A Man's Opinion

Writers: Chelle, Jelena
Date Posted: 10th July 2014

Characters: Herlis, Relik
Description: Herlis comes to see Relik about a personal matter.
Location: Seacraft Hall
Date: month 8, day 2 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Aini

The whole ordeal with Stallis had started something in Herlis' mind that was starting to live a life of its own. The way he'd married Stallis and Geriot, like it was a business transaction, cut at the memory of his own marriage of love. It made him think that maybe it was selfish of him to be a widower forever. His children deserved a mother, even if it was a stepmother. And he wasn't likely to ever fall in love again. No one would ever compare to Chayale.

It was with this thought in mind that he walked into Relik's office after a quick knock.

"Aye come in," came the usual reply. Relik was looking at nautical charts and making notes. In another pile were construction orders that needed his attention, but the craft came first. Looking up, he saw that it was Herlis. "Ahh, Captain. Welcome back. I trust your voyage was well?"

"It was.. eventful. But nothing I can't handle. I was hoping I could take up a bit of your time with a personal matter."

Seemingly curious, though a bit reserved as usual, Relik nodded. He would at least see what the man was about. He wasn't one to step into peoples' personal lives at all, though.

"I have decided it is a good time for me to find a new wife, a stepmother to my children." Herlis wasn't one to mince for words. "I was hoping you'd know of any suitable women in the Hall. Perhaps a Seacrafter's widow in need of financial security."

That was a surprise, especially that he had come to Relik about such a thing. "Ahhh well if that is what you wish, I fear our headwoman would be responsible for such matters, not I. She's the one that knows the women." Indeed, that was true enough.

"Hmm, yes, I was hoping to have a man's take on the matters," Herlis shrugged. He'd expected Relik to at least know of the women that lived in his halls, maybe that had been a bit presumptuous.

"Well about what part of the matter precisely? I've been married twice. My first wife passed due to illness. I fostered my children until I married the second time. Did I do it out of necessity? No. My children would have been fine fostered until they came of age. However, I didn't like coming home to an empty cot and having to take care of myself at my turns. Having a woman to take care of your house while you're not there is a good thing. They keep things in order. Especially when you're at sea." He wasn't very emotional about this whole exchange. He hadn't married for love the second time. He cared for his wife in his own way, but there was no eye goggling between them.

"Exactly, that is my opinion on the matter as well. I was hoping you knew of any ladies in your Hall that a man in my position would be interested in for such a marriage. With all due respect, but I think a woman might make it more of an emotional matter than I would like."

"I think holder women understand about advantageous marriages more than you think. They are taught at an early age to make one so they won't starve and their children will be afforded opportunities. It's the poor that marry for love, Herlis. But no, I don't know the women. Perhaps my wife does. But I think Aini would make a better inquiry into the matter. She has contacts with the Hold's Headwoman, remember?" Relik was sure of that. Marriage was definitely women's work.

"Then to the Headwoman I will go," Herlis nodded and he got up to leave. "Unless there is something I can do for you, I'll be on my way again."

"Calm waters sailor," Relik gave the customary farewell and nodded.

"Calm waters," Herlik nodded and he left the office as quietly as he had entered it. Off to see Aini then.

Last updated on the July 13th 2014

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