New Arrivals

Writers: Francesca, Heather
Date Posted: 5th June 2025

Characters: Thayde, Tolna, Serisa, Tolnira, Alkir
Description: Thayde greets Tolna and the other new arrivals to the Hall.
Location: Dolphin Hall
Date: month 6, day 16 of Turn 12

Thayde

Tolna

Serisa

Tolna waited impatiently as the ship docked at the Dolphin Hall. Zan
had already disappeared with the members of the local pod that had
come to greet them and had probably already made a few new friends.
Seeing the Weyr from a distance, with numerous dragons flying
overhead, had been exciting. She hoped to visit soon. But, for now,
she was more interested in her new home.

Finally, it was time to disembark. Leaving their belongings to be
taken to the Hall by staff, Tolna strode to shore, followed by her
children and Serisa. She quickly spotted the Hallmaster and went up to
him, a broad smile on her face. "We made it! It's good to see you,
Thayde."

"Tolna," the Hallmsater greeted with an easy smile. He'd forgone his
dressier clothing for what he liked best - his swim shorts and an
unbuttoned shirt that could be tossed off in a second if he was needed
in the water. "I hope your voyage was peaceful and uneventful?"

"Fairly uneventful," Tolna said. "There were some storms, but nothing
too bad." She gestured to the teenagers next to her. "I wanted to
introduce my kids to you: Tolnira is an apprentice and Alkir is still
deciding his path. And Serisa is practically family. She's an
apprentice too." The three gave nods to the Hallmaster.

Thayde shook each of their hands in turn. "It is nice to meet you all.
The Dining Hall is open and serving lunch if you're hungry. Tolnira
and Serisa, the apprentice barracks are toward the back, you'll see
signage."

"Go on to the Dining Hall," Tolna told them. "I'll come find you
later." She trusted the older girls would make sure Alkir didn't get
into any trouble. The trio quickly left, giggling and pointing as they
went.

"Well," she said to Thayde, "it feels good to be here. Anything
exciting happen at the Hall the past few sevendays that I should know
about?" The two began walking towards the main building.

"My dolphin partner Ada birthed a new calf, Mikala." Thayde informed
her as a man would announce his own child. He walked beside Tolna as
they took the long path around to where her office would be as Master
of Apprentices.

"How exciting!" A wide smile crossed her face. "They're both doing ok?
You know, my partner Zan happens to be my first partner, Kas's,
grandson. That's not why we started working together, but it's a fun
connection." She was not in any hurry as they walked, enjoying the
warm breeze as she tried to take it all in.

"The way dolphin pods and families work is so special. The adults
singing their histories to the young ones so nothing is forgotten. I
admire them. They're better families than most human ones." Even after
all these Turns, Thayde continually found himself impressed and awed
by the intelligent creatures.

Tolna felt a wave of grief thinking of family but shoved it away.
Thoughts of her ex-husband were not welcome; especially not now.
"That's true," she said with a nod. "I envy how uncomplicated it is
for them." Wanting to talk about anything else, she asked the first
question that came to mind. "How much contact is there with Dolphin
Cove Weyr? Do dragonriders come here? Do apprentices sneak off to
visit the Weyr?"

"Yes and yes," Thayde confirmed. "The Weyr is within walking distance.
Apprentices aren't allowed to go without permission and only on rest
days. Dragonriders meander down some days, but typically only for
medical assistance. Usually word is sent ahead so we're prepared."

"Glad to hear it. I can't imagine the trouble I could have gotten into
as an apprentice with a Weyr nearby. I'm sure any Journeymen assigned
to the dorms have their hands full. I can have a conversation with
them soon to learn more." She could already think of some unpleasant
chores she could assign to those breaking curfew, but she'd be curious
to hear what was already done.

Thayde put an arm around Tolna's shoulders, giving her a sideways hug.
"Tolna, have I told you how lucky I am that you are here?" Having a
Master of Apprentices to keep the underaged dolphineers in line was
the most important person in the Hall, second to the Headwoman, Thayde
believed.

Tolna stiffened for a moment at the physical contact, then forced
herself to relax. His happiness at her arrival was almost
overwhelming, and she had to fight against her eyes suddenly welling
up. "It's good to be here," she said with emotion. Wanting to keep
things light, she added, "I hope you remember this feeling when I come
to the office to report on the latest apprentice transgressions." She
looked with interest as they approached the main building. She had
arrived by dragon on her first visit, which had provided a completely
different perspective of the Hall.

"It burned down a few Turns back," Thayde said as they approached.
"The woodsmiths did an incredible job on the rebuild." They took a
moment to admire the architecture.

"They did," Tolna said appreciatively. "I look forward to learning my
way around. Any Southern delicacies I should make sure to try?"

"Well, the kitchen makes a delicious spicy fish with rivergrains. You
see they -" and then the Hallmaster proceeded to describe the Dolphin
Hall's tastiest dish as they made for the Dining Hall.

Last updated on the June 10th 2025

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