An Unexpected Advancement
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: Heather
Date Posted: 18th December 2019
Series: The Hallmaster's New Wife
Characters: Endarin, Thayde
Description: Thayde reports in from Fleet Duty and receives an unexpected promotion.
Location: Dolphin Hall
Date: month 1, day 7 of Turn 10
Notes: Mentioned: Enamra
Bye, Endarin.
"How was Fleet Duty?" Endarin asked as Thayde seated himself.
Thayde could not resist the snort that escaped him as he thought about the long days out at sea with a scorned woman that he had no interest in pacifying. "Long, but overall, uneventful. Everything went smoothly with the ship and crew."
The Hallmaster studied the other Master dolphineer, taking in the days worth of beard that still covered his face from the trip and the bronzed skin that was a shade darker than when he'd seen him last.
"Well, I am glad everything went well on your trip, I know you haven't been out on the sea for an extended period of time since the shipwreck with Lord Zathris." Endarin was pleased to see that Thayde had been able to put those unpleasant memories behind him to complete his assignment.
From the way the Hallmaster spoke, Thayde felt as if he had passed some sort of test. "Yes, it was a little nerve wracking, I'll admit, but I felt more comfortable this time because I knew Ada was traveling along."
Endarin nodded slowly, eyes traveling over the neat stacks of hides on his desk. "You know, when I came to Dolphin Cove it was only as a favor to Famell and it was always temporary until a new Hallmaster could be found. I've never wanted to be a Hallmaster," Endarin confessed with a deep shrug of his shoulders. "I'm perfectly comfortable not calling the shots."
Thayde's brow furrowed a bit as he studied the man across from him. "I feel like you're trying to tell me something."
"I've watched all of the Master Dolphineers since I have been here, looking for the next Hallmaster, and I think the position belongs to you. You've been at the Hall here longer than almost any other Master, you are already in charge of the infirmary, take a large role in the instruction of younger dolphineers, and seem the least likely to just up and leave now that you have a new wife." Endarin's lips quirked a bit at the last item on the list.
Thayde's eyebrows shot up into his hairline. Hallmaster? Him? He had been Famell's second but after the man had left Thayde had stepped down from the position out of disagreements with Endarin's style of leadership. The fact that Endarin would choose him was a surprising one.
"Me? A Hallmaster?" It wasn't a position that he had ever really considered. It seemed like one of those positions that other dolphineers politicked to receive and Thayde had never been one to care much about what others thought
"That's right. I have already written to Jade Harbor where I will be going, I have some extended family there." Endarin revealed and for the first time, Thayde noticed how remarkably neat and empty the office looked.
"You're leaving immediately?" Thayde said with surprise.
Endarin's lips quirked. "I was only waiting to make sure you could still spend time out at sea before making it official. No dolphineer should be Hallmaster if he cannot step foot onto a ship. You proved that you can still do that and I am more than ready to turn the reins over to you."
"And if I decline?"
The other man's piercing blue eyes met Thayde's without wavering. "You won't. You like the Hall here and you want to see it under proper management."
Thayde hated that Endarin knew him so well. With everything that was going on with Enamra and Jalodwyn, the last thing that Thayde needed was more stress in his life, yet at the same time, it was true that he had some strong opinions on how things should be done around the Hall. Being Hallmaster would also mean he could set his own schedule and make sure that he was never on any kind of duty with Jalodwyn ever again.
"I'll take it."
Endarin stood and extended his hand to Thayde. "It was a pleasure knowing you. I've got a dragon coming tomorrow to pick me up and take me to Jade Harbor. I've left a complete detailing of everything that you'll need here," he gestured to the neat stacks on the desk.
Thayde stood and clasped the other dolphineer's hand. "Good luck at Jade Harbor. The Lord Holder there is... interesting. If you decide you want to come back here and just be a Master Dolphineer, there's always a place for you."
Endarin gave a nod, a brief lift of of his hand, and slipped from the office, leaving the new Hallmaster alone.
It was a surreal moment for Thayde as he stood alone in the quiet office. Hallmaster? A grin broke across his face. Just wait until Enamra found out she was the Hallmaster's Wife.
Last updated on the December 18th 2019
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