... Nice

Writers: Bree, Clancey
Date Posted: 27th September 2005

Characters: Lenala, Solieira
Description: Lenala goes to Solieira for a haircut after some of her hair is singed in Threadfall.
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 7, day 18 of Turn 3

Lenala

Lenala looked rather pitiful when she arrived at Solieira's door. "I know it's late... but I need help, Solieira." After a day, she had gathered up the courage to face what was necessary and let someone cut the rest of her hair off to even it out with the singed ends next to her cheek.

"Oh lassie..." Solieira said in her 'mothering' tone. She didn't use it often, but Lenala appeared to need some, and so the Headwoman ushered her right in. "You look done in, come in and sit down, and tell me how I can help."

"It's my hair," Lenala admitted, dropping into a chair and raising a hand to her singed hair. "My cheek got scored... and it took a huge chunk of my hair with it. Now I need to cut it..."

Knowing Lenala to be the vain creature she portrayed, Solieira could well imagine how this would hurt the goldrider. But that she'd come to her at all made her smile, and think better, perhaps, of her Weyrwoman's Second.
"Aye, lass. You bore it well though, hmmm? Looks quite something to be proud of, no?" Sol smiled, then joined her in a second chair. "But your hair, aye, I see the problem. Shall I cut it for you? I can make it look quite charming, very easily."

Lenala sighed and fingered the ragged edges. "Have you ever seen hair as curly as mine when it's cut short?" she asked in a mournful tone. "I'm going to look so silly, Solieira."

"Of course, Lenala. Many riders of the female persuasion keep their hair cut short, curly or no. Besides, I know a great cut that will bring out your lovely bone structure." Solieira went on to describe a cut that framed her face, leaving it a bit longer in the back, but shorter up front. "What do you think of that?"

"I suppose it would look nice," Lenala replied after a moment's thought. "I just hope it doesn't turn into a curly mess with all the humidity!"

"Nonsense, child. If it does end up curling, it will just make you look impish and lovely, and you do have wonderful bones. No reason to hide them behind all that hair, though it is quite nice." Solieira paused and indicated a chair. "Let me get my shears and a few things, so make yourself comfortable, hmm?" The Headwoman's Weyr always had klah and snacks tucked away, as she often got visitors of the young, hungry, Candidate type. "Help yourself to anything!"

Lenala poured herself a mug of klah and then settled back down into a chair, crossing her legs. "I'll just trust you, Solieira! But I'm still frightened!"

Solieira patted her shoulder reassuringly, then all that was heard was 'snip snip' for quite some time. As she trimmed and cut, Sol said softly, "You have such a lovely face, Lenala. This will truly do you justice." "Thank you..." Lenala sighed. "I suppose I shouldn't really care... I just don't know what to do if I'm not pretty."

Solieira couldn't help it; she laughed. "Oh child! You poor thing. You _are_ pretty, and this will make you prettier still, but you must not rely on your looks. Learn to use your brain, lass. You ride a Queen dragon, for Faranth's sake!" "I know..." Lenala glanced up at Soliera, her eyes confused. "Sometimes I'm not sure I remember how."

"Then we're going to have to teach you, Lenala. If you want to make yourself proud of yourself, you're never too old to learn something. Would you like some help? Or do you want to be this brainless wonder you so often portray to the men, to get their attention?" Temper sparked in Lenala's eyes briefly, but it faded just as quickly and she shook her head. "You make it sound so easy. I try sometimes... I don't know if I'm smart enough to _be_ smart."

"It _is_ easy, Lenala. You don't have to be brilliant to be _smart_. You just have to pay attention to the world around you, and the people. Paying attention to people will teach you so many things you cannot learn on your own. I know you can do it, child. Your gold knew when she chose you."

"You really think that's how it works?" Lenala asked, twisting to look at Solieira. "Sometimes I wonder... well, that's not important." The expression on Lenala's face changed suddenly, and she smiled. "So, do you have a mirror? I want to see my new haircut!"

Sol chuckled at the woman's excitement, and went to her bedside table to fetch a hand-mirror. "Aye, goldrider. You look as lovely as ever, if not moreso." Lenala glanced in the mirror and had all she could do not to frown. She certainly _did_ look nice... and young. Sweet. Possibly even cute. Her sexy tumble of curls was gone, and until she could grow it back, she was stuck looking adorable. "Uhhm... it's nice, Solieira."

"Its very nice. You look lovely, Lenala." Though Solieira was certain the goldrider knew that and lived it. "It will be fine, you'll see. Just as many riders as ever will be twined around your fingers." A faint hint of disapproval, but it faded quickly. She knew there was a very intelligent young woman beneath the now shorn curls, if only the indolent one would let _her_ come out!

Last updated on the September 27th 2005

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... Nice