A Way Out

Writers: Ames, Len
Date Posted: 24th February 2011

Characters: Maemira, Sabin
Description: Maemira comes up with an idea to save Sabin from being forced to marry!
Location: Harper Hall
Date: month 13, day 4 of Turn 6
Notes: Note: follows 'Hatching a Plan'

Working in her office space, Maemira was once again looking over the plans for the new Hall's kitchens. She ran her fingers over the drawings with a sigh. It would be a treat to run her own kitchens again. Not that she minded using the Weyr's kitchens, it actually freed her up to do things she seldom had time for. She'd already begun making a list of things that would need to be done once the Hall formally moved. It was months away still, but she couldn't help thinking ahead.

Leaning back in her chair, she closed her eyes for a moment and sighed. A smile on her face, she tried to imagine what the new Hall would look like. The one downside of that was that she wouldn't have the many willing _friends_ that the Weyr provided in close reach, but that, too, might be a blessing. She sat forward, telling herself to stop daydreaming. Perhaps she needed to get out a bit. Gossip with some of the others. Rolling up the drawing, she stowed it in the little cubby behind her desk and was just about to rise when she heard a knock on her door.

Sabin shyly opened the door. She had been deep in gitar class when an apprentice had come running in with the message for her to come to the Headwoman's office. "Ma-am? You wanted to see me?" She so hoped it was about what they had talked about just the other evening.

Maemira smiled when she heard the voice. "Sabin, come in. I have news on our little plan." Her eyebrows rose conspiratorially. "Come sit, we have much to talk about before the time is upon us." She gestured to the chair, even as she glanced behind her to the fireplace where a strange bundle lay waiting.

"Oh?" The young girl rushed in, her face hopeful. "Do you have an idea then?" She sat down in the chair indicated.

She saw the way her young face lit with excitement. Maemira only hoped her idea would pan out and not cause more problems for the dear child.

"Well, I _do_ have an idea. It may not work they way we expected, but it was the best I could come up with. You said both your father and future husband were totally opposed to the idea of Impressing a dragon. While that would have been our best sure-fire way of solving your problem, there are no eggs on the sands and you'd have to be chosen as a candidate for that plan to work." Maemira paused, "But, what do you think about fire-lizards?"

"Fire lizards?" The girl's voice came out in a squeak. Did she intend for her to have one? Or for one to attack her future husband? Struggling to control her thoughts, she said, "I love them. But my dad doesn't think they're for girls. Unless they're gold, of course."

"Well," Maemira started, "I'm pretty sure the one I have for you isn't a gold." She inclined her head to the hearth where the egg was being kept warm. "Would you like to hold it?" She asked, shifting to look towards the egg and then back at Sabin. "I got it just for you, hoping it would help."

Sabin's eyes went round from shock. Unable to say anything, she reached out and hugged the Headwoman. How kind! How unbelievable! A fire lizard, for her? She tried hard not to burst into tears.

Maemira returned her hug and then took the girl's arm. "Come, touch the egg." She moved over the room. "The original owner said they thought it might hatch in the next day or so. They were sure it wouldn't be a gold. Apparently golds are just as easy to recognize in fire-lizard eggs as they are in their bigger cousins.

Sabin let herself be led to the egg and held it in her hand. It was so tiny and so fragile. She laughed that such a little thing could save the rest of her life. "I...I don't know what to say. Thank you! By the egg, thank you!" She laughed again and lightly stroked the precious gift.

Last updated on the March 17th 2011

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A Way Out