A Much Anticipated Arrival (01.28.3189)

[ambigious]

Although the sevendays and months leading up to their departure had been more than eventful, the actual transfer itself took a matter of seconds. However, before they made the trip between, Eyrlaina began a ritual of checking to make sure that everything was in order. First, the woman tugged on the numerous satchels tied to Coreanth's back to make sure that they were secure. With a satisfactory nod, she pulled on the riding harness that kept Eyalen on Coreanth's neck to make sure those, too, were secure. Once that was completed, she pulled the coat that was wrapped around her son securely, despite his wails of protest, since she was aware of the dreadful cold that would be waiting for them in Sunset Weyr. Finally, Eyrliaina settled her own cloak more securely about her shoulders and pulled it tightly about her sillhouette. And then...she did it again.

The Jr. Weyrwoman repeated this process three more times to create a total of four patterns of repition. Although Coreanth snorted in amusement, she remained silent, knowing better than to interrupt her rider during a ritual. With a sigh once the ritual had been completed, Eyrlaina stroked her gold dragon's neck fondly then gave her the order to go between, keeping the check point for Sunset Weyr that the watchrider had given her firmly planted in her mind. The moment before they disappeared, Eyrlaina wrapped her arm tightly around Eyalen's chest. "Remember, count to three," Eyrlaina shouted over the sound of Coreanth's wings beating the air. Then, they were gone.

"I know," Eyalen shouted back in a childish voice as they burst out from between in the air above Sunset Weyr. The cold instantly nipped at the faces of both mother and son, and despite his belligerance Eyalen leaned back against Eyrlaina, who promptly rubbed his arms for warmth. Shall we descend?[/i] Coreanth asked, an oddly proud demeanor creeping over the gold as she surveyed the Weyr that she would soon in habit. No, circle first. I'd like to get a feel for the Weyr, Eyrlaina added at Coreanth's silent question. You want to try to get a feel for the Weyr in this blasted weather? Really, Eyrlaina.[/i] Despite her disapproval, Coreanth obediantly glided around the entire length of the Weyr, then huffed when Eyrlaina asked her to do it again. I hardly think that's-[/i]

"Just do it!" Eyrlaina burst forth, unable to control herself. "Circle the Weyrbowl four times, Coreanth, now." With a snort, Coreanth complied. Despite the fact that she knew her rider would request this of her, the queen always fought her on it, for the sheer sake of questioning her rider's rituals. As they began their second pass, Eyalen shifted restlessly and glanced up at his mom. "Mom, I'm cold. And hungry!" "Aren't you glad I brought that coat?" she responded wistfully. Eyalen puckered his lips grumpily and didn't respond, but Eyrlaina chuckled. "We'll get you a meal once we land." After they completed their fourth round, Eyrlaina asked Coreanth to descend, which she did with a silvery, surprisingly melodic bugle.

Inhabitants of Sunset Weyr, your new Queen sends her greetings![/i] Eyrlaina shook her head with a muted laugh and slapped Coreanth's neck ridge as the gold rumbled, pleased with herself. As they continued to glide down, Coreanth abruptly back-winged and landed skillfully and lightly on the floor of the Weyrbowl, her feet instantly sinking into the snow. Oh![/i] the queen exclaimed, staring down at the snow beneath her paws. That will take some getting used to.[/i]

"Coreanth, will you be a dear and tell Rusith and her rider, Kadia, that we are here? Thank you," she added as Coreanth rumbled and lifted her head. Rusith, my rider and I have arrived in Sunset Weyr. We request the honor of your presence.[/i] It was clear from her tone that Coreanth rested on formality. With a nod of approval, Eyrlaina dismounted from the gold's neck, her blonde braid sliding over her shoulder, then helped Eyalen down and began unbuckling her packs. As she did so, Eyalen raced around the Weyrbowl, eyes wide and breath coming out in puffs of air as he took in his new home.

[Snow]

Eavan still couldn’t believe her luck. Inside a small pot filled with hot sand from the hatching grounds, was a small firelizard egg. Not only that, but it was her firelizard egg. Never once this morning when she’d woken up early did she think she would be hunting flit eggs, nor that she would get to keep it if she found one. The soft shell was bright white with such dark mahogany colored spots it was beautiful. Eavan didn’t care one bit what color was in it. The flit would be hers and hers alone. She’d never thought she’d be a firelizard owner. Already she was thinking of names for the little darling.

She was making her way to the candidate barracks to put her pot some place safe. She’d change the sand on it regularly to make sure the egg stayed nice and warm. As she was walking across the weyrbowl with her coat pulled snuggly around the pot, something caught her eye above. Eavan looked up and noticed a gold making circles around the weyr. Confusion crossed her mind since she knew she’d just saw Rusith inside the hatching grounds with the clutch and had even bowed to her. Eavan had made sure not to go too far inside the Hatching Grounds, so she wouldn’t upset the gold. ”If that’s not Rusith, and it obviously can’t be or golds are much faster than I thought, then it has to be the new transfer.” Eavan thought to herself.

