Up and down the river

Writers: Jane, Paula
Date Posted: 29th October 2007

Characters: Corowal, Lineal
Description: Corowal meets Lineal so to learn to know the new Captain.
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 6, day 13 of Turn 4

Lineal pulled at the collar of his tunic, though in truth it was worn over a comfortable shirt and he had no reason to feel uncomfortable in the clothing. Certainly it was his better tunic, and he'd put on a nicely polished pair of boots to show he appreciated his son's efforts in making them presentable, but his discomfort was more with the role he was expected to play than the clothes he was expected to wear. In his mind he knew he was now the Captain of the Sungazer, understood his responsibilities perfectly, and knew it was only right that he meet with the Lord Holder of Emerald Falls to explain the change in command.

In his heart he was doing something that was his father's job and he still got the occasional pang when he did so.

"Ah, Captain Lineal, it's nice to meet you," Corowal greeted and stood up to meet his visitor.

"And you, Lord Corowal. You've obviously heard about my father's death." Gossip travelled faster than any individual riverboat as all the river traffic swapped news and often arrived in advance of the boat itself.

"Yes, I heard the news. My condolences," Corowal replied and gestured him to take a seat.

"Thank you." Lineal sat down. "I hope that the change of captaincy won't affect the welcome the Sungazer has at Emerald Falls."

"Why would it? The ship is same even if the crew changes. The riverboats are essential to us who live along the river," Corowal replied with warm smile.

"I'm honoured that you regard it that way," Lineal said. Although Emerald Falls Hold needed the river traffic, so did those who made their lives on the river need the major Hold in the area - and the Holder's good will. "I'm not sure if you know but I'm a recent returnee to the Sungazer and I'm finding coming home a rewarding choice."

"It is always nice to return home, even if you left it when you were just two turns old", Corowal remarked, remembering his own situation.

Lineal nodded. "I was at least onboard until I was thirteen. Then my pestering to be allowed to apprentice and see more of Pern than the Nettleweed River finally paid off and I became a seacrafter." He shrugged with a rueful smile. "Here I am, back where I started."

"Well, having seen life outside riverboats may benefit you on the long run," Corowal said.

"I hope so. Is there anything we need to discuss? Anything the riverboats, or the Sungazer could do better for you or your people?"

"Not really, Emerald Falls has all the reason to be satisfied with you riverpeople," Corowal smiled.

"And I hope that good relationship continues," Lineal said politely, being certain with this Lord Holder things would be better than under some of the previous ones.

"I can't see any reason why not," Corowal replied with friendly grin.
"You keep ferrying people and wares and I keep my nose out your business."

Lineal thought of the women that were sometimes ferried around by the Sungazer and hoped that that would never cause problems between Hold and Riverboat, though perhaps this Lord Holder would be more understanding than most. "That sounds like a good arrangement," Lineal agreed, getting to his feet. "It's been a pleasure to meet you, sir."

"Likewise, Captain. I do sometimes envy you, you're not under anybody's liege," Corowal said.

"Neither are you, Lord Corowal, so I'm sure you understand that such a position has it's moments - good and bad."

"Yes it has. We do have something in common. We both are looking after our people. You have you shipcrew, I have a hold. No matter how many or few they are, the leader always have responsibility."

"Then I wish you well with yours," the new Captain of the Sungazer said.

"And I wish you clear waters and safe sailing or paddling or whatever you call it," Corowal replied with grin.

Last updated on the November 3rd 2007

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Up and down the river