A thought to the future (open)

[katgod]

Laszreen stood long, staring at the empty sands as if she were expecting a clutch to magically appear there. Her talks with J’var did little to lessen the stress on her mentally. Elfreth’s constant regard for herself was not helping either. Laszreen, who could rarely suffer other Queen riders, let alone an equal, was having a hard time with the concept of shared power. She didn’t know what these Telgar riders were used to. Obviously they were not used to her or the ways of Igen. Not knowing that she was being watched, she sat down on the sand which was quite cool with no eggs on it. Her dark eyes were troubled even her body seemed to have lost some of the arrogant self assurance that it normally clung to.

It was horrible to doubt oneself when one was used to being in control and correct in ones own thinking. She had never wished to make herself the enemy of another Goldrider; she had no choice at this point. The people and riders of the Weyr had made this into a game and sport where they could watch as two women vied for power that was entirely up to chance. Laszreen did not know enough about Neory to despise her not that she wanted to be friends with her but it would be beneficial if they could work together in a pleasant way. Outside of work they should maintain a distance from such things as betting on who would win, etc. In fact it would be better if they didn’t discuss dislike for one another at all.

The Weyr was what was important. Dividing it would do them no good. Ruling over a divided Weyr would benefit neither of them and it certainly wouldn’t benefit Igen or Telgar. Elfreth was dozing happily on her ledge while the evening breezes, brushed gently across her light golden hide. Laszreen needed to gain the trust and respect of these Telgar riders. But how? How could she, as an outsider, ever hope to become what was needed when they hated her so very much?

[Kayla]

Neory had wandered in the direction of the Sands herself. She was not particularly surprised to see that the other Gold Rider and potential weyrwoman was also at the Sands, and from the looks of things, being rather contemplative.

Neory watched her for a moment. It was an unfair situation that the two found themselves in, though she would never complain about it that way out loud, and Sheluth was currently taking a nap, so that she was safe from the Dragon overhearing her thoughts. Both women were ambitious, though Neory felt that Laszreen's ambition was different from her own in some rather crucial ways. Nonetheless, to have that ambition to be controlled by the biology of their lifemates was beyond frustrating.

Neory did not know whether or not the two could have been friends if the situation were different. She could wish that, but from what she had been able to know about the other woman, she was not entirely sure or convinced that that would have been the situation, though she thought that it would have made life easier if they could have been.

She took a deep breath, realizing that it was really not fair of her to be so judgmental about the other woman, she barely knew anything about her, after all. She approached her, knowing that she may not be accepted warmly, and not requiring that, but it would be helpful if they could at least be civil to one another, could at least get along with each other.

"Good evening, Laszreen. How are you and your Elfreth settling into our new Weyr?"

[katgod]

Laszreen heard a sigh come from behind her but did not move. She knew whomever it was would speak when they were ready to. Though it was longer than she thought before Neory did speak. If anyone had seen this image it would be almost comical. Two Goldriders one standing and the other sitting on the Hatching Sands in complete silence. She thought of it and the irony of them both being there because that is what would dictate their lives, what happened here on the Sands. It was an odd sort of comfort she felt here.

She knew that the woman behind her held no real affection for Laszreen nor did she expect her to show anything but proper courtesy which is precisely what she did. Laszreen had a reputation that often preceeded her. Brushing a dark curl behind her ear, she leaned back, arms propping her up and answered Neory. She wasn't going to be any more or less welcoming than Neory was. Laszreen was great when it came to maintaining a courtly civility, whether or not she truly meant to be nice to anyone was another story.

"Good Evening to you as well, Neory. It is as I expected, Elfreth and I do well. I trust you and Sheluth fare well." She was still unsure of whether she could carry out a conversation with the other Goldrider. Well it wasn't like she had said anything that could be construed as mean yet. "The weather must be warmer than your used to. I remember Telgar to be quite cold this time of turn. Its warmer here at night than at Igen but nothing can really compare to the dry heat there." The weather ought to be a safe enough subject, considering.

[Kayla]

Neory smiled, "You won't hear me complaining about the warmer weather. It's nice. And of course Sheluth is quite content to be sunning in the warm southern sun." Nicer than she wanted Laszreen to know, at least until - if she ever did - she trusted the other woman. Laszreen did not need to know that R'net was getting a bit older and that the warm weather was good for him. However, the Bronzer had always loved the beach. "It's kind of nice having the beach so close by."

