What's on Your Mind?

Writers: Francesca, Avery
Date Posted: 20th January 2009

Characters: G'len, L'pin
Description: L'pin and G'len chat about the upcoming Hatching.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 13, day 2 of Turn 4

"Forty eggs," G'len said by way of greeting, as he took a seat at the almost empty table in the dining cavern.

"And a queen. This clutch bodes well." L'pin replied, looking up.

"Gold eggs always made for an interesting group of candidates. And, with the transfers from other Weyrs..." G'len hoped there would not be too much negativity between the girls all vying for the gold egg, or transfers being made to feel unwelcome.

"I hope they'll settle in well. To be honest, I'm worried if a transfer Impresses the gold, though. With our Weyrleader and Weyrwoman both coming from another Weyr, I think we really want something homegrown. A Hold or Craftbred girl would be okay, but if it was another Weyr's candidate, there might be some jealousy issues." L'pin didn't share the view, but he understood why some held it.

G'len nodded in agreement. "The same could happen, although to a lesser scale, if transfers Impress bronzes. Luckily, everyone who does Impress will be happy with their dragon. It's the candidates who don't, especially those from this Weyr, and the other weyr residents, who could cause a problem." Hopefully, a problem that would not be theirs to solve.

"Indeed. Still, that's the Headwoman's problem, unless it affects our weyrlings." He paused. "There's ... something else that bothers me," he admitted.

"The fact that it's just the two of us, with no Weyrlingmaster?"

"That too, especially with a gold egg. Can we really train a gold weyrling alone?" he wondered. "But, it's more personal. My son Ruumin is considering Standing." he admitted.

"Really?" G'len asked, surprised. "Why the sudden change?" It couldn't be because of the gold egg.

"He says he has a feeling about this Hatching. I'm wondering if it has something to do with his Harper training. I know that like the Weyrs the Hall accept women, but the culture is still somewhat different, and he's interested in men. I wonder if it was too much of a shock."

"It must be interesting at the Harper Hall, what with it being in the Weyr. That probably makes a number of the crafters very uncomfortable." G'len paused for a moment, thinking. "Well, he has you to talk to, but if he needs someone else, I would be happy to have a chat with him."

"I'm more worried if he Impresses. I mean, he's my _son_. How am I supposed to discipline him properly, and what if they accuse me of favoritism?" L'pin knew he was complaining, but he couldn't help himself. "I just... N'vanik is letting me keep my job, but I'm afraid I can't be objective."

G'len couldn't help but smile. "Oh, you'll be fine. In every class, there will be weyrlings that you connect with more than others - sometimes even ones that you simply dislike, but I've never seen you be anything but fair. I don't think I'll ever have children, but I like to look after candidates Searched by Tobereth. I used to worry I would treat them differently if they Impressed; that I would overlook their faults. But, I don't think that's happened. It may be strange at first, but I don't think you'll have much trouble separating your personal feelings from your job." He paused for a moment, thinking. "Unless- do you think your son would _expect_ to be given special treatment?" That could be a problem.

"No, I don't think so. It's just that I lost both my weyrmates. If something were to happen to my son..." L'pin shook his head. "I feel like I'd give him special treatment he _didn't_ ask for. Like I'd protect him too much."

"I think the fact that you are worrying about it already means you'll be able to recognize if you're treating him differently, or being over-protective. And, I promise if I see anything, I'll bring it to your attention."

"Thank you." L'pin said gratefully.

G'len finished off his klah in one large gulp. "We'll know soon enough what the next weyrling class will be like." Hopefully it wouldn't be too interesting. The prospect of helping train a goldrider was enough excitement for him.

"That, we will." And hopefully they'd get a Weyrlingmaster.

"Anything else on your mind?" he asked the bluerider.

L'pin shook his head. "Anything on yours?"

"A queen egg, no Weyrlingmaster....no, I think that's about it." G'len grinned. They would make it through somehow. "I just hope everything goes well and that we have time to at least slip away for a bit at the Turn's End celebration."

"Maybe find a tavern, drink a little..." L'pin smiled. Getting away was a great idea. "Let's hope the weyrlings stay out of trouble."

"Aye." That was frequently the hope. However, in reality, it was always just a matter of time.

Last updated on the January 21st 2009

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