A Day of Firsts (1/4)

Writers: Heather
Date Posted: 3rd May 2024

Characters: X'eri, Yasmeane
Description: The Weyrwoman has a special assignment for X’eri and Yasmeane.
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 5, day 11 of Turn 11
Notes: Mentioned: Saibra

X'eri

Yasmeane

[The Weyrwoman wants us to go on Search today. We’re going to Lantern
Ridge, it is a minor hold in Amber Hills.] X’eri said as he and
Yasmeane stood in the Weyrbowl. Normally today would have been a
sweepride for them, but the Weyrwoman had changed her mind after
witnessing Isaroth’s potential as a Search dragon.

"This is stupid," Yasmeane grumbled as she yanked and shoved and
pulled on Isaroth's riding straps to get them adjusted just right.

}:Take it easy. I do have hide under there, you know:{ the green
whined, the tip of her tail flicking with irritation.

Yasmeane felt a flash of guilt as she stroked her hand against her
lifemate's flank. **I'm sorry. I didn't mean to take this out on
you.**

A hand touched her shoulder. She whirled to face X'eri, whose brow was
furrowed, and his lips were pulled into a slanted frown.

[For the millionth time, I can't understand what you're saying when
you're mumbling and turning away from me!] The movements of his hands
revealed his annoyance.

[Maybe I don't want you to always _know_ what I'm saying. Ever think
of that?!] Yasmeane signed back heatedly.

X'eri rolled his eyes. **She is the _most_ infuriating woman I have
ever met. I cannot imagine why Isaroth picked her. There had to have
been better options.**

}:That's not how it works. It's not about options, it's about the
_right_ someone. You were made for me. No one else would have fit.:{
Kohath insisted.

[Can you explain to me why you're so mad about going on Search?] X'eri
asked, exhaling slowly through his nose to try and regain some
composure.

Yasmeane shook her head, refusing to answer him for a moment. She
wasn't sure she knew enough sign language to adequately explain what
was going on inside her head. Even though she and X'eri had spent
every meal, drill, and other duty together for the past two months,
her sign language still left something to be desired.

It had been the _Weyrwoman's_ idea (**Ugh!**) to see if Isaroth could
have potential as a future Searchdragon. Of course her beautiful,
magnificent green dragon had been _fantastic_ at it. **Why couldn't
she have been mediocre?**

}:What was that?:{ Isaroth asked, catching a bit of the poorly
concealed thought.

**Nothing, my dear.**

X'eri was still waiting for an answer. She searched her mind for the
right hand signs.

[Why would I want to bring other people to the Weyr when I am
miserable here myself?] Yasmeane signed each word slowly and clearly.

The bronzerider had to allow himself a couple extra inhale-exhale
cycles before formulating a reply to Yasmeane. There were times he did
feel sympathetic toward her, but then at other times, he could clearly
see some of what she was going through was self-inflicted.

**Sometimes you have to help yourself first before worrying about the
external factors,** he thought.

}:You tried using that advice on yourself?:{ Kohath asked with amusement.

**Cute,** X'eri shot back.

[Don't think about Search as bringing people to the Weyr. That's a
byproduct. Dragonets will be born. They will need a lifemate. Imagine
what would have happened to Isaroth had you not been on the Sands that
day.]

Yasmeane could too easily imagine a tiny Isaroth, searching the Sands
in desperation, creeling in fright, and then withering away when a
lifemate wasn't found. The image was a dagger to the heart. She held
no affinity for Dragonsfall Weyr, but dragons? Well, it was hard to be
mad or blame a dragon.

X'eri could see that his words had some effect on Yasmeane by the way
the tension in her shoulders eased up a bit. [That's why we go on
Search. And you know, if you jump through the Weyrwoman's hoops and
get in her good graces, you can transfer to a different Weyr and start
fresh - if that's what you want.]

The greenrider's chin lifted a little as she wrapped her arms around
herself and shrugged her shoulders. What was the point in 'starting
over' somewhere else? All Weyrs worked the same. Her faults and
failures would be on display for everyone to see no matter where she
went.

[Let's just get this over with,] she signed.

Last updated on the May 9th 2024

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

A Day of Firsts (1/4)