A Fresh Life

Writers: Dana, Eimi, Shelly
Date Posted: 13th November 2005

Characters: Theyzen, Fayne, Vanora
Description: Theyzen and Vanora report to Fayne for their new housing assignment
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 8, day 19 of Turn 3

"Don't worry, Vanora, I'm sure our things are fine outside. True won't let anyone near them," Theyzen whispered to his young wife as they sat outside the Headwoman's office. If it weren't for his faith in his canine, he probably would have been nervous about leaving all this worldly belongings outide in a strange place. He didn't know where else to put them until they had been assigned a new place of their own.

The woodsmith wondered just what their new home would look like. He had never lived outside the Woodsmith Hall, and he was having trouble picturing a new place as feeling like home. His knees bounced up and down as he waited for the Headwoman to admit them. This meeting meant more than just a new home - it meant the start of a whole new phase of his life. He truly felt like a _journeyman_ now.

"Is Emerald Falls how you remember it?" he asked Vanora quietly, thinking making conversation was easier than waiting in nervous silence.

Vanora nodded, "The details are different but the core of Emerald Falls hasn't changed." She lasped into silence. "It'll be a good place to live."

Theyzen nodded. Silence stretched between them for a few minutes before the baby in her arms started to wake up. "Here, I can take him for a while if you like."

"It's all right." She assured him quickly. "When we meet with the Headwoman I don't want you to be distracted by him."

"All right," he conceeded, but he slipped one of his long fingers into his son's small hand, and smiled when the child grasped it firmly. The little boy had a way of making him feel at ease and the woodsmith forgot his nervousness as he watched his son's big blue eyes take in their surroundings.

It was then when the Headwoman of Emerald Falls stuck her head outside her door and smiled at the couple. "Theyzen? Vanora? I'm ready to see you both now."

Vanora smiled weakly at her husband and followed him into the Headwoman's office.

Theyzen pulled out a chair for his wife and then took the seat the Headwoman offered him. "I'm sorry to be taking up your time ma'am. We just got in."

Fayne flicked a hand and smiled as she took a seat behind her desk.
"It's no trouble, Theyzen. I hope your journey here went well?"

Theyzen gave her a shy smile. He had never been all that good with women. They had a way of asking questions and making statements full of hidden meaning they seemed to think he should be able to pick up on naturally. It was hard to know how much to say and what they wanted to really know. "Yes, ma'am thank you. Very well. Everything is... very well."

Her smile grew warmer, more reassuring. "I'm glad." Her eyes flickered to the young woman beside him. "Did either of you have any questions or concerns?"

Theyzen also glanced as his wife as she played with the little boy in her arms, keeping him quietly happy but for the little giggles and gurgling sounds he made. "Our things are still outside. I think right now we just need to know where we are to go."

Fayne nodded and she rose. "Of course. I can take you both there myself. My girls outside the door can help you carry your things."

"Thank you," the woodsmith said as he rose to his feet. He leaned down to whisper to Vanora, "Would you like me to find you a place where you can sit with Thevan while I get out things into our rooms?"

"That would probably be a good idea." She wasn't inclined to speak in front of the Headwoman, but she was reassured that her husband was still thinking of her and looking out for her. She'd just sit out of the way and he'd take care of everything...

Theyzen nodded and gave her a shy smile before looking up at Fayne.
"Headwoman, is there somewhere my wife can sit with the baby while we move our things in?"

"Of course." Fayne indicated that they, along with the young ladies waiting to help, should follow her. "If you come with me..."

Theyzen held the chair for Vanora as she stood with the baby. Part of him wanted to whisper some words of encouragement to her, to tell her not to worry and that he would take care of everything. Instead, when their eyes met briefly, he just gave her a shy smile and quickly looked away and mumbled, "After you."

"Thank you." She looked away as he did and she followed after the Headwoman. She couldn't help but find herself wishing that their new home would bring fresh life to their lives - and their marriage. But, instead of saying anything about it to her husband, Vanora did what she always did, she fussed after the baby.

Last updated on the November 14th 2005

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A Fresh Life