We're Family, Sort Of

Writers: Aaron, Heather
Date Posted: 17th April 2025

Characters: Saibra, Z'renh
Description: Saibra visits Z'renh in the infirmary.
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 6, day 5 of Turn 12
Notes: Mentioned: T'lonas, M'thos, R'enh

Saibra

"Yes, you can see him, too," said the Healer. "But no more visitors
after you until tomorrow, please. He'll probably need another does of
fellis by then, and he needs his rest anyway. Go on in, and let me
know if he says he's in any pain.

Z'renh was sleepier than he thought he would be after nothing more
than a conversation with his father, but it was a good sort of tired.
The usual sort. Not like beside of the lake. Well. The medicine
probably had something to do with it, too. But it was not a deadly
tired.

"Oh. Hi-- er, hello. I mean." Z'renh tried to sit up further, but he
could not quite muster the strength to do it. "I'm sorry."

He was sorry for a lot of things. Not really just for not being able to sit up.

Saibra's eyes were still sharply following the retreating form of the
healer, as if she would be denied entry to visit a wounded
dragonrider.

"Just relax," the Weyrwoman cautioned Z'renh as she took the vacated
chair near his bedside. "I wanted to come by and personally check on
you."

"I'm sorry." Z'renh had not expected Saibra to come. And now he felt
as though he had placed some kind of obligation or imposition on her.
"You didn't have to... I didn't mean to..." He closed his eyes and
rubbed his face. "They said I'll be all right if I don't get an
infection."

"You're a Weyrling, you ultimately fall under my purview," she said as
the Weyrwoman. But then as Saibra, she added, "and you're a part of my
family... sort of," she smiled. "I hear from the Weyrlingstaff that
Weyrlinghood hasn't been particularly easy for you."

For a moment, Z'renh almost thought Saibra was going to forgive him
for choosing warm weather and friends and familiarity over coming to
Dragonsfall sooner.

Only sort of.

"It's not their fault," he said. "T'lonas has been really... patient.
And helpful. He's probably the reason Adamanth didn't, ah... panic.
When this happened. Because of what he's taught me, I mean."

"Oh, I didn't think they were to blame," Saibra said with the hint of
a smile remaining. K'yne's reports about T'lonas and M'thos had been
nothing but glowing, to her dismay. She'd hoped for a bit of drama, at
least. "Dragonets can be strong willed. Especially the golds and
bronzes. They are born to lead. Sometimes that presents itself with a
supreme stubbornness."

"Yeah... it's definitely not just something people say," Z'renh said
softly, looking down at his chest. Maybe the fellis made it easier to
admit that out loud. Or. Out soft, anyway. "I... hope I haven't
embarrassed you." Since he was part of her family. Sort of.

"Of course not. Every rider has their fair share of horror stories
from Weyrlinghood. That's part of becoming a dragonrider." Saibra was
glad she didn't have to relive all the mistakes she and Chioneth had
made.

Z'renh breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed a touch more.

"We'll be ready for graduation." Of course, he had already forgotten
about the fact that his training would be impacted by what happened.

"Just take it one day at a time," Saibra cautioned.

That was all he could do. They had been doing so much better. And they
had finally had a moment, something had clicked. But maybe if this was
what it really took for them to finally fully understand each other,
well... Someday, it will have been worth it.

"Yes, ma'am."

The Weyrwoman stood. "Your father and I would love to have you by the
weyr for dinner one evening. The twins would love a chance to hang all
over their big brother."

Z'renh smiled. It always felt good to be invited, but he never invited
himself. He hated to presume.

"I'd really like that," he said.

"Good. Let me know if you need anything," she said, squeezing his foot
through the blanket in farewell.

"I will. Thank you..."

Last updated on the April 25th 2025

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We're Family, Sort Of