A Mother's Suggestions
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, Cali
Date Posted: 17th March 2009
Characters: Zathris, Isily
Description: Isily tells Zathris about her mother's latest letter.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 2, day 1 of Turn 5
"Oh good, some company." Isily reied sarcastically as Zathris took a seat across from her in the Tavern. It'd become a somewhat new tradition of theirs to meet every few sevendays to try out something new from Barthella's kitchen.
The smile that had lit Zathris' face faded and confusion and concern replaced it. He paused, uncertain as to whether or not he should sit down. "Hello Isily." He stated cautiously. Had he done something to anger her? "Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing's wrong. As long as you don't start talking about how you think it's about time I marry off that is." She passed over the letter her mother had sent her. She'd heard it often enough, but she'd thought that the space of a Hold between them would silence her grandmother issues for at least a few turns.
"That wasn't on my agenda for today." Zathris decided it was safe enough to sit down, so he did so. Only then did he take up the letter and peruse it. "Ah, I see someone is suggesting that very thing - and even with prospects as to who."
Isily pursed her lips as she took the letter back and stuffed it in her pocket. "And all her _prospects_ are back at home."
Zathris leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. "Well, fortunately she can't come here and force you back - or to marry."
"No, but she _can_ send me letter whining about how much she wants grandchildren." She replied with an exaggerated frown.
"Well, you could ignore the letters she sends." The assistant steward suggested, "Or perhaps weave a tale about this young man who is courting you and then later how your heart was broken by him. Maybe then she'll silence her...whining...for a bit."
A smile lit her face briefly, but then fell again. "It probably wouldn't work. My parents have too many technician friends about. They'd find out about it eventually. But good try."
"I could always set you up with someone." Zathris suggested with an evil grin. "It would get her off of your back for a while."
Isily's eyed him with mock suspicion. "She got to you already didn't she? Some sort of insider to take her place and do her bidding?"
Zathris laughed deeply then shook his head. "No, not really. Just thought I'd try to help out in _some_ manner."
"Well thank you for the offer, but I'll be fine." she replied, "The best thing you can do is distract me from my hollow and listless exsistance, or at least that's what my mother calls it."
"Wow." Zathris folded his arms and leaned back in his chair. "I didn't realise that life had so little meaning for you. Something must be done about that."
Isily did her best to hold a straight face, but it was very difficult, "Mother suggests a husband to calm my wandering ways and children to fill my heart."
"I would think a canine could work just as well."
She snorted and shook her head, she didn't want one of those either. "I think she's just projecting. All her children are out of their quarters and apprenticed places. She just wants more little ones around."
"But she doesn't live here." Zathris glanced around as if he feared Isily's mother might make an appearance and try to wrangle him into marrying her. He'd have to tell her he was already married. "So she wouldn't be around them, would she?"
"Oh but don't you realize?" Isily replied sweetly, "Once I realized how much of a handful a baby was, I'd want to come back to the Hall and be near her for the help and encouragment. In fact, I might want to give up the craft all together and enjoy being a full time mother."
"Is that such a bad thing?" Zathris asked, hoping she wouldn't get angry at the question. He had no problem with women in the craft, but he also had a great respect for those who chose their family as their craft.
She leaned back in her chair slightly, "In theory? No. But it's not what I want right now. I could of course change my mind if I found a caring husband and had beautiful children. I guess that's what she's betting on isn't it."
"Sounds like it. Don't let her get you down, just tell her a time for everything and right now the time is to focus on your craft." Of course, Zathris knew that wouldn't work. Such logic often didn't work on women when their minds were set on something, especially women who wanted babies or, in that case, grandbabies.
Last updated on the March 21st 2009