course," she replied immediately. She would go speak to the
Headwoman as soon as she had a moment.

Last updated on the December 4th 2024

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I Know I Can Do It