Sense and Sensibilities (2/2)
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: Corrin, Yvonne
Date Posted: 4th September 2025
Characters: Sybana, Tsaera
Description: The current holdless situation offends Sybana's sensibilities
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 5, day 8 of Turn 12
Notes: Mentioned: Saibra, Iserin, Holdless Scum
Follows Rain and Responsibilities 1 and 2
“But, you did ask what I would do, if a similar situation with the flooded caves had happened at my Weyrhold."
"I did," Sybana breathed. She had nearly given up hope of getting a straight answer. Could this be it? "What _would_ you do?"
"Keep in mind that River Bluff is- was very different in climate than here. It was tropical, and hotter even than Dolphin Cove. We worried about hurricanes, vermin and heatstroke, not blizzards and freezing to death on your own ledge in the midday sun," Tsaera said wryly. "I'd have done just as Saibra and I'serin did intiially. Coordinating a disaster response is easier when you can bring everyone to your own front doorstep. While it might be uncomfortable to have a camp in the Weyrbowl, in terms of logistics it's the most practical for both the refugees and the Weyrfolk. The dragons keep an eye on them, the helpers can sleep in their own beds at night without needing dragons to ferry them about, and everything you need is at your fingertips."
She picked up her cooled mug of tea and turned it between her palms, her gaze drifting far away as she remembered her home. "The plagues left many abandoned cotholds throughout the Weyrhold that were reclaimed by the jungle. Unless the Holdless were Searched or had family who were too ill, elderly or infirm to farm, I'd have offered the refugees abandoned cotholds to reclaim. It's a win for the Weyr, to activate fallow land. It's a win for the Holdless, to have the opportunity to step back into society. It wouldn't be popular, but it would be practical."
Sybana had been starting to darkly suspect that her mentor's delay in answering meant she would have done exactly as Saibra was doing, hearing otherwise was some validation and relief. "I can see the merit of that path," she allowed. She wasn't entirely sure holdless _deserved_ such mercy -- a reprieve from their lawful sanctions all because they happened to flag the weyr down, but-- "It would remove them from the heart of the weyr where could do the most damage and allow them to rise and fall on their own labor."
"Saibra's and I'serin's path has its merits, too. There is that saying, 'keep your friends close and your enemies closer' - although aside from the consequence or misfortune being Holdless, they haven't yet proven to be an enemy," Tsaera said lightly. "People are made Holdless for all sorts of reasons and not all of them are sensible or fair. As you rightly pointed out earlier, they have a very good incentive to be on their best behaviour."
"Perhaps." That was as much concession as Sybana was willing to give. She let her doubt color her tone, clearly not as warmed to the merits of this path as she was Tsaera's River Bluff method, clearly skeptical that the holdless would keep to any sort of civility.
She sighed. "I will not press the issue further. Saibra and I'serin have made their choice, we will have to live with it now." Especially if Tsaera wouldn't join her in championing the issue. "I only hope that we do not soon regret it."
"As do I," the older weyrwoman said softly. Saibra and I'serin were taking a huge chance, and although she wouldn't say it in front of Sybana, she hoped that they wouldn't regret it.
Last updated on the October 3rd 2025