That Time of the Turn

Writers: Kaysea, Jane
Date Posted: 11th August 2007

Characters: R'haran, Corder
Description: Corder asks the Weyrharper his advice on breaking the news of a new parasite in the felines and canines of the Weyr.
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 5, day 12 of Turn 4

"R'haran?" Corder called around the door of the WeyrHarpers office. He had thought he had seen R'haran headed this way, but he could have been wrong.

"Mmm?" The greenrider stepped out from the shelf-lined cupboard and peered around the door. "Oh, Corder. What can I do for you?"

"I have a problem, and I need your input, if I may ask it." Corder stepped more fully into the office, taking in the appearances, "I see you're settling in well here," he grinned.

"Finally got all the hidework read and put away." His gift of memory enabled him to recall what he had read, so he didn't need hides, papers, and books cluttering up his office for reference. "Have a seat," he said, indicating the wide armchair and walking around his desk to take one of the other chairs surrounding the low table.

"Thanks." Corder sat opposite the Harper, his arms resting on the arms of the chair, his face showing some of his concern. "I need to get some news out to anyone who has canines in the Weyr, and as soon as possible."

"Official announcement sort of thing? Or -" he smiled. "- just rumour and gossip?"

"No, not gossip or rumour, this could have serious consequences for some in the Weyr if they don't get the message. It's _that_ time of the Turn again."

"What time is that?" R'haran asked, trying to recall all the things that happened at Dragonsfall in winter.

"Tick time. Looking for somewhere warm to sequester during the colder months." Corder replied, "And if a canine or feline aren't readily available - a child will do instead."

R'haran knew about ticks - in theory - but suddenly he realised he cared a lot more about them now he was responsible for five young children. "How badly can they affect children?" he asked, completely ignoring the beastcrafter's request for a message to be passed.

"It can be nasty. Pain, fever - quite high fever. Infection. Lethargy..." Corder ticked the list off on his fingers. "The healers are prepared, but I just want reminders to go out to the Weyr in general. Anyone with pets will have to be aware as well, the same symptoms will appear in their pets as in children."

"All right. Reminding them - what? Stay away from pets?" His children were certainly going to be warned.

"No, they have no need to banish their pets. They just need to be aware, and check daily around the canines or felines ears to make sure there're no infestations. Also, if the pet or child starts showing any symptoms, they're to be taken to a healer immediately."

"Itchy ears?" R'haran asked, remembering something of the sort from Turns gone by. He had never had either pets or children so that was why he had taken little notice.

"I suppose it could be described as itchy, but more an annoyance I should think." Corder nodded his head. "Why? One of yours?" he asked, concern colouring his words.

"No, no. Just want to be sure I know what to do." He patted himself on the chest and smiled. "First time father."

Corder smiled, "I hadn't forgotten. But look, the sooner we can get this message out, the better. Don't you agree?"

"I'll start spreading the word as soon as we finish drafting a notice I can have copied so people have something to refer to. It stops the rumours growing too wild."

Corder nodded in agreement, "Very wise. It won't do to have everyone panicking." He reached forward and took a writing tool from the box on R'haran's desk and a used scrap of paper, "I'll just jot down the pertinent points."

"That would be a help." R'haran could have remembered what the other man said but most people got a number of points more logically set out if they did it in writing - he certainly did. "And after I've got things underway I'm off to check on the children. They do spend a lot of time with Taia and the animals."

"I'm sure they'll be fine, but its always wiser to make sure." Corder nodded in agreement, as he rose from the chair. "I'm off to the healers, but I'll probably see you down in the beast cavern shortly." He gave a brief salute, and turned, leaving the Harper to his work.

Last updated on the October 11th 2008

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That Time of the Turn