A Mother's Concerns

Writers: Emma, Vix
Date Posted: 14th May 2007

Characters: Vanea, Miranek
Description: Vanea consults Miranek about her concerns for her son.
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 3, day 16 of Turn 4

"Isn't it a bit late to be working when there are no patients about?" Vanea frowned at the Master Healer from the doorway to his office.

"Hidework," came the reply. "It won't do itself."

"And it's my experience that people need food and sleep and no one else will do those tasks for them."

"True," replied the Healer. "But sometimes you have to get things done first, so that you can then eat and sleep with nothing to worry about."

Vanea leaned on the doorframe. "In that case, will you be at it long enough for me to fetch supper for you?"

"I don't think so," he said. "This isn't going to take me more than a candlemark at most. Besides, Helvalla will have something for me."

"She doesn't get annoyed with having you so late?"

Miranek laughed. "She's used to it, besides, this is not something I make a habit of."

The Headwoman nodded thoughtfully. "And your children? They accept it as well?"

"They've got used to it. I do wish that I could spend more time with them, but that will improve when the new journeyman arrives."

With a sigh, Vanea sat in the chair facing the healer's desk. "Spending time with them - how important is that? Especially for boys?"

"It is important. They need to know such a lot about growing up."

"And most of those things they need to learn from someone who has been through it - another male?"

"There are some things they'll learn from another man. But some things they'll learn from any responsible adult. Like how to treat others, and courtesy and respect."

Vanea nodded. "I worry about Neabin. His father died before he was born, so there's never been a man in his life - other than harpers and those he runs into about the Hold."

"How old is he?" asked the healer.

"Nine Turns last month."

"He's right in between my two boys then. Valnek is six, and Ranval twelve."

The Headwoman stared at his desk as she continued. "It's difficult for me because I know the types of questions my daughters ask and how much they have relied on me to teach them. My older son was Neabin's age when his father died. It seemed that Turbin and Turvan were always together, always talking to each other - and I have no idea what they discussed."

"You'd be more than welcome to send him round sometimes to play ball with my lads?" offered Miranek.

Vanea's face reddened at the offer. "Oh, I wasn't begging for your help - not in that way. I was just trying to sort this out and decide what to do with him, and whether there was even a need."

"Mostly these things sort themselves out, but the offer still stands. Boys can never have enough playmates."

"I thank you for the offer and will encourage Neabin to spend time with your boys." She sighed and offered him a sheepish grin. "So I'm worrying needlessly over him?"

"You probably are for the moment, but keep an eye out for him, and if there is anything I can do."

"I'll definitely do that." She rose to her feet with a sigh. "And here I am keeping you from your family even longer."

"A break will stop me making mistakes in keeping these records up to date."

"That may be but we both need to get to our families." She moved toward the door, pausing in the threshold. "Thank you. This talk has eased my mind a bit."

"Any time."

She nodded. "Farewell then," and with that was gone, feeling better prepared for the return to her quarters and her children.

Last updated on the May 19th 2007

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A Mother's Concerns