A Promising Turn

Writers: Clancey, Dana, Eimi, Emma
Date Posted: 6th November 2006

Characters: J'darin, Traelyn, Almonteo, Thanja
Description: The Weyrleaders and Hallmasters of Harper Hall open the Festivities for Turn's End.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 13, day 29 of Turn 3

J'darin

Almonteo

Turn's End was upon them, and J'darin smiled as he dressed for it. He had bought clothes at the same time he had bought Maurgen's dress, and he smoothed the blue trimmed material. There were functions to perform, first, but then there was dancing and time spent _not_ being Weyrleader He was looking forward to that, oddly enough.

}:Silly. You are Weyrleader no matter what. :{ He snorted in the direction of his dragon, who obviously did not understand and blatantly ignored him.

Half a candlemark later, he dismounted from the bronze hide of Hasaarth, who was still claiming not to understand what his rider was thinking, and met Traelyn and Hallmaster Almonteo with his second, Thanja, at the door to the dining caverns.

His eyes went quite wide and round in his face when he spied Traelyn's dress, and he had to forcibly restrain himself from touching her. She looked absolutely beautiful. A faint contraction of his heart reminded him of other things and images flashed, his eyes warming. Then, his good manners and training took over and he extended his arm to his Weyrwoman, and nodded to the Hallmaster with a second smile.

"Happy Turn's End to you all! We have made it."

"We have indeed," Traelyn smiled back, squeezing J'darin's arm gently before glancing over at the Hallmaster.

"And none the worse for wear," the Harper Hallmaster grinned. "The Weyr looks beautiful tonight, Lady Traelyn."

She inclined her head. "It certainly does. Everyone has been working so hard."

J'darin was thinking that some of the Weyr's inhabitants looked especially beautiful. Traelyn was stunning in her gown; but Maurgen!
Maurgen had looked astonishingly lovely when he had seen her a little earlier.
The gown that he had found for her at the Market had been perfect, and his colors matched that gown almost perfectly.

"And everyone seems to be in such good spirits. I have to say, it seems like your Weyr is well on its way to recovering from its losses. The Weyr has prospered under you, Weyrleader," Almonteo said with an approving nod.

"I certainly hope so, Almonteo." The Weyrleader said fervently, thinking of the rolls of the Wings. They grew slowly, but they did grown. "I thank you, Hallmaster. I only wish for the Weyr to be the best it can be and for Pern to be safe for another Turn."

His smile returned as he went on, trying to lighten the mood a bit. "I can't tell you how pleased I am to have an entire Harperhall here as well! The best Turn's End celebration yet to come, aye?" He smiled once more, and tucked Traelyn's arm over his and began to lead her inside, leaving Almonteo to escort Thanja.

"That certainly is our hope, Weyrleader," Almonteo nodded as he escorted his second towards the door. "Everyone has been working hard. I'm sure they won't disappoint. And Thanja, the printer's programs look absolutely lovely. Please pass along my compliments to all of them for their hard work."

"They'll appreciate it, I'm sure."

"And ours too," Traelyn told her, gently pressing her fingers into J'darin's arm. It certainly was beneficial to have both the Harper Hall and the Printer Hall etablished in the Weyr--for more than one reason.

While he might be fairly certain women as Hallseconds were not quite traditional, all stories had Thanja doing a fine job. It made him stop and reconsider some of his views, and he smiled at the Hallsecond herself as he moved ahead a step with Traelyn.

The Weyrleader grinned once at his Weyrwoman, then the four stepped into view of the main dining caverns. At one end, there was a raised platform that the Harpers would use later, and it was toward this he made his way, leading the four of them right along.

Since Hall and Weyr were sharing a celebration, it was only proper they should all be represented, and all have something to say to the crowds of Weyrfolk and Hall residents already gathered in the caverns.

Turning, he addressed the crowd, his Weyrwoman at his side, and Hallmaster Almonteo and Hallsecond Thanja next to them.

"Greetings all Weyrfolk and Hallfolk! Welcome to the first joint celebration between Hall and Weyr, to mark the end of the Third Turn of this Pass, and bring into being the Fourth turn." As he spoke he went on for a bit about the tragedy the Weyr had suffered, a warm smile lighting up his face as his eyes searched the crowd and found Maurgen watching and listening with some of her Harper friends. "We have come through much sadness to a time of great joy as we share our lands with the Harper Hall and the Dolphin Hall. Let us hope the Turn ahead only brings Weyr and Halls into closer relationships and a true partnership!"

He retreated a few steps to allow Traelyn or Hallmaster Almonteo to speak, should they wish to do so, his nod gracious, and his eyes seeking Maurgen again.

The Hallmaster glanced around the large cavern and assured himself that his instrumentalists were positioned around the parimeter. It was time to fill this hollow space with music. Stepping forward the Hallmaster raised his hand. "Harpers, let the music begin!" His hand dropped with a perfectly timed flourish and he smiled as a joyous fanfare flowed over the revelers from all directions, signalling the start of the festivities. Before the last powerful note could die away, the Harpers on the stage started right into a lively new dance tune Almonteo had composed just for the occassion. He sighed and nodded with satisfaction as he turned towards the Weyrleaders and his Second. "Just as we practiced it," he grinned and offered Master Thanja his arm. "Shall we dance?"

J'darin repeated the very gallant gesture to Traelyn, grinning at her. It was going to be a fantastic evening, and a promising Turn.

Last updated on the November 7th 2006

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A Promising Turn