Eavan wondered if anyone knew that the goldrider was supposed to arrive today. Briefly she considered continuing on to the barracks, but then realized that that would be rude of her. Especially if the gold had somehow already seen her, then she heard the greeting of the gold and knew that she really couldn’t continue on now. Wrapping her arms around her egg pot she headed towards the gold and her rider as she landed. A small boy slid down the gold’s side and then began to run around. Apparently the Jr. Weyrwoman had a child.

Eavan got close enough for the pair to hear her before she gave them a salute as best she could holding her pot, and then said, ”Well met. My duties to you and your queen. May I be the first to welcome you to Sunset Weyr. I know the honor should go to Weyrwoman Kadia, but I was already out here and could not be so rude as to ignore you. My name is Eavan. I am just a candidate. If there is anything I can do for you at the present, I’d be more than happy to help.”

[Sher]

For once, Rusith was not tending to Brinleth's clutch, hard-shelled as they were now it didn't much matter if they were left alone briefly. The muddy gold was enjoying stretching her wings; not for food, but for the sheer thrill of it. After thirty-seven Turns every moment in the air still felt like a gift. Kadia was with her, much colder but almost as happy as Hers. The transfer goldrider was supposed to arrive today, and that in itself was cause for elation.

Of course, they didn't know anything about this individual. The gold dragon was reserving judgement, but Kadia was almost jiggling in her excitement. Yes, jiggling.

That feels funny, Mine,[/color] Rusith told her, a touch disturbed. It's very distracting. Can't you... I don't know... wear tighter pants or something?[/color]

You've put on a few unnecessary pounds too, love. It's part of getting older, Kadia countered cheerfully. Half of her face was nearly aching from the force of her grin; the other half stung from the tendrils of short hair that whipped against her cheek. At least she had feeling on that side again, even though the muscles were still immobile. Maybe she'd eventually recover from whatever that episode had been.

Rusith's wings stilled, and she tilted her head in a 'listening' gesture as they descended a bit. It seems they have already arrived,[/color] the gold said, in a queer sort of detached mental tone. Coreanth and Erylaina request the honor of our presence. Don't worry, we will be in time.[/color] Without waiting to be ordered, she spilled the air more rapidly from her wingsails, not quite stooping into a dive while Hers digested the wording. (Meanwhile a wash of vertigo and weariness flickered through her.) The formality had to be deliberate. Dear Faranth; right when she'd been getting used to being casual and relaxed. Wait... time?

The human half of the goldpair had only a moment's warning before Rusith had taken them between. We aren't supposed to without a good reason, she started to scold. A mental "hmmph" interrupted her, and she relented. Time to dust off the manners, eh? Kadia said ironically, taking hold of the harness straps as a moment of turbulence startled her upon re-entry to the Pernese sky.

Some of us never put them away,[/color] Rusith declared. They were coming down above the Hatching Cavern's aerial entry, a bit more rapidly than the goldrider liked, but she held her tongue as nerves assaulted her. What was it about Sunset Weyr that leached the confidence right out of her? You'll be fine. You always are.[/color]

The gold came down carefully and settled her wings against her side with hardly a rustle to hurry over to glance at the eggs, trilling at the green dragons that had stepped in unasked moments before. Slight disappointment turned those massive eyes a pale shade of yellowed green. I'd hoped for a longer flight. That lasted all of a quarter candlemark.

Of stolen time! The aging rider slid down. She flung her riding helmet to the sands, well away from the nearest egg. There's always later. Kadia hadn't rushed to remove a harness for a very long time, and as a result her fingers fumbled as they darted from strap to buckle to cinch. The crouching gold rested just the tip of her nose in her mindmate's hair, sniffing it gently, but saying nothing. She'd gotten a little too used to being the only gold here.

Again, the gold tilted her head as she received Coreanth's greetings and summons. Here we go.[/color] To the other gold, she called out, We will attend shortly. Having just come down from a flight, my Kadia is still removing my straps.[/color]

Sometimes it was hard to tell whether Rusith and Kadia had a partnership or a dictatorship. This was definitely one of those times. Kadia led their march, taking seven steps for every one of her gold's, but quick-stepping as well as she was able to with her limp. It was more of a hobble than a march, really. Rusith had to duck just slightly to leave the main entrance of the Hatching Cavern, and then she was announcing their presence with a deep-throated bugle of greeting. Fair skies, Coreanth,[/color] she said, stopping a dragonlength away and meeting the other gold's eyes. I trust you have arrived in good order?[/color]

Kadia stopped just to Eavan's side, already smiling apologetically, so they were each the tip of a lopsided triangle. "Hello there. Erylaina, right? I see that you've met one of our Candidates already." This last was spoken with a raised eyebrow, half directed to Eavan. The good eyebrow, of course. The other only twitched vaguely. I should've stopped to at least finger-comb my hair. It feels like it's sticking out.

