I Understand

Writers: AL, Jane
Date Posted: 22nd December 2008

Characters: Ylisahn, Ri'len
Description: Ylisahn talks to Railen about his new life at the Weyr.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 13, day 11 of Turn 4

"You...wanted to talk with me?" Railen sincerely hoped that he hadn't done something that would cause Sorsha to get into trouble. That was the last thing he wanted to happen. "Did I do something wrong?"

"Of course you haven't done anything wrong," Ylisahn assured the young man who had appeared in the wake of a returning candidate. "I'm the Headwoman and it's my job to make sure you get settled here." She indicated one of the chairs beside the desk. "Sit down, Railen."

Railen nodded, then took the proffered seat, lowering himself slowly. "Well, I appreciate your concern, but I have visited before." Of course, he hadn't stayed _that_ long, but it had given him a taste.

"When was that? And why?"

"Two turns ago." It had seemed a lot longer than that. Indeed, Railen had forgotten some things, though he remembered quite a few others. "A friend of mine was searched and I came for a visit."

"Before my time as Headwoman, and you were just a visitor? It will be different now, won't it, since you'll be a resident."

"Yes." Railen nodded slowly. He had a feeling he knew what she was going to talk about. "Yes, it will be a lot different."

"So, tell me about your decision to come here with Sorsha. She's come to Stand for the Hatching - but why have you come with her?"

"Because I love her and don't want to have to be apart from her." It was that simple, had she expected something else? "I mean, I understand what will happen should she Impress, but I'm prepared to deal with that."

"And live your life here, away from your family?" Ylisahn prompted. "Because she won't ever be able to leave if she Impresses."

"Sorsha is family." Railen stated emphatically. "And if that means leaving behind the hold, so be it."

"All right. Now, what did Sorsha say you planned to do here - possibly for the rest of your life?"

"I was planning to work in the stables. Well, hoping to work in them." Railen stated, forcing himself not to squirm under her questioning. "I've got quite a bit of experience with runners, but also with other animals."

"I'm sure your help will be welcome there," the Headwoman said kindly. "How old are you, Railen?"

"I'm nineteen, ma'am." Why did he have a feeling that the Headwoman hadn't quite gotten to the point of the discussion?

"And have you ever had the chance to apprentice?"

"Well...no ma'am. I mean, I've worked with beastcrafters at the hold, but it was always assumed I would take over when my father stepped down." Of course, if Sorsha impressed, all that would change.

"The Weyr is used to late apprenticeships, because people turn up here on Search at all ages, so that's something you might like to consider." Ylisahn thought she had sown enough seeds for the moment. "I'll let you get about settling in, now, but please remember you can come and see me about anything. With a few exceptions that are directly relevant to the work you do, I'm pretty much the person you'll need to see for everything else."

"Yes ma'am." Well, she hadn't broached the subject that Railen had expected her to broach. At least, not in the detail he had expected. Perhaps he had impressed upon her the seriousness of his feelings when he had stated how willing he would be to give up the hold. "Thank you. I appreciate it."

Ylisahn got to her feet and held out her hand to the young hold-bred man. "Welcome to Dolphin Cove Weyr, Railen. I hope you'll be happy here."

"Thank you." Railen took the hand and shook it firmly. He wondered if she thought he would change his mind. Well, he wouldn't. Sorsha was his life and he wasn't going to let her go, no matter what.

Last updated on the December 24th 2008

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I Understand