A Gleam of Gold

Writers: Emma, Yvonne
Date Posted: 10th August 2007

Characters: Tsaera, K'sedel
Description: Tsaera and K'sedel celebrate the gleam of gold in Vilarth's Clutch.
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 5, day 6 of Turn 4

K'sedel

"A gold egg. I cannot believe it!" Tsaera was grinning from ear to ear as she lounged on K'sedel's couch, one leg thrown comfortably over the arm. It was a pose that was very unlike her, but the Weyrwoman happened to be slightly drunk that evening - which was also unlike her. It was a third in a series of celebratory drinks, and even though beer in her hand was warm it tasted like honey. "Lenala must feel as if she's flown around the moons... although I'm sure that Vilarth will keep her dancing in closer attendance than usual, which might take some of the pleasure out of it."

"I bet she will," replied K'sedel as he poured himself some more beer. "It's almost like they knew they had to make up for last time and try to out do themselves." He took a sip from the drink. "There seem to be plenty of likely girls here, and Dragonsfall wanted to send some of their older girls as well."

"Yes, I know. I got my mail this morning too," Tsaera said dryly. "I don't have a problem with it. The more female candidates we have, the better."

"You know my son and his green searched U'das' niece?" K'sedel continued without waiting for an acknowledgement. "I'd wager a few marks he'll be taking bets on her Impression."

"Really? Well, dragonriding does run in families. It wouldn't surprise me if she Impressed, either. Maybe I can earn a mark or two off of it."

"And every girl in our area will be clamoring to come here."

"Very true. But it is a large clutch, and a few more women as greenriders won't hurt."

"No, it won't hurt at all. Although sometimes I wish their families saw it that way." Since the plague, some holders seemed to think that they needed to marry off their daughters to create useful alliances, not have them go to the Weyr and risk their reputations. However, that all changed if the girl Impressed a gold.

Tsaera sipped her beer. "I had a man in the other day, complaining that our Searchriders stole girls from his Hold. It never changes, does it."

"Unless their darling daughter Impresses the gold of course, then they can't do enough for us."

The Weyrwoman snorted like a runner. "I hate the hypocrisy. I sort of hoped that it would change with Thread, but it didn't. Anyway, I suppose I'll have to go talk to Daynar about another Flamethrower.
And extend an invitation to the Hatching too, I suppose..."

"Lord Ishek as well, he'll need to be invited. And any important people from the areas that the Dragonsfall girls come from."

"I know." Tsaera bit her lip for a moment, thinking, then deliberately pushed planning aside. There would be time for that later. "Anyway, I'm glad that we have a healthy clutch this time around. Tabanirth and I are getting older and just can't produce enough eggs to fully support the Weyr. I was a little worried after Lenala's last flight, but she seems to have regained control over herself."

"Which is good, because she'll need to help you in setting an example to the weyrling goldrider, whoever she may be."

"Mmmm." There was only so much of an example one could set, though, depending on the girl's temperament and natural ambitions. Tsaera had seen more than her share of goldriders in her day, and the problem with goldriders was that they could be anyone. She and Lenala, for example, were as alike as night and day, and that wasn't taking into account the difference in their ages. "Well, it's still exciting. Oh shards... I'll have to get someone to guard the doors, too, to keep too many weyrbrats from sneaking in for a peek. Vilarth won't like getting spied on."

"Perhaps we'll have to remind all the candidates and weyrbrats that the eggs are out of bounds until Lenala and Vilarth say otherwise." "I'll do that anyway." The Weyrwoman stifled a yawn. "But I think that I've had too much excitement for one day, and that the beer's catching up to me. I'd best be off to bed. Goodnight, K'sedel."

"Goodnight Tsaera," he said rising to his feet to see her out.

Last updated on the August 11th 2007

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A Gleam of Gold