[ambigious]

[ooc: sorry for the delay guys, I think I'm coming down with something >< I'll post as soon as I can <3]

[Sher]

((Still doing okay?))

[ambigious]

[ooc: blah! that was quite a weekend hah. But I am back! =D sorry about that guys]

The moment that Eavan approached, Eyalen paused in his searching and glanced over at the young woman. She was pretty! In another instant the young boy was racing back, or at least, forging his way through the snow towards the young woman. You have a visitor,[/i] Coreanth announced with a rumble, as Eyrlaina was busy rummaging through all of the satchels to make sure that they had everything. A frown marred her brow and drew her delicate blonde eyebrows together, even as her blonde braid swung over her shoulder and slithered its way down her chest. With a blink the Jr. Weyrwoman lifted her head, hands poised over the satchel, just as Eavan stopped beside her.

As Eavan spoke, Eyrlaina righted herself hastily and brushed her hands on her dress. The gold dragon beside her, her honey hued form glowing in the snow, seemed faintly amused as she watched the young woman. She is proper and kind,[/i] Coreanth told her rider, who snorted inwardly. Yes, but she also- ah, for Eavan had just admitted to the very thing that Eyrlaina was going to reprimand her for: welcoming her to the Weyr, when that should be Kadia's right. A broad grin spread across Eyrlaina's face, causing wrinkles to show up at the edges of her crinkles eyes, as she nodded her head at Eavan. "Well met, my dear. And you're right, Kadia should be here," Eyrlaina's lips puckered ever so slightly, but it was hardly noticeable, "but since she is not it is a pleasure to meet you, Eavan. I am Jr. Weyrwoman Eyrlaina of Coreanth." The queen rumbled a greeting, right as Eyalen joined them and launched himself at Eavan, grabbing onto her pant leg.

"Hi!" He announced, looking quite dashing as he gazed up at Eavan. Eyrlaina chuckled. "That's Eyalen, my son. Let me know if he bothers you at all." Eyalen frowned over at his mom, clearly perturbed. "I'm not a bother!" The Jr. Weyrwoman winked at Eavan, even as she turned back to the satchels. "Well, since you're here, would you mind helping me with these satchels, dear?" From the moment they'd arrived, Eyrlaina had given herself the duty of getting to know every single person in the Weyr, which was of course no easy feat. Since Eavan was the first person she'd come across, she would pick her brain as they talked. After all, she seemed like a polite, well-mannered girl; probably weyrbred, by the look of her.

"Mom," Eyalen groaned, still holding onto Eavan firmly. "Can't we play first?" Eyrlaina planted her fists on her hips and turns towards her son. "Eyalen, what is the first thing we do when we get to the new Weyr," she asked in a tone that brooked no nonsense. The young boy jutted out his chin stubbornly. "I don't know." The Jr. Weyrwoman continued to watch him silently until, unable to stand it, Eyalen burst out; "Unpack!" "Right." Eyrlaina's features softened. "You can play once we've done that." Eyalen opened his mouth to retort, but a stern glance from Eyrlaina quieted him. "Fine," he muttered. Abruptly, Coreanth lifted her head and cocked it to the side, her eyes whirling intently.

Rusith and her rider are coming. They had just come in from a flight,[/i] Coreanth said, even as she glanced among the Weyr. There are not as many bronze beasts as I was expecting,[/i] the young queen added, clearly disappointed. Eyrlaina shook her head with a deft sigh. They'll probably send in more transfers. They had better.[/i] At that moment, Eyrlaina spotted the form of gold Rusith approaching them from the Hatching Sands, a small woman hobbling at her side. Instantly the Jr. Weyrwoman was studying Kadia, for although she'd read her report and knew of the multiple scars that left her mildly disabled, she wanted to get a read on her.

