Smart Questions

Writers: Avery, Jelena
Date Posted: 12th August 2014

Characters: Genna, K'ran
Description: K'ran spends some time with Genna and finds her questions engaging.
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 8, day 9 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: J'darin, Teseada, Saibra

Genna

K'ran

Genna tried to keep up with current affairs. Seeing as after graduation she
would be dealing with the ranking staff a lot, she felt it might be easier
if she got to know them all as soon as possible. So it wasn't long after
the news of K'ran's promotion to Wingleader spread, that she came up to him
in the Dining Hall with a ready smile on her face. "K'ran, is it?"

"It is," he confirmed. "Would you like to take a seat, goldrider?" He
still wanted to use lady for them.

"That would be nice," Genna said with a smile, taking the seat easily. "My
name's Genna, junior weyrling with Lissath. I heard about your promotion
and decided I should come and introduce myself, as we may be working
together in the future."

That made her sound very conscientious, which he appreciated. "Thank you,
Genna. I hope to maintain a good relationship with as many weyrfolk as I
can, whether they're in my wing or not."

"As do I," Genna smiled, her blue eyes studying K'ran in a friendly manner.
"Would you mind telling me a bit about yourself? I'm curious to hear how
one becomes a Wingleader!"

"You become a Wingleader when G'nir calls you into his office," he said
with a slight laugh, waiting to see how she'd respond.

"I'm a traveling man. I've been at three other Weyrs in 10 Turns," he
explained more seriously. "That means Rogueth and I have experience in
multiple climates, with different type of challenges for flying Fall.
We're a solid pair who work hard, and I guess that gave us an edge when
the spot opened up."

A small giggle escaped Genna, but she quickly regained her composure. "Oh,
that's interesting!" Genna sat up a little straighter, going right into
interrogation mode. "What would you say is the biggest difference in Fall
between those climates?"

Smart questions for a weyrling to ask. He revised his opinion of her up a
notch immediately. "Temperature affects air currents, as does humidity,
but to a lesser extent," he answered seriously. "So Dolphin Cove is very
hot, but also wet. There can be strong crosswinds where the sea breezes
meet the wind coming down from the land, and this can impair
maneuverability. On the bright side, Hurricanes can happen and drown out
Thread.

He stopped for another sip of klah, then continued. "Dragonsfall has
colder air and a lot of snow. Enough snow on a Fall day can freeze the
Thread so it cracks and falls as harmless dust, and we don't have to fly
it. But we fly over some very variable areas; Amber Hills is nice because
the land is gentle and the winds consistent, but over more mountainous
terrain you can get sharper shifts that can drop you thirty feet in a
second."

"I bet that seriously messes up the wing formations?" Genna asked on,
enthralled that she had found a rider willing to talk 'Fall' with her. Most
figured she wasn't interested, or that she wouldn't understand just yet.
And in class they were still focussing on the basics, in her opinion.

He nodded, pleased by her quick grasp of the situation. "That's the reason
why we drill in many and pick which one we're using at the start of a
Fall. A formation that works well on a warm and still day isn't going to
work well on a cold day with wind shear. You might want a staggered layer
then, with the larger dragons as anchors since they're less affected."

"And you probably need a little more distance between the wings,
right? When there's more danger of people being blown out of formation
and all."

He nodded. "You don't want stray flame singing your wingmate. On the
other hand, the extra space gives the greens and blues time to shine.
I'm sorry, I don't recall where you came from before - do you have any
experience with flying?"

"Oh no, I came from Amber Hills Hold! Impressed at my first time on the
sands, so I haven't had much chance yet to actually fly." But in a few
months, she told herself, she would be flying. With Lissath!

"You've got quite the grasp of the challenges of flight already. I think
it'll do the pair of you well," he complimented.

"Oh, thank you!" Genna glowed with pride at that compliment. "Now if
you could pass that sentiment on to J'darin..." she winked to show she
was joking.

"I'll have to talk to you after your first flight together and see
what you think. It's a pity I can't steal you for my wing," he said
with a laugh.

Genna joined in on his laugh. "On the contrary, you should count yourself
lucky, because I'm quite concerned about working with a flamethrower, to be
honest!"

"I'm sure you'll be taught well. Teseada and Saibra will probably show you
that, since we riders of flaming dragons have little knowledge of them."

"Oh yes, I'm certain the teaching will be fine, it's my own dexterity I'm
concerned with," Genna grinned. "But we'll see. There's a lot of other
things to be learned first."

"Indeed there is. I remember just how busy weyrlinghood could be."
Especially with a dragon who the healers had all been concerned about. "If
you ever need some help, have Lissath ask Rogueth. I wouldn't mind."

"Oh thank you! I will be sure to keep that in mind," Genna smiled
wholeheartedly at the man. "Well, I'm sorry to say I'd best be going.
Lissath is probably going to be up in a bit."

"Not a problem. It was a pleasure to speak with you, lady Genna."

Last updated on the August 12th 2014

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

Smart Questions