News of a Visit
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: AL, Jane
Date Posted: 1st October 2009
Characters: Leisenn, Minara
Description: Leisenn exchanges letters with her friend.
Location: Dolphin Hall, Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 5, day 10 of Turn 5
The bronze firelizard was Minara's. Leisenn was pleased to see that this time it bore a letter, and this time seemed inclined to stay. The last few times she had thought she recognised the little creature it had been gone before she had been able to approach it, making her wonder if everything was all right in Minara's life.
"Now, let's see what your mistress has written," Leisenn said, unrolling the note and frowning at the shaky writing she revealed:
Dear Leisenn,
I have decided to accept Arania's invitation but told her I wished to visit you first. I would like to come the first sevenday of next month. Would this be a good time for you? If so, I shall make plans to arrive on the first of the month.
I hope all is well with you. It has been so quiet with you gone. I suppose that had a lot to do with my decision to go live with Arania. How are the apprentices faring? I am certain you are keeping everyone in line.
Best wishes,
Minara
Leisenn sighed, not begrudging Minara's move but sad for the loss of her old life. Somehow, despite her being the one who had moved away, she liked the idea that life at her old Hall was carrying on just as she remembered it.
And Minara going to live with her daughter? Old age and loneliness were behind that and Leisenn didn't want either catching up with her.
Dear Min.,
I'll look forward to your visit. I'm sorry my move has contributed to your decision, but Arania's a sweetie and you'll be able to share the enjoyment of her grandchildren.
See you soon,
Leisenn
Leisenn wished she could say more but she didn't have any idea how to put into words that she felt uncomfortable the very idea of Minara going to live with her daughter since it felt like they were becoming old women. Old _aunties_ and Leisenn just didn't want to end up like that. Never mind that she didn't even _have_ a daughter to go and live with. Would she end up hanging around the Hall being cared for by the Hall's womenfolk out of courtesy for her former rank?
It wasn't a pleasant thought but the rolled up her reply and pushed it into the message tube the firelizard wore. "Off you go," she told him. "Back home."
And he went.
Minara smiled at the creature as it blinked from /between/. She took the message from the tube after offering the little bronze a bit of meat, then opened to read. Her eyes skimmed over the words and she rolled up the paper as she thought about her reply. She sat there and stared at the parchment for a moment, then took up her pen and began to write.
Dear Leisenn,
I am glad that the time will work for you. I look forward to seeing you again as I have missed your company. Your move contributed to moving now, but it would have happened eventually, whether you had stayed or gone. You are right, though, I am looking forward to being around the grandchildren. They chance so quickly and this way I will be able to watch a few of them grow up. I will see you soon.
Minara
Leisenn accepted the second note from the firelizard and handed over the wherry jerky treat he most likely expected. "There you go, my friend. Thanks for your good work and I'll see you for a proper visit when your mistress arrives."
Last updated on the October 1st 2009