"Looks like the satchels can wait, dear," she added quietly to Eaven, a friendly smile already on her lips as Kadia finally joined them. As for Coreanth, she met Rusith's gaze squarely, the deep blue and green in her eyes betraying her contentment. Fair skies to you as well, Rusith, though I suppose as fair as they can get in this weather,[/i] she added with a humorous rumble. Yes, we have. It would not be in my rider's nature to arrive out of order,[/i] she added, then glanced towards the Hatching Sands. Have you clutched recently?[/i]

The moment Kadia came to a stop, Eyrlaina gave her the customary salute of respect, noticing her apologetic grin. "My greetings to you, Weyrwoman Kadia," she responded formally, as her hand dropped back to her side. "Yes, I've already met Eavan here," she added and glanced towards the young woman. "I asked her to help with the satchels, if she'd be so kind?" However, the satchels were the last thing on her mind, for Eyrlaina's OCD was on the brink of eruption. First of all, the greeting had been all off; Kadia had meant to be the first to greet her, and then a Candidate sent for to help with the satchels. That in and of itself had set her nerves on end, but she'd done a marvelous job of hiding it. However, to see the Weyrwoman in such disarray, with her hair everywhere...it was almost too much for Eyrlaina to take. Thus, she clasped her hands firmly at her waist, her smile a bit taut. Calm yourself, love.[/i] I know, I know.

[Sher]

Rusith shook her head negatively, even as she looked the new queen over thoughtfully. She liked what she saw, if the slow curling of her tail tips was any indication. Not my clutch,[/color] she answered quietly. The hint of sadness in her voice was masked by her brisk speech, but not completely- and almost wholly for the sake of the eggs rather than for Brinleth. The clutchmother perished. Otherwise, I'd still be fighting the Telgar crosswinds.[/color]

Being saluted made Kadia grit her teeth, as usual, though this time was different in the smile stretching her lips to one side. Rank was all well and good, but so much time was wasted with all the salutes and flowery acknowledgments and, grrr! She couldn't wait to get a good read on Eyrlaina and see how soon she would be able to transfer responsibility to her. If she needed training first, it'd be better to start sooner than later. "Yes, of course." Eavan? That's right. The young woman had been here longer than Kadia, she remembered that much. "You are welcome here," and she gave a similarly proper salute. Not only is it ridiculous to wave your hands at people like this, she fumed silently, it hurts my sharding shoulder.

Rusith was taken aback by the vehemence in the words. I know you'd like to dispense with the formalities, but that might not go over well,[/color] the muddy gold warned. Coreanth, would you like to join me in overlooking the territories Sunset Weyr is responsible for, when you have a moment? After you're free of gear perhaps?[/color] Thus far, she was on good behavior, at least making an effort to be gracious and businesslike in equal portions.

Blissfully unaware of Eyrlaina's fidgeting, Kadia's eyes caught instead on Eyalen. This time she was better at guarding her expression, and the smile didn't look so strained. She squatted to get on an eye level with the boy. "And who might you be, young man?"

[Snow]

A wide smile spread on Eavan’s face. ”The pleasure is all mine Jr. Weyrwoman Eyrlaina and Coreanth. I wouldn’t worry. Weyrwoman Kadia will be here shortly.” She replied and then she had a small child clingy to her leg. ”Well, hello there young one.” She said patting his head in a friendly gesture. Eavan wasn’t the best with children, but she could handle them fairly well. The crèche wasn’t one of her normal chores and not knowing anyone personally with children they were sort of a mystery to her. ”I’m sure he’s no bother at all. I remember what it was like being a weyrbrat.” A mischievous smile on her face as she remembered all the things she did when she was Eyalan’s age.

”I’d be more than happy to help you! Really though, someone should have been keeping an eye out for you. That way drudges could have been ready to take your things to your weyr.” The displeasure in Eavan’s voice was evident. However, it really wasn’t her place, a candidate, to criticize what the rankers of the weyr did or didn’t do. Eavan realized this after the words were already out of her mouth. A hand threw up to her mouth in shock of herself and her eyes widened. She looked at Eyrlaina hoping that the goldrider wouldn’t reprimand her for her imprudence.

With an apologetic look in her eyes she began moving forward to help with the satchels only to find her movement impeded by a still clinging Eyalan. ”Oops..” She said looking down at the boy. A brief exchanged occurred between mother and son, one that Eavan wisely stayed out of. Once the dispute was settled, Eavan went to grab a satchel while still keeping a hold of her pot. She was stopped by Eyrlaina when Kadia came up to them. ”Weyrwoman Kadia.” She greeted the older woman and giving her the proper greeting as well. Respectfully she stood aside as the two goldriders spoke.

[ambigious]

After their hasty introduction, Eyrlaina stood awkwardly in place. Typically it was customary of the Sr. Weyrwoman to ask for transfer papers, or offer to have a meeting to discuss responsibilities, but since Kadia was doing neither of those things the Jr. Weyrwoman was at a loss. It was impossible for her to proceed without her plan thoroughly in mind. Thus, after the salute, Eyrlaina nodded in an amiable manner and turned her attention back to Eavan.

