Is Something Wrong?

Writers: Avery, Paula
Date Posted: 1st January 2006

Characters: Kustaava, Riveenata
Description: Kustaava and Riveenata get to know each other.
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 9, day 3 of Turn 3

Kustaava finally got her change to sit down for a moment and unpack. She opened her bundle on the bed and started to look places for her things. There was chest at the footend of the bed, and her clothes went there. There were still room for more, Kustaava noticed with a sigh. The worn stuffed toy got a honour place at the next of the pillow.
"What's this?" Kustaava picked up a little bundle. She didn't remember packing it.
It looked like something wrapped in handkerchief. She opened it and her mouth fall open with surprise. Inside was jewelry: a matching set of bracelet, necklace and earrings and one pairless earring with large ruby. The was also little note.
Kustaava took it and knew her mother's handwriting instantly. "These were supposed to be part of your dowry. They were my grandmother's," the note said.
"Oh mother, you shouldn't" Kustaava said and suddenly she was crying.

Riveenata had been lying on her bed in the Barracks, studying her Healing hides. She had been dimly aware of the presence of the other girl but it hadn't really registered to her before- she had seen many new girls move in after the Flight. She was discreet and had decided not to bother her.

The sound of crying changed everything. It pulled at the part of her that ached every time she saw someone in pain, the side of her that lead her to Healing. "Are you alright?" she asked, turning to her fellow Candidate.

"Yeah, sorry. I just miss my mom. I don't thing I ever been this far from her" Ava answered and wiped her tears.

Riven stood up and walked over, dropping to her knees before the girl. "I wish I could say I sympathize with you, but I can't." she said sadly. "I'm Weyrbred, and my family's right here. But I can imagine how I'd feel without them, and it wouldn't be a good feeling at all. The fact that the Weyr's different from where you came probably doesn't help either, does it?" Her tone was kind- she wanted to help the other girl feel better.

"No, it doesn't and it's so wastly different than a farmhold in Jade Harbour."

"I can imagine. I'm sure it would take me awhile to adjust to Hold life."
Riven paused. "Can I help you with anything? Answer your questions on the weyr or life here or anything like that? Or do you just need someone to talk to, about anything?" She flushed slightly, realizing she hadn't yet introduced herself. "I'm Riveenata, Senior Apprentice Healer here. You can call me Riven, most people do." she said with a smile.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Kustaava, or Ava. A real owerwhelmed candidate from Jade Harbour Hold," Ava answered.

"Well, Ava, I hope you won't be overwhelmed for too long." Riven said. "Is there anything in particular that's upset you?"

Ava shook her head. She showed the jewels to her. "Look what my mother gave to me.
They used to be great-granny's."

"They're beautiful." Riven said. She'd never had the like- most Weyrfolk didn't. It seemed to be a Holder thing, or so she assumed. "It must be nice to have something of your family line's with you in a new place."

"Yes," Ava nodded. "My great-granny was a real fine lady, I've heard, from a wealthy family. But they lost everything for the Plague." She wasn't sure why she told it, maybe because she listened.

"There are a lot of stories like that, too many in this part of the South." Riven said softly, touched. How many had lost so much in that history? She hoped nothing like that ever happened again, not anywhere near her. "But at least you have some remnants."

"Yes," Ava nodded. "So, where do you come from?"

"Here, actually." Riven admitted. "I've never lived outside of a Weyr, never been outside of River Bluff, even, so I have no idea what it's like to live at a Hold or a Hall. But it does have some advantages- there's no adjustment shock like for some people, plus it enabled me to take up a craft early."

"I've never met a female crafter before. Technicians hall had girls apprenticing, but I never met one of them," Kustaava said shyly. "You haven't?" Riveenata blinked. "The thought of not knowing one is as strange to me as I guess one is to you." She laughed ruefully. "Are you going to try crafting if you're here, or no? I mean, there might not be much time before the Hatching, but if you don't Impress it's something to look into. Not that I'm trying to scare you, it's just that I know not Impressing well." She sighed slightly.

Kustaava shook her head. "Naah. I'm assignet to the kitchens and that's just fine with me. I wouldn't know which craft to pick up anyway." Riveenata nodded. "Do you like working in the kitchens here? Is it like what you did at home, or not really?"

"I like cooking. I used to work in the kitchen at home when I wasn't watching over my younger siblings. Me and Val usually took turns." "Ahh, I see. So it's not that much different, what you're doing here. That must help in adjusting."

"Yes it does," Ava nodded. "Have you been around everywhere yet, or would you like a tour?" Riven asked. "I'd be glad to show you around if you need it or answer any other questions if you have them."

"I think I leave the tour for other time. Thank's" Ava answered.

Last updated on the January 2nd 2006

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