Longer Than Expected

Writers: Eimi, Kaysea
Date Posted: 28th November 2007

Characters: Daigoro, Causton
Description: Causton reveals to the Hallsecond a problem with his wife.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 6, day 18 of Turn 4

He knocked briefly on the Hallsecond's door and waited for a reply.
Geni and the children had been aboard the paddleboat for almost three sevenday now, and he had decided to go and visit them, but first, there was something he needed to talk to Daigoro about, and it really couldn't wait any longer.

"Hallmaster?" Daigoro was rather surprised by the visit. They had no meeting planned, he was sure.

"Do you have some free time?" Causton asked, popping his head around the door. "I just needed a few words..."

"But of course. Please." The Hallsecond waved towards a seat. "Would you like some klah or tea brought up?"

"No, no; no time for that now, but thanks anyway." Causton replied with a smile, "I'm just letting you know, I have organised a dragon to come and collect me, I'll be away from the Hall for the afternoon."

Daigoro was surprised. Could this be more business involving Fielton?
"Oh? Hall business?"

"No," Causton shook his head. "My wife, she's due in at the way station, her and the children. The first leg of her trip is half over.
I've organised to visit them in their evening. I won't be gone for the whole night, but I wanted you to know where I had disappeared to.
It was a spare of the moment thing, I only decided last night but," he shrugged his shoulders, "I miss them, and this in my only chance for a while."

"I understand," his Second nodded. After all, if he and Cinale were seperated, Daigoro would take every opportunity to see her. "Are you sure you only wish to take the afternoon?"

"Yes, I can't afford to be away too long. Not that I can't leave the Hall in your capable hands, but really," he paused a chagrined look on his face, "what would it look like, me disappearing almost as soon as I arrive. Not good to master nor apprentice." he gave a resigned shrug.
"Besides, Geni and the children will be surprised enough, not to mention the rest of the Sungazers passengers, and her crew."

"True," Daigoro nodded. He was impressed by the man's apparent restraint. If he had been seperated from Cinale for that long, a few candlemarks would not be enough, and he wouldn't care how selfish it looked! But he could appreciate the pressure Causton was under. "Take as much time as you like, sir. The Hall will still be here when you get back."

"Thanks, Daigoro. To tell you the truth I think this will be a harder parting than the first, Geni is much closer to her time, now."

"Her..." Daigoro shook his head in confusion. "Forgive me, but do you mean she is pregnant?"

"Er, yes," Causton's face creased in confusion, "didn't I tell you?"

"You had mentioned you had children, but I didn't realize one was on the way." At least Daigoro didn't remember Causton mentioning it. However, things had been rather hectic as they helped their new Hallmaster settle in.

"Sorry, I thought I had. But, yes, we have four children now, and -" he stopped abruptly as the flutter of wings filled the room. A small bronze flit twittered and called shrilly at him landing on his offered arm. "My wife's flit." he said, by way of explanation to Daigoro.

"Ah, please. If you need paper or stylus to reply with just let me know." Daigoro wondered if he shouldn't give him a moment alone, but it was rather awkward considering it was _his_ office... He supposed if it was anything private the Hallmaster would excuse himself.

"Oh shards!" Causton felt his legs weakening under him for a moment.
He looked up at Daigoro, "Can you send someone to alert the watch dragon that I need transport as soon as possible?"

"But of course," his Second nodded, his face showing his concern as he rose to his feet to do as his Hallmaster asked. From the look on Causton's face, it seemed urgent. "Is there anything else you will need?"

"Your forgiveness," Causton answered shortly, penning a note of reply on the small pad of paper he kept in his pocket. "I'm afraid I may be away a while longer than expected." He glanced up at the Hallsecond to gauge his reaction, "This," he indicated the note and the flit on his shoulder, "is to tell me the babe is arriving early, may even have arrived as we speak."

"Oh, well, congratulations man!" Daigoro smiled, giving the Hallmaster a jovial clout on his shoulder like he would any of his mates. "I best get that dragon here right away! Hurry off and pack yourself, I'll take care of the rest. Just get yourself to the field. I'll send my flit with a note for the Watchdragon. It will be much faster than sending an apprentice."

"Yes, yes, I should, shouldn't I?" Causton nodded distractedly as he secured the message back to the small capsule on the flits undercarriage. "Thanks, Daigoro, thanks." He glanced once more at the Hallsecond, "I'll message you when I arrive and let you know where everything stands."

Daigoro's little bronze popped in from /between/ and settled on the back of the Second's chair with a curious chirp as his lifemate picked up a piece of hide and a stylus. "Take all the time you need, and don't worry about a thing. The Hall is safe if my hands."

"I know, and again, my thanks." Causton loathed appearing rushed or flustered, yet right now, he was feeling both as he bid the Hallsecond goodbye, and closed the door hurriedly behind him.

Last updated on the November 28th 2007

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Longer Than Expected