The young woman had a proper sense of respect and etiquette, which pleased Eyrlaina greatly. The Jr. Weyrwoman bobbed her head gently in response to the girl's words, a genuinely warm smile on her otherwise handsome face. Most riders at her old Weyr would say it was a stretch to call Eyrlaina beautiful, yet she definitely had an alluring personality that presented itself in all situations. "Thank you, dear, and may I say it is so refreshing to see a respectful young woman of the Weyr." Eyrlaina added in an aside to Eavan, her smile broadening. When Eyalen was addressed, the Jr. Weyrwoman glanced down at her son expectantly. Living up to expectations, Eyalen glanced up at Eavan, his expression fearless.

"I'm Eyalen," he said, and pointed up at Eyrlaina. "That's my mom, and that's my mom's dragon." Abruptly the young lad glanced back at Eavan, staring wide-eyed. "You're pretty." Eyrlaina chortled at the comment, and stepped forward to take her son's hand as Eavan attempted to step around him. "Let her do her work, sweetie," Eyrlaina said, and pulled him away despite his wordless protests. "Forgive him, but he's going to be quite the charmer," she added with a wink. At the girl's next words, Eyrlaina paused slightly, caught somewhere between agreeing with Eavan and reprimanding her. After a moment's hesitation, the young woman looked apologetic enough that Eyrlaina's anxiety began to lessen. She didn't want to have to scold someone after having just arrived. Still, she supposed it was her place.

"I agree with you, Eavan, but you're right, those are not matters for a Candidate to discuss," Eyrlaina added in that same no-nonsense tone. However, after a moment's hesitation, Eyrlaina laughed in silvery, bell like tones. "Who knows? Maybe you'll Impress a dragon that will give you that responsibility." At that moment she heard Kadia speak and glanced back hopefully, only to see her kneeling next to her son. A barely audible, impatient sigh parted her lips as a frown kneaded her brows together.

"Eyalen!" Eyalen announced proudly, clearly pleased with all of the attention he was receiving. But then the little lad cocked his head to the side and pointed up at Kadia. "What's wrong with your face?" "Eyalen!" Eyrlaina gasped, and rushed forward to place her hands on the boy's chest, pulling him away from the Weyrwoman. "What?" Eyalen shouted, clearly confused, even as he held onto his mother's arms. "Apologize at once!" Eyrlaina glanced up at Kadia quickly, her expression nervous. "I'm so sorry, Kadia..." During their slight exchange, Coreanth had been waiting quietly, sending Eyrlaina thoughts of encouragement and comfort as she navigated her way anxiously through the arrival. But when Rusith brought up the previous clutchmother, a sad color leaked its way into her whirling eyes.

I am very sorry to hear that, Rusith. My condolences. But it's a good thing for this Weyr that you were able to come and help on such short notice,[/i] Coreanth added approvingly as she glanced over at the sr. queen. Ah. I would love to. Once our riders finish greeting each other and remove these straps would be a pleasant time. Tell me, how are the numbers in the wings? Good?[/i] The moment they began talking about responsibilities and duty, Coreanth visibly relaxed. She took her job very seriously, just as her rider, and wanted to make sure that everything was done in a quick and efficient manner.

[Sher]

Kadia, herself uncertain what she was supposed to be doing besides greeting the woman who was starting out as her 'junior,' clasped her hands awkwardly in front of her and shifted her weight from foot to foot in her crouch. Her goldrider lessons were Turns in the past and long forgotten, so it didn't even occur to her that she should officially identify this woman. (There was another gold dragon standing right there, after all.) She wasn't the type to get right to the point, so she didn't bring up an official meeting either. Shards, it was questionable whether it would occur to Rusith to bring it up either- the gold tended to have a better instinct for leadership than Hers, but dragons communicated much more effectively than their human counterparts; the logic behind such a meeting most likely escaped her.

Kadia was a bit flabbergasted when her face was mentioned, and lost her balance, sitting down hard on her fluffy rump with eyes as wide as they could go. In the process her sweater pulled tight around her chubby midriff, but she didn't notice. "My... face...?" she said weakly, a blush rising as she lifted a hand and touched the disfigurements. Then the other hand came up to hide her face from view as Eyalen was summarily scolded. It was hard to remember, sometimes, that other people no longer saw the physical Kadia that she still recalled looking back at her from a mirror. She'd never been perfect, but she was damaged goods now. Pull yourself together, she told herself. Where's your discipline? The goldrider put her hands down into her lap, but didn't rise yet. "It's okay, Eyrlaina. I... don't mind talking about it. I was very sick for a while, young man," she told him gravely, trying not to shame herself further by making it obvious how painful the innocent inquiry had been.

Rusith was either studiously ignoring her rider's inner turmoil, or had decided to plow ahead with the conversation with Coreanth. I have to be honest. Even with few casualties from the first season of Threadfalls, we're not in a good position. Wings here are at half size and there aren't enough of them to properly cover the areas we're responsible for...[/color]

Now Kadia felt a little foolish for sitting there on the cold ground, and heaved herself upright with a bit of grunting before finishing the brief explanation to Eyalen. "I was unconscious for two days. When I woke up, this is what I looked like." She shrugged with one shoulder, glanced away to hide her discomfort.

