A Delicate Discussion

Writers: Vanessa T Sommerfeld, Vix
Date Posted: 23rd November 2007

Characters: Supaka, Hantala
Description: Supaka and Hantala discuss feminine issues
Location: Dolphin Hall
Date: month 7, day 4 of Turn 4

Supaka was well aware that Tala was intentionally gathering her belongings slowly. Even in her limited experience as a teacher, she could tell when a student wanted to talk with her. Tala had seemed uncharacteristically distracted during the lesson. The junior apprentice was, in Supaka's opinion, one of the most promising of the new recruits. Supaka pretended not to be aware of Tala's continued presence.

**It's better if she starts the conversation herself,** Supaka thought as she suppressed the urge to smile at the girl's obvious stalling tactics.

Finally, the others were gone, though it had taken them long enough to leave. Tala usually joined her friends for the trip from the water to the Hall and had to wave off several of them to gain these moments of privacy.
Now she needed to approach the journeywoman - and quickly, before the woman left on her own!

"Uh. . . Journeywoman, may I talk to you about something?" This was it -
she had started and there was no turning back, though how she approached the problem from this point she had yet to decide.

Supaka composed her best teacher face and turned to look at her student.
These conversations were usually requests for extra time with the dolphin pod or assignment due date extensions. But rather than the hopeful anticipation that she had expected, Supaka read genuine distress in the girl's eyes. "What's that matter?" She led Tala to sit at the nearest desk, took the one next to it for herself, and waited for the girl to find her words.

"It's not about me," the girl started. "It's about my sister - my _little_
sister. She's. . . well, she's had her time, her monthly, just started for the first time. . ." She paused and sighed deeply. "I don't know how to help her."

The journeywoman studied the girl's face. **Poor thing,** she thought. **A mother who would dismiss her daughters and ship them off to live with a father they barely know.all for the sake of a man.** As much as she loved Kessel, she could not imagine choosing a mate over a child. "Tala, I'm proud of you for trying to take on some of a mother's responsibilities with your little sister. Just try to remember what your mother told you. Tell her what kinds of cloths are most absorbent, how to secure them and especially how to clean them. Tell her what kinds of teas are best for cramping. You could tell her that this means she is becoming a woman and her body is capable of bearing children. But I really think you should let your father explain the, um, details on that subject. Just show her how you take care of yourself during your cycles."

"Me?" Tala's expression was even more pained. "I. . . I don't know. I've never . . . I just. . . never."

"Tala, I know it is a rather uncomfortable and embarrassing topic for a young girl, but you can do this for your sister. Just give her the basic facts. Tell her your experience and listen to her questions. If there is anything you can't answer, you can come ask me." Supaka smiled reassuringly. "It's unfortunate that you have been put in this position, but I know you'll do fine. And your sister is lucky to have you."

The girl closed her eyes and took a deep breath before opening them again and answering. "I have _no_ experience."

"No, I wouldn't expect you to have experience teaching a young girl about these things. It is, after all, a mother's duty. But since your mother is, well, um, not available, you'll do just fine."

"No, I meant that I have no experience with. . . I haven't. . ." She looked up at the journeywoman in exasperation. "I haven't started yet. Everyone else my age has, but I haven't."

Supaka's mouth sat forming the word that she finally managed to say, "Oh."
She quickly regained her composure and asked calmly, "And, how old are you?"

"Fifteen turns."

"Tala, we can manage your sister's situation. Bring her by my quarters after the evening meal and I'll show you both what you need to know." She lowered her head to try to establish eye contact with the young girl.
"Right now, I'd like to talk more about you. Are you eating properly?"

"Me?" Tala blinked in surprise. "I eat some of everything that's offered at the dining hall meals."

Supaka quickly glanced down at the girl's body. She appeared to be healthy enough with curves developing as they should. "You're not skipping meals?"

"Of course not," was her reply. "Swimming takes a lot of energy so if I'm not going to be at the Hall for a meal, I take food with me."

"Good. You are taking care of yourself." She smiled at the girl and took a deep breath. "The reason I asked about your food is that I'm wondering why _you've_ not started cycling yet. I know girls start cycling at different ages, but I wonder if maybe you should see a healer--just to be sure you are OK."

Tala bit her lip as the journeywoman spoke, trying to keep from crying.
"You. . . you think there might be something wrong with me?"

"No." She hoped she sounded surer than she felt. "No, I just think it would be wiser to be on the safe side. If you were my daughter, I would want to be certain there were no medical issues that needed attention. Why don't you talk to your father and see what he thinks."

"My father?" The girl's face showed her shock and dismay at that suggestion. "I couldn't - I'd be too embarrassed. Not to mention that he probably hasn't a clue about anything. . . anything to do with such things."

"Your father cares about you, Tala. I'm sure he would want to help you."
She chuckled. "And remember, your father was married once. I'm sure he knows more than you think."

Privately, Tala doubted that, having more than once overheard her mother remark that her father knew nothing about women. "I'd have no idea how to talk to him about this."

"I know it might be an uncomfortable conversation, but I think it's necessary. How about just telling him you want to see a healer. He can ask the questions from there."

"I suppose I could do that," she conceded, "but couldn't I just go on my own? Other apprentices who don't have parents here would do that, wouldn't they?"

"Yes, you could." Supaka frowned. "But a parent's number one concern is for their child's health." She sighed and hoped her words would convince the girl without frightening her. "And if by some chance this is serious, I'm sure your father would want to be there for you--and you will want someone to lean on. You'll need him there."

Tala considered her father, how busy he was, and how many other apprentices he had under his care, worrying over all of their futures - as well as her sister. She nodded as she made up her mind. "I'll go and see a healer, and then if I need to, I'll tell him."

Supaka bit her lips. She tried to remember that if Hantala had chosen not to study a craft, she would be considered old enough to be married. Still, she couldn't help but imagine how she would feel if Selka kept something like this from her. Seeing the determination on the young girl's face, she nodded reluctantly. "OK. But I really think your father ought to know.
Think about it some more before you make up your mind. Will you do that for me?"

"I suppose so," she conceded, though the girl figured that it would be difficult enough to force herself to make the effort to see the healer, let alone to tell her father. "But for now, about my sister? Can you help her?"

"Of course. As I said, you two come by my rooms after the evening meal."

The girl nodded. "Yes, Journeywoman. Thank you." She glanced toward the door. "I should go now - I've taken enough of your time."

"No problem. I'm glad you felt like you could talk to me." She gave the girl an encouraging smile. She decided not to push the issue of her father.
"I'll see you tonight."

Tala nodded and headed for the door, glad she had found help for her sister, but uncertain that she felt any better about herself after this conversation.

Last updated on the November 28th 2007

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A Delicate Discussion