Personal Issue

Writers: Francesca, Paula
Date Posted: 30th September 2009

Characters: Ednan, Taraglan
Description: Taraglan calls in Ednan because his guilt and remorse is affecting his craft.
Location: Dolphin Hall
Date: month 5, day 3 of Turn 5

The past sevendays had been sheer misery for Ednan. Trellyn avoided him, being posted at the weyr. Brun returned from Dragonsfall with his letters unopened. And it was all his own making. As much as he wanted, he couldn't blame anybody else. Somehow, he had managed to fall in love with two women and now neither wanted anything to do with him. If only he had told of Trellyn to Aileyan, things had turned out differently! But no, keeping their relationship in secret had been so deeply ingrained to him, that he couldn't told it even to his oldest childhood friend. And he had cheated Trellyn, no denying it. All this wallowing in guilt and remorse affected his performance and caused him to neglect his duties. It was hardly surprise to him, when he was called in front of the Hallsecond. Even his outer appearance showed off his sleepless nights he spent tossing and turning in his bed.

"Take a seat," Taraglan said as soon as Ednan arrived. Frankly, he hadn't expected one of the first problem cases to be the newly-promoted Journeyman. The Senior Journeyman mentoring him had reported his lack of concentration and preparation for the class he was teaching. Obviously, something was going on. "I assume you know why you are here," he said, his voice serious but gentle. He got straight to the point. "Are you overwhelmed with work? Or is it something else? I'm here to help you in any way I can."

"Yes, sir. It's something else, personal issue," Ednan replied, rubbing his face.

That's what he had feared. This was the aspect of his job he felt least confident about. He had thought that working with Journeymen rather than apprentices would mean less personal issues to deal with. He now realized he had been naive. "Can you tell me about it? Or," since that was unlikely, "how can I help?"

"I can't tell, since I'm not only one involved. Let's just say it's love falling apart and leave it there," Ednan said.

Well, that definitely sounded dramatic, whatever the whole story was. "I hope there is someone at the Hall you can talk to, to help you through this. Because it is affecting your work though, I can't just sit back and wait for you to work things out."

"I think I need to get out of this place for a while. Too many memories," Ednan said with miserable voice.

"I don't think there's much of anything available right now," the Hallsecond said, opening a drawer to take out the latest list of postings. Luckily, if he was able to leave, the Journeyman mentoring him could easily take over his class. "What do you have in mind?"

"I noticed that journeyman Praher returned from the Healer hall. Don't they need a new dolphineer posted there?" Ednan asked hopefully. That was not very popular posting, since it meant to travelling to Healer hall and being there for several months (usually about three months). It would suit Ednan just perfectly.

Taraglan nodded, having found the hide. "You've done your research. As you know, it is a long assignment. I know you want to get away, but are you sure you're ready for the job?"

"I hope so," Ednan's expression looked bit sheepish.

That was not a satisfactory answer. Being posted to the Healer Hall was an important job. But, Ednan had the skills to do the work. "I haven't been here very long, but I know you are a very capable dolphineer. You wouldn't have been promoted if you weren't. But, going out on assignment isn't just about performing your duties. It also means you become a representative for our Hall. If you don't think you're ready for that, I'm not going to give you the assignment, regardless of your personal problems."

"I'm ready for that," Ednan said, pulling himself straighter on the chair.

That was more like it. "All right, then. There should be a ship headed towards the Healer Hall at the beginning of next sevenday. Would that give you enough time to get ready?"

"Plenty. I don't own much, shouldn't take long to pack. Although, I probably need to copy some records from the hall's archive," Ednan said, his mind already swirling with plans. This is what he needed, something challenging to focus on, so he could forget his troubles.

It was nice to see him looking less miserable. "I'll get you the exact information on the ship's departure time. Make sure you tie up any loose ends, and by sure to drop by before you go."

"Thank you, Master Taraglan," Ednan said.

"You're welcome. And, good luck."

Last updated on the September 30th 2009

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