Coming Home
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: Clancey, Eimi
Date Posted: 24th November 2009
Characters: J'darin, T'mahl
Description: J'darin meets with T'mahl with an interesting result.
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 6, day 2 of Turn 5
"Ah, J'darin," T'mahl smiled, standing and extending his hand to the bronzerider. "Thank you for coming all this way."
J'darin took T'mahl's hand gladly and shook it, pleased with the warm welcome. "Its no trouble, T'mahl. I still have many friends here, and my family lives at Amber Hills. I was glad to get your note, to be honest."
"Yes, I had heard that you had family in the area." In fact, T'mahl had made sure to learn as much about the man as possible. "Please, have a seat."
J'dairn made himself comfortable and smiled warmly back to T'mahl. The smile was a little off, but nonetheless, he went on to say, "Yes, though my father died a few sevendays ago, my mother and sister still live in the Hold. Your invitation came at a .. very good.. time." He added, looking curiously at his fellow bronzerider. He hoped that T'mahl's reason for asking him here was the same as his wanting to see T'mahl.
"I'm very sorry to hear about your father," the Weyrleader said sympathetically. "Have you given any thought to moving a little closer to your family now that he's gone?"
Ahh. The point. J'darin smiled as T'mahl struck right to the heart of the matter. "Thank you." for the sentiment, he meant, then went on, adding, "I'm glad you bring that up, Weyrleader. As a matter of fact, I have very much considered it. There, of a sudden, seem many reasons to leave my home and return to my... home." His voice faltered a bit on that last remark. Where _was_ his home?
"Well, there are no weyrs at Amber Hills, I'm afraid," T'mahl said with a slight smile, trying to make a joke. But even as the words left his mouth, he could hear how lame it sounded and his face returned to it's naturally serious expression. "Does that mean you might be open to transferring to Dragonsfall?"
It wasn't that lame, and J'darin did smile briefly. Then his own face became serious as he considered. A few long moments passed as the bronzerider wrestled once more with the decision he thought he'd already made. "I... " he paused. "... Yes. I would certainly be open to that, and I think it would solve many problems at one time. If you're interested in having me.... " After all, he'd been gone to Dolphin Cove for 4 turns, only. And he didn't want the Weyrleader to think him .. flighty.
"I would be a fool not to want a man with your experience," T'mahl assured him. He paused considering how to bring up the subject. "I believe you were a Weyrlingmaster before you became Weyrleader, weren't you?"
J'darin's face appeared shadowed for a moment, and he finally said quietly, "We've all gained more experience in 5 turns than what previous bronzeriders gained in 50 perhaps... " He shook his head, both awknowledging that he _did_ have experience, and that part of him wished he did _not_.
He came back to T'mahl's question and nodded in affirmation. "I was Weyrlingmaster, and before, Weyrlingmaster Second. I had not been Weyrlingmaster long when Nyith rose over Dolphin Cove's bowl. And then I was Weyrleader." He chuckled at that, a faint shrug of his shoulders. "The whim of queens."
"I had a similar experience," T'mahl admitted with a smile. It seemed he would have at least that in common with the man. "Well, you may have grown accustomed to flying Thread, but we are in dire need of a new Weyrling Master here. Do you think that might be something that could interest you? It would certainly suit your talents far more than Wingsecond, which is the best I can offer you otherwise."
J'darin's eyes went a bit wide as he considered. He had, of course, realized T'mahl had no Weyrlingmaster, or even a 'Second. But he hadn't given too much thought to his role here, only that he would be _needed_. Dolphin Cove could apparently do without him. He chuckled inside his mind at his thoughts - arrogant wasn't he?
"I... I did not expect such a rank...." He paused, considering. "But I did love working with weyrlings. Hasaarth and I would be honored, no matter what rank we carried. Rank...means little. What you _do_ is the most important thing. " He extended his hand toward T'mahl. "Honored."
T'mahl took the offered hand. "We are agreed then? You will be my new Weyrlingmaster?"
"Agreed, pending N'vanik's response. I will make sure it is all right with him - and I am sure it will be - and then move .. home. As soon as possible, I'd think, Weyrleader?" He asked. He knew they had a great deal of need, as fast as possible.
"The sooner the better. In fact, I'll talk to the Headwoman today and start preparing suitable quarters for you." One's that befitted his rank, of course.
"Thank you, Weyrleader. T'mahl." He smiled. T'mahl seemed like someone he would very much enjoy working with and for as they fought Thread. Those stories of his first Fall must have been over-exaggerated! "I appreciate the opportunity. No worry for the quarters. Hasaarth and I are not picky." He made to stand, thinking now of the meeting he must ask to have with N'vanik.
T'mahl also rose to walk the bronzerider to the door, very satisfied with how the meeting had turned out. And J'darin seemed like the kind of man he could get along with. "Just let me know when you'll be available to move and I'll have it ready for you."
J'darin smiled his thanks, and took his leave. His mind was overflowing with thoughts. What had he just _done_? What was Zelle going to say? What was _N'vanik_ going to say? From Hasaarth, he got only quiet contentment that his rider be happy, no matter the choice he made.
One thing he was sure of - his and Hasaarth's lives had just changed dramatically.
Last updated on the November 30th 2009