Fodder for Gossip
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: Bree, Yvonne
Date Posted: 14th December 2005
Characters: Lenala, Tsaera
Description: Tsaera goes to check on Lenala the day after her flight
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 9, day 4 of Turn 3
It had been next to impossible to pry Tabanirth away from her eggs while Vilarth rose, and while the queen dragon had fret anxiously her rider had luxuriated in the freedom. After being cooped up at the Weyr for so long, spending time alone on a beach far from responsibility and people who asked her difficult questions seemed overly decadent. It seemed as if she'd only closed her eyes for a moment before Tabanirth was telling her to get up, that Vilarth had been caught, and that they must return to the eggs on the Sands!
Tsaera didn't see Lenala until the next morning. She knocked on her 'Second's door after informing Vilarth via Tabanirth to tell Lenala to expect her.
The door opened slowly, revealing an exhausted looking Lenala bundled in a high-necked shirt and tunic that still couldn't completely hide the bruise the crept up the side of her neck and onto her cheek. "Come in, Tsaera."
Tsaera raised an eyebrow. "I hear that you had an... interesting flight, Lenala. Vilarth didn't mention you had company for the night, though...?"
"I didn't. I don't. I'm--I'm sorry, I just didn't sleep well." Lenala took a step back so that Tsaera could enter her weyr, hoping the Weyrwoman wasn't going to make her leave it yet. She needed another mug of tea and another attempt to use makeup to cover the nasty color on her neck before she could face the rest of the Weyr.
Something didn't feel right. This wasn't Lenala's first Flight, and yet she wasn't wearing the soft, sleepy attitude that most dragonriders did post-flight. And there was that bruise... but sometimes things got rough. **Tabanirth, ask Vilarth if Lenala is feeling all right,**
"I heard that Ar'lis' Zylarth caught Vilarth."
"Yes..." Lenala smiled, but the expression didn't meet her eyes. "I suppose by the time Vilarth gets too egg-heavy to fly, Tabanirth's clutch will have Hatched, so hopefully we won't have anything to worry about."
}:Vilarth is concerned,:{ came Tabanirth's reply. }:She worries for her rider, and says that she is confused.:{
"Tabanirth's clutch should be Hatching very soon," Tsaera said absently. "How _was_ the flight, Lenala?"
Lenala dropped onto her couch, wincing slightly at the pull of sore muscles. "It was intense," she replied carefully. "It was... well, it was very intense."
"Oh?" Tsaera sat on the couch beside her and tucked one foot beneath her. Hopefully the informal pose would put Lenala at ease as well. If anything, seeing the usually aloof Weyrwoman acting so casual made Lenala even _more_ uncomfortable. She shifted slightly and shrugged one shoulder. "You know how they can be."
"Yes, I do." **I know how they are _supposed_ to be.**
"Well, I think things got a little too exciting. The healer said there's nothing wrong with me that a little rest won't cure, though, so don't worry about that. But if you think you could spare me for a few candlemarks this morning... I'm not sure I'm at my best..." Which was a terrible understatement, but considering the reflection that had stared back at her this morning, she wasn't going to have to say much to convince Tsaera that she wasn't feeling well.
"Of course." The Weyrwoman nodded. "Take all the time you need. Your first responsibility is to your own wellbeing, for the sake of the Weyr."
Lenala winced slightly at the reminder. "Of course. Thank you for stopping by, Tsaera..."
"We all need you on your feet, Lenala, and sooner rather than later. I can't lead my Wing until the Hatching, and while my 'third is competent-" **-you need the practice.** Tsaera managed not to say it. "-You've done such a good job. And Vilarth will be laying her own clutch soon, too. Both Tabanirth and I are getting old, and her cluches are smaller than they used to be."
The praise was the first thing in several days that made Lenala feel a little steadier. She managed a real smile. "I just need the day, I think... I promise I'll be fine."
"Don't make promises unless you're sure." The Weyrwoman stood. "I'll expect you back tomorrow, but there's no shame in spending two days in bed rather than one. Although I would caution against it, if at all possible - a single day's recovery time post-flight will give people fodder for gossip, and two will multiply it exponentially."
Lenala wilted again. "I know. I'll do my best, Tsaera. And I'm sorry. I really am."
Tsaera hesitated, then put a hand on Lenala's shoulder. "A rough flight is nothing to be ashamed about. Just concentrate on getting yourself back on your feet, and the rest will take care of itself."
Last updated on the December 14th 2005