This Evening Is For All

Writers: Emma, Kastaka
Date Posted: 3rd May 2008

Characters: Vasha, I'lan
Description: Vasha listens to I'lan's post-Hatching speech to the candidates
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 9, day 25 of Turn 4

The post-Hatching feast was a subdued affair for Vasha and the remaining Candidates. Although she was determined to remain cheerful, the general mood was not so light, especially after a couple of the older candidates had been given the 'find something else to do' speech on the Sands. The laughing and obvious delight of the new weyrlings from the next table over didn't help the mood, either. Vasha found herself picking at her food, unable to enjoy it while surrounded by unhappy people.

And this was the point in the evening that the young bronzerider was least looking forward to. Although I'lan knew that Jyramikah had likely been around and comforted and comnsoled those who remained as candidates, it still fell to him to offer some words of reassurance. He stood at their table, noting the expressions on the faces of the candidates before speaking.

"You did well," he began. "It takes courage to stand and hope that there will be a match for you on the sands. Take heart from that."

Vasha looked up from the remains of her food and gave I'lan what she hoped was a reassuring smile. It must be even more awkward to try and comfort people when you had actually got yourself a dragon, than just from the position of knowing that you have a lot more chances to try again than they do.

"For most of you there will be other chances, the dragon for you just hasn't been clutched yet." Boring words they must have heard before, but important to hear. "I'm sure that one day soon I may be welcoming you to my wing as a newly graduated rider."

Vasha couldn't help glancing guiltily over at the older candidates, who mostly seemed to have arranged themselves at the other end of the table from the young ones. The first one she saw looked stony, and she didn't want to accidentally meet their eyes, so she turned her attention back to I'lan, attempting to look encouraged by his words in order to make him feel better about delivering them.

"For now, enjoy yourselves. This evening is for all at the Weyr."

Vasha's plastered-on smile took a distinctly wry bent at that exhortation. She'd probably manage to enjoy herself - the food was lovely, there were many years of Candidacy ahead of her and many Hatchings to come - but she didn't fancy the chances of the youngsters whose last Hatching it had been, who were now going to be Lower Caverns workers or other 'second-class' weyrfolk all their lives without the chance at a magnificent creature to call their own, to find any enjoyment this evening.

Last updated on the May 5th 2008

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

This Evening Is For All