Congratulations or Commiseration
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: Halyonix, Shawna
Date Posted: 9th January 2025
Characters: N'kevyn, I'serin
Description: N'kevyn offers congratulations on a healthy and robust clutch
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 3, day 22 of Turn 12
Notes: Mentioned Aydhan, D'hol, Tsaera, Rasme, Galgaith
N'kevyn was attempting to relax and not stare at his weyrmate where she danced happily. He wasn't sure who with- this was the third person who had intercepted her before he could return to being glued to her elbow. A voice in his head that sounded like hers reminded him that it was unthinkable that she was in any danger in the middle of a dance floor in the middle of a hatching feast, but he didn't like the mass of people between her and him, not after what had happened at Barrier Lake. There was a scowl on his face as he turned, looking for some distraction. Perhaps another glass of wine or-
"Weyrleader I'serin!" The big bronzerider's scowl turned into a smile as he spotted the other man and headed over. "Congratulations. Your bronze certainly sired a strapping clutch, didn't he? Very robust!"
"N'kevyn," I'serin greeted back warmly. He gripped the Barrier Lake rider's arm in that welcome of equals. "Thank you for coming. And thank you. I...had not expected the physical size of some of the hatchlings, if truth be told. How are you and your lady enjoying the festivities?"
He chuckled, "Well, I wish you and Aluneth many more giant hatchlings. It's always exciting to watch a hatching your dragon sired, no matter the size." At the mention of his 'lady', N'kevyn automatically looked towards the dance floor to check that Aydhan was still in sight. "Oh, the festivities are excellent, and Aydhan always enjoys a party. Make sure you ask her to dance before the end of the night, or she might just drag you for a spin, willing or not," he warned.
I'serin gave a little courtly bow. "I would not miss a dance with her for certain," he said, playing into the socially expected rituals that leadership was supposed to maintain. But his expression turned a bit more concerned after that. "How are things at Barrier Lake?" he inquired with utmost gentleness.
"Somber," N'kevyn said, "tense. But everyone is rallying and doing their duties as well as one could expect. Better than I'd have expected, honestly. Aydhan is good with people. If we're lucky, D'hol will keep his position, he's a steady influence as well."
The Dragonsfall Weyrleader could definitely relate to that feeling of unsteadiness and how others stepped up to fill in the gaps, though his personal experience came from a vastly different circumstance. He nodded as N'kevyn spoke, his mind turning over outcomes and possibilities. The queens would decide the next Weyrleader but who would be senior queen? There were only two golds at Barrier Lake and only one of them fertile. "Are there yet talks about perhaps another goldrider transferring in? Even if temporarily to help Aydhan and Rasme?" he inquired, thinking of how Tsaera had done the same for Dragonsfall.
"Aydhan is talking about offering other goldriders the chance to be Weyrwoman, in hopes of landing herself a 'second if Tymborikath rises first." N'kevyn wasn't entirely in favor of the idea, but he kept that to himself. "We'll see. It's a lot to juggle, but she can handle it." There was a clear sense of pride in his voice, and he unconsciously touched the gold band on his ring finger. Pulling on a grin, he said, "I did suggest we bring a big sack and steal your gold hatchling, but I no longer think I could have wrestled her into it." It was quite obviously meant as a joke.
The pensive expression on I'serin's face dissolved as N'kevyn joked about stealing Galgaith. I'serin grinned boyishly. "I wish you luck on that," he teased. "I am still impressed at how she charged out of her shell as she did. Queens are imperious, yes, but not usually to that degree."
"I think you and your weyrlingstaff are in for a interesting few months," N'kevyn said with a chuckle. "The metallics can be a handful, even from birth." Lowering his tone as if sharing some great secret, he said, "I know a bronze whose first words were 'I'm the best' despite having zero evidence to support that considering he was seconds old. But you would know all about that type of behavior. I'm sure your bronze has been quite pleased with himself since his recent win. How are you enjoying the promotion?"
I'serin shared a low chuckle at N'kevyn's whispering. That sentiment seemed to be a theme with nearly every bronze dragon upon hatching. While he nodded, acknowledging N'kevyn's guess that Aluneth was bursting with pride, the question about his promotion brought a comically sour look to the Weyrleader's face for a moment. "It is...an adjustment," he admitted. "A steep learning curve. I am keenly aware of how hard it is to translate theory into practice. Perhaps it would have felt smoother had I experience with leading a Wing but alas."
"I can imagine and frankly, it sounds terrible. I don't envy you," N'kevyn said bluntly. "If you ever need a beer and to rant at someone you aren't in charge of, let me know. I am easily lured and surprisingly used to being ranted at." He grinned, "And I promise not to tell you you should be grateful for the opportunity."
"That...would be welcomed," I'serin said. He clinked his glass against N'kevyn's. "So long as I am not depriving your lady of her target?" It was said with a hopeful jest in his tone.
"No. Believe it or not, sometimes she gets tired of having me underfoot. Takes me to a Hatching Feast and then leaves me by a snack table," N'kevyn joked. "She won't mind if I pop away for a bit. Just have Aluneth reach out to Avicath if you ever want to chat."
"I greatly appreciate that," the young Weyrleader said even as his eyes spotted someone trying to flag him down from across the Hall. "I do believe I am being summoned elsewhere. Hopefully, they are at least half the conversationalist you have been. Thank you, N'kevyn." He gave the other bronzerider a slight courtly bow.
N'kevyn's response was more of a head nod than a bow, but he added a cheery wave, letting the Weyrleader return to his official duty of mingling.
Last updated on the January 11th 2025