Go Easy
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, Clancey
Date Posted: 7th November 2006
Characters: Nistaja, J'darin
Description: Nistaja warns J'darin that he should be careful of Maurgen's feelings.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 13, day 29 of Turn 3
J'darin reluctantly gave Maurgen up to Fortien for a dance, and found Himself leaning alone for the moment, against the nearest wall. Ale in hand, he watched his Weyrfolk lazily, eyes half closed as he began to relax for the first time in many months. So alone with his thoughts, that he didn't realize he was leaning next to another of the Weyr's young Crafters. He could not recall her name, but J'mar spoke of her often, or at least more than the rest of the women he mentioned!
After a few moments the girl turned to him. "Maurgen seems to be enjoying herself," she said casually. "I'm glad."
When she spoke Maurgen's name, he placed her after a brief search of his memory. Nistaja, one of Maurgen's friends. His young harper lover did not share him with too many of her acquaintances beyond Fortien. Shy, he suspected.
J'darin gave her one of his most friendly 'I'm not the Weyrleader right now' smiles. "I was really hoping she would have fun. She did not want to come with me, you see. I had to really work to get her to agree to come as my escort. But I am so glad she did agree." He smiled at her again. "And you, are you having fun? Nistaja, isn't it?"
"I'm having fun," Nistaja lied easily, giving the Weyrleader a wide smile.
"And Maurgen is having a wonderful time. I'm glad... I was a little worried about her, to be honest."
The Weyrleader's expressive eyes widened, one eyebrow arching. "Worried about her? Whyever for, young lady?" Fortunately, J'darin was not paying terribly close attention and did not realize he'd been lied to about Nistaja having fun, or else he may have taken action.
Nistaja glanced back out at the floor, where Maurgen was smiling as Fortien spun her around. "She doesn't like being the center of attention. I know she enjoys spending time with you, but she does get a little scared at the idea of being with the Weyrleader where people will stare and gossip."
J'darin sighed softly at this, not incredibly surprised. He knew she was shy and had known from the first time he'd met her. His voice was quiet, reflecting his concern for his new lover. "I wish that I could not _be_ the Weyrleader for once, one time in the Weyr's eyes. It seems to damage my relationships." Why he was confiding so much to a relative stranger, he wasn't quiet sure. Perhaps it was because she was a friend of Maurgen's... "I wish I could make it easier on her." "Just... go easy with her." Nistaja studied J'darin to see how he was taking her advice, and figured she was safe to say a little more. "She's spent the last ten turns here, but she grew up in Emerald Falls territory. There are things about life at the Weyr that she still doesn't really understand, no matter how much she acts like it."
Another sigh identical to the last slipped from the Weyrleader. Why was it so difficult for folk to believe that _some_ Weyrfolk were as content with one lover as _some_ Holdfolk were _not_ content with only one?
In answer, he said quietly, "Have no fear for your young friend, lass. I cherish her already, and would not see any hurt come to dim her smile. Besides, many forget I was Craftbred myself." A crooked smile appeared then faded. A bit over the top, perhaps, but he was who he was. "Well, then. Maybe I have nothing to worry about." Not that Nistaja was so sure... Maurgen was more fragile than she wanted anyone to know, especially J'darin. But there was nothing she could do about it now. "I hope not, Nistaja. I hope not." He paused, glancing once to the young woman who had come to delight him. "Might I interest you in a dance to further put your mind at ease?"
Nistaja smiled and shook her head. "Fortien's knees won't last much longer, and Maurgen needs another dance with you. I'm about to go and find myself something to drink. But thank you for the kind offer, Weyrleader." J'darin arched an eyebrow at the young woman. She didn't even want to dance with him? Startled to feel vaguely offended, he stomped on his bronzerider ego, and simply smiled. "As you wish, Nistaja. Enjoy the rest of the evening; I will go and rescue my Harper from Fortien."
Last updated on the November 7th 2006