This is a First

Writers: Estelle, Heather
Date Posted: 31st October 2021

Characters: Saibra, Ashela
Description: Saibra and Ashela discuss an eventful Hatching
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 9, day 3 of Turn 10
Notes: Mentioned: Kadira, Zathris, K'reyel

Saibra

Ashela

***

Ashela sipped delicately at her wine and watched the weyrfolk with
narrowed eyes as they celebrated another Hatching at Dragonsfall. This
wasn't an ordinary Hatching, though. There was more excited talk than
ever and there was a stir in the crowd wherever a certain new blue
weyrling went. What attention wasn't on that girl, whose name Ashela had
already forgotten, was focused on the Weyrwoman. It was enough to turn
the wine sour in her mouth.

She sighed and approached Saibra as a proud holder couple, most likely
parents, were leaving her.

"Weyrwoman." She raised her glass politely. "That was an eventful hatching."

Saibra's smile came easily, confidently. "Wasn't it, though?"

"I've never heard of a girl Impressing blue, not in the Records at
Rising Moons or Dream's End." Ashela frowned. "Have you?"

“Never. We’ll of course scour them again, but for the moment it seems
like this is a first. A special moment for Dragonsfall, don’t you
think?” Saibra said, already curious about how the Weyrlingstaff would
change things to suit their newest bluerider.

Ashela inclined her head. Jealousy gnawed at her at the thought of
Chioneth being remembered as the mother of the hatchling, but she gave
no sign. "It is. And it'll be an interesting challenge for the
Weyrlingmaster, no doubt."

“And for us too, I imagine. We’ll see what Amber Hills and the other
holders think about this…. Many are already reluctant to let their
daughters come to the Weyr…” Saibra would have to cross that bridge when
the situation arose.

"I'd be happy to lend assistance in talking to them, if you wish,"
Ashela offered. Opportunities to speak with - and charm - high-ranking
holders were always useful. "I'm Holdbred myself, and I understand their
concerns, but I can also explain how important the Search is." None of
them wanted to see a hatchling fail to find its lifemate.

Saibra hesitated in her response for a brief moment. She couldn't forget
what had happened with Ashela at Barrier Lake and why she'd needed to
leave, which made her cautious about sending the mercurial goldrider to
talk to someone as important as Lord Zathris... Yet, on the other hand,
Ashela's behavior had been relatively flawless since she'd arrived at
Dragonsfall. **I have to loosen the reins at some point,** Saibra thought.

"I think that would be a great idea, Ashela. You can start at Amber Hills."

The goldrider's eyes gleamed. "Thank you, Weyrwoman." She'd not yet
visited that Hold, though she'd memorized the names of all the Lords and
Ladies in the territory and was familiar with the quality of their wine.
"I'd imagine you know Lord Zathris well. Is he generally a friend to the
Weyr?"

“Yes, Lord Zathris is not from Amber Hills, he married into the family.
He’s a bit more logical and reasonable toward the Weyr than some of the
minor holds in the area.”

"That's good to hear. Hopefully he'll see this as an exciting
development for Weyr and Hold." She considered. "Do you think the
Vintner Hallmaster would appreciate a visit as well, while I'm in the area?"

Saibra's eyes lit at the mention of the Vintner Hall. "That's an
excellent idea, you might be able to sweet talk him out of some good
vintages to share at our next goldrider meeting."

"I'll do my best." Ashela thought back. She'd met the Hallmaster at
Aglayath's Hatching, hadn't she? Or had that been another master
crafter? No matter - if there was good wine on offer, he'd have her
undivided attention and the full effect of her considerable charm.

"I wonder if the girl's Weyr or Hold bred. Do you know?" She'd never
paid much attention to the Candidates, but the holders might find it
more acceptable if the female bluerider was weyrbred.

“Weyrbred,” Saibra answered. “Her mother is a master healer here and her
father a bronzerider who lives at Dolphin Cove.”

"I see." Interest flickered in Ashela's eyes at the mention of the
bronzerider. She wondered who he was. "At least she won't be having to
adjust to Weyr life on top of everything else."

"No, she won't, but I imagine Weyrlife will have some adjusting to do
when it comes to her." Saibra actually looked forward to it. The
addition of a female bluerider brought something new to the general
drama of Weyrlife.

"Yes, it will. And perhaps for the better." At least it should liven
things up, Ashela thought, and unusual or not, the girl was still a
bluerider and unlikely to threaten her position as the Weyrwoman's
Second. She smiled. "Well, I must go and greet some more of the guests."
And perhaps track down and congratulate that Dolphin Cove bronzerider...

“Enjoy your evening, Ashela.” Saibra said, her blue eyes already sliding
along to a Master Crafter in-line to congratulate her and K’reyel on the
hatching.

Last updated on the February 6th 2022

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

This is a First