A good half of the younger dragons were hatched right here, Rusith went on, so they don't even know what a full Weyr is supposed to be like. At this rate we'll need more transfers- assuming we could get any more this close to spring![/color] By the end of her account her self-inflicted frustration was evident in the twitching of hide over her flank, the wrinkled snout, and of course the swirl in her eyes. She loved Kadia, and felt that they complemented one another in their differences and similarities. The aging gold just had the innate focus that Hers lacked in any quantity.

Time to change the subject- something Kadia was almost pathetically desperate to do, as evidenced by her fidgeting with her belt pouch. "So, uhh, Eyrlaina... do you know anybody here at all- from before today, I mean?"

[Snow]

Eavan couldn’t help but beam with pride at being called a ‘respectful young woman’. She tried so hard to be respectful, mature, helpful, and all around an asset to the weyr. To have a Goldrider compliment her on her manners was a boon. Eyalen then called her pretty, which just about melted Eavan’s heart. Just because she wasn’t good with children didn’t mean she didn’t find them absolutely adorable at times. ”Why thank you, young man. You’re quite handsome yourself. I’m sure he’ll have all the girls of the crèche hanging off his every word before too long.” She replied giving Eyrlaina a wink back.

She still couldn’t believe she had been so brash with her words. Here she thought she’d learned to think before she spoke. ”Oh, don’t I just know it, Jr. Weyrwoman. Please forgive my sharp tongue. I’m afraid I have some of my father’s habits.” She said a sigh of relief in her voice as she slung one satchel over her shoulder. A hopeful look crossed her face for only the briefest of moments. ”I promise if I were so lucky I would never treat that responsibility lightly.”

Eavan would be thrilled to impress any dragon at this point. Like most girls, though, the thought of impresses a gold was a pleasant one. Of course, she would love whatever dragon chose her. Eyalen then said something that totally took the new weyrwoman’s attention. Eavan figured it wasn’t her place to get involved in the goldriders’ conversation and so set about to gather as many of Eyrlaina’s satchels as she could with only one hand. She would have to find time to get her egg to the barracks as soon as possible.

(it's a little short, but eh)

[ambigious]

As the seconds ticked by and Kadia continued to remain silent, Eyrlaina's body slowly but surely began to tense. This included the muscles in her chest, which started to constrict her throat, making it almost difficult to breathe. Immediately aware that she was about to launch into a full blown anxiety attack, Eyrlaina reached out instinctively to Coreanth, who was already a firm presence in her mind. Calm yourself, love,[/i] the dragon told her rider soothingly. They should have known we were coming, but it seems that this Weyr is much more relaxed than our old Weyr. It's something we'll have to adjust to.[/i] But, the lack of formality, the lack of duty, Eyrlaina spluttered mentally, her face still smiling if a bit pinched. It's-

I know,[/i] Coreanth hut her off smoothly, her tone gentle. But we've only just arrived. You know there are steps we must take before we can enact change...[/i] That immediately calmed Eyrlaina. Yes, they needed a plan. That she could do. The muscles in Eyrlaina's body relaxed until she felt more at ease, and her breathe came out much easier. Unaware that she had been clinging onto her son's bony shoulders, Eyrlaina blinked down at him in surprise as he tried to struggle his way out of her grasp. "Mom!" Eyalen hissed quietly, glaring up at his mom. "The pretty girl is talking to me!" But the moment had already passed, although Eyalen continued to stare up at Eavan, his eyes as wide as saucers. Chuckling at his youthful naivety, Eyrlaina focused once more on Eavan, having missed Kadia's fall.

"Yes, he will, Faranth help us," she responded, her smile becoming more affectionate and less strained. "But he knows how to treat women respectfully, right?" After a prod from his mother, Eyalen nodded his head, chin set resolutely. "That's my boy." When Eavan spoke of responsibility, Eyrlaina merely nodded, although her expressive eyes betrayed her pleasure at the word. "I'm sure you will, dear. Now, Eyalen," she added quietly as Eavan walked over to Coreanth, "why don't you help Eavan unload the satchels?" Without another word, Eyalen tore off towards Coreanth, calling out to Eavan as he ran. Once that was taken care of, Eyrlaina nodded resolutely, turned, and gasped upon finding Kadia on the ground.

