The Storm (4) - The Dolphineers Prepare

Writers: Ainsley, AL, Cali, Francesca, Jane, Paula, Vix
Date Posted: 22nd May 2009

Characters: Mahantan, Leisenn, Alydelle, Ednan, Yara, Chalzie, Trellyn, Hantala, Jaimon
Description: The dolphineers prepare to go to the Weyr for the next stage in their rescue plan.
Location: Dolphin Hall
Date: month 2, day 18 of Turn 5

When Trellyn and Leisenn arrived back at the Hall, it was to great industry. Mahantan was in the middle of a group in the dining hall issuing instructions and directions, and there was an ever growing pile of gear and supplies near the front door.

"Good," Leisenn muttered with satisfaction, raising her voice to call out: "The dragonriders will take us as soon as the wind drops enough for it to be safe for them to fly."

Ednan stood in the crowd and tried to fight off the ominous feeling of deja vu.

Yara looked up from the medical supplies she was sorting, to listen to Leisenn's announcement. She cast a glance to the master she was helping, but he had not even paused in his task. Her heart beat hard within her chest. Though she was no stranger to hurricanes and had assisted with a great number of rescues this was the first time she would be flying dragonback to the wreckage. She wondered how those aboard were faring. Would there be anyone left to rescue?

"Couldn't the dolphins just take us there?" Hantala muttered, trying to set aside her worries at riding a dragon.

"Well, cousin," Jaimon remarked on his way past, "you could always ask to stay here and set up for our return."

"No way," she told him defiantly. "I'm going, no matter what.." She just hoped that the 'no matter what' wouldn't involve falling from the sky.

Chalzie added an armful of supplies to the pile, then quickly walked to get more. As long as she kept moving, concentrating on the task assigned to her, she could avoid actually thinking of what was happening. She had never assisted in a real rescue and had no idea what would be expected of her. However, it was exciting to be doing something to help others.

Leisenn peered around the room. "Master Mahantan?" she called. "Have you chosen a team to go?"

The Master of Apprentices stepped forward with a nod. "I've chosen those who are best at salvage work, the most thorough in searches and other tasks, a few healers, and those who have the best lung power. The apprentices and journeymen who are remaining have also been given their tasks to prepare for our return." He ventured a quick glance toward the waiting apprentices, still not happy with the choice to bring his daughter, but knowing that she should be included in the rescue group.

Ednan knew he wasn't at his best in salvage work, but he was specializing in healing.

"We have to get those who will travel to the Weyr - with their gear," Leisenn explained. We can all help with that because I don't want anybody going on the rescue already exhausted."

Trellyn saw several of the senior apprentices readying to go.. Part of her wanted to ask Mahantan to leave them behind, they'd never been in situations like this before, but she also knew that they had to learn sometimes. They were all older seniors and would be walking the tables within the next couple of turns, then they'd be on their own.

Mahantan turned to the younger apprentices, waiting on the fringes of the group. Some eyed those who were going on the excursion with envy, some with fear. "Grab the gear but do so carefully, and remember whose equipment you have." At his command, the youngsters dispersed to help their older and more experienced comrades.

Alydelle lingered behind the others. She hadn't been assigned anywhere, her condition leaving her activities to certain limits and hauling equipment wasn't one of them. She glanced over at her Masters but remained silent.

"I'll come to the Weyr with you," Leisenn said to Mahantan in a quieter tone, "but I won't go on the rescue. Limited space; sturdier bodies than mine."

The Apprentice Master nodded his understanding. "No matter where you serve, your expertise will be appreciated."

Ednan passed on some equipment to the waiting apprentices and checked out his own.

Yara headed toward the exit, two first year junior apprentices in tow, carrying equipment as the Hallmaster had instructed. She looked around to see who among the senior apprentices and journeymen were going. Most of the senior apprentices it seemed.

"Walk to the Weyr in groups, people," Leisenn called a reminder that she hoped was unnecessary. It really was very stormy out there and there was no need to court injuries.

Ednan had his equipment now ready and in order. He slung them into his back. "I'm ready to go."

"As soon as you get a couple more to walk with you, go," Leisenn advised. "Trellyn? If you have your gear would you make sure this young man and the others get to the right place at the Weyr."

Trellyn looked towards the direction of her name being called, having just walked back in the main hall after gathering her gear. She locked her eyes on Ednan for a moment before sliding her gaze on to the other, less painful, faces around them. Now was not the time for excesses of emotion, she had a job to do. "Right, let's go folks. It's a long windy and wet trek over."

Ednan flashed her a smile, although he wasn't sure if she noticed it. He joined her at the door.

"Ready?" Jaimon asked his cousin as he and his helpers shouldered their equipment.

"Did he tell you to watch out for me?" Hantala asked, nodding toward Mahantan.

"No," the journeyman told her, "but he'd not forgive me if I let anything happen to you. He flashed a quick smile at the Master of Apprentices as he ushered his younger cousin and those aiding with their equipment to follow Ednan.

"Do you want to accompany me?" Mahantan asked the Hallmaster, offering her a coil of rope to carry.

The Hallmaster nodded, seeing others pair off or gather themselves into groups of three or four. "Thank you." She was small and wiry and had to admit that travelling alongside somebody larger in the winds were whipping the sea and sand between the Hall and Weyr seemed like a very appealing idea. "Ready when you are."

Last updated on the May 31st 2009

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The Storm (4) - The Dolphineers Prepare