She's Gone (2)
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Clancey, AL
Date Posted: 27th November 2008
Characters: Zelle, J'darin
Description: Zelle visits J'darin in the infirmary, as usual, and he gives her some news.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 12, day 3 of Turn 4
"He did?" Zelle couldn't help but be surprised by that bit of news. N'vanik hadn't seemed the type to seek advice from what little she had seen, with the way he had pranced in and taken over everything. "What did he say?"
"He didn't really say much, except he was going to do his best. " He sighed softly. "He certainly hasn't offered me the Weyrlingmaster position, though I'm starting to like your idea more and more." He turned the sigh to a smile, reaching for her hand.
"You are, huh?" Zelle let her hand slide into his and squeezed it. "Why don't you ask him for it then?"
"I don't know, Zelle. I'm still in here." He waved around the Infirmary. "I'll be getting out in just a few days, but he's already making Dolphin Cove his own - like any new Weyrleader, but he doesn't have _any_ leadership experience! Does he even know what his 'own' is? He revoked my 15 turn old rider rule, so that doesn't lead me to believe he thinks much of me or my policies." HIs voice turned bitter and angry. "I did what I did to save more riders, not put more riders in danger!"
"You know what, he'll find out exactly how much trouble that's going to cause when there aren't enough dragons to fly in the wings." Zelle pointed. She leaned forward. "And I know he's not been in a leadership position before - a topic that's been rather popular in the Weyr. I think he's out to prove himself and I think he gets the feeling he's got to do it alone. So instead of being smart and looking to others with more experience, he's flying solo. He'll crash and burn eventually and then perhaps he'll learn." Zelle shrugged and leaned against J'darin's bed. "Regardless, you and I know why you did what you did. I think a lot of people understand that, even if he doesn't. Like I said, when there aren't enough dragons flying, he'll see the wisdom in your policy."
J'darin's pain-filled eyes met hers for a moment, his gratitude for her simple belief in him there behind the pain. "Thank you, love. I just hope he doesn't learn the way I did... with the sound of dragons keening." He was silent a moment, then patted the bed. "We have to support him the best we can; Nyith chose him and I trust her. I _have_ to trust her. Sit with me for a bit, Zelle? I feel lonely... even with Hasaarth in my head."
Zelle bit back a retort and crawled onto the bed next to the bronzerider. Nyith was probably fine and good, as was Loseth. As for their riders? Well, dragons and riders were two different things. The greenrider couldn't say she was too happy with what she had heard about either. Nyith had chose Loseth, certainly, but it probably had more to do with the familiarity of the riders with one another more than who was really best suited to lead the weyr. She didn't say that, however. Zelle wasn't so sure J'darin wouldn't be mad at her for voicing her thoughts.
He tucked his good arm around her and said nothing, just taking comfort in her presence, and her simple belief that he _was_ a good man. And that he had been a _good_ Weyrleader. It was hard to remember while he lay in this bed.
Last updated on the November 27th 2008