Interview With The Hallmaster (1)

Writers: Francesca, Jane
Date Posted: 30th June 2009

Characters: Leisenn, Taraglan
Description: Leisenn speaks with Taraglan about the available Hallsecond position.
Location: Dolphin Hall
Date: month 3, day 9 of Turn 5

Taraglan thanked the brownrider and smiled as the dragon immediately headed towards the water and the dolphins there. Both dragon and rider had been happy to transport him to the Dolphin Hall and would enjoy the sand and ocean for the duration of his visit.

His eyes slowly swept across the expanse of beach and water, the docks, and then the Hall entrance. Peti cheeped, sending an image of the inviting water and Taraglan waved the firelizard away, wanting to concentrate. Could he and his family live there? Speaking with the Hallmaster would help answer that question, as would the tour after their meeting. Turning away from the water, he began walking towards the entrance to the Hall.

"Taraglan," the slightly built old woman called as she walked out of the Hall ensconced in the cliff-face and approached the unfamiliar master dolphineer. Her pale eyes surveyed the man as she neared him. "Saw the dragon land from my office," she said, indicating back toward with the most general of gestures. "Welcome to the Dolphin Hall at Dolphin Cove."

"Thank you, Hallmaster Leisenn," he said, shaking her hand. He knew little of the woman, but what he had heard assured him she was well- regarded. The lack of negative rumours circulating about her personality or management of the Hall was especially encouraging. "I assume the dolphins don't mind a little company from a dragon?" He glanced over at the large brown in the water, his rider not visible at the moment. Several more of the local pod had joined him.

"We have a Weyr as a neighbour. If anything the dolphins might be bored with dragons - though I see no sign of it." She smiled, the weathered brown skin on her face creasing into a thousand fine wrinkles. "Though they don't seem to suffer much from boredom - that seems to be more of a human complaint."

"And firelizards. Although they don't complain. They just get themselves into mischief." He was glad Peti was well-behaved.

"Indeed. Do you have one of those?" Leisenn asked politely as she indicated that they should head inside. She wanted both a formal and informal meeting with his potential Hallsecond, and it seemed best if the formal part came first.

"Yes, a bronze. He is very well-trained and hasn't caused problems for many Turns," he said reassuringly. He kept his attention on the Hallmaster as they walked. There would be time later to see how this abandoned sea holding had been adapted for the Hall.

"I'm glad to hear that. There are plenty around here and most refrain from causing trouble - which I like. My office is upstairs," she went on, leading

the other master dolphineer up the wide, impressive staircase that had once been a feature of the Hold's foyer. "The former Holder's suite, with an excellent view of the docks and the entire bay."

"Were many modifications needed to turn this space into a Hall?" he asked as they reached the second floor landing.

"Some; not all that many structural things in here, but plenty needed to build up the docks. We're still expanding into this space, though, and renovating rooms as we need to expand." She paused at the top of the stairs to indicate long corridors disappearing off in opposite directions. "As you can see the Hold runs parallel to the cliff face. On each level there's only this single corridor arrangement with the occupied rooms all between the corridor and the cliff so each has natural light from windows at the cliff end. Mostly they're long, narrow rooms to enable as many as possible; door into the corridor at one end, window at the other." She walked down the left-hand corridor, pointing to the doors on their right. "These are all store-rooms of various kinds. Shallow for the most part, just

hollowed out of the cliff."

Taraglan nodded, taking in the information. "And living quarters are on another level?"

"No, mostly they're up here with me. The lower level is the working level; dining hall, kitchens, classrooms, workshops, equipment rooms and access to the sea in a large natural cavern. I'll show you around a little later and then it will all make sense. There's a third level, too, but we're not using it so it's closed off."

"I look forward to seeing everything." Walking around and seeing the residents would make it much easier to imagine living there. And, hopefully after their meeting he would feel more relaxed.

Leisenn indicated an open door. Hallsecond's office - empty. And this is mine."

Last updated on the July 4th 2009

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Interview With The Hallmaster (1)