Games People Play

Writers: AL, Suzee
Date Posted: 21st March 2013

Characters: L'cor, Meledei
Description: Meledei confronts L'cor.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 12, day 10 of Turn 6
Notes: Mentioned: Corowal, Corofel

L'cor

Weyrlings didn't have much time the first few months of their
dragonriding lives. Of course they didn't have that much time even
when they became senior weyrlings, but it was worse as juniors. Still,
some time was afforded to spend time with their dragons and a little
bit of down time. Meledei knew the schedule well. While she wasn't
officially in charge of the Weyrlings, it was part of her job to know
what was going on in the Weyr. Not to mention, it hadn't really
changed since she had been a Weyrling and that hadn't been all that
long ago.

The bronzerider was easy to find. Who could forget his face after
such an announcement was made? She paused to watch the young man with
his dragon for a moment before she moved forward to approach him.
"L'cor?"

They'd been playing as the little bronze got steadier on his feet and
L'cor was laughing when he looked up to see the young goldrider.
"Ma'am," he said immediately and straightened up while Tonuth bumped
into him making him stumble. "Yes ma'am," he repeated with a little
embarrassment. "I'm L'cor."

"Whoa, stop right there with the ma'am thing. That's only required if
I'm mad at you and you haven't had time to do that yet." Meledei's
expression brightened with a wide grin. "I'm Meledei."

His grin turned a little silly but he held out his hand to her, "Very
nice to meet you ... Meledei."

"Much better. I'm really not all that formal. A pleasure to meet you
L'cor." Meledei shook his hand and nodded toward the dragon. "He's a
handsome fellow. His name is Tonuth?"

"Yes," he said. "He is isn't he?" L'cor swelled with pride.

}:She's nice:{ The little bronze leaned against his leg peering up at
them. L'cor chuckled. "He thinks you're nice."

"Why thank you Tonuth. I think you're nice too." Meledei couldn't
help but giggle. Dragons were cuter at that stage, but yet they were
still wondrous creatures too. "I saw your father get all excited when
you Impressed. He must be very proud."

"Yes," he grinned. "I think it was a big surprise for both of us."
L'cor's eyes glowed with pride and the happy feelings from his
lifemate.

Meledei smiled then pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. She wasn't
sure how to broach the subject...well, might as well get it over with.
"L'cor...do you mind if we talk about something personal?"

That made him a little wary but she was one of the Weyrs leaders or
would be one day so he waved off his own concerns. "Go ahead," he
said.

Meledei looked around, but there was no one nearby. She lowered her
voice, though, just to be safe. "I hope you'll forgive me for being
nosy, but...did your father publicly acknowledge you as his son before
you Impressed?"

L'cor took a moment to consider before he answered her question. "No,
Meledei. He really couldn't. You see, I was illegitimate and if I was
acknowledged I would have been a consideration to Hold if he were
to... die. Lord Corowal has legitimate heirs who are not yet of age to
be designated as his heirs. I didn't expect to be acknowledged until
they were older and able to Hold. Does that make sense to you?"

"No, it doesn't make sense to me at all. You're his son and whether
or not he had other children, that doesn't make you any less his. And
his responsibility." Meledei sighed. "Does it make sense to you that
he acknowledge you when he did? Do you realise that now your children
could be used as pawns in political games? Why claim you as his son
now and not then?" It made her angry, but Meledei managed to keep
that in check. "And of course, now that you're a bronzerider, there
is prestige that goes along with claiming you as a son. Do you think
he would have done the same had you Impressed a blue? Or a green?"

L'cor began to smile as she went through her train of thought. It
really was good. But she didn't have all the facts. "Meledei," he said
after a moment. "I may not have had his acknowledgement or time, but
Lord Corowal provided not only for me, but my mother and grandparents.
He didn't have to, but he did. He came to visit when he could and I've
always known he loved me." He half smiled and shook his head.
"Legitimate or not_all_ a Lord's children are pawns in political
games. Do you think my brother Corofel will be able to choose his own
wife?" It had always been he and not Lecordin who would be the next
Lord of Emerald Falls after their father. Nothing had really changed
except his own destiny.

"I was_very_ lucky on the sands that day." He hoped she could see
what he was trying to say. "I met the most wonderful bronze on all of
Pern._He_ chose me to be his lifemate. That made it so my father
could tell the whole world what he'd always told me." L'cor smiled at
Meledei. He knew she was just indignant for his sake. "So be happy for
me."

"I am happy for you L'cor." Meledei reached out to give the lovely
bronze a scritch. "But Holders are about politics more often than
not. Just be careful you aren't manipulated, okay?"

"Yes," he said with a smile as his little bronze leaned in to the
scritch with almost a purr. "I was a steward. I know the game."

}:I'm hungry mine:{

L'cor laughed. "He's hungry again," he shrugged. "Very nice to meet
you Meledei." He held out his hand.

"Nice to meet you too, L'cor." Meledei took the proferred hand and
offered a smile. She just hoped that Corowal decided not to use his
bronzeriding son and any progeny in any sort of Holder schemes.

L'cor bowed over her hand briefly before he let it go. "M'Lady," he smiled.

Meledei arched an eyebrow and shook her head, but said nothing as she
gave him one last smile before she turned to head off.

Last updated on the April 19th 2013

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

Games People Play