Checking up on the Brats

Writers: AL, Jelena
Date Posted: 27th January 2014

Characters: Aini, Herlis
Description: The Southern Star returns after a short trip and Herlis is keen on some inside information about his kids.
Location: Seacraft Hall
Date: month 4, day 12 of Turn 7

The Southern's Star's first voyage in service of the Seacraft Hall at
Sunstone had been a short one and for once Herlis was glad of it. He was
eager to see how his children were doing with their new foster mother and
if they were settling in alright. However, he figured it might be valuable
to ask for an objective opinion on the farings of the sevenday - before hearing
their version and that of their new foster mother - and upon return to the
Hall he soon sought out the Headwoman.

"Ah, Captain, good to see you. How are you?" Aini's expression was
serious and the miniscule smile she offered did little to crack it. Still,
her tone was polite and her eyes kept a hold of his, indicating a keen
interest in the man's answer rather than a simply passive and polite
inquiry.

"I am doing well, thank you," Herlis nodded. "How have you been faring?
Have my children been giving you any trouble around the Hall?" He was not
one to beat around the bush.

"I have not heard of any problems with them." Aini had to admit she was
surprised by the question. It was one really to be put before the foster
mother, but she did appreciate the concern he showed. "If I do, however, I
will certainly let you know."

"Thank you, I prefer to be up to date before hearing 'their side of the
story'," Herlis nodded. "Don't get me wrong, they're not troublemakers, but
you know how kids can be..." He trailed of with a vague smile on his face.

"I do indeed." Aini had never borne children, but she had been around
enough to get a sense of what they were capable off - and the trouble they
could cause. At the same time, they were delightful troublemakers. Most of
the time. "Have you spoken with their foster mother?"

"Not yet, I figured an objective point of view was the best to start with,"
he grinned a little sheepishly.
"I understand. I've not heard anything from her or anyone else. If they
are causing issues, then she's taking care of them." Aini allows a slight
smile. "You have lovely children." It was a sincere comment, though Aini
generally admired children. She had none of her own, so she generally took
notice of others'.
"That is very good to hear," Herlis nodded, then a glow of pride came over
his face at the praise. "They're great kids. I'm lucky to have them."

"They are indeed." Aini would be so lucky to have even one of her own -
but that had never come to pass. "They seem to be adjusting well. Have
you all moved around often?"

"Actually, this is the first time I've moved since they were born. Then
again, I'm away so often you could say my ship is my home." It felt like
that, the only thing it lacked were the warm embraces of his children.

"Perhaps you will not be gone so often as before?" The life of a
Seacrafter was never easy for the family that was left behind. Aini knew
that very well.

"Possibly, my duties have changed indeed, but only time will tell," Herlis
shrugged. He didn't plan on being land-bound for all that long. He belonged
to the sea, even if it did make his heart ache with the longing for his
children sometimes.

"Don't stay out too long. The children might think they've lost you to the
sea otherwise." And Aini had to admit there had bene times she'd thought
the same of her own father and even her husband when they'd been alive.
Not that she'd ever deny them their mistresses - she and her mother had
simply learned to live with it.

"Of course not," Herlis shook his head, even though he knew there was
really no way he could promise that. He couldn't control what his kids were
thinking and sometimes he just had to go far away. "My kids are a smart
bunch. They understand why I have to go and that I will always come back
for them." Or so he hoped.

"They are indeed. And if they question it, I will be sure to help their
foster mother in letting them know that." Aini knew the trials of a
Seacrafter's life. "And if there's any other way I can be of assistance,
please don't hesitate to ask me."

"That is appreciated," Herlis nodded. "Well, I shall not keep you any
longer and go see my children now. He reached out to shake Aini's hand in
goodbye.

A single eyebrow arched upward, but Aini accepted the gesture and
accompanied it with an incline of her head. "Have a good day."

Last updated on the January 28th 2014

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Checking up on the Brats