Runner races,part 8: Diplomatic relationsships
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Eimi, Paula
Date Posted: 6th June 2008
Characters: Corowal, Almonteo
Description: Corowal and Almonteo feel the waters when it comes to the relationsship between hold and hall.
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 9, day 7 of Turn 4
"Lord Corowal, I pressume?" the Hallmaster asked as he walked towards the Lord Holder's box.
"Yes. Welcome to the Emerald Falls hold, Hallmaster Almonteo, "
Corowal replied with a warm smile.
"It is good to be here, though I have to say, I thought the weather had a reputation for being a triffle warmer," Almonteo smiled, though in truth he had aparently been rather spoiled at Dolphin Cove with its tropical sun. "Would you mind if I joined you?"
"Please, be kind," he gestured towards an empty seat next to his. "I expected little warmer weather too," Corowal said and watched rather grumpily the now slowly falling flakes of sleet.
The Hallmaster had been hoping for a slightly warmer reception from the new Lord Holder, but his beautiful tropical weather had been ruined. Not everything goes as planned, unfortunately, as Almonteo was well aware. "Emerald Falls runners have been doing well, I see."
"They do,despite one being injured. I'm very proud of my beastcrafters," Corowal said, cheering up. He really shouldn't let the weather get to his mood.
"Emerald Falls seems to be faring very well," Almonteo nodded. "Both your runners and your Hold it seems. I hear you have a very good Headwoman." For a while the Hold had been left to fall into a rather sad state, the Hallmaster had heard.
"I do, she's a treasure. I wish I could find a steward of her quality," Corowal said.
"I'm sure you will, given time. I hear you have put about a great many changes in your short time as Lord here." The Hallmaster was sure if Corowal was half as smart as he was reputed to be, he'd know exactly which changes he was refering to.
"I've tried. It's hard to break the traditions of so many turns,"
Corowal said with a little shrug and sad smile.
"You would think that it wouldn't be so hard," the Hallmaster nodded, having had the same upward battle himself. "You would think the young people should be more open to possibilities, and older people such as myself should remember."
"Yes, but sometimes the younger people seem to the most stubborn ones," Corowal said.
"Oh, I have four grown children. I certainly know that to be true."
Although none of them could rival their mother, he thought with a find smile.
"I have five but they are still small children."
"I heard about your wife's untimely death," the Hallmaster said, his face growing a bit more serious. "I sent a note, but I would like to say once more how deeply sorry I was to hear that."
"And I received it, thank you. It was very kind of you," Corowal replied with a graceful dip of his head.
Almonteo could not imagine life if he were to have lost his Carmora. It was the kind of news that made just about every man hold his wife a little tighter at night. "I am glad to see, though, that you seem to be continuing strong. Today's event is just a testimate to that, sir."
"Life goes on and other such platitudes. I have children and I'm responsible of the hold, I really don't have other choice than to go on.
It helps when you're too busy to think about it."
"I can imagine. And what other plans do you have for your Hold?"
"To make it the prosperious and great place it once was. Emerald Falls is a beautiful place but it has suffered during the last few Turns."
"Indeed," the Hallmaster nodded. "Unfortunately my last visit I really only saw the Lord Holder's office and the shell that was left of the Harper Hall."
"I took a walk there once. It's really a sad sight," Corowal commented.
"Yes, it is rather unfortunate. I had heard that the Hold and Hall enjoyed such a good relationship," the Hallmaster looked at the Lord Holder out of the corner of his eye. "Once..."
"...before my dear and addlebrained cousin messed it up," Corowal continued under his breath. "I can't see why it couldn't be so in the future too," he said with normal speaking voice.
"Perhaps it could," Almonteo nodded thoughtfully. "In time." The first gesture was being made when the Hallmaster came to the runner race What the new Lord Holder would do with it was yet to be determined.
Well, that sounded promising withoug actually promising anything. A harper Hall's presence would be a boon to a hold and it brought certain prestige with it. "I would love to see the Hall rebuilt here,"
Corowal said, instictively turning to look the direction where the hall's ruins were, even if they weren't visible from the place the races were held.
"And I would love to have a new Hall for my people to call home." The Hallmaster diplomatically looked out over the runners who were milling about the start. "But it takes more than just buildings to make someone feel at home."
"Yes, it does," Corowal agreed. He turned to watch the runners too.
One runner reared as his jockey tried to get him into line at the start.
Was he anxious or skittish. Both could be dangerous if not properly guided. "I hope that my Hall will find a home, Lord Corowal. But, as I am sure you can understand, they are a little wary of their welcome."
"Of course I understand. If there's any way I could make you feel more welcome...?"
"Perhaps we can discuss that another time. If we have a chance to meet..." Or if an official invitation were ever extended.
"One of these days we have to meet just two of us," Corowal said, making himself a mental note of it.
"I think that would be wonderful," the Hallmaster smiled. Perhaps there was hope for their relations yet. "Well, it seems the race is about to begin."
"Yes, it is. Do you have any favourites?" Corowal asked and nodded towards the racers.
"There was a rather handsome looking fellow bred along the coast that I thought showed promise, but now I don't wonder if your own runner might just edge him out." It wouldn't hurt to cater to the Lord Holder's ego a bit.
"The weather just might turn everything upside down," Corowal remarked.
"Well, we shall have to see. It will not be long until we know for sure."
"We shall see," Corowal agreed and settled back to watch the race.
Last updated on the June 7th 2008