Vanity

Writers: Yvonne
Date Posted: 21st April 2026

Characters: Oselle, H'run
Description: H'run realizes that Turnover is coming up and goes to Oselle for help.
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 13, day 7 of Turn 12

H'run

"Headwoman Oselle?" H'run stuck his head into the Headwoman's office with a smile as bright as the summer sunshine outside.

She sighed, the sum she'd been totally fleeing /between/ at the interruption. She'd have to start at the top of the column again. Nevertheless she put a pleasant smile on her face as she waved the bluerider in. "Wingrider H'run. What brings you here today?"

"Thank you." H'run tossed his hair over his shoulders and gave her what he hoped was a dazzling smile as he slid into the chair across from her desk. "I do hope that this isn't an inconvenient time?"

"Not at all," she lied.

"Ah. Good." The silence stretched. H'run smiled again and found his place in the script he'd rehearsed. One had to rehearse for awkward conversations. "I, ah, regret to say that I have been a little hasty with... decluttering my weyr."

Oselle set down her pen. "Oh?

"The, ah... well, the upcoming Turnover celebrations made me realize that I was perhaps a smidgen too hasty when I got rid of my Gather best," he admitted sheepishly. "Turnover is two whole days long and I simply can't wear the same thing to a midnight picnic by the lake as a stargazing party, and the boots I kept only really go with my fur coat, and wearing fur to a bonfire means that I'll smell like burning _forever_ and it will probably be too warm out for fur anyway. And what if I am asked to attend a party at Dolphin Cove, or to perform!?"

She nodded as if his predicament was the most ordinary thing in the world. Of course all dragonmen had multiple coats and fancy boots. "I see."

H'run realized that the dratted woman was going to make him say it. "I... ah, was hoping that some of my things were still in storage?"

Oselle let the moment stretch as she pretended to recall what she'd done with the bluerider's massive closet of clothing. "You know... I don't think we've had time yet to sort your things into the general storerooms."

H'run sagged in relief. "Oh thank Faranth."

"What exactly did you want?"

"I made a list." The bluerider pulled a sheet of paper from his pocket and handed it to the Headwoman. "Just a few small items..."

Oselle picked up the paper and squinted at it. The light was good and strong in her office but the bluerider had written in lavender ink, of all things. Where on Pern had he gotten lavender ink!? There had to be at least twenty items on his list, starting with 'dark blue trousers that make my rear look phenomenal' and ending with 'boots with the heels'. "I see."

"Or... I suppose if you tell me where my things are, I could look for myself?" H'run asked hopefully.

The Headwoman sighed and set down the list. "I suppose that I can allow it. I'll send someone to your weyr tomorrow after your afternoon drills are over, and they can escort you."

"You are a wonderful woman!" H'run leaped to his feet so that he could execute his most flamboyant bow. "I would be simply _lost_ if you'd already disbursed my things." And ready to commit fisticuffs if someone dared show up at Turnover in _his_ clothing.

She hid a smile. "Will that be all, Wingrider?"

H'run knew a dismissal when he heard one. "Thank you again, Headwoman. I'll be ready to meet with that drudge tomorrow, and I promise I won't be late!"

She watched him go, shaking her head at the folly of vain men as she returned to her sums.

Last updated on the May 1st 2026

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Vanity