Keeping Your Head Above Water

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

Characters: Saibra, I'serin
Description: Saibra and I'serin meet the day after the Holdless are brought to Dragonsfall to examine the enormity of the task before them.
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 5, day 6 of Turn 12
Notes: Mentioned: Oselle

Saibra

I'serin

While the rain had ceased the next day, it could be argued that the
weather looked barely any better than the day before. I’serin could
not tell where the sun was as it remained shrouded in gray clouds as
he strode quickly towards Saibra’s office. His eyes flickered towards
the makeshift tents that now crowded one section of the Weyrbowl.
While there was a quietude amongst the tents, I’serin felt a
restlessness within him. They needed to decide what to do with their
new guests. He knocked on Saibra’s door.

“Come in,” Saibra said around a large mouthful of egg and cheese
biscuit. The Weyrwoman’s normally impeccably organized desk was
littered with food trays, empty klah cups, and hidework. Testament
that the Weyrwoman had been at her desk all night.

She looked up at I’serin. “This is my sixth cup of klah. No judgment.”

He put up a hand indicating that he would not judge at all. “Please
tell me you had some rest,” he inquired as he sat to join her.

“Then I’d better say nothing, else it would be a lie.” She flashed him
one of those zany smiles someone has when they’ve spent too many hours
awake. “Don’t worry. My mind is,” she began snapping her fingers,
“zipping. I’m flying right now. Which means I’ll crash later, but I
figured I might as well ride this high while I’ve got it.”

She swept her hands over a map of the Weyr’s livable weyrs. “I’ve been
pouring over these, as has Oselle, trying to figure out how in
Faranth’s teeth we’re going to house those people we brought. I think
there _could_ be enough room in the Weyr, but I’ve already had some of
the Lower Caverns people tell me they _refuse_ to live beside of a
Holdless criminal.”

I’serin’s expression darkly agreed as he said, “Riders have also made
it plainly obvious.” He amended it with, “_Some_ riders. What I
believe is a very vocal minority.” But voices they could not ignore.

His hazel eyes traveled over the map in between sips of klah. “They
are used to living in tight quarters, are they not? Could we utilize
that to sequester them?” Even under those circumstances, they would be
receiving far more amenities than they had before. Thinking on that
note, I’serin reminded himself to send out a few extra riders to hunt
for meat.

“We have room on the plains beyond the Weyrbowl,” Saibra reasoned. “If
they are willing to build their own quarters, we could help with the
supplies and they could build temporary housing. It would only be for
as long as it takes them to find a new place, or if they decide to
stay here, long enough for Oselle and her crew to open up more housing
in the Lower Caverns.”

I’serin’s expression darkened thoughtfully. “It is the staying here
that concerns me the most, Saibra,” he said. “While I am not inclined
to give in to bias -- there are reasons why they are Holdless. If they
remain here…” He exhaled quietly. “I would like to discuss a path
forward on how to handle those that wish to remain. The Weyr can
accommodate a few extra mouths, yes, but I do not wish to upset the
balance we have right now by adding to our stressors.”

“Not all Holdless are criminals. Some left the lives they had at Holds
because they wanted the independence to choose the course of their
life. If they like the freedom the Weyr gives, I won’t turn them
away.” She said this with conviction and then sighed. “But I don’t
want to expose our bellies to ne’re-do-wells either. It’s a tenuous
balance.”

He nodded, agreeing with her. “I would propose a vetting process,
taking an inventory of the skills of those that wish to remain, and
placing them with firm leaders in those areas to detract from
any…situations. An apprenticeship program of sorts. However, I do
believe we should speak with the group at large and make clear our
expectations here at the Weyr. Even for those who will be temporarily
staying.”

Saibra nodded. It made sense. “I think that’s fair and reasonable.
Let’s ask the Wingleaders to keep an extra tight leash on their
wingriders for now. We don’t want any tensions boiling over between
dragonriders and the Holdless.”

“Faranth forbid,” I’serin intoned, though he was certain _something_
would happen. There were simply too many chaotic factors in close
proximity for it not to occur. “I will speak with the Wingleaders. And
the guards for the goldriders. But I believe a majority of our focus
should be on returning them to health and resupply so that they feel
secure enough to make that decision. Have you spoken with…their
leaders?” The pause in his words was because there simply were no
leaders amongst the Holdless. So I’serin grappled with how to address
such a large group.

“Not exactly. I spoke with the young woman who put out the flag for
aid, but I’ll be honest… I’m not really sure _who_ to address. They
don’t seem to have a single leader but more of a general consensus.”
Saibra’s shoulders raised. “Hopefully we can get that sorted. If they
would at least select themselves a liaison or two so we know who to
talk with…”

“I surmise that such a thing goes against their very essence,” I’serin
remarked. “We…I suppose we will need to speak to the group at large
and let them come to their own consensus.” He paused and quietly
added, “Is it wrong of me to hope that their time here will be short
and uneventful?” as if he was revealing some terrible bias he held.

“If you’re wrong, then so am I, because I hope for the same thing. I
think the Weyr’s duty is to help, but I’m also not looking for
trouble.” Dragonsfall had plenty of trouble without inviting in more.

“We should include Oselle in this process,” I’serin suggested. “These
are people who will fall under hers…and yours…jurisdictions. I believe
she should be involved in the decision-making process of who gets to
stay and who must go.”

“I agree one hundred percent, and Oselle is a professional. You should
have seen her last night.” Saibra shook her head. “I couldn’t have
done it without her.”

“Oh?”

“Commanding people left and right. Delegating tasks to her assistants.
Producing tents, clothing, and more without a moment’s notice…”
Glancing at I’serin, Saibra said, “That woman deserves a gift, or a
raise, or something.”

“Perhaps both,” the Weyrleader remarked dryly. “She has been
invaluable during this. And in other times. We are lucky to have her.
I suppose we should alert her as to your idea with the rooms. And
gather our guests for a discussion about their plans.”

Saibra nodded. “Agreed. I’ll meet with Oselle today to make sure we’re
on the same page.”

Last updated on the April 25th 2025

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Keeping Your Head Above Water