Important Visitors (1 of 2)

Writers: AL, Cali
Date Posted: 3rd August 2008

Characters: Sorsha, Ri'len, Balisor, Balthan, Serend, Karai
Description: Friends come to visit Sorsha and her family about a possible arrangement.
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 11, day 3 of Turn 4

Sorsha brushed at the slight wrinkle in her skirt as she stood next to her father and uncle. Word had come that that a party was approaching, and since Serend and his family were expected she had hurriedly changed and done her hair into nice braids, wanting to look her best for the family that might be taking her in for a fostering. Balisor crossed his arms over his chest and glanced over at his brother for a brief second before casting a smile down at his daughter. He reached down to pat her shoulder then turned his attention back to the approaching wagon.

Serend pulled the runners to a halt and then jumped down and crossed the distance that was left between him and Balisor, his hand held out. Balisor took it and shook it firmly. "Serend, welcome!" Serend was a tall, burly man with a thick beard, unusual in the men of Pern. His hair was dark as was his eyes and they seemed to melt into his busy eyebrows. "Balisor, good to see you again!"

In the wagon, Railen dismounted and helped his mother down. She was a petite thing, blond hair pulled back into an immaculate bun despite the fact that she had been riding for half a day. Railen seemed to take the best features of both of his parents. His hair was dark, his eyes the jeweled blue of his mother's. He was almost as tall as his father, but not quite so stocky. He was well muscled, an indication that he was used to hard work, but his manner with his mother was gentle and polite. She took her son's arm and he escorted her over to where the group had gathered. Sorsha watched as Balthan, her uncle, made his greetings to Serend, Railen, and Karai. She noticed he used his fake smile, it was really the only kind of smile he had since he was never really happy about anything enough for a real one, and she wondered why he even bothered. He didn't often bother with guests, he usually stayed busy on the docks when there was entertaining to do, and she wondered if he was trying to foster off one of his sons as well. "Oh my, this couldn't possibly be Sorsha could it?" Karai asked as she evaluated the girl in front of her. She noticed the nice even plaits in her hair, as well as the clean appearance of her boots and dress. "Sir." Railen bent his head forward politely toward Balisor, then Balthan, then turned to Sorsha. He hesitated, his eyes holding hers for only the briefest of moments before he bent his head to her as well. "Ma'am."

"This is my little Sorsha!" Balisor grinned broadly and placed his hand upon her shoulder. "Please, please, you must all be tired, come in, come in. Balthan and I will tend to the runners. Sorsha, take them inside and get them some refreshments."

She motioned toward main entrance which led to the main hall, "This way please. The wind is coming in right so it's very comfortable this afternoon." "Thank you." The words were almost murmured, just audible to the ear. Railen patted his mother's hand where it lay upon her arm, though there seemed to be no outward need for comfort. Perhaps just an act of endearment. He didn't seem to miss anything. Indeed, his gaze wandered about, taking in his surroundings and flitting to fall upon Sorsha, but never lingering too long, and never meeting her gaze when they paused in the main hall and waited expectantly for her to continue leading the way.

"If you'll have a seat, I'll fetch a pitcher of juice, you must be parched from your ride." Sorsha reasoned as she tried to remember her training in being a hostess. Karai gave the girl a polite smile. "That would be most welcome, thank you." "Er...yes." Railen led his mother over to a chair and pulled it out for her. Once she was settled, he sat down himself and watched as Sorsha headed out to fetch some juice. He glanced over at his mother. "She...seems nice." He stated softly, his dancing between her and the door.

She nodded as she watched her son. "Yes she does. I was worried with her being without her mother for so long that she would be without manners, but her aunt seems to have kept a hand on her." "Yes." Railen shifted in his chair a bit. He still wasn't sure about the whole situation. His mother and father had their eyes upon Sorsha for his wife. He hardly knew the girl. Of course, if she came to Willet Grove, then they would certainly get to know one a bit better...but still.

"Serend, please remember to ask Balisor about Sorsha's training when you speak to him this evening." Of course her husband was well equipped to negotiate an appropriate trade for the fostering, but men so often forgot about important details such as those, so it never hurt to remind them now and again.

"Of course." Serend spoke the first words he had uttered since entering the hold proper. His own gaze held onto the door and then his mouth turned up into a smile when Sorsha re-entered the room. "Ah, thank you child." He glanced down at Karai and then coughed softly. "Karai, why don't we take our juice and go visit with Balisor a bit...let these two get to know one another."

Karai stood gracefully and ignored the nervous looks that were on both Sorsha's and her son's faces as she smiled at her husband. "That sounds wonderful Serend."

Last updated on the August 7th 2008

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Important Visitors (1 of 2)