What your duties will be
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Emma, Jane
Date Posted: 6th October 2007
Characters: K'reyel, Jh'slaen
Description: K'reyel briefs Jh'slaen about what to do on the day of the hatching
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 6, day 1 of Turn 4
Evening. Thread had fallen in the middle of the day; he and Saradath had flown. In the greenrider's opinion his time ought to be his own by now, but here he was, reporting to the wingsecond for some unknown reason.
Though perhaps an unknown reason was a blessing. The reasons he knew about were invariably things he'd said - or not said - and the resulting interview was never pleasant.
"Good evening, sir," he said cautiously as he arrived at the open door of the room.
"Take a seat Jh'salen, this won't take long." The Wingsecond's tone was mild, the greenrider was here for a briefing, nothing else.
"As you know, we're expecting Vilarth's clutch to hatch any day now, and that's why I've called you here. We'll be needing people to go and fetch the families of the candidates."
"Oh. All right." Jh'slaen nodded, perfectly happy that he could deal with this assignment without difficulty.
"You're down to go to Clear Springs Hold." K'reyel checked the list that lay on his desk. "I believe the second son of the Holder there was searched, and they have high hopes for the lad." From what he'd heard of the candidates, the Headwoman liked him, and the general thought was that he might well Impress and Impress well.
"Clear Springs Hold is on the edge of our territory, so you might want to suggest to the Holder and his wife that they bring clothing appropriate for the weather here."
The greenrider frowned, trying to recall the holding, then nodded. "I know the place. Is it just the one party? The Holder and his wife?
And then back again when they're done?"
"Just the one party. Holder Thymun and his wife have never actually visited the weyr before, and all their previous contact has been with the searchriders so they will need to be looked after." What the bronzerider didn't add was that the bluerider who had searched the lad had described the holder's wife as shy, and perhaps even scared of dragons. They'd need someone who was generally good humoured and even tempered to deal with them.
"You'll be responsible for taking them back again after the hatching, or after the feast, whichever is most agreeable to them."
"All right. I can see to that." He had never had such a duty before, seeming to always have other tasks on hatching day. "Am I - should I look after them while they're here?" Technically they were the guests of the Weyrwoman, but even though it wasn't her dragon with eggs on the sand she would be far to busy to take care of every visitor.
"Keep an eye out for them. You'll be a friendly face that they recognise, and as I'm sure you know, there are always lots of people milling around during a hatching. Be ready to answer their questions if they have any."
Jh'slaen nodded again. "Saradath and I will do our best, sir."
"That's all anyone will ask of you greenrider. Are there any questions?"
"No sir, I think I've got it. Is there anything else?"
"No, you're dismissed."
Jh'slaen escaped the room with a feeling of relief. It had just been something _ordinary_, nothing about things he'd said or how he'd said them, or how he was to blame for everything that was said anywhere in the Weyr.
All he had to do was ferry a holder and hiw wife to the Hatching and get them home again. His ordinary, uncomplicated life was back.
Last updated on the October 8th 2007