Shouldn't have listened

Writers: Cali, Paula
Date Posted: 12th January 2007

Characters: Telemon, Arilanna
Description: Telemon interviews Arilanna and runs into his own prejustices.
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 1, day 10 of Turn 4

"Hello, journeywoman Arilanna. Please take a seat," Telemon greeted when she entered his office. "And watch out for a feline, she tends to take over chairs. I'm trying to have a little interview with all the healers, so I learn to know you," he explained and smiled.

Arilanna waddled over to the chair and took the seat. She was getting big enough now that even the short walk to his office had left her a bit out of breath. "I hope you know how happy we all are to have you here. When Optham had to leave so suddenly, we tried to hold everything together, but it's just not the same without a proper Weyrhealer to lead the charge."

"Thank you, I hope I will be worthy of your trust. I have no previous weyr-experience," Telemon replied. He was however, born in North continent and the idea of working with female crafter was normal to him. "So, your speciality is massage, right?"

The journeywoman nodded, "Yes, Massage Therapy. In a weyr, with all the threadscore injuries, it's in great need. Since I attained my Senior status, I've started working towards gaining a greater knowledge of Herbalry as well."

"Execellent. I noticed that you're pregnant. It's hard not to notice. Do you feel you can keep on with your duties?" Telemon asked. "Cause if you don't, just let me know and I take you off from the infirmary rotation," he continued with gentle tone.

She gave him a smile as she patted her belly. "I'm fine to stay on. I've had to give up on the massages, I've become all belly in the last few sevendays, but infirmary rounds have been just fine. Now that you're here, I can cut back on the extra shifts, and that will help alot."

"Good. Let me know if the situation changes," Telemon replied. "What are your plans after the baby is born?"

"I'll be coming back to craft as soon as possible. The baby will be fostered out to the father's family so I won't be gone but for a sevenday or two." Arilanna explained.

"You don't want a longer time with the child?" Telemon asked. It felt slightly wrong to him, like she would be abandoning her baby. Of course, in holds, especially in smaller ones, women were expected to return to work as soon as they could get up from the bed after birth. But their work was the kind that they could take care of their baby at the same time. He had seen women cleaning or sewing a baby wrapped across their chests.

Arilanna shook her head and gave him a sad smile. "No, the quicker the transission the better I think." She worried if she kept the child in the beginning she might not want to give him up, and she was certain it was the right thing to do.

In north, female crafter took usually a turn or two's absence from the craft when they had a child, Telemon remembered. But it was her choice, not his. "All right," he said with neutral tone. "Anything else I should know about you?"

"Hmmm, well, I I'm a hard worker, and I don't mind the odd hours." Arilanna said, trying to think of things the Weyrhealer might need to know about her. "I guess that's pretty much it. You'll figure me out sooner or later." she added with a grin.

"I'm sure I will," Telemon replied. "I don't know what kind of policy the previous weyrhealers had, but mine is that I expect my healer to be and act professional. I know the weyr's habits are different. But still, I expect that when you're on duty, you will act properly, dress decently and keep your personal life outside the infirmary. What you do off-duty, is none of my business."

Arilanna couldn't help but look slightly confused at the Weyrhealer. What kind of infirmary did he think this was? A Weyr isn't _that_ different! "You should see a smooth transision then." was all she could think of to say. She had to hold in a giggle as she said it!

"I do hope so. I have to confess I have no idea of what to expect from Weyr," Telemon replied.

"Pretty much what you would expect anywhere." Arilanna explained slowely, trying to pick her words carefully. "I'm sure you've heard some wild stories about Weyrs... but they're mostly just stories. Weyr life can be different, out of nessessity, but a fair deal of the inhabitants were born outside the Weyr, so we're not a different species."

Truth to be told, Telemon had been expecting some sort of constant, wild sex orgy. He had spent way too much time in isolated holds, listening wild gossips and prejustices.
"You are right, I have heard wild stories. I shouldn't have listened."

Last updated on the January 12th 2007

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Shouldn't have listened