Ambition

Writers: Miriah, Yvonne
Date Posted: 31st January 2014

Characters: Eirlira, Tsaera
Description: Eirlira introduces herself to the new goldrider in hopes of escaping the infirmary
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 5, day 3 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Rhosyn, Lenala, Solieira

Word had spread quickly about the new goldrider coming in and Eirlira had leapt upon the news like a feline upon prey. She did not like Rhosyn; heard little encouraging about Lenala, but perhaps this rider, though retired, could aid in putting her on the path that she wanted.

Putting on her best clothes, Eirlira brushed her hair until it shone in glossy curls and then made her way to the new rider's office. She took a breath, knocked and then waited.

"Come in." Her new office -- her temporary office -- was smaller than her old one, but blessedly free of the mess of hides she used to have. For that Tsaera was grateful, although she'd have to speak to Solieira about her desk chair. The goldrider looked up from the charts she was studying as the girl entered. "What can I help you with?"

Eirlira came in and offered an immediate curtsey, deep and respectful. "Candidate Eirlira, Weyrwoman. I came to see if I could be of any assistance to you."

Tsaera set down her pen. The girl was older, for a candidate-- a pretty thing with a wild mane of blond curls. "Thank you, but I've already settled in. What is your name?"

Rising from her curtsey, Eirlira kept her voice soft, but firm. "Eirlira, Weyrwoman. " She flicked a gaze around the office, measuring, weighing and categorizing everything quickly. Not much here, but that was to be expected. The woman had just arrived.

"And how long have you been at River Bluff Weyr, Eirlira?"

"A few months, Weyrwoman. I've yet really to find my niche and I am hoping perhaps that you can help me."

There was a small pause. "Please sit down, Eirlira."

Eirlira felt a surge of triumph well up in her, but she kept the expression from surfacing. Instead, she kept her face smooth and inclined her head. She was very prim and proper as she took her seat, folding her skirts carefully beneath her as she sat. "Thank you."

"Where did you come from?" Tsaera asked. "What holding?"

These questions were to be expected; they had been asked of her upon her arrival at the Candidate barracks. "Sunstone Sea Hold. My father is a fisherman and I am his only daughter."

"And only child?"

She shook her head. "Oh no. I have a younger brother, Eirlorn. He's fifteen."

"And what of your mother?" Tsaera asked.

Eirlira's fingers twitched. Her mother had always been a sensitive subject; her memories of the woman were vague at best and there was a deep seated resentment mingled with grief that she had left her so young. "My mother died when Eirlorn was born, Weyrwoman."

"I'm sorry to hear that. It must have been very hard for you," Tsaera said.

Now she had to think quickly. Should she play up the sympathy? No, she quickly decided...she didn't want to appear as though she was weakened by the event, she wanted to appear stronger for it. She inclined her head. "Thank you. It was."

"Did your father remarry?"

Why did she want to know all about her family? Eirlira eyed Tsaera for a moment before answering. "No, he did not. He said that he did not wish to remarry."

"A fisherman with two young children to care for and no wish to remarry... did you, as the eldest child, take over managing his household once you were old enough?"

"Of course, Weyrwoman. It was my duty to do so." **And little thanks I got for it too!** She did not add that as soon as her little brother could be left with Harpers for lessons, she had taken advantage of her freedom in every way possible. She had _hated_ being stuck in the little home and expected to do everything. She had reveled in her freedom.

Tsaera nodded, steepling her fingers before her. Eirlira may have said that caring for her father was her duty, but there was a hint-- something that said otherwise. She'd seen so many girls who had come to the Weyr in a similar position, trading one duty for another that on its surface _seemed_ less onerous. "You do not believe your place is in the home, then, and you have already said that you have not found your niche here. Where do you feel you belong, Eirlira?"

" I belong in the Weyr." At that, her chin lifted unconsciously. "I think that with my experience running a household, I could help you."

The goldrider raised an eyebrow. **And she's ambitious.** "Where has Solieira placed you now?"

At that question, Eirlira had to bite the inside of her cheek in frustration. "The Headwoman places me where ever she feels of a mind to. It varies."

Which begged the question... why? Tsaera asked a different question instead. "Then where are you working now?"

"The infirmary." And it was not where she wanted to be by any stretch of the imagination.

The Infirmary wasn't everyone's preference, but it was much better than washing dishes or cleaning common areas or any of the other tasks Solieira could have set her. And if she was truly ill suited to the Infirmary, if Eirlira had a weak stomach, then Sol wouldn't have placed her there in the first place. Tsaera felt as if she was starting to understand what, exactly, Eirlira wanted. She wasn't the first girl to come to the Weyr expecting a vastly different life than the fisherman's cot she'd left behind. And Eirlira wasn't willing to wait. "The Infirmary can be difficult if you haven't got the temperment of a Healer. But you can learn a lot there, if you keep your ears and eyes open." The goldrider tapped her finger against her desk. "I'm still settling in, but once I've created a routine and if I do decide that I want an assistant, I'll know to find you there. I'm pleased that you introduced yourself to me."

**Shaffit!** Eirlira forced herself to smile and nod. She had hoped and expected that once Tsaera had seen that she could be valuable, she'd be removed from that insufferable infirmary. But she did have a point, she had been learning some valuable things there...weaknesses. "Of course, weyrwoman. I hope that you will find me there."

Last updated on the February 8th 2014

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Ambition