Do You Have Any Doubts?

Writers: Avery, Dana
Date Posted: 11th March 2006

Characters: L'pin, Traelyn
Description: Weyrlingmaster Second L'pin comes to see the Weyrwoman
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 10, day 11 of Turn 3

L'pin had decided to seek out the Weyrwoman today. The last few days had been so busy with moving in and getting to know everyone and by the end of it he'd been so exhausted. The emotional distress hadn't helped either. He was feeling pretty worn.

Shaking his head and drawing reassurance from Chaneth, he went and knocked at the Weyrwoman's office. "May I come in, Weyrwoman?" he asked politely.

Traelyn hadn't been expecting anyone, but she put down the hide she'd been frowning over for the past quarter-candlemark, and motioned the rider in with a hand. "You may." She rose to her feet, and it was then when she noticed the distinct set of knots on his shoulder. Her gray eyes widened slightly. Ah. At last!

"I hope this isn't a bad time?" he inquired as he stepped in. "My duty to Nyith, and my apologies for not coming in sooner. It's been a ro- a busy few days." he said, quickly correcting himself.

She extended her hand to him, smiling. "Believe me, I know what it's like to make a transfer, L'pin. There's no need for apologies."

He nodded, having heard a few rumors- but not that many, considering the distance, and he was far too polite to pry. "I imagine you do." he said politely. "It's a pleasure to meet you." he added, taking the extended hand.

"And you as well. Please, have a seat, L'pin." She gestured to one of the chairs in front of her desk. "Would you like anything to drink?"

"Klah, if it's not too much trouble?" he requested, taking a seat.

After pouring him a mug, she sat down and reached across the desk, handing it to him. She watched him thoughtfully for a moment. "So, what can I do for you, L'pin?"

"I just wanted to present myself to you." he answered honestly. "I had the feeling you might be curious. Everyone else is." He laughed slightly, self-deprecatingly.

"Mmm." She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the desk. "To be perfectly honest, yes, I am. It's not every day a bluerider is chosen to be Weyrlingmaster Second, L'pin."

"Please don't think I was ambitious and pushed for the position." he said softly. "Y'sani asked me. I was completely shocked and surprised as well.
And...yes, I know it's against Traditions, I haven't heard of a bluerider rising above Wingthird or Weyrlingmaster's Third. Except in dreams, that is."

"Did he tell you why he chose you?" Traelyn wasn't planning on interrogating the bluerider, but she was curious, if a little uncertain about how well he could handle the job. As a man, she was sure he was quite capable - Y'sani did pick him, after all - but he rode a blue, and it just wasn't the same as a bronze or brown.

L'pin thought back to that bizarre life-changing encounter. "Because we've known each other for nearly thirty turns and that experience is helpful to him. Because I know all of his quirks and he doesn't have to break me in.
Because Chaneth is as large as some of the smaller browns, both there and here, and he can handle the duties."

"Can he? The young dragons will listen to him?"

"When I was a Wingthird the newly-tapped dragons always did, and when I was Y'sani's Weyrlingmaster Third they did as well." he explained.
"Chaneth has a sort of...draconic charisma. Young dragons seem to like him."

Traelyn looked at the bluerider for a moment, and wondered what J'darin would think if L'pin had told him this. She found his words reassuring. As long as the dragons would listen, and the man could do his job... "Have you spoken to the Weyrleader?"

"Not quite yet. I've not settled in completely. I plan to do so today or tomorrow, though!" he said, hoping that she wouldn't think he was being lax. "I'm looking forward to meeting him, although I'm not so sure about my reception..."

She wished she could be reassuring, but J'darin had been so angry...
Hopefully he would hear L'pin out, and not lose his temper. "Can I make a suggestion?"

L'pin nodded. "Of course." he replied. "I believe I can use the assistance."

Traelyn gave him a small smile. "I think you should see the Weyrleader today. Or at least try. It wouldn't do to put him off..."

L'pin nodded. "Right after this, then." He hesitated. "Weyrwoman... do you have doubts?" he asked. It was a bit forward, and yet...he wanted to know, he had to know.

A brow rose just slightly, and her expression turned thoughtful once again. "Not unless you give me serious reason to have any, L'pin."

He permitted himself to smile in relief. "I am grateful that you have confidence in me." He didn't add the 'at least' dancing on the tip of his tongue, but he had the feeling she could sense it. Wanting to stay for just a little longer- it was nice to be around someone who didn't doubt him!- he spoke once more. "I saw the Hatching. You and Nyith must be very proud- the dragonets are all lovely."

Traelyn's smile was proud. "We are. And it was a very good Hatching -
not just for us, but for the whole of the Weyr." All the eggs had hatched, and all the hatchlings were healthy.

"It was. I look forward to working with them- and here, at the Weyr." He smiled at Traelyn. "I hope I'm not being too forward, but... thank you for understanding." His smile was soft, courteous. "It is appreciated very much."

The Weyrwoman inclined her head before rising to her feet. "If you have any questions, L'pin, about anything, please don't hesitate to ask."

"I won't." he said, standing as well and giving her a bow. "Thank you for your time, Weyrwoman Traelyn."

Last updated on the March 13th 2006

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