"Weyrwoman Kadia-" Eyrlaina gasped, hastening forward to assist the other woman. However, at that exact moment Kadia regained her composure and rose, so Eyrlaina stopped midstride, still hovering. She wanted to make sure Kadia had fully regained herself before turning back. "I'll let him know," she said, for Eyalen had already forgotten and rushed off after Eavan. But then, finally! Kadia turned and focused on Eyrlaina. Subconsciously, the tall woman straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin as if she was being expected. Finally, something would - the words that came out of Kadia's mouth stunned Eyrlaina. For a moment she wasn't quite sure how to respond, and an awkward silence passed between them. Finally, Eyrlaina sighed deeply. "I'm afraid not," she responded quietly, hands once more balled into anxious knots at her waist. "But I look forward to getting to know everyone." Another silence. "Do you...will there be a Hatching Feast? That's always a pleasant way to meet people in the Weyr."

As Eavan approached to remove the satchels, Coreanth turned her wedge shaped head towards the girl, studying her gravely. Although she didn't speak, when Eavan was close enough Coreanth dipped one of her shoulders to allow her to dismantle some of the satchels. Some were admittedly heavier than others. That's...troubling,[/i] Coreanth admitted, her mind instantly searching for solutions. Have you sent out requests for transfers? The northern weyrs are profiting and should be able to send over able dragons and riders. Ah, I see your point... she added at Rusith's concern. I still think we should call for transfers. There are far more queens in the North than there are here, so they should be able to spare a few seasoned dragons. Also, now that I am here,[/i] and Coreanth couldn't help the note of proprietary pride that crept into her voice, we both will help repopulate the Weyr.[/i] As the dragons conversed, Eyalen followed Eavan around, gazing up at her. "Are you going to get a dragon? Do you want a dragon? Mom says that if I work hard, I'll get a dragon," he added proudly, and pointed one broad thumb at his chest.

[Sher]

Rusith almost missed Eavan's remark about not treating responsibility lightly. The older gold peered down at the candidate, considering her between snatches of conversation. Like the rest of them, the striking young woman merited a close eye in the coming days.

Something wasn't completely right with the clutch, but the gold pragmatically stifled her urge to discuss it straightaway. Coreanth had hardly arrived; Theirs were still talking. And like it or not, if the entire clutch somehow failed to survive Hatching, life would go on. The eggs could wait until their proper time. She felt compelled to poke a little at Kadia, being in this moment more perceptive about the younger goldrider's uneasiness. Toss the manners, and think about their expectations,[/color][/i] she prompted privately.

What do you mea- ohhhh... Much belatedly, Kadia drew herself up to her full abnormal height, chagrined and more than slightly embarrassed. As constant as worry had been for her with the Hatching looming, she hadn't made any arrangements. "Yes, there will be a Hatching Feast; I hadn't even thought about planning it yet." Openly admitting that made color rise in her cheeks. At least she knew how Telgar had prepared for a Hatching when the time came close, slaughtering a beast per day regardless of human needs. The dragons would always come first, and having that head start on the butchering meant that the feed buckets would be filled more rapidly. Or that the cooks would have a head start on each day's work; whichever. The feast itself was a foreign concept. She'd never arranged anything of the sort. Wasn't that the headwoman's job?

Rusith had turned her attention back to the other gold, much more relaxed in her presence, regardless of hardly being acquainted yet. Her first impression was that the longer, more slender gold was at least sensible. Yes, though it's possible the other Weyrs need a reminder. The request has been open as long as Sunset has, for every color but our own.[/color] A wry humor filled the words, though there was an undertone of disquiet. I think Brinleth believed she could populate the Weyr just fine on her own. I, for one, am delighted you have come. She paused, then bespoke the next words on a narrow, private band of thought so Hers would not overhear. Please forgive Mine. We had always been juniors at Telgar, and she is struggling. She does try, but she is only human. Not that dragons were less prone to negative traits!

Kadia, on seeing Eavan taking up some of the luggage, hobbled forward impulsively to take one and lighten the candidate's load. Her heart was in the right place, she just lacked anything approaching the right qualities for real leadership, and falling back from her unwanted rank was second nature after a lifetime of practice being just one junior goldrider among several- the least of those, at that. She was already seeing Eyrlaina in her mind as a way out of the responsibilities that had fallen on her ill-prepared shoulders when she'd come here. "Would you like to pick one of the queens' weyrs before we settle down to discussing responsibilities and such?" She glanced at Eavan from the corner of her eye. It might be easier to talk if there were fewer witnesses to her... shall we say... lack of experience.

[Snow]

Eavan gave another courteous nod to Erylaina before she headed towards the queen. Eyalen following right next to her was quite the cute little thing. Privately, she thought the boy was going to liven things up around the weyr. Coreanth, however, was what was taken up her entire vision at the moment. The gold was beautiful and looked every bit the way a gold should look. Not that Rusith didn’t look like a queen, but there was a difference in age.

