"I don't want to travel," Tyrnill protested. "I want to stay here. I like to take care of these people."
"You'll like to take care of other people just as much, dear," Raelenne said reasonably. "This is, after all, your calling. And don't think I don't expect you back, because I do. Someone will have to take over my place here some day, and I hope that it will be you. First, though, you've got places to go, girl, and a whole lot to discover. No more arguing -- you're going, and that's all there is to it.
"I will come back, you know," Tyrnill said fervently. "This is the first place I've really felt like I belong, and I'll be back."
"Of course you will," Raelenne said, her eyes gleaming suspiciously. "I didn't expect any differently. But don't you come hurrying back just because you miss this place. Go out, make a name for yourself, be certain that you've learned all you can -- then come back, and we'll all be happy to have you again."
"When should I leave?"
"You leave at dawn tomorrow. I've been putting things away for a little while, and I think there's enough to keep you well supplied for a fortnight at least. Id you haven't found a way to keep yourself alive, by then, then all my judgments about you will have been very wrong -- and we both know that I am never wrong." Raelenne flashed Tyrnill a warm grin. "And not a word of complaint about leaving so soon. The way I see it, the sooner you go, the sooner you come home."
"This is my home, isn't it?" Tyrnill mused.
"Indeed it is, my dear. And it will be waiting for you, no matter how far you go, or for how long."
~the end~
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I hope you've enjoyed reading this story as much as I've enjoyed bringing it back to life. Tyrnill never seemed to want to star in novel-length stories, but now that self-publishing shorter work is a viable option, she will be making several more appearances, and soon.
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Thanks again,
Tammi
SongHealer: from Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword and Sorceress XI Page 2
