A brave man

Writers: Emma, Dana
Date Posted: 30th September 2005

Characters: J'an, N'lies
Description: N'lies goes to see J'an about the upcoming night drills
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 8, day 6 of Turn 3

The Weyrlingmaster pushed the hides to one side. At this time of the day, he usually made sure that his office was open to any of the weyrlings or his staff who had queries.

Sometimes people just dropped by to say hello, others came to ask questions. It was rare that this time needed to be used for disciplining weyrlings, most knew what was expected of them at all times. Some weyrlings he saw more often than others, for example young N'lies. He'd impressed a brown the first time he stood at barely thirteen turns.
Already he had the makings of a wingsecond sometime in the future despite his young age. N'lies often came to ask a question or two, and was genuinely interested in the answers.

After a moment or two, there was a knock at the door.

"Weyrlingmaster?" the lad queried once he stuck his head inside the room.

"Come in son," said J'an with a smile for the lad. "Take a seat, and tell me what's on your mind."

N'lies hesitantly made his way over to the chair and sat. Then he looked at J'an. "I was wondering, sir, if you could...tell me more about what we're going to be doing for the night drills?"

"Well, we'll start with regular marching drills, first in threes, then nines. Eventually we'll build up to simulated fall, but we'll be using white paint instead of red to make it easier to see the ropes." J'an studied the lad carefully. This information had already been given to them at the beginning of the month. Although there was something about his manner that suggested that the drills might not be the problem...

The young brownrider felt like a fool. His hands twisted together and he looked down at his knees. He was young for his age, and he knew it. And it stung his pride to know it. Some of the older lads teased him because of his age. **Only _little_ boys are scared of the dark...**

Hecath couldn't understand why his rider feared the dark so. }:I will be with you. You are never alone. Why are you feeling like this? You know I wouldn't let you fall. Nothing would hurt you.:{ N'lies shoved down his memories and didn't answer. And he didn't know how to tell the Weyrlingmater how uncomfortable he was with the whole idea.

"N'lies, is there something bothering you?" asked J'an gently.

When he didn't reply, Hecath told Alylth softly, }:He is scared. I don't understand... Maybe your rider can help him.:{ }:What is he frightened of?:{ asked Alylth.

J'an however caught the word frightened. "Son, is it the idea of the dark?"

Mortified that J'an had guessed right, the lad nodded mutely. His cheeks burned with shame as he stared at his knees.

"N'lies, look at me," began J'an. "It takes a very brave man to admit to his fears, an even braver one to face them. By coming to talk to me about it, you've shown how much character you have, and I admire you for that."

The young brownrider looked the Weyrlingmaster, his blue eyes wide with surprised embarrassment. "Th-thank you, Weyrlingmaster."

"Now you take things slowly, do as much as you and Hecath feel comfortable with. If there is anything at all that worries you, or makes you feel uncomfortable, tell me or my staff and we can try to work it out for you."

The lad nodded slowly, noticing that the color in his cheeks had toned down some. "Yes, Weyrlingmaster."

"No one will make you do anything. Do you understand that?" asked J'an gently.

Again, he nodded, feeling more confident. "I understand."

"You go get yourself something to eat now, and take an early night," J'an gave the lad a fatherly look, some of these kids were so young... "We'll be starting a little later the next sevenday, I've posted the schedule in the classroom."

N'lies stood. His eyes had brightened considerably. "Thank you, Weyrlingmaster."

Last updated on the September 30th 2005

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A brave man