Semi-Expected News
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
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Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Aaron, Corrin
Date Posted: 11th April 2024
Characters: Tomendre, Toman
Description: Tomendre has returned from a trial sea voyage and has to tell his father he didn’t take to it, which may complicate things at the Minor Hold
Location: Leeward Lagoon Hold
Date: month 7, day 17 of Turn 11
Notes: Mentor approved.
Fresh from a month’s long sea voyage, looking tanner but otherwise no worse for the wear, the eldest son of Leeward was back.
Tomendre took a deep, steadying breath outside his father’s office. He wasn’t a little boy anymore. He was a grown man and didn’t have to fear he’d be sent away for any little upsetâ€" still he dreaded this. He hated disappointing people, and his father especially. But he couldn’t lie. This had to be done. He raised a fist and knocked.
"Come!" Toman called from within. He had no appointments, so he assumed it was someone he wanted to see. When Tomendre came through the door, he was on his feet in a flash and pulled him into an embrace.
And just like that, the knot of worry in Tomendre's chest eased. "Papa!" He smiled and let the familiarity slip as he embraced the man back. It was just them, after all.
"It's so good to see you! How are you? How's your uncle?" Of course, he corresponded with Tomesh fairly regularly via his firelizard, but it was nice to hear anything he might have left out.
"I'm well, Uncle's better than well. Long sea voyages invigorate him somehow. He's tying things up with the harbor master and sent me along with the latest trade manifest." Pulling back, Tomendre fished the said papers from his messenger bag and handed them to Toman. "All in all, I can report it was a very successful trip." Business-wise, anyway.
"You'll come to dinner tonight?" asked Toman. "I certainly hope you'll both be on the island for at least a few days before you leave again."
"Of course, I'll come to dinner," said Tomendre. Then his smile faded and his expression turned hesitant, serious. "...I hope to be on the island for a good deal longer than that... Iâ€" to be honest. I don't think the sailing life is for me." He bit out the words, shooting a furtive look at his father, before hurriedly elaborating. "I know it's important. It's _vital_ to our Hold, but... it's so... small out there. Always the same people, the same ship. It suits Uncle Tomesh, but I prefer my work here. With the steward. I like the variety.
"If you want me to sail, I'll sail. But I'd rather stay here, with you."
Toman had suspected this might be the case. It made things more complicated. But there was nothing so complicated that he and his family could not overcome it together, and truth be told, he was much happier to have Tomendre at home with him, even if it was selfish of him.
"If you'd be happiest here, then there's no place else I'd rather you be. Of course, you'll always be welcome here."
"Papa..." He knew the whispers. He knew it'd be much simpler for everyone if he didn't exist, or if he at least had the courtesy to excuse himself to the sea like Uncle Tomesh, and stay there. So he knew something of the cost when Toman said he could stay. But that he'd be _welcome_, and that his father didn't even look disappointed, was more than Tomendre had hoped for. He smiled, his mother's smile.
"Thank you," Tomendre breathed, and his posture reflected his relief. He had meant it. If his father had said 'sail,' he would. Reflexively he embraced the man again.
Toman hugged Tomendre for as long as he needed it. He felt a twang of guilt that he had been so worried just to ask to live in his own home.
"Now, I know Tomesh always wants roasted porcine when he's ashore, but what would you like for your welcome home feast?" Of course, he would have a feast.
Tomendre pulled away soon enough, not wanting to seem overly soft, but glad of the reassurance all the same. His father had always been his friend, his champion. "I could eat my weight in citron tarts," he declared. He dreamt of their taste. There was no real baking aboard a ship.
"Well, you're in luck- I happen to know the best baker in all of the South, and nobody grows citrons like Leeward Lagoon," said Toman. "We can go over all this hidework later. Let's go grab a drink, and you can tell me all about your trip."
"Gladly." Tomendre smiled. It was good to be home.
Last updated on the April 18th 2024