Professional Advice

Writers: Ainsley1, Avery
Date Posted: 13th June 2007

Characters: Evaleine, Corran
Description: Corran escorts Evaleine back to the Hold and they discuss family and politics
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 4, day 21 of Turn 4
Notes: Mentioned: Rikka (indirectly)

Evaleine quickened her pace and paid no mind to the
whistles and lewd comments coming her way. She had
thought to visit the docks late in the afternoon to
get some fresh air. Although staying until dusk had
not been her intent, her mind had wandered while she'd
watched the flow of the river. Her idea to cut
between the wharf master's office and the tavern was
most likely not a good one.

"Evaleine!" Corran called, finally recognizing the
familiar figure he'd noticed a bit before. "Taking a
late walk?" he added, lengthening his stride to catch
up. "Want accompaniment back to the Hold?"

A broad smile welcomed the guard as the woman turned
toward the familiar voice. "I most certainly would,
and you would have my thanks, Corran. I lost track of
time and find myself out far later than I should be,"
Evaleine answered her friend.

"It's pretty here, and easy to do that." Corran
agreed. "Not quite home, but it's getting to be. Were
you by the river?"

"I was. Peaceful watching the water go by," she
answered a bit of a faraway tone to her voice.
Shaking her head, she brought her attention back to
the guard. "It must be hard for you. I had just
barely arrived at Amethyst Cliff before the earthquake
and besides my aunt you were one of the few people I
had gotten to know. Do you miss your home a great
deal? How is your father?"

"I miss the cothold a fair deal." Corran admitted.
"K'ran and I grew up there, and even when I was
stationed at the Hold as a Guard, home was just
a runner ride away. Now it's all gone. I wish I could
go back. I haven't tried- I don't know if it's
salvageable or not. Either way, we can't return, since
we're under Amber Hills jurisdiction, now. As for my
father, he's well. His limp's been aggravated by this.
My mother tells him he should focus on living, but he
feels like he doesn't have a purpose anymore, living
in an apartment and not managing a cothold."

"That is so hard," she said with a shake of her head.
"Surely his expertise could be used in some way! He
would be an excellent adviser. And How is mother
faring?"

"She's fine. At the cothold, she could practice some
healing. She was Weyrbred journeywoman." Corran
explained. "Here at Amber Hills, she's hiding that
fact, and it makes her a little sad. All she can do is
bandage children's knees and the like." He shook his
head. Crafting was one place where the Weyrs were
right.

"Are you going to return home, or remain here?" he
asked her.

"I have decided to stay. Home still has memories I do
not care to face, and I see potential here. I like
Amber Hills. I have quarters in the Hold now which I
share with another young lady. Your mother would like
her, she's a crafter, a Technician."

"Ah, the Technician craft. I haven't met her yet, I
didn't know we had a female one here. Must be hard for
her."

"I rather think it is, but she is up to it. She's not
going to admit defeat."

"That's the perfect attitude to have here, I think.
Perhaps, between she and we of Amethyst Cliff, some of
the attitudes here can be changed." Not that Corran
knew how likely that was.

"Oh, I think great change is inevitable. That is one
reason I have chosen to stay. It is my personal
belief that Amber Hills is in for some exciting times
ahead."

"Exciting indeed. I just hope there's no unrest.
People get very touchy about their beliefs, that's how
fights start. If a whole Hold has to
reconsider theirs, well, it could be rough." Corran
didn't see himself as being pessimistic, merely
realistic.

The woman's brow furrowed and her pale green eyes were
troubled as she answered, "I certainly hope there is
not such trouble, but you are right unrest does begin
when people's core beliefs are challenged. Hopefully
the leadership in place will be able to quell any
budding animosities."

"I hope so. Benaroy's policies are never going to
change, though. Whichever son becomes Lord Holder
eventually will define the new direction." Suddenly
Corran ducked his head, abashed. "I'm sorry. I
suppose a Guard shouldn't be discussing politics with
a lady."

"And why not? Intelligent conversation is always
worthwhile. Being willing to analyze a situation and
give it serious consideration shows an interest in the
Hold. We are both Hold residents and no matter if one
is a guard, a stable boy, a kitchen drudge, or a lady,
I think it is responsible to give some thought to the
happenings of the Hold in which you live. Besides,"
and here she paused, tilting her head to the side and
looking directly at Corran, "We are friends, aren't
we? We can always speak freely with one another. At
least I hope we can."

"We are." Corran said, impressed once again by
Evaleine's insight. "It's not that I worry about it,
it's that it's unseemly by other people's
standards. Not that we should worry about them, I
suppose. These are important matters. But speculating
about a Lord's death and what it will bring before he
has yet died seems somehow callous."

"I take your point," Evaleine replied with a nod,
appreciating her friend's sensitivity. She had
learned to enjoy Corran's company back at Amethyst
Cliffs because he was both intelligent and
considerate. "It is hard _not_ to consider it,
though. Perhaps Lord Benaroy shall surprise everyone
and last another twenty turns, though. Wouldn't that
be something else?" she said her lips turning up with
the irony of that possibility.

"It would be interesting." Corran agreed. "I almost
hope he does. Sticking with a status quo that is hard
to bear can be better than a move to an even worse
one."

"A bit of stability would be good for everyone,"
Evaleine agreed. They had reached the main Hold and
Evaleine gave Corran a warm smile. "Thank you for the
escort, your presence was most comforting and as
always I enjoyed our conversation. I am headed to the
dining hall, will you join me?"

"I'd love to." Corran said. "And, not that I didn't
enjoy the walk, but you might want to be more careful
when you're out next time. Professional advice, that
is."

"As well as sound and graciously given, my brother
would have been much sterner," she laughed heading
into the Hold.

Last updated on the June 19th 2007

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