A New Turn is a New Beginning
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: Bree, Eimi
Date Posted: 4th August 2006
Characters: Almonteo, Carmora
Description: Almonteo frees up some time to spend with his wife, and they discuss weyrlife and Turn's End.
Location: Harper Hall
Date: month 13, day 4 of Turn 3
Since Turn's End was coming, Almonteo knew he would be extraordinarily busy with preparations, making arrangements, practicing... And all those little things that seemed to pop up and sabatoge his personal time. He knew as _Hallmaster_ it would be even worse than before. That was why he blocked out lunch and the candlemark after and refused to take any meetings or even think about any hidework. Partly this was for his own sanity, but mostly it was so he could guarantee his lovely wife at least two candlemarks a day where she could have his undivided attention.
This particular day after a small lunch the two had decided to take a stroll along the beach. The sea breeze cooled them as they walked barefooted through the sand away from the crowds of people gathered to enjoy the sunshine. They walked hand in hand in comfortable silence for a while.
Finally Almonteo gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "What are you thinking about, my love?"
"Having my granddaughter here," she replied, turning her gaze from the sea to her husband. "I'm glad she's here, Almonteo, but I still can't help but think that the Weyr is... well, is a dangerous place."
"Almora survived," he pointed out gently. "I know." Her voice sounded sad. "I'm trying. I truly am. But it doesn't get any less strange."
"I know, Carmora," he said, letting go of her hand and wrapping his arm around her shoulder. "But she will be fine. And if she Impresses, well, she will be extraordinarily happy, just like Almora was. And look how good she's turned out."
Carmora buried her face in her husband's chest, her arms going around him.
"Am I ever going to feel like this is home?"
"Faranth, I hope so," Almonteo whispered, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her head softly. Oh, but it hurt him so much to know that his wife was not happy. She had tried to make this work. He could not fault her for that. "Just tell me how I can make this easier for you, my love. Am I failing you somehow?"
"No. I know you try to be with me whenever you can." And it wasn't nearly enough, but that was a burden she wasn't willing to lay on him. Not when so many others seemed to be weighing him down. "I'm just lonely. I don't fit in here, love. I don't and I never will. I'm too old to learn a new way of thinking."
He leaned back, gently tilting her head up to look at him. "You, my Carmora, are not too old for anything. If you cannot feel at home with the Weyr, than love, stay with the ladies of the Hall. Find your home there. Do what you are _best_ at, taking care of people. There are plenty of apprentices for you to fawn over, and I dare say I could use your mothering ways with the new female apprentices. It will not be any easier for them to fit in. Let's try a bit longer, love, and if you still cannot find happiness here... You know you are more important to me than being Hallmaster."
Part of her wanted to contradict him, to tell him that she would make the best of it so that he could live out his dream. But the selfish part wouldn't let her. She wanted to be more important. She wanted to be the most important thing in his life. "Thank you," she whispered.
"Don't fret so, dear," he pulled her to him once more. "A new Turn is a new beginning. Let's just see where this new turn leads, right?"
"I suppose. If nothing else, there will be dancing." She smiled against his chest. "I expect you to be a terrible Hallmaster and dance with your wife more than is proper."
"I already dance with you more than some would deem proper," her husband replied with a smug smile. "I certainly have no intention of slowing down."
"Good." And with that decided, Carmora slid her hands into her husband's hair and tugged his face to hers, kissing that smug smile with a lifetime's experience in exactly how to express her gratitude to her husband.
"In fact," Almonteo whispered a bit breathlessly when they pulled back slightly, "I think I might still have a candlemark free for dancing. And if I'm a bit late... Well, I _am_ the Hallmaster..."
Last updated on the August 4th 2006