Some Advice

Writers: Avery, Yvonne
Date Posted: 18th July 2015

Characters: Riveenata, F'lin
Description: F'lin goes to Riveenata for advice.
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 13, day 26 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Lanniya, D'lorn

"...so then D'lorn asks me if I'd sleep with her before Anaeryth rises.
If she hasn't found anyone and if she wants to," F'lin added quickly. "I
said yes, but I don't know... she's fifteen." The bronzerider sighed and
tossed another pebble into the ocean. It still felt uncomfortable,
especially after he'd actually met Lanniya.

Riveenata considered the situation. She could certainly see D'lorn's
logic. "It's not a terrible thought. You're not that much older than
her, and I know you'd be careful. Will she still be fifteen when she's
done with weyrlinghood and her queen rises?"

"No idea." He stared at the waves and hoped for inspiration. "And I
don't think that really matters. Anaerth will rise when she's ready.
When they're both ready. Ready-ish."

"I think you don't have to worry about it right this second," she said
comfortingly.

"Maybe." He sighed. "It just feels... I don't know. Am I being Holderish
again?" After all, pre-flight liaisons were encouraged at the Weyr. They
were a safety measure to help ease the girls who rode green - and gold -
into the inevitable mating flights. And those pre-flight liaisons had to
involve at least two people.

"Maybe a little," she said honestly. "Think of it this way. Someone's
going to do it, and it's better for someone who knows what he's doing to
do it and someone who isn't going to be a jerk about it. I bet there's a
few other young bronzers sniffing around hoping they'll be her first so
Anaeryth likes their dragons."

F'lin grimaced. "I won't lie. The thought had crossed my mind."

"But that's not the only reason you're agreeing?"

He hesitated. "When D'lorn asked me... it factored in. I mean, I know
all the reasons why someone has to be her first, and why it's good to
have a roster of eligible people to choose from. And it sounds awful but
you're right, there are worse people out there." F'lin smiled, a little
ruefully. "I just wonder if she knew... maybe I _am_ the someone worse."

"The fact that you're worried about doing it means you're not that
person," she told him firmly. "If you think it's weird and manipulative,
that means you know it could be weird or creepy. Imagine being the guy
who thinks it's a great idea and never stops to worry."

F'lin shrugged and began sorting through stones on the beach, looking
for a good one to skip. "I just wonder what she'll think of it. That
part of weyrlinghood is so much easier for male riders than the women.
Have you met Lanniya?"

"I sure did. She introduced herself to Savith. She's nice." Riven huffed
a sigh. "I guess I should get used to working with her, since I'm gonna
be in the queen's wing."

"Really? Congratulations." The bronzerider sat back and put an arm
around Riven's shoulders, giving her a quick squeeze. "I didn't know you
knew your Wing assignment already."

"I overheard it this morning," she confessed. "I was dropping in to ask
a question and I saw them making final notes. I guess we're being tapped
soon. Maybe even tonight."

"That's exciting!" He felt a brief pang that she wasn't in his Wing, but
it was probably for the best. "Think you'll want a party on the beach
this restday to celebrate?"

She sighed. "I feel a little like I'm not good enough. I know the
Queen's Wing is important, but it just doesn't feel as exciting as a
full wing."

"You're kidding me, right?" F'lin gave her a look as if she'd suddenly
grown a second head. "You'll be catching everyone who gets 'Scored and
taking them back to the Weyr. I can't think of a better place for a Healer."

When he put it that way, it sounded more glamorous. "You know how to
phrase it to make a girl sound like a hero," she teased.

"Well, sure. How else would any girl ever pay attention to me?" he shot
back.

She laughed. Then she remembered his earlier suggestion. "I think we
would like a party."

"If you ask nicely, I'm sure that I can find a bottle or two of whiskey
in the Lower Caverns...?"

She grinned, shifting towards him. "Define nicely."

"I'll see what I can do." F'lin paused. "Oh... and don't mention any of
this to Lanniya, all right?"

"Trust me, I wouldn't dream of it. It's all safe with me."

Last updated on the August 6th 2015

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

Some Advice