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Writers: Danielle
Date Posted: 14th February 2006

Characters: Alixana, E'dian
Description: Alixana transfers to DFW
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 10, day 10 of Turn 3

"Here is the last of it, Grandmother." E'dian entered the large, now mostly empty, weyr carrying in his hands a carefully wrapped package of medicinal supplies that were Alixana's personal store. He found her now, standing at the entrance to her dragon's ledge, the sunlight streaming in. In silhouette, she was tiny, fragile as glass. Yet, even if glass did break, it had razor sharp edges that could cut a careless hand.

"Thank you, E'dian." She turned to face him, hands clasped before her.
She was dressed in riding leathers, not in the tailored robes she usually wore in the infirmary. It seemed so out of place for some reason. His earliest memories of her were in black and white, surrounded by the stark, clean walls of the hospital caverns, metal instruments arrayed so neatly on their shelves. She had been, even back then, an intimidating woman. Especially back then, because he'd been a child then. He knew better, now.

"Can I help with anything else?" He asked as he walked forward to place the bundle with the others.

"You have been a great help already," his grandmother said. She seemed tired, something in her voice. "Have you put in for transfer yet?"

"I have. But I haven't heard if it will go through or not."

"It will," Alixana replied. "Don't worry about that." She gave him a sharp glance, her eyes bright blue in the sunlight. Very like his own, if it came to that. But where hers were sharp, her grandson's were darker, softer. Kind eyes, someone had said once. So much in contrast with his 'old battle-axe of a grandmother.' He'd never repeated that last. Nor had he appreciated the comment very much. He'd said so, in sharper words than he'd intended. It appeared that some of the steel had been passed down, after all.

"Then I will not worry." E'dian smiled. "I'll miss you until I get to join you."

"Oh, hush. You flatter an old woman's vanity." Alixana smiled. It was an expression not often seen from her.

"You're not old."

"I am." An old debate, that one. One that fell along a well rehersed avenue of conversation. "But enough of that. You'll follow in a few sevendays, and we'll continue your training." And get away from all the bitter memories here.

"Aye, Grandmother." Somehow he knew the words she'd never dared to speak. That she was transfering for him, knowing full well that E'dian would never transfer to another Weyr without her. More than his only living blood relative, she was his mentor.

Memories. She laid a hand upon his arm. It was a delicate thing, he thought, looking down at where it rested against the sleeve of his tunic. Pale, fragile- he could see the faint blue of vein beneath the skin. He covered it with his own. "Thank you," he said.

She tightened her fingers for a moment, then let go. "It's time. I have a meeting with the Weyrleader of Dragonsfall I need to make." And that was all. No more would be said, now, of loss, of pain, of memories that refused to release him from their painful grip. Her own memories still pained her, but it was an old ache, a familiar one. It would be nice, indeed, to finally put the reminders to rest. To start again.

"Take care, Grandmother." E'dian embraced her carefully, as if she truly were such a delicate and fragile thing as she seemed.

"And you, E'dian. It won't be long before I'll see you again." And with that, she turned to Viridianth, her green, who waited patiently in the sun for her rider to finish her farewells. She bent her leg for the woman to climb up and secure the last of her belongings. That done, Alixana lifted one small hand to her grandson before Viridianth launched herself from the weyr ledge and climbed skyward.

Last updated on the February 14th 2006

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