Honor and Consequence

Writers: AL, Heather
Date Posted: 2nd March 2025

Characters: Saibra, Vadira, Vadimir
Description: Saibra is called to an unexpected meeting with Vadimir and Vadira
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 3, day 18 of Turn 12
Notes: Mentioned: Ki'ben

Saibra

}:Where are we going today?:{ Chioneth asked as she stood on her ledge, crouched so that her rider could climb to her neckridge.

**Shadow Mountain,** the holder there has requested a meeting. Saibra had tried to defer the man to Zathris, since Shadow Mountain was beholden to Amber Hills, but he had insisted that this was a Weyr matter. The letter had also said that it had to be Saibra who attended.

Her curiosity was piqued at least. Some part of her knew that she should probably take an escort, especially after the events of Barrier Lake, but taking the time to find someone or carry along a weyrguard seemed cumbersome.

}:I will shred bodies apart if one person touches you.:{ Chioneth vowed and Saibra believed her.

--

The weather in Shadow Mountain was even more arid than Dragonsfall and the wind bit at the exposed areas of her cheeks as Chioneth brought them in for a landing.

“Well met, Weyrwoman,” an attendant said, appearing at Chioneth’s side. To the man’s credit, he didn’t start running when Chioneth growled, but his eyes did widen in fear.

Saibra slid down from her lifemate’s neckridge. Removing her helmet and goggles, she shook out her long onyx braid, letting it fall over her shoulder.

“You as well,” she said, smiling to the man, who then turned and led her into the warmth of the main building

When they arrived in a wood-paneled parlor, Saibra was met by a middle-aged man and a young woman she judged to be near Ki’ben in age.

When the Weyrwoman appeared, the girl in question fiddled her hands together nervously and shot a quick glance to her father. She was a lovely petite figure, ebony hair framed a sweetly oval face of warm brown, well shaped nose and full lips, though they were turned down in a fretting frown. Standing next to her, there was no doubt the man was her father, Vadimir, his skin bearing the same hue, but with rougher features, a wider face, and thick, black eyebrows in contrast to her naturally sculpted ones.

Not one to forgo decorum, the man politely acknowledged the visitor with a half bow, though trouble brewed over his face. “Thank you for coming, Weyrwoman. I apologise for insisting that you come, but considering the nature of the situation, it was best I meet you with you personally.”

“Of course. What is the situation?” Saibra asked as she inclined her head to both the man and the daughter by his side. She could feel the tension between them and wondered what situation she was about to get into.

“It seems that one of your bronzeriders has not only falsely led my daughter to believe that he has feelings for her, but has also defiled her.” The face, which had been stern and stoic shifted, anger shifting the shadows over his visage. One hand which hooked on a belt upon his waist clenched tightly, as did the jaw that worked for a moment before he continued. “And when he found that she was with child, he chose to abandon her.”

Saibra’s eyes flashed over to the girl in question before settling once more on the visibly angry father. “I see. What is it you would have me do to make amends?” She knew enough about hold life to know that if the errant young male had been a holder, a forced marriage would have been asked for - if only to save the girl’s future. That clearly wouldn’t be an option here.

She was also reserving true judgment. Just because a girl claimed a bronzerider had seduced her, didn’t mean it had actually happened. She could be covering for her holdborn lover. Blaming an invisible enemy at the Weyr would be convenient.

Vadimir didn’t even glance down at his daughter. He knew the options before him, and of them, he suspected only one would be amenable. “Either help me find a husband for her who will take a soiled woman, pay me the equivalent of her dowry, or take her under your care and make her your responsibility.” He did not ask for anything more than what was owed, and the Weyr needed to take responsibility.

Saibra held up a hand. “You’ve not yet told me which bronzerider your daughter is accusing. I will, of course, need time to question him and verify that he is indeed the father.” Her eyes swung back to the young woman, waiting for a name to be provided.

Briefly, Vadimir glanced at his daughter, recalling what she had told him. He had little interaction with riders save for rare occasions. With this particular one, he’d had no business - until now. “She says his name is Ki’ben, rider to bronze Setoth.”

The name cut through her so quickly that Chioneth raised a questioning trumpet out on the heights.

“I would like to hear from your daughter, Lord Vadimir.” Her blue eyes once again landed on the lovely young woman. “What’s your name dear? And how did you become acquainted with Bronzerider Ki’ben?”

Twisting her skirt in her hands, Vadira glanced at her father who, though stiff and grim, nodded at her to answer. “He…I…we…” She fiddled with the fabric, took a breath, then found her words. “We met at the Amber Hills Gather. And…when I returned here, he came to visit me. That was at Turn’s End…”

Saibra studied every minute detail of the girl as she spoke. Considered every word that was spoken.

“I see,” she said. Her eyes went back to Vadimir. “I will speak with Bronzerider Ki’ben. If he is the father, I will bring Vadira to the Weyr and make sure she and the child are well taken care of. Would that be satisfactory?”

“He will deny it.” Vadimir’s voice seethed with distaste as he spoke those words. “He accused her of being with other men. While my daughter has made some questionable choices, I know she would not lie about this.”

At that, Vadira’s eyes lifted, and though they shone with unshed tears, her gaze did not waver. “I swear, I’ve been with no one else. I don’t care a whit about the gold egg or anything, I just…”

“Hold your tongue!” Vadimir snapped at his daughter. Immediately, Vadira’s eyes dropped, her hands still wringing her skirt.

Saibra stood, an indication that she considered the meeting to be over. “He will not lie to his Weyrwoman, I can guarantee that, Lord Vadimir.” There was a flash of something else in her eyes as well at the way the man spoke to his daughter. She didn’t like it, but it wasn’t her business either. “I will send word to you by the end of the day.”

“Thank you Weyrwoman.” The Holder nodded curtly and stepped forward to escort her out. As the two left, one remained behind, a young woman, her hands wringing together, tears streaming down her face. The future had once been bright, but now, all she knew was uncertainty.

Last updated on the March 5th 2025

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Honor and Consequence