Persuasion
The first time that Daja is called to Winding Circle by Kirel she hurries there with Frostpine's name ringing like a mantra in her head. When she arrives the healers tell her 'it's only a broken ankle'.
I won't.
The second time Kirel calls for Daja, Frostpine managed to concuss himself. She stays for two days to cluck her tongue at him, but then she has to leave because the city gates are on a deadline.
I won't leave my home. I'm not dead yet, you know.
The third time it isn't Kirel who calls, but Honoured Dedicate Osprey. Daja goes as fast as she can manage and even when cantering on horseback it doesn't seem fast enough. How can one old man get into so much blessed trouble?
You're going to ask me again.
No. I'm not asking this time, Frostpine. I'm telling.
I won't.
You're eighty-two.
Frostpine glares at the woman who became his student and daughter so long ago. "Whether I am eighty-two or one hundred and two, you're not taking my forge away from me," he states. His voice isn't as booming as it once was and Daja can't help but ask herself when that happened.
"Honoured Osprey has already said so- you're not getting your forge back, Frostpine. She says you're going to stay in the fire temple dormitory and you'll get to oversee other dedicates and novices. They'll appreciate you," Daja refuses to lose her temper with this insolent man, "Kirel will lend you his forge whenever you want."
"Lend me, girl? You expect that I'll be happy for them to steal my home and listen to them when they say I should simply apply my skills to the kitchen, where it's safe and there's no heavy lifting?" He grimaces and shakes his head, disgusted.
With her? That doesn't matter though, Frostpine being safe is what matters (even if he will hate her for months). "Frostpine, you have a choice. You can enter the dormitories and use Kirel's forge- there aren't any free for you to take as your own," Daja can't meet his eyes when she tells him that. "Or you can live with me. We can build you your own forge, and you can ride here when you're required for duties." Daja has just told him that she's robbing him of the place he has known as home for most of his long life. She hopes he can't meet her eyes either, because she has to hastily wipe away a tear.
"No," Frostpine barks hoarsely.
She wishes that Kirel could have told Frostpine, or that Osprey had told him the full story. She feels horrible because he has given her so much, and she's taking away so much from him. "I'm sorry," she says quietly, "but it's one or the other." She moves one of her hands to clasp his shoulder and wills him to remember how much she loves him. "You were stuck under that bench for two days," she whispers, "no one knew, no one heard you. You could have died there, Frostpine! You need to be around other people so we know you're safe." So we can look after you, she adds silently to herself.
Frostpine says nothing, but the set of his jaw says it all. He is angry.
"Will you at least tell us which of the two you'd prefer? I know you hate having your forge taken away from you, but please pick one. We want you to be the happiest that you can be," she reaches now for Frostpine's hand and holds it in her own. "Don't hate me for doing what's best for you," she begs.
For a long while he doesn't reply, but finally it comes, a sullen, discontented groan. "I don't have the strength to hate you, girl. I'll go with you... less out of the way for you to run the next time I get a bump."
It wasn't just a bump, thinks Daja, but she keeps that to herself. "Thank you," she tells him, and leans down to kiss his cheek.