Flirtation and Mystery

Writers: Miriah, Yvonne
Date Posted: 2nd March 2020

Characters: H'run, Ninaine
Description: H'run finds an intriguing young greenrider
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 2, day 12 of Turn 10
Notes: Mentioned: J'lor

H'run

Ninaine

Being the "new" dragonrider was exhausting. H'run examined the Dining
Cavern, spotting a few of his Wingmates and other familiar faces, but
the thought of socializing in a group seemed like too much tonight. He
wanted quiet and the chance to reflect on the day, to soothe his tired
nerves with time for introspection and thought. Unfortunately for him,
it was busy and the Cavern was packed.

With a sigh H'run turned away from his Wingmates, grateful that they
hadn't noticed him and beckoned him over. He began to thread through
the press of riders and weyrfolk, eventually spotting a mostly
unoccupied table near the back of the Cavern. Its only occupant was a
young woman with a soft, pleasant face wearing a hideous tunic that
looked at least three sizes too large. H'run made his way over and
flashed her a tired smile. "I am very hopeful that this seat isn't
taken? I could use a quieter table to enjoy my dinner, if you'll
permit it."

Ninaine had been watching her fellow greenriders, eyes narrowed as she
studied how the women approached men, how they moved, their facial
expressions, how they enticed...her study was interrupted by a man
suddenly blocking her view. She looked up, surprised; usually few
bothered to approach her. She glanced at the empty seat near her and
as she opened her mouth to tell him that she didn't want company,
remembered J'lor's advice. "Oh...no. It's not taken."

"Thank the Egg." H'run sank into the chair beside her and set his tray
down with a sigh. Even though he was hungry, dinner just wasn't
inspiring tonight. He'd loaded his bowl with some sort of stew full of
fingerroots and what were either tubers or dumplings, a slice of bread
studded with seeds, and half a redfruit for dessert. Dolefully he
picked up his fork, then turned to the greenrider beside him. "What's
your name, sweetheart?"

Ninaine could not bite back the immediate sharp response. "It's
certainly not 'sweetheart.' " She bit the inside of her cheek hard,
staring down at her dinner. Struggling against the instant irritation,
she took a quick breath. "My name is Ninaine."

"A pleasure," H'run said. If he'd picked up on her retort, then he
wasn't showing it. "I'm H'run, of blue Calcifeth. We're rather new to
Dragonsfall Weyr."

"Nice to meet you." Be nice. Be polite. Be courteous. She could do
that. Hadn't she been trained to be so as a child? She could certainly
do that now instead of ignoring him. **Weyr ways,** she reminded
herself. **can't fight them. Not Hold ways. You're a greenrider, not a
holder.** She forced a brighter smile. "It's a pleasure, H'run. My
green is Luneth. Welcome to Dragonsfall." For a moment, she struggled
with anything more. When had the art of conversation become lost to
her? "How are you liking it so far?"

"Oh, well enough, I suppose." The bluerider used the edge of his spoon
to cut one of the dumplings in half, then made a moue of
disappointment. "Although at Dreams End Weyr, where I come from? The
dumplings are usually filled with things. Cheese, herbs, tubers,
little bits of sausage... alas for me."

She thought the idea of stuffed dumplings strange, but perhaps if one
was used to them, she could see how they'd be missed. "Perhaps you can
suggest it to the cooks if you have a recipe." She offered. "I'm sure
a new recipe would be welcome."

"But then I would need to know how to cook, and I am quite helpless in
that regard." He managed a sheepish smile. "Are you from the Weyr,
Ninane?"

"There's never harm in learning new skills." Faranth, she was learning
that herself. The sheepish smile finally made her own lips lift a
little in response. His expression was actually rather amusing and
endearing, if she could be honest with herself. "No. No, I'm not. I'm
originally from Amber Hills Hold."

"How intriguing!" H'run turned a rather practiced smile on her, but
there was genuine curiosity in his expression. "You must have a good
story or two behind your move from Hold to Weyr."

The smile decided her; it wouldn't hurt to practice what she'd been
seeing and what J'lor had suggested. She offered a smile, then looked
down at her food, picking through it with her eating knife. It was a
salad with lean meats, perfect for losing the weight that she had
gained during her pregnancy. "I've a few, but I'm sure you'll hear all
about them from others if you ask."

"Oh, but that would be _gossip_. And they'd probably get it all wrong.
I'd rather hear your own story from you," H'run said. The Hold
upbringing partially explained her terrible sartorial choices, but
there had to be more to it than that. Nobody dressed like a flour sack
without a reason.

"Don't you know that the Weyr lives and breathes on gossip?" Ninaine
pointed out, shifting a little uncomfortably. The flirtation hadn't
obviously worked, which was a bit disconcerting. Perhaps he simply
wasn't interested in more than conversation. She honestly didn't know
whether to be relieved or to be offended. "Lets just say that the changes were
difficult and leave it at that."

"A woman of mystery, then." H'run flashed what he hoped was a winning
smile at her. "I do hope that you'll decide to take me into your
confidence some time in the future. I understand that I am, currently,
an utter stranger to you. But perhaps that could change."

"Why?" The question was out before she could stop her mouth from
moving. She flushed, irritated with herself and her complete lack of
wiles. Faranth, other women might have teased him or would have been
coy in their response, but her first reaction had been to question his
interest. Frustrated with herself, she put down her fork. "Sorry. I'm
just not good at this." She rose. "It was nice to meet you, H'run."

He rose as well, and bowed. "The pleasure was all mine, greenrider
Ninane." She was skittish as a newborn foal, and that made him all the
more curious about her story-- and her. "The next time we meet, I'll
be delighted to share my answer to your question."

"Uhm...yes. Sure." Ninaine gave a quick nod and hurried away, but
looked back at him over her shoulder before she left, uncertain how to
take the man.

He caught her eye as she turned and gave her a flirty smile.
**Ninane,** he thought as he watched her scurry from the Dining
Cavern. **I promise you, we haven't seen the last of each other.**

Last updated on the May 31st 2020

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Flirtation and Mystery