It's You, At Last Pt 3

Writers: Chelle, Leigh M-F.
Date Posted: 13th March 2016

Characters: A'kua, Nokala, Firelloa, Bellarria
Description: This meeting goes much better than expected
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 6, day 7 of Turn 8
Notes: Mentioned: Jessmyr, Ninaine, Ilyssia; Pt 3 of 3

As Zeiranth pestered A'kua with questions about Firelloa that he dutifully translated, Bellarria stepped closer to Nokala, clearing her throat. "_Could_ my daughter stay?" she asked in a low tone. "She was never happy at home; she always wanted to be somewhere else, and like she said, she wants to sing. My husband and I couldn't let her go to Dolphin Cove to craft because we needed her at home. But now that it's all confirmed beyond any doubt, I don't think it would be right if I got in the way of Firelloa's happiness." Her tone implied the separation would hurt, but she was willing to bear it if it meant her daughter would be happy. "And it would be easier for me to move to a Hold closer to this Weyr now that my husband is gone. So is there a possibility, journeywoman?"

"You can both stay if you want. I'm sure the headwoman would have work for you. And she...I'd have to ask Master but we can always use apprentices." **To make up for the ones that Impress.** Nokala spoke softly watching the youngsters. At heart, she was a teacher. Like any teacher, she wanted to help them reach something greater. It gave her joy.

Bellarria shook her head. "The young adapt better than adults. I've been a holder all my life. I don't know if I would be comfortable here. Firelloa is far more adventurous. She wants to craft, to wear trousers, and live life like it's a harper story. I think she could be happier here than I could."

"It's your decision but we have a lot of holder women that come here and stay. You don't have to wear trousers. I prefer skirts most of the time myself. Easier to layer with the cold weather." Nokala wouldn't force her though. It was her decision in the end. "Opal Cove Hold is probably the closest."

"I will think about it, but that's all I can promise," Bellarria said. "Though Opal Cove sounds pleasant."

Firelloa squeaked, then squealed in delight; she had put her arms around Zeiranth's neck and he had lifted her off the ground. "I'm flying! I'm flying!" she yelled in delight, legs kicking under her skirt.

"Whoa, hey, you're not supposed to be flyin'," A'kua laughed, catching his sister around the waist to help her down. "For one, you don't have a proper set of straps."

}:I wouldn't have let her fall, I promise,:{ Zeiranth said. }:And she wasn't far off the ground.:{

"If I have straps, could I fly with you?" Firelloa wanted to know.

A'kua tousled her hair without thinking, making her giggle. "You're actin' like you've already decided to stay."

Firelloa paused thoughtfully. "Oh. I guess I have," she finally said. "I mean, that's okay, right?" she ventured. "I could if I wanted to, right? Even if I don't want to be a dragonrider. I want to be here. I've always wanted to be somewhere else, but I didn't know why, and I think- I mean-" She licked her lips nervously.

A'kua knelt so they were eye to eye again. "Are you sure?" he asked. "You don't have to decide right away. This is a big choice."

"But it's my choice to make," Firelloa said, showing a spark of stubbornness that was so familiar. "I want to be here and craft and have a brother and feel good."

"What about your ma?"

"I don't want to leave her, but I want to be happy."

She was so brave. So much braver than he had been at thirteen. A'kua took her hands in his again. "I do want you to say," he said, "but that's not my choice. It's up to your ma."

"Then let's tell her." Firelloa tugged, bringing him up, and brought him to Nokala and Bellarria, Zeiranth following. "Mother, I want to stay," she said bluntly. "But what about you?"

Bellarria smoothed her daughter's ruffled hair. "Journeywoman Nokala told me Opal Cove Hold is the closest Hold to this Weyr," she said. "I think I could move there and be comfortable. And once A'kua is able to fly, you two could visit any time you want, or I could visit. I know you'll be taken care of here."

Firelloa bit her lip. "Won't you miss me?"

"Of course I will," Bellarria said, hugging her. "I'll miss you like I'll miss my own heart. You're my dearest daughter. But I want you to be happy, and I would like to be happy too. I would be happier in a Hold, and you'll be happier here. Just because we'll be apart doesn't mean I'll stop loving you."

Zeiranth made a sniffling noise, as if he was actually capable of shedding tears. A'kua felt choked up as well. Firelloa hugged her mom tightly, then drew back and turned to Nokala. "You're a journeywoman, right? What kind?"

"Me? I'm a harper." Apparently the girl couldn't read knots. That would need to be remedied. By the turns of her, the girl would be able to apprentice should the Masters say she had enough talent. Nokala mentally began thinking. She wondered how much her instruction had progressed in the Hold.

"Then I'm going to be your student if you can teach me how to sing better," Firelloa said boldly.

"There's no one better to teach you here, or anywhere," A'kua immediately said.

"You'll need to wait a little, dear," Bellarria gently chided. "They have to get permission from the right people, and we'll need to pack your belongings and arrange another trip."

"Work on all of that. When you get back, you'll just need to maybe sing a bit for the Master. He'll want to see where your skills lie. I've arranged the rest of the day here for you and then you'll be heading back to situate things. Tell me, is anyone ready for midday meal?" Nokala looked around at her little motley group.

"Lunch is good!" Firelloa cheered.

"I think I could handle food now," A'kua admitted.

"I could as well," Bellarria confessed.

}:Come back out soon. I want to play more,:{ Zeiranth told A'kua.

Last updated on the April 4th 2016

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It's You, At Last Pt 3