Rider Celebrations
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: Avery, Eimi
Date Posted: 21st November 2008
Characters: Almonteo, L'pin
Description: Almonteo and L'pin talk about dragonrider ways of celebrating.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 12, day 11 of Turn 4
"Excuse me, L'pin. May I have a word with you?" the Hallmaster asked quietly, trying not to disturb the others who were pouring over hides and papers in the Record Room.
"Certainly." the bluerider replied, taking a moment to gather the hide he'd been poring over up so that no one would move it or take it while he was away, and then heading outside so their conversation wouldn't disrupt anyone. "What can I help you with, Hallmaster?"
"I was hoping I could impose on your archiving skills for a while, if you don't mind." It wasn't that the Hall wasn't full of competent archivists, but in this case he really needed one who thought like a dragonrider as well. "You see, I'm starting our preparations for the upcoming Turn End celebration, and I would like to incorporate some of the Weyrs history into our celebrations."
"I don't mind at all." L'pin replied. In fact, he was rather glad that Almonteo still saw him as enough of a Harper to come to him. "I will admit I'm not familiar with the plans you've made so far, so anything you'd like to fill me in on would be welcome. Are you asking for song choices, decorations, or other suggestions?"
"I must admit that first of all, I must ask for your advice. You see, we would like to incorporate more of the Weyrs traditional songs and celebrations into our plans. It would be good for our people to learn more about them." And hopefully through learning more about each other's culture, they could reach an understanding, if not an appreciation, which some still had not come to, even after a turn of being neighbors.
"Every Weyr is different, of course, but I think the basics are always the same. The traditional feast, and then the dancing as the harpers play. Ballads and pieces that relate to the dragons are constant, of course. There aren't many songs glorifying a Holder or Crafter life. It's usually upbeat, celebratory pieces, heroic tales, not tragic ones. Sometimes a list of the fallen is read, but that depends on the Weyrleader. Some want to honor those who gave their lives to save Pern, while others don't want to mention anything that could cast a pall on the feast."
"Well, I think I will consult the new Weyrleader on that matter. I have no idea what his idea of a Turns End celebration will be." A change in leadership always was a bit unsettling. Everything had happened so fast the Hallmaster's head was still spinning. "Could you maybe show me what kind of music might usually be played? Last Turn we just chose our own music, but this Turn I would like more familiar pieces for the Weyrfolk to enjoy."
"I'd be glad to help." L'pin replied. "I think the Weyrleader's input will weigh on that as well, since if he wants to keep it upbeat sad pieces won't be appropriate, but I could certainly assist you with finding a selection you could narrow down."
"I'm not sure our new Weyrleader will have any more insight into Dolphin Cove traditions than I myself have," the Hallmaster replied thoughtfully.
"No, but he might have ideas on the overall tone of the night that we should respect. I hope he utilizes the advantages of your Hall to full ability, though," L'pin confessed. "It would be a shame to ignore the opportunity no other Weyr has."
"I'm sure Weyrleader N'vanik is no fool," Almonteo assured him. Though he had heard some rather interesting rumors about the man's qualifications. Those did not need to be discussed with the Weyrlingmaster's Second, however. "Then when would you be free?"
"Later tonight- after dinner, barring any serious weyrling mishaps."
"That sounds fine," the Hallmaster agreed. "Are you anticipating any weyrling mishaps?"
"No, but children have a talent for getting themselves into trouble- I'm sure your apprentices are the same way."
Almonteo smiled. "Well, I have a Master of Apprentices who takes care of most the mishaps, though I've had children enough to know your statement to be true."
L'pin laughed. "Children are a blessing, but some days they make you want to pull your hair out."
"At the very least," the Hallmaster chuckled. "Right, well then, let's meet again this evening."
Last updated on the November 22nd 2008