Holding It Together
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: Curious
Date Posted: 24th February 2021
Characters: Naradis
Description: Naradis prepares herself for the day ahead.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 8, day 20 of Turn 10
Notes: Mentioned: R'nar, Ranni, Cyradis
Naradis woke over a candle mark earlier than she really had to. That didn't stop it from feeling thoroughly necessary. She couldn't put a finger on exactly _why_ that was. Faranth knew she didn't have anything to do that could be done so early. It was just... Necessary.
The first quarter of her extra candle mark was spent laying in bed. Not thinking about anything or trying to get back to sleep, just laying there, basking in the warmth of the blankets. But as time passed, it gradually grew harder _not_ to think about anything. When her limbs began tingling with the urge to move, she finally gave up and kicked the covers back with a sigh.
Getting dressed was a quick and easy affair. Everything following it was supposed to be too. An easy morning routine. Thoughtless, robotic, automatic. It was when she removed the sheet covering a basket to let the largely-dull glows shine their light on the vanity. However, something shifted when she turned to look in the mirror.
Her eyes had dark shadows under them. That part wasn't surprising. Panitath had risen, which meant there'd be a clutch soon. Another chance to try try again and give it her all. Or maybe another chance for failure and public humiliation. They were one and the same these days, really. Because as much as hatchings were a time for hope - and Naradis was _not_ ready to stop hoping - they were also a time for stress and anxiety and remembering every time when hopes were dashed.
But that was also routine by now. A shitty routine, but routine none the less. The thing that _wasn't_ routine was the thought that flickered through her mind. It might have been humorous if not for the bitter feeling that swept through her. Instead, it was something else entirely.
**And to think, I'm probably doing better than...**
Better than her mother, who had decided to attempt a pregnancy despite the potential risk posed by her age.
Better than R'nar, who had just lost his weyrmate.
Better than Ranni, who wasn't able to do anything at all anymore.
The weight of everything crashed down on her all at once. Naradis slumped forward to lean against the vanity, a marionette with her stings cut. She lowered her head and allowed herself to gaze sightlessly at her hands, grasping tightly at the stone edge, for a long moment.
The moment passed. Naradis forced herself to straighten back up and look in the mirror. If she was probably the one doing the best, that meant it was _her_ responsibility to be strong right now. There could and would be no breaking down or cracking under pressure. She might not be able to reverse death, but...
R'nar was probably the worst off right now, which made him the highest priority. She'd have to make sure to check in on him when she had some time after chores are lessons. Then she would make a point of taking more time to check in on her mother.
Everything would be okay. Naradis would make sure of it.
Last updated on the March 9th 2021