She moved and sat near the other woman, taking a moment to look out at the sands. Perhaps it was just part of her nature, but Neory would like to be friends with the other woman if it was possible, though she had no real idea of where to start. Of course with the question of Flight looming, Neory was not even sure that it was possible.

She smiled over to the other woman, "It'll be a very different life here. I don't know that there will ever be songs about us... no glory... but what we're doing is important." She knew the other woman knew that, she didn't mean it to be telling her anything she didn't know, just an observation. "In some ways, I think the Riders and Dragons who will be here, may be some of the most important Pern ever."

[katgod]

Though Neory's words were all considerate and nicely said, Laszreen could feel a small tension between them. The tension came from the unknown before them. If anyone could see into her secret heart they would know that Laszreen would never wish any ill on Neory. She was a Goldrider as well and that demanded a mutual respect, which in time Laszreen might give her fully. For right now the younger Goldrider was going to content herself with being cordial and polite towards Neory. Respect was something one could earn from Laszreen and she had no doubt that Neory would try to rise to such esteem.

"The beaches will be a good place for dragonriders to relax, I just hope they don't get too comfortable." If they became lax down here then the future of Pern would be in jeopardy. Of course there was plenty of time on this end in comparison to the other. Plenty of people too. This new Weyr would thrive because the people here knew the importance of their mission and what failure would cost Pern (to some extent.)

"I would have liked to have been remembered but now that we are here that seems unlikely." She sighed, no one could know how things would turn out in the end, she just hoped it would be awhile before she was forgotten entirely. "That will of course depend on how successful we are." The importance of this Timing Mission would depend on more than just secrecy and trust but it required the riders here to be more disciplined than anywhere else on Pern because they would be travelling through time regularly enough to increase risks of accidents and timing sickness. She couldn't help but think of the many things that could go terribly wrong here.

[Kayla]

Neory felt the tension too. Felt in the words she could not say. The fact that she had to push to the back of her mind questions about when Laszreen thought that Elfreth would rise, that she resisted making some joke about how much they were leaving up to biology and chance. She was pretty sure that once one gold or the other had risen, things could, potentially, be easier between the two Gold Riders. Unless of course... she dismissed the thought before she could follow its trail

She grinned, "I doubt any of us will allow laziness. However, I'm sure our Riders and Dragons will be able to take advantage of the beach when recuperating from timing expeditions." Neory's biggest concern was not with discipline or the ability of those at Nova. She knew that they had all been hand picked, no one here would do anything to sabotage the mission. However, the constant Timing... that could take success completely out of the hands of anyone at Nova.

Neory nodded. "It does indeed. I know that everyone here is going to work hard to make sure that we are successful. After all, those we left there are friends and family." She frowned a bit, thinking of the sacrifice that had been required of everyone who now called Star Hold or Nova home. "We won't let them down."

[katgod]

Laszreen didn’t turn to look at the other Goldrider. It would not do her any good to see the emotions on her face and know that she was nothing like the other woman. Neory seemed to allow her emotions to affect her decisions in a way though obviously not to the extent a greenrider would. Thinking of the future brought to mind how they would work together because they had to, because the Weyr deserved that from their leaders no matter how different they were. She couldn’t see Neory being as tough with punishments as she herself was, and she might not be the perfectionist that Laszreen was but she was who people would trust more.

Elfreth would not have chosen her if she was not what was required for the job of Goldrider. Laszreen knew that, no matter what she might privately think to herself when she was feeling a little lost, she knew that she was meant to be here. There were so many things she could help accomplish, so many lives she could make better. People relying on her judgments in a way they never had before. She needed a purpose; she was too driven and ambitious to be without one. “I wonder…” Laszreen looked down at her slender hands a moment. She was obviously thinking.

“We could come up with a system…research will have to be done of course.” When Laszreen was coming up with an idea, it was sometimes hard to follow her. She knew there was something, lurking under the surface of all of this. There had to be something that would make this time travel easier on the riders here. “I mean to say, there must be a way to make all of this time traveling easier on the riders. However, I’ve yet to see any of the recorded information on this and we may have to set a precedent. Of course, even if we could I still wouldn’t suggest the other Weyrs time travel. One change to a person’s life would change all of Pern in a series of reactions…”

[Kayla]

Neory nodded, "I definitely agree that we should not have any of the other Weyrs timing it. In fact, I think it would be best if they don't even know that we're here. Besides, I'm not sure that they're prepared to fly thread anyway." She did not even want to think about things as headache inducing as what would happen if their ancestors met them...

