A Pleasant Evening
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: Devin
Date Posted: 9th February 2009
Characters: Talryne, N'vanik
Description: N'vanik makes a speech (gasp!) and dances with Talryne at Turn's End.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 13, day 29 of Turn 4
N'vanik took a drink. A little liquid courage. He looked over at Tal, and she looked as nervous as he felt. But she was here, for his sake. He smiled at her and she returned the smile, a little shakily. N'vanik took a deep breath and stood up. He held his hand out and waited for the noise of the assembled weyrfolk to die down. His heart thudded in his chest. He was no good at this stuff, but he wanted to say something.
"I just wanted to say that ... I know I'm not the easiest person to work with. But I've seen what you can do, what we can do, when we pull together. And I'm so proud of you, all of you. I couldn't have wished for a better Weyr to lead. Thank you." He sat down, a little awkwardly, as the applause started. There were smiles of approval from many in the crowd. N'vanik reached down under the table to squeeze Tal's hand. He ignored Traelyn. Best to concentrate on the positives, and let the negative take care of herself.
N'vanik was determined to enjoy himself tonight.
~ ~ ~
When the harpers took the stage and started a lively tune, he turned to Talryne. "Care to dance?"
She was still very nervous, with the huge crowd and everyone staring at her, but she smiled at N'vanik. Her eyes held just a little bit of excitement. "Yes."
N'vanik helped her to her feet and led her out to the dance square. He caught her glancing around. "Hey, don't worry about them. It's just you and me." Even with her face drawn with nervousness, Talryne was more than beautiful tonight. She was radiant. Her hair was done up and she was wearing her new blue dress, which showed her body off nicely.
"Okay." She fixed her eyes on his, trying to forget the people surrounding them. He took her hands and swung her around, moving easily to the rhythm of the dance. The harpers followed with another fast tune and a genuine smile spread across Talryne's face as she remembered movements learned in another life.
Then the music slowed, and N'vanik pulled her close. "Having a good time?"
"Yes." She rested her head on his shoulder, trying to catch her breath.
"Can I cut in?" A sultry voice asked. Talryne's stomach sank.
N'vanik turned to the greenrider, feeling Tal stiffen in his arms. "Not right now." He gave the greenrider a charming smile. "I promise to save you a dance later, though."
The greenrider looked a little miffed, but she returned the smile. "I'll hold you to that, Weyrleader."
As soon as she had faded into the crowd, N'vanik looked down at Tal. "Are you ok?"
She tried to keep her breathing even. "I -- I'm ok." Saying it made her feel a little better.
"Do you need to take a break?" Maybe this was all she could handle, and they'd have to call it a night.
She saw the concern on his face and knew he would leave the dance floor if she asked him to. He would take her back to her weyr if she asked him to. She wanted him to enjoy the night, though. He deserved it for working so hard. For being so good to her for the last Turn. As she felt herself calm down, she found that part of her wanted to keep dancing. Not just to make him happy, but to make herself happy. "After this dance," she said, and laid her head on his shoulder again.
"I couldn't have wished for a better dance partner," he murmured in her ear.
Talryne giggled. "Flatterer."
Last updated on the February 16th 2009