Eavan could tell the gold was studying her so she tried to her best to walk straight and proudly. The gold lowered a shoulder for her to take off more of the satchels. It was hard to do with the egg pot in her hand. ”Eyalen, could you do me a favor, please? Could you hold this pot for me while I remove the satchels from Coreanth? It holds something very, very fragile so you’ll have to be careful with it.” She asked the young boy holding the pot out for him to take.

With two hands free it was much easier to untie the bundles and bring them down easily to the ground. Eyalen was asking questions amazingly fast now and Eavan was doing her best to listen to them. ”Well, I don’t know if a dragon will choose me. I certainly hope one does for I do very much want one. The Hatching won’t be much longer away.” His last statement made her giggle slightly. ”Your mom is right. If you work hard and do your part for the weyr then you very well might get a dragon. However, there isn’t really any known facts on what a particular dragon looks for in a partner. There isn’t anything wrong with keeping your hopes up.”

Kadia came up then and offered to take one of the satchels that were in her hand. ”Thank you, Weyrwoman.” Eavan said with a nod of her head. She could have protested that she didn’t need help, or that carrying satchels was far below a goldrider’s rank, but she knew better. Sometimes doing such small jobs made a person feel good and helpful, at least they made her feel good so she didn’t want to deprive anyone of those feelings.

[ambigious]

As the conversation lengthened, Eyrlaina abandoned the numbers that she had been chanting in her head and began to plan. First, she would need to settle into the Weyr and begin meeting people. Perhaps Kadia would let her bring a Harper for a night of entertainment and dancing? Eyrlaina quickly calculated how much that would cost, if she had the money available, and when a good time to do that would be. Although hatching feasts were also quite sociable, she felt it prudent to make an appearance before such a momentous occasion. After that, she would need to look over the wings and see how they performed, if there needed to be any changes to the formations. And then-

Why don't we just get through the day,[/i] Coreanth interrupted her easily, her tone soft and soothing. At the moment, however, Eyrlaina could not be soothed. You know I trust you, dear, but this place is in a shambles. I can already tell that Kadia, as sweet as she seems, doesn't really like the idea of leading. Someone has to do it. Yes, but right now Rusith is the Sr. Queen, and therefore Kadia is the Weyrwoman.[/i] As much as Coreanth loved planning and being in control, she was also very loyal to the hierarchy of the Weyr, as was innate in most dragons. Since Rusith was her senior in age and experience, Coreanth would not assume a leadership position without some sort of transfer of responsibilities. An impatient sigh parted Eyrlaina's lips, but she caught herself and merely brushed a hand over her blonde braid. Very well. But I'm still going to see the wings train, she added obstinately, to which Coreanth snorted.

The frown disappeared from Eyrlaina's brow at Kadia's comment, and she nodded gently. "I understand. It's tough to run an entire Weyr by yourself. But that's why I'm here," she added in helpfully, still smiling, "so if there's anything you need me to do, let me know." Somehow, in the brief span of time that Eyrlaina had conversed with Coreanth, a change had occurred in the woman. She no longer waited for Kadia's permission to leave, as was customary, nor did she expect to be asked for papers. It was obvious to her that the other woman was uncomfortable, so Eyrlaina took matters into her own hands, as the control freak in her was apt to do. "Yes, that would be a good idea. I'll be right back. Coreanth will let you know which Weyr I've picked," she added before she turned and strode smartly towards the Weyr.

As for Eyalen, the small boy looked wide-eyes as Eavan handed him the pot. "Sure!" Although Eyalen looked eager to please, he couldn't help but frown at the weight of the pot. "You said it's fragile, but it's so heavy," the boy grunted, "what's in it? Money?" A twinkle ignited in the boys eyes and, unable to contain himself, he stuck his hand into the pot -- only to feel sand burrow through his fingers. He immediately retracted his hand with a small shout of surprise, feeling the grit on his fingertips. "It's just sand!" he exclaimed, clearly surprised. "Why do you have sand in a jar? Do you collect it?" But then Eavan answered his comment about dragons, and the sand vanished from his mind. "I'm sure it'll choose you," Eyalen said confidently, "because you're pretty." That seemed justification enough for the small lad. "Oh, I'll definitely work hard! But there are some riders who don't work at all." This seemed to confuse the boy, for her frowned. "Why-" before he could finish, Kadia hobbled up, and Eyalen fell silent.

For a moment the small boy stared at Kadia's face once more but, remembering his manners, quickly glanced away. "You're pretty too," Eyalen said to Kadia in way of apology, scuffing at the snow lightly with his boot. At that moment Coreanth tilted her head, then glanced down at the trio, broadcasting her thoughts for all to hear. Eyrlaina has picked a Weyr. It's on the second level,[/i] she added and then broadcast an image of where the Weyr was located. As the image appeared, Eyrlaina could be seen walking back down the stairs of the Weyrbowl to join them and help carry up her satchels.