Ready to Face the World

Writers: Ainsley1, Vix
Date Posted: 11th June 2007

Characters: Yara, Race
Description: Yara discusses her move to the new Hall with her father
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 4, day 8 of Turn 4
Notes: Mentioned: Swift (Not by name)
This precedes "Reunited"

Yara watched the setting sun from the deck of the Dawn's Crest, smiling as
the last of the dolphins splashed and swam away to play after giving their
report. Her journey was roughly a third of the way through, and she felt
shivers of expectation as well as trepidation. Looking up, Yara saw Race
approaching and once again thanked the first egg that her father had
accompanied her on this journey.

The man called out cheerfully to his daughter. "Have we smooth sailing
ahead?"

"Sounds as if we do," Yara replied with a smile.

"Good. This is too long of a trip even in good weather. I'd much rather be
in the water."

"As would I," the young woman agreed, "I wonder what it will be like there.
Boppa's letters told us so much, but the closer I get, the more questions I
have," she stated with a shake of her head, trying to calm the doubts that
were now besieging her.

He put an arm around her shoulder, drawing her into a one-armed hug. "It
will be fine. The people there are dolphineers, just like at the Northern
Hall. And if there are any problems, your grandfather will certainly sort
them out."

Returning the hug, Yara gave a nod. "I'm more excited that anything, but a
bit worried. I can't wait to see Boppa again, though."

"The same here," her father told her. "Exchanging news by letter just isn't
the same."

"No, it isn't," Yara replied looking out over the water. "I guess it will
be letters for us, once you return North. It was a hard decision, to leave
you and Mum, but something has been calling me and I needed to do this."

"I know." Race sighed, but smiled sadly at her. "I know that I'll miss you,
and a part of me wants you to be near enough to visit often. But I also know
that if you didn't do this, you'd always wonder 'what if' and a part of you
would always wish that you had tried."

"You're right. That's it exactly and somehow, in here," she pointed to her
chest, "I know this is going to be a good thing." She paused considering
her own statement. "I don't generally like to let myself be lead by
feelings, but I think they have their place and maybe, just maybe, sometimes
they point us toward things, well, things our minds might just not consider
otherwise. Does that sound completely crazed?"

He shook his head. "Not crazy. It sounds as if you've become the independent
young woman that your mother and I always wanted you to be."

"I hope so. I really want to do well and make the two of you proud.
Although, more than that, I _really_ want to find a dolphin partner," she
added impishly trying to lighten the mood.

"Perhaps it will happen, perhaps not. Some never have that experience, you
know." Race was reminded of his own partner, who had accompanied their ship
for a short way, but then returned to swim with his pod until the
dolphineer's return.

"I know," she replied with a wry grin, "But I'll dream and hope
nonetheless." In a more serious vein she asked, "Do you think the move will
have an adverse affect on my progression toward Senior Journeywoman?"

"I don't see how," he replied. "The two Dolphin Halls follow the same
standards for their crafters. Your records will be turned over to the
Hallmaster in the South and the Masters will test you on some of the skills,
but I'm confident that they'll find you competent and accept you as one of
them."

"I know you're right. I've been telling myself that, but somehow it sounds
better hearing _you_ say it," Yara chuckled. "Thanks for coming, Da, this
would have been alot harder without you."

"I'm happy to spend a little extra time with you, Yara. It's helped me to
see just how grown-up and ready to face the world my little girl has
become."

Last updated on the July 18th 2007

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Ready to Face the World