"R'net and K'dyn have the most experience with Timing it. R'net in particular." Neory did not allow herself to grimace at the thought of R'net's experience timing it. That had caused far more conflict in their relationship - and almost prevented that relationship all together! - then she wanted to think about.

"However, I agree, that we need to minimize the risk. We should probably have a meeting, the four of us and K'dyn, come up with some strategies." The metallics were the best at timing it, which meant that they would need to start with the Bronzers, so that they could train the others. Even not everyone selected had made it back, so practice would be absolutely necessary, but careful. "I think we should probably start with getting everyone used to timing it, with short jumps."

[katgod]

Laszreen might be an arrogant and proud person but she knew a good idea when she heard one. She took a moment to respond to Neory though her words were simple. "We could call a meeting now. I don't believe J'var is doing anything too important and I doubt that either K'dyn or R'net are all that busy... unless you know otherwise." It was important to her that they set up a goal before anyone flew. Then the interests of all parties would be met regardless. It would take a lot of stress off of the Goldrider.

"I believe if we set down some initial goals before either of our Golds fly, neither the Igen or Telgar riders can resist that greatly to what we are tryign to accomplish. It would show that both sides should be working together no matter who leads." She knew that this would make things easier on whoever one as well as whoever didn't.

She glanced over at Neory and then looked back at her hands. "I want this to work. Even if people here don't appreciate my presence, I am here to see the job gets done and the Weyr prospers. If you were questioning my reasons for being here, it isn't only a chance to be Senior but it was a chance to make a difference in the world." Laszreen spoke with a voice that was not as little as her body, it was strong and demanding and almost frightening.

[Kayla]

Neory smiled, "I think that's a very good idea." In fact, she had half toyed with the idea of working out some kind of shared leadership though it would go against every weyr tradition ever. For now, though she kept such thoughts to herself, not sure how the other would view it.

"Laszreen, I don't think so uncharitably about you." She smiled a bit, "To be honest, we both had just as good chance of being Seniors at our respective home weyrs. Though I would wish neither Telgar nor Igen's Weyrwomen harm, with Thread falling no one is safe. It's a big sacrifice to be ehre, and I would not expect ambition to be reason enough for anyone to make it."

"And we will make that difference. All of us. Together. I'll have Sheluth contact Torenth and Ortath... We should probably designate a Conference room, but for now, the Sands should be neutral enough to prevent anyone from seeming to have the upper hand."

Sheluth, contact Torenth and Ortath and have their riders meet us here.

The dragon drowsily woke from her nap and sent out the invitation, catching what was in her Rider's mind, she decided to come fully awake in order to pay attention herself.

Torenth, Ortath, Mine wants Yours to meet her at the stands of the Sands.

[katgod]

Neory seemed to like the idea of a meeting and agreed that they should lay out some goals and things. The meeting might not be too bad, so long as they looked past backgrounds and looked forward to the promise of a new and better Weyr, more prepared to handle Thread and better able to resist illness.

She knew that would require the help of many Healers though the thought itself of being resistant to illness would make their Weyr more like a super Weyr, one that Telgar and Igen could be nervous about. A Weyr with a little less to fear, a little more to gain. It could be scary but it could also mean a better future for Pern and more importantly their dragons.

"Yes, this will do fine for now." She added in aggreement as she had her own dragon summon J'var and Ionuth. Ionuth, Laszreen requires J'var's presence at the Hatching Sands for a meeting of great importance.The pale Gold had only to say that he was needed but she preferred to give specifics. She wasn't at all concerned about where it was being held. The dragon actually considered that it was a little amusing.

----

Ortath heard Sheluth's message and reported it to his rider who was sitting on the ledge with him, their new favorite spot looking out at the beautiful sky. It would help to think they were seeing a sky similair to what Gwyn and the children were, but they weren't. Instead it was a cold comfort that the Red Star wasn't in position. "The Hatching Sands? What could that be about?" He muttered something under his breath and stood slowly.

"Give me a lift, eh?" The brown faced him with multifaceted eyes swirling blue. Neory requires your presence, of course I shall fly you over. Its not a short walk to the Hatching Sands from here. With that K'dyn went to change into his leathers again, making sure his rank chords were in position before readying the riding straps on Ortath. They were well practiced at this point and were ready to go fairly quickly. We are on our way, Sheluth.

