What's the surprise?
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Eimi, Paula
Date Posted: 12th June 2006
Characters: Corowal, Theyzen
Description: Corowal and his daughter come to pick up the 'surprise' from Theyzen
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 12, day 6 of Turn 3
"What's the surprise, daddy? Please tell me, daddy!" The little girl that hold Corowal's hand begged.
"No, little flit, it wouldn't be a surprise if I tell you what it is beforehand," the steward said and laughed.
"But I wanna know!" the girl complained and gave her father a adorable pout.
"Don't try that on me, love. You'll find out soon enough."
They stopped at the woodsmith's workshops door and Corowal knocked. "Theyzen, you in?" he asked.
"Yes, I'm here," Theyzen called from the back of the shop. He stepped out from behind a large wardrobe he had varnishing, wiping his hand on a cloth. "Ah, Steward! And I assume this is your daughter?"
"Yes, she is. Corolia, greet the journeyman Theyzen," Corowal said and smiled.
"Good day, journeyman...what was the name again?" the girl started and the last part was added in loud stage whisper.
"Theyzen," Corowal provided, trying hard not to laugh. She was just so cute.
"...Theyzen. Pleased to meet you," the little girl popped a curtsy. She had been practicing ladylike manners lately. "Daddy, what's the surprise?", she whined. She couldn't keep up the lady's behavior very long.
"Is IT ready?" Corowal asked the woodsmith.
"Yes, it is," the woodsmith nodded. "Let me just go get _it_." He walked towards the back of the shop and picked up a rectangular looking object covered completely by an old stained sheet. "It's not the prettiest wrapping, I'm afraid," he said as he set it down before the
little girl. "I believe this is for you."
Corolia didn't bother with the wrapping, but greedily pulled it off. "Aaawww," she sighed and her eyes lit up when she saw the doll cradle. "It's prettier than Ketti's! Thank you, daddy, thank you, thank you!" she hugged her father.
"Why don't you thank Theyzen too? He made it after all," Corowal suggested and ruffled her hair affectionally.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you," the girl repeated and went to give the journeyman a hug.
A little frown appeared to Corowal's forehead. Should he warn his daughter not to be so open and affectionate towards strangers? On the other hand, it would be shame to spoil her innocence and trust in people.
Theyzen blushed a little at the unexpected attention, but he patted her back gently, as even standing at her full height she didn't even reach his waist as she hugged his leg. "It's all right. I'm glad you like it."
"I love it!" Corolia said and returned to admire the cradle.
Corowal gestured the woodsmith aside.
"How much I owe you?" he asked.
"I have it all in the back," the woodsmith replied. "I can bring the figure by your office at the end of the day. I still have to calculate the cost of the finish.
"All right," Corowal nodded. "Some of our furniture took damage during the sea voyage, could you take a look of them when you have the time?" he asked.
"Of course," Theyzen nodded. "Are any of them antique or rare-wood?"
"Antique, all of them. We didn't bother to bring the ordinary furniture with us."
The woodsmith could understand the sense in that. "That may require a bit more time. Antiques have to be handled carefully."
"Tell that to the seacrafters that banged them around and let the seawater get them," Corowal said dryly.
The woodsmith chuckled. "Your family arrived safely, though, it seems."
"Yes, though later than expected. They had some rough seas on the way."
"We were in a storm, mast fell down," Corolia told.
"That must have been scary. But I bet you were a brave girl, weren't you," Theyzen asked with a small smile. She was a cute little one.
"Yes, I was. Ma was very scared and uncle Zandan took care of us," Corolia told.
"That was very good of him," the journeyman chuckled.
"It was," Corowal nodded. "Now, Corolia, Why don't we take that cradle back home and see if your doll likes it?"
"I truly hope she does. Happy birthday, Corolia," Theyzen smiled.
"Thank you!," The little girl smiled. Corowal picked up the cradle.
"Drop by to my office anytime," The steward reminded.
Last updated on the June 13th 2006