Get To Know Us

Writers: Eimi, Joy
Date Posted: 18th October 2005

Characters: Arcon, Gaiya
Description: Arcon has an elightening conversation with Gaiya.
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 8, day 9 of Turn 3

Arcon took a bite of his meatroll and watched the goings on around him. At one table, he spotted a woman leaning provocatively into her male tablemate as they talked. He didn't know if they were married, but from what he'd seen since he'd arrived, he doubted it.

At another table, two men were behaving in a very similar way. He'd never in his life been exposed to the concept of two men being involved and his mind seemed unable to wrap around the concept, even when it sat right in front of him.

His musings were interrupted when a young woman sat down directly across from him.

"I hope you don't mind," Gaiya said as she grabbed the water pitcher.
"I just had to get away from the little kids for a meal."

Blinking in surprise, Arcon shook his head. "No, of course. My name is Arcon," he introduced himself.

"I'm Gaiya," she said as she leaned over to offer her hand. "I am a foster mother here."

Arcon smiled as this presented him with something he was actually familar with. A woman, taking care of children. "Good to meet you Gaiya." He shook her hand. "I'm new to the Weyr, only been here about a day."

"From Hall or Hold?" she asked as she refilled his glass and filled her own.

"Hold. A small cothold really, at Garnet Valley." He relaxed further as she behaved much as his stepmother always did for his father. "This places is definitely different from home.' She smiled knowingly. "I'm sure it is different from the Weyr."

"It is. There's less people for one thing. I've never seen so many people living in one place before." Arcon had been to a few Gathers where there were probably more people, but that was different. "And the people are...different here than they are back home," he said as diplomatically as he could.

"Yes," she smiled, "we are allowed a bit more freedom than is found outside the Weyr."

Arcon sighed. "I never noticed any lack of freedom outside the Weyr."

**That's because you're a man...** Gaiya kept that thought to herself.
"Well, you will start to notice after a while I dare say. Woman may practice a craft. People can love whomever they wish... We do enjoy certain freedoms that I hear are not allowed in the outside world."

The comfortable, semi-familiar feeling ebbed away. Arcon was once again confronted with ideas which flew in the face of everything he'd known his entire life. "I suppose," he replied, his tone doubtful. He was sure people did things here that they didn't outside of the Weyr, but what he didn't understand is why they would _want_ to.

"What's wrong?" Gaiya asked as she noticed his face turn serious.

"Nothing. I mean, well, I'm sure I'll get used to it." He wasn't sure, but it seemed to be what people here wanted to hear.

Gaiya shrugged. "Either you will or you will go home. That seems to be the way of it. But most people adjust."

He could just imagine that. Sent home because he couldn't adjust to the sight of men holding hands and women crafting. "I'm sure I will too then."
He smiled and added, "Maybe I should stop worrying about it so much."
Perhaps he'd stop noticing so much if he stopped looking for the odd behaviors.

She smiled at him encouragingly. "Get to know us, Arcon. You will learn that we are good people too, and there is nothing to be worried about."

Arcon couldn't help but respond to her smile, his own smile growing.
"I'll do that." He had to admit, though he'd only been here a day and met but a few people, so far they'd all been quite friendly.

"Good," she said resolutely. "All right, Arcon, I'm sorry but I have to get back to the children. Come find me anytime you need anything, though."

Standing as she did, Arcon nodded. "Thank you, I will. And thanks...
for the advice." He was glad she'd sat in front of him. It was still going to be hard, but talking with Gaiya had at least given him some ideas on how to deal with things and make the best of them. He felt a little better than he had since he'd arrived.

Last updated on the October 18th 2005

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