[Adobe]

Yes, my queen. The bronze answered simply and respectfully. Ionuth was happy Elfreth called upon him. To his rider only, he ordered curtly, Ridermine, Laszreen needs you on the sands. Elfreth says it is important. J'var was puttering around in his weyr, looking for the small calfskin bag. It held a ring he had commissioned some time before he and Laszreen left Igen. He gave up on his search and walked swiftly to his ledge where Io waited.

He patted the large bronze, admiring the clean hide, now with some silver scars from thread. Still perfect and strong, J'var thought, knowing that only one bronze had accomplished more at Igen than Io, and that Rodereth. Well, his former mentor wasn't here, was he, so J'var let himself believe that Ionuth was the best. Come, I will take you to the sands, you dwaddle much.

With that the pair was off, and J'var was deposited at the entrance. He pushed back his shoulders and strode forward with his usual confidence. His eyes fell upon Laszreen, and he indulged himself a small smile. He didn't want her to feel unprofessional by calling her his love, so he improvised respectfully, "You called, my lady?"

[TheDreamerLady]

Sheluth calls. Tor commented sleepily to his rider. You can walk to the Sands as fast as I can get you there. Go.

R'net blinked, sighed, and realized that it probably would take less time to walk than to have his big brown- ahem, I mean, Bronze get out of the sun, and take him to the Hatching Sands. The con was it was a much less impressive entrance. Though, he didn't know why Neory was asking him to come to the Sands in the first place. Shells, something wasn't wrong was it? But if something had been wrong, Tor would have said something, but. The bronzerider forcibly calmed himself down, made sure he looked presentable and headed off to the Sands.

When he arrived, the odd gathering struck him. Both Queenriders, and their Weyrmates. No broken dishes, everyone looked fine. Well, as long as he hadn't been called as a peacemaker, life would be pretty good.

"Hello." R'net said cheerily, his balding head shining in the sun. "What are we planning now?"

[Kayla]

She nodded to J'var, though his greeting had been just for Laszreen, she would not ignore him. If this was to be in good will, than basic respect would only help the process.

A moment later, Neory smiled seeing the man she loved, amused that he had walked, though she imagined he was still half dozing beside the now alert Sheluth. "R'net." Her greeting was warm, but she did not move to kiss him, knowing that for now they were to be leaders, along with Laszreen and J'var, though that did not keep the happiness from her eyes.

"K'dyn is on his way. When he gets here we can begin." She moved to R'net, slipping her hand in his, content with that sign of affection for now. "Laszreen and I have agreed that we should make some plans before leadership is decided, for the good of the weyr and the Riders."

She knew that R'net was intelligent and would probably figure out why K'dyn was the wingsecond asked to be here, and to know that it had nothing to do with his relationship to Neory. The full explanation could wait until everyone was gathered, so that it would not have to be repeated.

[katgod]

K'dyn was not much behind R'net. When Ortath landed on the Sands, Neory had only just finished explaining why they were all here. With practiced ease, he dismounted Ortath who flew to sit on one of the Bronze's ledges used at Hatchings. From his perch he seemed ever the watchful dragon, much like a Gargoyle.

The brownrider glanced at the company assembled there and greeted all four with the respect they were due. "Greetings Queenrider Neory, Queenrider Laszreen, Wingleader J'var, Wingleader R'net." He bowed slightly as was expected of a wingsecond, even a brownriding one. He then waited for them to tell him why he was even remotely necessary in a gathering of this sort. No doubt he wouldn't like it as much as he didn't like the dark unfeeling eyes of the Igen Queenrider.

----

Laszreen returned J'var's greeting with a warm smile and a whisper, "I thought it best we have a preflight meeting. You, me, R'net, Neory and K'dyn..." The brownrider had proven to be a useful sort when it came to Timing it and also when it came to being a true dragonrider. Laszreen could admire anyone who would do their duty to the Weyr over their duty to their heart.

She inclined her head in greeting of R'net and that was all that could be expected of her at the moment. Her own Weyrmate had shown her more deference just as she was sure R'net would NEory. It made sense to her that that was how it would be. It was K'dyn's entrance that pleased her most. She had high hopes that he would be one of those who would support the Weyr no matter who led it. His neutral greeting, bolstered those hopes.

Now that he was there, they could begin so she looked over at Neory. Perhaps Neory should start? Laszreen didn't think that there had ever been a situation like this in the history of Pern so she had no clue as to what the right protocol was. She would defer to the case of seniority, Neory was older.