Inbox for Pumpkin Hollow

[tehilim127_1]

Hello?

Comments

[tehilim127_1]

"Not a problem," she says at once, gently firm. "It's a thing that could be good to know. In trying to figure out what would be your best options in living here."

Pause.

"Would I be right if I guessed that you haven't had much opportunity to choose your own course? Either at the Black Stag or at the Golden Wheel?"

[lahire]

"You would be completely correct."

It shows, doesn't it? And here he is, asking for marching orders, unable to comprehend being allowed to rest.

[tehilim127_1]

"All right. Well." She folds her hands and taps her thumbs together, thinking. "For the most part, they want people to do that, here. Choose their own course. But that can be hard if you don't have much experience doing it. Does it sound like something you'd want to do?"

[lahire]

"I have no idea what I would want to do. I have been told to go and live a good life. But what does that even look like?" He is not quite pleading for a tidy answer, but the question is significantly less flip than it might be from some people.

[tehilim127_1]

"Hmm. Maybe that's the first step, then, figure those things out. What I'd suggest -- and I want to stress, this is a suggestion, not an instruction, definitely not your only option -- what I'd suggest is take a little time to get accustomed to the town, and observe. See what kinds of work other people are doing, maybe ask them questions about it if they aren't too busy. And while you're observing, think about whether any of those jobs look like something you could do, or learn to do."

A pause. "And maybe while you're at it, you could ask other people what they think a good life looks like. But don't stop at the first answer. You're probably going to get a lot of different ones."

[lahire]

"It is permitted, to take time?" The wibbly look of uncertainty and confusion (and hope?) on his face probably confirms just how much he needs this.

[tehilim127_1]

"Absolutely," she says firmly. "As much as you need. Maybe start with ... let's say, two months? You'll get room and board and a basic living stipend during that time, and if you need longer, you'll have it for longer."

[lahire]

"Okay. That sounds...like something to start with. A starting point. Everything else can follow."

It's a relief, visibly so, not to push himself to Make Big Decisions right now.

[tehilim127_1]

"Exactly. And if you've got any questions during that time, or just want to talk over things as you figure them out, you can always come back here. Or you can write me a letter, or call me on the sending stones -- I can't guarantee I'll always be available to talk, but I can get back to you when I am."

[lahire]

He seems not convinced by her offer to talk things over if he needs help, but there's a small nod.

"I will remember this. Thank you, ma'am."

wrap?

[tehilim127_1]

"Anytime." She smiles. "And -- I wish you well here."

(Given the circumstances he came from, it seems like a better thing to say than best of luck.)