Help for a troubled teen

Writers: Jelena, Paula
Date Posted: 25th September 2013

Characters: Zelanka, Genna
Description: Zelanka checks up on Genna and lends the teen a friendly ear.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 2, day 18 of Turn 7

Genna

"Genna, good afternoon. How are you? Not been breaking and entering
lately?" Zelanka greeted and asked, catching up the young woman in the
hallway. Her eyes twinkled with friendly amusement.

Genna startled for a moment, her back straightening and her eyes widening,
until she caught the look in the Headwoman's eyes. "No, Ma'am," she said
with a small smile "I learned my lesson last time."

"Good to hear," Zelanka said, smiling back.

"And I´m truly sorry for the inconvenience I caused, Ma'am," Genna added.
It had been a bad move and she knew it, so every chance she had to get back
into Zelanka's good books was one to be seized.

"Well, you've done your punishment, so it's a thing of a past," Zelanka
said. "How did you find the work? The kitchen staff actually complemented
your help."

"Well," Genna hesitated for moment. "It was.. nice to feel useful like
that. But it's not the most exciting kind of work. And it was a punishment,
so I did my best not to enjoy it," she actually grinned - somewhat impishly
- at the Headwoman. Zelanka wasn't too bad.

"There are other jobs available for a young, capable woman around here.
Have you ever thought about becoming part of my staff? I could use an
assistant. If your mother allows it, that is," Zelanka asked.

Now this was interesting, Genna thought to herself, immediately spotting a
convenient opportunity. "That sounds like something I might enjoy, Ma'am,"
she replied with a serious expression. "But I'm not sure if my mother would
allow it. She's been pretty.. overbearing of late. To be honest." She even
managed an embarrassed blush for 'accidentally' blabbing on her mother.

"Hmm," Zelanka said. "It would be good experience, to learn managing a
hold, and improve marriage prospects. Perhaps I should talk with your
mother," she continued.

"You could try," Genna sighed, immediately thinking of ways in which she
could get her mother to say no to the Headwoman's suggestion. If she could
get Zelanka on her side - meaning against her mother - maybe she would help
her get away from the Hold.

"I will. Don't look so dejected, darling," Zelanka said, patting her arm in
motherly way.

Genna smiled a sad little smile. "Thank you, Ma'am, it's nice to be taken
at value." She left a 'for once' purposefully lingering in the air.

"Oh, you poor girl. Is she being hard to you?" Zelanka asked.

Genna shook her head slowly. "I know she cares, but, well, sometimes it's
just like she doesn't trust me to do anything for myself. I'm sixteen now
and I'd really like to start earning some responsibility."

"It can be hard for a mother to just let go of her daughter and realize
she's matured. You just remember the little girl who's hair you braided,"
Zelanka explained, speaking from experience.

Genna nodded slowly. "I get that. But I can't stay under her wings
forever." She paused for a moment, as if considering something. "Would you
talk to her about that, perhaps?"

"I can try. I can't promise she'll listen to me," Zelanka replied.

"Of course not," Genna nodded. ''But it's nice knowing someone.. gets me
and is willing to help me." She smiled at the Headwoman thankfully.

"You're welcome, Genna. My door is always open if you want to talk with
me," Zelanka replied.

"Thank you, Ma'am, I'm honoured to hear that," Genna smiled. And she meant
it too. Zelanka was a woman that she couldn't help but respect and to be
respected by her in return felt like an honour. "I'd better hurry now,
before I'm missed too much!"

Last updated on the October 16th 2013

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Help for a troubled teen