An Open Door, An Open Book

Writers: Francesca, Halyonix
Date Posted: 2nd June 2024

Characters: V'dryn, J'nic
Description: J'nic interviews Videryn
Location: Barrier Lake Weyr
Date: month 11, day 4 of Turn 11
Notes: Mentioned: Arlin, Jayzine

J'nic

J'nic took the stairs up to the third floor, heading to the now
familiar office space he used to chat with Candidates. In his first
sevendays, he had managed to speak with all the Candidates. However,
there were always new ones arriving.

He liked to give them a few sevendays to at least begin getting used
to life at the Weyr. However, from what he understood about today's
Candidate, he had already been working at the Weyrhold when he was
Searched.

When J'nic arrived at the office door, a young man was already there
waiting. The greenrider was glad he had taken the stairs slowly, so he
wasn't out of breath. "Hello, I'm Weyrlingmaster Third J'nic," he said
with a smile. "Are you Videryn?"

The youth that answered him possessed a composure that spoke of mental
agility, a personality ready to flow like water through any situation.
"I am," Videryn replied evenly, eloquently. "You must be J'nic,
Raileth's rider." There was a polite nod that accompanied that
statement, acknowledging the dragonrider's rank.

J'nic smiled at the composed young man. "Come on in." He opened the
door and entered the office. There was a round table with three chairs
and he sat in the one farthest from the door. "So, it sounds like you
came to the Weyrhold when it was under construction and then were
Searched?"

"Correct," Videryn confirmed. "I'm rather glad it happened. I've been
enjoying seeing Barrier Lake come to life, as it were. Even though I
haven't done much of the labor, I feel as though I've built it. I'm
hoping to stay on." Hopefully as a dragonrider but that was up to a
dragon to decide.

J'nic was finding it difficult to get a read of Videryn. The young man
was so put together. "Well, you're certainly welcome to stay as long
as you'd like. I am curious though, why become a Candidate? You don't
need to be one to stay here."

And there it was. Despite the aura of assurance, there was a ripple of
uncertainty, a lack of confidence because of a lack of purpose that
passed through Videryn's eyes and posture. "If I may be...frank, sir,
there is a bit of a selfish reason behind that." Without going into
terribly sordid details, Videryn outlined how his Steward father
expected Videryn to follow in his footsteps, training him in all
aspects of the job, and yet failing to realize that while Videryn was
good at those things, it was not what he wanted to do with his life.
"So, I came to Barrier Lake for two reasons: one, as an excuse, a very
viable excuse, mind you because I am learning valuable skills here.
But two, because I was hoping that I could...stay. In some form."

It was good to see Videryn open up a bit. "Well, it sounds like the
Weyr is a good place for you. As long as you complete your duties and
treat others well, you can live your life however you'd like here.
You're not the only Candidate who doesn't want to just do what's
expected of them." He remembered his conversation with Arlin, who said
he wasn't interested in a wife and children.

Given Videryn's background, J'nic wondered if the Weyr was making full
use of his abilities. "Are there aspects of the work you were trained
to do that you enjoy? You could consider apprenticing to a craft, or
making sure the Headwoman knows of your background, so she can give
you more specialized chores."

The young man tilted his head to the side thoughtfully. His long
fingers tapped lightly on his legs. "A craft is something that I've
considered, yes. I was thinking that Harper would be most appropriate,
given my background." He held up his hands, showing how they lacked
the callouses and nicks of physical labor, smiling ruefully. "There
are not many crafts that are suited for the mind," he said. "But
speaking to the Headwoman -- perhaps that's a better avenue to pursue
for now. At least, until I decide what I'll be doing in the future. Or
have it decided for me."

It was good to see him considering options. "That sounds good. You can
always change your mind in the future," he confirmed. "Are there any
aspects of potentially becoming a dragonrider that concern you? Or
that you have questions about?"

"Aside from Thread, no," Videryn answered. "I've never been one to
label myself courageous but I do understand duty and, as the harpers
say, 'dragonmen must fly when Thread is in the sky,' so I will cross
that bridge when I get there." He canted his head to the other side as
another thought struck him. "Though, if I may be so bold to ask about
mating flights and one's...awareness during one." Videryn wasn't a
prude about sex but he was curious how a rider's link to their dragon
affected that.

"Good question," the greenrider said encouragingly. "Well, there are
obviously some differences between how greenriders and riders of male
dragons experience a flight. However, at the very beginning, there's
still some separation between rider and dragon. But, pretty quickly,
the rider surrenders themself to their dragon and lets them take the
lead. Over Turns, it becomes a bit easier to attempt to influence your
dragon a bit; if there's someone I don't want to win the flight,
Raileth will usually listen to me. Once the mating flight is over is
when you come fully back to yourself. You usually just remember bits
and pieces of what happened between you and the other rider." He
stopped, not sure if he had fully answered Videryn's question. "Is
there an aspect of mating flights you want to know more about?"

The concept of _not_ being in control might have bothered some
Candidates. But for Videryn, coming from a life of control and
expectations, being able to release that restraint, even if for that
short amount of time, was something that he was searching for. "No,
sir, that answered my question adequately, thank you," he answered. "I
will be certain to get in some practice beforehand, as the
Weyrlingmaster advised. Coming from the Hold, I understand
our...delicate sensibilities." His expression though was a joking
smile.

"I know weyrlife can take some getting used to. I'm glad you seem open
to it though." J'nic appreciated that Videryn did seem to understand
that life at the Weyr would be different from what he had grown up
with and seemed willing to adapt. It perhaps boded well for his
chances on the Sands. "Well, it sounds like you're settling into
Candidate life. Anything I can help with at this point?"

Videryn shook his head. "No. I thank you for your time, though. This
has helped me learn a bit more and if I think of anything else to ask,
I trust your door is open?"

"Always."

Last updated on the June 7th 2024

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An Open Door, An Open Book