There's Always Tomorrow
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Duskdog, Sia
Date Posted: 5th October 2024
Characters: Aikley, Aleriand
Description: Aikley checks in on Aleriand after the latest fight with J'ine
Location: Printer Hall
Date: month 2, day 10 of Turn 12
Notes: Follows "How This Ends"
Aikley gave him his space for a while. They didn’t cease their regular duties -- those needed doing regardless, and they hoped the hallmaster would at least find stability in a quiet, regular presence -- but they didn’t push or go out of their way to start conversation about anything particularly personal. Especially not _that_.
But after a while, it felt like it might be time to broach the subject. Carefully.
“May the apprentices come out of hiding, sir?” they asked as they set down a serving tray with Aleriand’s favorite lunch.
Aleriand looked up from his work -- his own mistake, the force of his bad mood damaged the press he'd been using and now the whole piece needed replacing -- and realized at nearly the same time that he hadn't eaten all day _and_ that Aikley was right, there wasn't a single apprentice in sight.
He exhaled a breath as he looked around. It had been a long time since he'd really felt like himself, and he realized all at once that everything was drawn taut. He tried to unclench his jaw. "I've been difficult to be around, haven't I?" he admitted.
“Understandably,” Aikley replied diplomatically. They weren’t going to lie about it. “But looking on the positive side, it _has_ kept the apprentices on-task.” They poured him a cup of klah from the pitcher on the tray. “Your sludge, sir.”
"Hah. At least there's that." Aleriand said without much humor. He took the offered cup and looked marginally better after taking a sip of the thick, too-strong klah. "After all that work to get them in the first place. None of them tried to flee to the Harpers?"
“Not as far as I’m aware. I’m only able to obsessively stalk three or four at a time, though, so I can’t be entirely sure. Limited time on my hands, you understand.” The corner of their lip quirked into an almost-smile, then they hesitated. “_Are_ you feeling more yourself today? You seem so.”
"Of course. You're busy." Aleriand agreed. He paused for a moment, considering as he reached for a meatroll. "No, but I'm getting there. Thank you for taking care of things for me."
“It’s what I do. Is there… anything else I can do? Shall I compile a list of suitable replacements? For future consideration?”
Aleriand stared at them, considering whether or not he really wanted to know. He did, though. "What's your methodology? Where are you getting the info for the list?"
“I have certain criteria in mind, based on your preferences -- as deduced through personal observation, which is admittedly not ideal, but I felt it improper to ask -- and my own preferences on your behalf. From there, I filter by age and proximity to the Hall, and try to determine their level of discretion and, ah… _openness_ to a potential relationship of the right type. For that, I can merely speculate based on lifestyle and rumors, so that’s also not perfect. But that’s why it would be merely a list of suggestions.”
Aleriand made a sound in this throat that almost sounded amused. "As flattered as I am, I'd prefer if you keep to your current projects instead of starting a new one. I'd rather not have either of us end up in the gossip column. Or have any of those men thinking that you're asking for you."
“I know better than to ask directly,” they replied, but nodded slightly -- point taken. “Hmm. Have you considered just getting a pet?”
The face Aleriand made hinted that it wasn't the first time it'd been suggested. "Ugh, no. Animals belong in a barn. I appreciate the attempt, Aikley, but I'll be fine. J'ine and I were harper apprentices together, forever ago. I won't be compiling any lists anytime soon."
Aikley’s own desire for a firelizard made it difficult for them to imagine anyone being _entirely_ anti-pet, but perhaps now was not the time to bring it up. “That’s… a long time. For what it’s worth, sir, I’m sorry that he forgot how to appreciate you.”
"Thank you. Me, too." Aleriand said. He took another sip of klah. The taste was bitter and bracing, but pulled him back into himself in a way fighting the presses hadn't. "How's your latest editing project going, anyway? We're overdue a check in."
“So glad you asked,” said Aikley, pulling a folder out of the front of their shirt. “I have it right here and was hoping you might feel up to looking it over. After you’ve finished your lunch, of course, so that you have the energy to be as harsh as possible.”
Last updated on the October 6th 2024