What To Do (2)

Writers: AL, Jane
Date Posted: 22nd November 2008

Characters: Leisenn, Alydelle
Description: Leisenn confronts Alydelle about some knowledge she has acquired.
Location: Dolphin Hall
Date: month 13, day 1 of Turn 4

"If there's somebody you'd like to marry, perhaps you and he could marry earlier than you expected?" Leisenn had, in fact, married her young seacrafter friend when they realised their first baby was on the way.

"You can leave the craft, you can keep on with your apprenticeship. You can keep the baby, you can ask somebody to foster him, or take him on as their own. You have a lot of choices, Allydelle, more than you can probably think through right now." And she was being given more than many Hallmasters would have permitted.

"I don't want to leave." Of that Alydelle was certain. In fact, she had been so frightened that she would be asked to do so that it had been the biggest reason for her keeping the news from anyone more than anything else. But Leisenn seemed to be giving her an option, an option to stay. Oh how grateful she was for that! "But...I don't have anyone to marry. No one would..." No one would want her. Mordin didn't even want her, not really. He just wanted something from her. He said he loved her but he didn't. "I...I want to stay." As for the baby? Shards, she didn't know what to do about that. She didn't think she was ready to be a mother. She never thought anyone would ever want to marry her much less have children with her. Things had turned around upside down and inside out.

"All right. You want to stay. That's a start. You want to stay in the craft? Go on to be a journeywoman some day? Or just stay at the Hall?"

"I want to stay in the craft!" Again there was no hesitation whatsoever. The craft had become her life. She couldn't see herself doing anything else.

"Well, that's one thing decided. But for a time you're not going to be able to keep up with the other apprentices so we might have to find something else for you to do."

"I can still do some work." Alydelle hoped she wouldn't be put to the side completely. Not everything that was done as an apprentice was strenuous. She had a feeling she couldn't do some things like diving and what not, but she didn't want to get too far behind either.

"But I think you had some problems with your class ... I have an idea, anyway, a way of getting you special tuition while you're pregnant." And if things went as she planned it would give the girl somebody she could talk to, and perhaps confide in.

"Oh?" Alydelle was feeling a lot calmer. She wouldn't have to leave, she wouldn't have to give up her craft and. She lowered the handkerchief and clasped her hands together in her lap, the cloth between them "What...what idea?"

"There's somebody who needs more to occupy her, and there's you who needs special training. I shall organise something for tomorrow." There was no point in putting it off. "Now, I don't like the idea of you having no family around you at this time. We'll have to find you one; a foster-family, like the Weyrs have, since your original family is not being very helpful." There were many families at the Hall; dolphineers, other crafters, and staff. Surely among them there would be somebody suitable ...

There was somebody. Not exactly suitable, but not exactly fitting into any compartment at the Hall, either. She would have to look into that. What Allydelle needed were people who could take an interest in her welfare on a day to day basis, in a way the Hallmaster didn't have time to do.

"Oh...okay." A foster family? Wasn't one family enough? Alydelle wasn't sure she liked the idea of a foster family, but she wasn't going to argue. She wanted to stay at the hall, wanted to continue her craft, and she didn't want to do anything that might compromise that. "So...should I just continue with my normal schedule for now?"

"For a day or so until I get things organised. Except you will need to see the healers, please. They may have advice for you about what you eat and drink and how much exercise you do."

"Y...yes ma'am." Alydelle had wanted to avoid the dreaded visit to the healers, but she couldn't avoid it forever. "Thank you ma'am." The girl stated softly after a moment. She was grateful, more grateful than she could ever express in words.

Leisenn got to her feet. "You just carry on for the moment, Allydelle. Until we get things sorted out. But come back to see me if there are any problems. Understand?"

"Yes ma'am." Alydelle stood as the Hallmaster did. She supposed that meant she was excused. She had to admit she was leaving a lot less fearful than she had been when she had arrived. She still was uncertain, still a little afraid, but Leisenn had given her some hope and the girl was going to cling to that with all of her might.

Last updated on the November 22nd 2008

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What To Do (2)