Keeping the Faith

Writers: Eimi, Clancey
Date Posted: 5th October 2005

Characters: J'darin, Almonteo
Description: Almonteo visits J'darin to make certain the agreements concerning Harper Hall he made with T'moran stand.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 8, day 6 of Turn 3

J'darin

Almonteo

The bronzerider had only been Weyrleader for a few days, but T'moran had spent a little time instructing him on what to expect, and the most joyous task ahead of him that he could see would be welcoming the Harper Hall to Dolphin Cove. He fully intended to welcome Almonteo and his Hall with all the same warmth T'moran had shown them, and for many of the same reasons. He was expecting the Hallmaster any time, now. When the news had reached Almonteo that there had been a change of leadership at the Weyr they were to be moving to in less than a sevenday, he was a bit apprehensive. Of course, in a Weyr one must expect change much more often than at a Hold. Still, it was worrisome and poor timing for the new Hallmaster. Would the _new_ Weyrleader honor the agreements that T'moran had made? Should he push back their arrival? Almonteo requested an audience with Weyrleader J'darin at his earliest convenience. Nervously, though not showing any outward sign of the feeling, he knocked on the door to the Weyrleader's office.

Fresh klah had been brought, and J'darin rose to his feet to open the door himself. The rest of his time as Weyrleader might be spent solving problems, but this would be easy.. and definitely a welcome change. "Good day to you, Hallmaster Almonteo." Was the carver's warm greeting as he opened his door. "Do come in and sit down, I'm sure you've many questions."

He stuck his hand out as the man came inside. "I am J'darin, my bronze is Hasaarth." The Hallmaster smiled as he took the Weyrleader's hand in his. So far his Impression was favorable. "It's an honor, Weyrleader J'darin. Congratulations to you and your bronze Hasaarth for a flight well won. And I hear it was quite the flight."

"The honor is mine, Hallmaster. You and your's have come through a troubling time quite well, and Dolphin Cove is pleased to welcome you."
He smiled at the comment on the Flight. "My thanks, Almonteo." The grin turned very sly. "It was a _very_ good Flight, as it turned out, Hallmaster. Although I must say the circumstances surprised us all!"

"Yes, I must say it was a surprise. Was there none that realized that Moriath would no longer rise?" Almonteo's natural harper curiosity had been piqued. Being Harper Hallmaster gave him the freedom to bodly ask the questions on his mind.

A frown colored J'darin's face before he could stop it, though he soon smoothed it over. "None, least of all her rider, who should have known before any of us." Kalina's abrupt leaving had stung him more than he'd care to admit, though he had been busy enough dealing with Traelyn and all the other changes Hasaarth's winning had left to do, that he had not thought of her much. Except when he was alone in his Weyr at night -
then he missed her. "She was hurt in the tragedy we are still recovering from, and it was apparently much worse than we all suspected."

Almonteo nodded. He knew very little of dragon phyisiology. Perhaps it was something he should look up... "I see. And how is it that a Gold from Dragonsfall happened to be first to rise? I would have thought your Junior Queen would have been next. She was not injured as well, I hope."

J'darin sighed. Was everyone going to ask him that question? They should be asking Traelyn! Another frown appeared, and then vanished, this one directed at the new Weyrwoman of Dolphin Cove. He did not know what to make of her. "It was purely an accident, Hallmaster. A very badly timed accident, as it happens. Her rider was not paying attention at all and brought her out to another Weyr when she should _not_ have."
Irritation showed a bit, but he quickly masked it. "So, an accident." "Well, I'm sure it will all work out for the best. The dragons know, or so we harpers teach our charges." Almonteo smiled and made a note to himself - he would need to talk to the new Weyrwoman later... "And it is such a circumstance that brought you to the fore. And so I would like to talk to you as our new Weyrleader."

"My thanks for your wishes, and yes, the dragons do know. " He paused to smile. " Aye, Hallmaster. I am here as Weyrleader now. Let me first say I intend to honor every piece and particle of the agreement you made with T'moran. In fact, I cannot wait to help you move on in." "I am relieved to hear it." It certainly was a load off Almonteo's mind to know that they still had a home to come to! "Forgive me if all this comes at a bad time."

J'darin chuckled ruefully. "It has been a 'bad time' at Dolphin Cove since tragedy struck our wings, my good Hallmaster. But nonetheless, we look forward to music and dancing to ease our troubles when your folk care to share with us. Did you have any questions, or would you like to request some aid from green and blueriders in moving you in as soon as possible?"

"We will be needing the help of some of your willing blue and green riders," he nodded, grateful for the offer of transport. "And I have a request. I know that protocal calls for a formal welcome from the leadership when a new Hall is established. But I was hoping we could forgo that until the ships arrive."

J'darin considered that for a moment, thinking it over. "I don't see why we could not postpone it. It goes against tradition, but I believe your Hall won't be 'established' until the people to fill it are here.
Yes, I think we could wait." J'darin pulled a few hides from the stacks on his desk; they were neat, but far too many for his peace of mind. "And here are some greenriders and blueriders that could help." He made marks by 4 names, and handed it over to Almonteo. "I will send these riders to you.. when?" "Day 8, if they are available."

J'darin pulled from another neat stack, scanning the list of Threadfall dates. "That should be just fine, Almonteo. I'll send these riders to you tomorrow then, and we'll expect to hear music when you are settled!" the bronzerider grinned at the Hallmaster. "I am so glad you stopped by, Hallmaster. One joyful task out of so many trying ones is indeed a gift." The Hallmaster smiled, his fears about working with the new Weyrleader laid to rest. "Wonderful! I'm afraid I have taken up too much of your time already, though I am sure I will visit again in the next few days. We have a lot to do before the first wave arrives."

J'darin waived that off. "I have enjoyed your visit immensely, Hallmaster. Feel free to visit any time, and call on me with whatever you need to get settled. The Headwoman could also be of great assistance. " J'darin rose to his feet and extended his hand. "Believe me, this was one task I looked forward to."

"And our task is not yet done. Don't worry, Weyrleader, I will be here to interupt you many more times I'm sure." He reached out a hand to the younger man. "I look forward to working with you, J'darin."

J'darin smiled at being addressed by the Hallmaster and shook his hand firmly. "As I do with you, Hallmaster. We will see you in a few days."

Last updated on the October 20th 2005

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

Keeping the Faith