Friendly Talk

Writers: Ames, Heather
Date Posted: 24th July 2013

Characters: Famell, Shilara
Description: Shilara and Famell talk and get to know each other a bit better
Location: Dolphin Hall
Date: month 1, day 27 of Turn 7

Shilara hummed softly to herself, her bangs sweeping into her eyes as
she tilted her head over the paperwork on her desk. She nearly had all
of the figures complete on her report of the rescue and salvaging that
had taken place after the last hurricane. Shilara kept detailed
reports that also went into her portfolio, which she would one day
present to Famell to support her application to be a Master.

Tucking the notes into a folder, Shilara tucked it under her arm and
then struck off down the hall to the Hallmaster's office.

"Famell?" She knocked on the man's open door and stuck her head into the office.

"Come in," he called out, not even looking up. Famell always had an
open door policy. If someone wanted to see him, they could feel free
to do so. Looking up he smiled.

"Ah, Shilara. How are you? Everything settling in okay?" She'd been
working hard since her arrival, and he admired that trait in her.

"Things have been going perfectly. I love it here." She said, a
genuine flow of happiness lit her features as she produced the folder
beneath her arm.

"I wanted to bring you the figures on the last hurricane." Shilara
flopped the folder onto the Hallmaster's desk with a light "plop!" She
had also just wanted to see the man's handsome face, but she left that
unsaid.

"Ah, wonderful. I'm glad you're happy here," he smiled. her enthusiasm
brightening his own day. He opened the folder and flipped a few pages.
"Why don't you tell me a bit about what's in here instead of me trying
to read it all now? Besides, I'd much rather have the company than sit
here and read the pages all alone."

**Oh I'd like to keep you company.** Shilara thought as she crossed
one leg over the other and relaxed in her chair, "Well, part of the
report details the time that we received word of the stranded
individuals or dolphins and how long it took us to respond to each
call. Then there is data correlated to which patients survived in
relation to the time it took us to reach them." Shilara enjoyed her
work but she was aware that some would find the data boring.

Famell listened and considered what she was sharing. "That is good
information for us to have. The most important thing, however, is
figuring out how to _use_ that information to help us do better in the
future. We lost a few good dolphins during that storm and many more
were injured in ways that affect them for the rest of their Turns."
Famell sighed. Each dolphin whose life was changed dramatically
weighed on him. They should have been able to do something more for
them.

"I am still working on that," Shilara conceded. As a rescue and
salvage specialist she hoped to figure out a system of faster
responses.

"Oh it wasn't a critique in anyway," Famell quickly added, not wanting
her to think that. "So many of our dolphineer crafters have tried to
work on similar projects in their own right. We learn something more
from each one. I only wish we could make faster progress in these
things." Famell rubbed his jaw as he thought on that.

"It would be great if we knew _well_ in advance what was coming, but
other than stationing dolphineers _everywhere_ I see know way we could
get any more warning. Besides, we'd still have to rely on those
dolphineers being able to swim in to us to warn of the problem and the
sea is far too large for that." Letting out his breath, he settled
back in his chair.

"Ah, well, perhaps that's a matter to discuss at another time, for we
won't reach a solution this day." He smiled. A kind, gentle smile.
"So, is this why I haven't seen you much lately? You've been busy
working on your reports?"

Shilara smiled, "That's right. No one wants to see me when I am up at
all hours of the night working on research. Hair is usually standing
up on end, eyes red rimmed." The journeywoman liked to put in long,
hard hours when she was working.

Famell chuckled, "That presents _quite_ an interesting picture." He
smiled at the thought of her hair standing on end and found he
wouldn't mind seeing such a sight.

"It's near mid-day. Would you care to join me for the mid-day meal? I
could use the company." Famell invited.

"I would like that." Shilara smiled, she found the Hallmaster's
company to be pleasant and he wasn't hard on the eyes either. She
stood, swiping her bangs back from her face.

"So tell me Famell," she said as they walked, "do you have family here
at the Hall?"

"I do," Famell replied as they made their way to the dining hall. "My
daughter is studying to be a dolphineer as well."

"It must be nice to share your craft with your family." Shilara said
wistfully as they entered the Dining Hall. The mention of Famell's
daughter also made her wonder about the absence of her mother.

"It is," Famell replied, leading the way to the food tables. "I am
pleased Famynta has wanted to pursue the craft. She's a Journeyman
now. She been out at one of the other pod locations for awhile. I'm
hoping she will return again soon. Perhaps you can meet her then."

Shilara smiled, "I would like that. Is she specializing in anything?"
She asked as they took a seat. Upon seeing the Hallmaster seated,
drudges approached bearing a portion of the lunch prepared.

"She hasn't decided yet," Famell replied. "She still has time." He
nodded towards the drudges who brought their food and thanked them.
They smiled at him in return. "What about you, Shilara. Do you have
any family?"

"I have a couple of siblings left back in the North." Shilara left off
the tale of the estranged husband she had left behind. No need to
muddy the waters with that sordid affair. "I have no children either,
so I am pretty free to my research."

"Children can be a blessing, but they do take time. Famynta has been a
joy to have. She gave me strength when Tanisee died suddenly," Famell
didn't often speak of his late wife, but something with Shilara had
drawn him to be more open towards her.

Shilara touched her fingers to the man's forearm, "I am sorry to hear
that Famell. How long has she been gone?" She asked as she spooned
up some mashed tubers.

"Too long," he replied softly, a shadow crossing his eyes. He thought
for a moment then replied, "Eleven Turns." Famell blinked for a moment
and looked contemplative. "I can't believe it's actually been that
long."

"That must have been hard with a daughter to raise." Shilara was
relieved though to hear that Tanisee's passing was an old wound and
not a fresh heartbreak.

He looked to her and saw understanding there. "It was. Thankfully
Famynta wasn't all that difficult and there were always women around
to help, but it's not the same as having your own mother there. She
was good for both of us." Famell knew he couldn't wish for the
impossible, but he often wished Tanisee could see how Famynta had
turned out.

"I look forward to meeting Famynta then, I am sure you were a great
father." Shilara finished off the sandwich on her plate and pushed it
aside. Learning about Famell's life drew Shilara to him even more.

Famell, who had been eating while they spoke, finished his own lunch.
"Thank you for joining me for lunch, Shilara. It was nice to have
company." He meant what he said. He had thoroughly enjoyed her
company.

Last updated on the July 24th 2013

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