Beginnings of a friendship

Writers: Eimi, Suzee
Date Posted: 22nd March 2011

Characters: Benani, Hygalia
Description: The Weyrwoman pay the Amber Hills Lady Holder a friendly visit
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 13, day 18 of Turn 5

Benani

Benani was at her desk finishing up some of her records when a
commotion rose up in the square. One of the drudges came running in
and breathlessly. "There's a gold dragon, M'lady." Benani rose
immediately and walked swiftly to the entrance and out into the
sunshine. She waited on the steps with a welcoming smile.

Hygalia had already dismounted her giant companion and had time to brush
back her cap-hair before meeting her along the path to the Hold. "Lady
Benani," she said with a polite bow befitting one meeting an equal.

The Lady Holder dropped an equally polite curtsy to the Weyrwoman and
another to her beautiful gold lifemate. "You are most welcome here
Hygalia," she said to the Werywoman. " As are you Genith," she added
to the queen. She swept a welcoming hand toward the doors of the Hold.
"Please come inside for some refreshment." She chuckled at the crowd
of onlookers who had gathered. The site of a gold dragon was a once in
a lifetime event for most of these people.

"The people of Amber Hills are very honored by your visit, as am I," she
added.

"Thank you," the Weyrwoman said, giving an acknowledging nod to the
onlookers. She certainly didn't mind if they wanted to admire her
beauty. "I'm so sorry it took me so long to pay you a visit. I really
should have done so before now."

Benani smiled at the Weyrwoman and walked with her toward the
entrance. She signaled a drudge to bring refreshments and lead her
toward her sitting room rather than her office. "You are quite busy
and therefore excused. That was quite a successful hatching," she
said. She had enjoyed both the hatching and the feast afterwards. She
sat and invited Hygalia to do the same.

"Thank you. We're very proud of our new weyrlings," Hygalia said with a
genuine smile. It had been such a relief to get that Hatching over
with. Not only did the Weyr get forty-two fine Weyrlings, but the
Weyrwoman had regained her freedom! "I'm sorry I didn't have more of a
chance to chat with you on the evening. We truly did appreciate your
coming."

"We did, very much," she said. "Have you received our invitations to
Turns End here at Amber Hills?"

"We have. And of course we will certainly drop by for a bit." They had
received several invitations for that night and G'nir and Hygalia would
be dropping into several Holds and Halls before finally spending the
evening with their own people. As new Weyrleaders, it was especially
important that they be there.

"Oh, I'm very glad," she said. Then a couple of the staff came in with
a tray of bread and cheese and a pot of hot tea. She poured a cup for
the Hygallia and one for herself. "I am sure that Zathris would very
much like at least one dance."

"It would be my pleasure," the Weyrwoman smiled as she reached for the
warm cup. To tell the truth, dancing was her least favorite part of a
feast. She much preferred listening to the music, watching people,
eating and talking. But it was considered socially important, and so
she had been taught to dance as beautifully as any Lord Holder's
daughter. "And I'm sure G'nir will steal you in return. He's a fine
dancer, so no need to fear for your toes."

Her eyes twinkled. "Oh that is very good to hear. I fear I've had them
trodden on more than I'd like." She set her cup down and offered the
plate of sweets. "I've recently visited the Vintner Hall to select
some wines for the feast. They presented several that are very nice.
Is there any particular kind you and the Weyrleader enjoy?"

Hygalia honestly couldn't speak for G'nir with any confidence on that
score. "I'm new to the region and would love to sample anything you put
in front of me. G'nir has been away for a while, so I'm sure he would
feel the same."

"No problem then, just let me know which ones you liked and we'll make
sure there is some included in the next tithe train."

"That's very generous of you." It would be a welcome treat for her
riders. They had vintners of their own who supplied much of their
supply, but wines from the Hall were always a welcome addition. "Will
you have runner races at Turns End?"

"Yes," she smiled. "My husband received a very fine runner in tithe
from one of the outlying beastholds. He wants to see how well he
does." She chuckled "he is quite... enthusiastic about it."

"I'm sure he is. Amber Hills runners are famous throughout the South.
Your father brought a runner to Copper Beach's Gather once and blew away
the competition." The look on her uncle's face had been priceless. "I
hope I will be able to see a race or two before we go."

She could imagine her father doing just that. "I will be certain to
send up the schedule so you'll know exactly when the races will take
place."

"Thank you." Hygalia would like to see a good runner race. She wasn't
above placing a bet or two, though she'd most likely lose. "By the way,
I don't think I ever passed on my condolences. Your father enjoyed
everyone's respect in the South and he's certainly missed."

"Thank you," she said. A shadow of pain passed briefly across her
face. "He was a good Lord and devoted to this Hold and it's people. I
miss him very much."

"Of course." Probably much like Hygalia missed her aunt, who to be
honest had always been more of a mother to her than the woman who gave
her birth, though that felt like a very ungrateful thought. "I can say,
though, that G'nir and I have every confidence in you and Lord Zathris
and we are looking forward to working closely with you both in the
future."

"Thank you very much, we are happy to be under your protection," she
smiled in return.

Hygalia nodded her acknowledgement before taking another sip of klah.
Setting her cup down once more, she folded her arms on the table in
front of her. "Now, tell me more about these wines of yours."

Benani leaned forward a little to begin sharing her recent adventure.
"Well I went up to the Vintner Hall a few days ago..."

Last updated on the April 27th 2011

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Beginnings of a friendship