HR: Weyrling Wanders

Posted on Sun Oct 5th, 2025 @ 7:32pm by Gold Rider Lana & Gold Rider Laliy

Mission: 3531 AL
Location: High Reaches
Timeline: M3 D19

Micayith grumbled at her young rider as Laliy moved around the weyrling barracks. The gold dragonet snorted before closing her eyes. If her silly rider wanted to flit around, so be it. She was going to take a nap like a proper queen.

Laliy glanced over at her gold with a fond smile. This was not the life she had ever expected, but she wouldn't trade Micayith for anything. “Come on, Mirage, let's let Her Highness sleep,” she chuckled as her little feline bounded out of the barracks after her. “Let's see what we can find. Seems I have a lot to learn.”

N’es looked up at the young Weyrwoman who came in his direction, and he bowed to her slightly. It was such a strange situation—having such a young Weyrwoman whose queen, even fully grown, would not rise for several Turns due to her age. “Good afternoon, Weyrwoman,” the brownrider said gently.

Laliy looked up quickly before smiling. She wasn't sure she would ever get used to being called Weyrwoman. Mirage moved to sit on her foot and meowed. “How are you on this lovely afternoon?”

N’es offered a smile as he stood up straight again, taking in her surprise and smile as she realized he meant her. “I am doing okay. What about yourself? No studies? Or Micayith requiring you?” he wondered, not seeing the gold dragonet following her around the weyrling area.

“Her Highness is taking a nap,” Laliy chuckled. “At least for now. Lessons are in a candlemark, so I thought I’d enjoy a walk until then,” she answered. Mirage meowed in agreement.

The rider smiled at the statement. He had not heard the phrase “Her Highness” in a long time, but he had to admit it suited the dragonet. She was far more haughty than previous young queens he had met. “Would you like company, or prefer to be alone?” he offered, feeling a tad protective of the young girl. She reminded him of his eldest child.

“Company would be appreciated,” she answered. She was still getting used to Weyr life, and Micayith didn’t make that easy with her temper tantrums. Laliy wasn’t sure if that was just a dragonet trait or her gold’s personality.

“Lead the way, Weyrwoman, and I will follow,” the brownrider assured quietly as he did up his flight jacket a little more against the chill. The sun was shining, but it would turn cold quickly—especially in High Reaches, where the weather could change in an instant.

“Do people really get used to that?” Laliy asked curiously. She had grown up on a ship, and while they’d had a captain, her father had never expected to be called by the title. Laliy scooped up Mirage and let the feline curl up in her coat. “Not sure I’ll ever get used to such cold,” she chuckled as she started to walk.

The brownrider smiled a little and nodded. He hadn’t thought about it in Turns, but titles were common in the Weyr, and there was a certain formality to it. “Eventually,” he assured her quietly on both fronts. He had gotten used to being called Jedith’s rider or Wingsecond long ago, but it must be strange for newcomers to the Weyr.

Laliy laughed a bit. “Well, that doesn’t help me much right now,” she smiled. Titles felt so odd. “It feels really strange with Mic being so young,” she admitted. Her dragon was only six months old. What she wouldn’t give for another goldrider to help her.

“She might be young, but she is still a queen dragon, and you are a queen rider,” he said kindly, keeping a respectful distance from her. It was close enough to converse but far enough to give her space. “Have you spoken to the Weyrlingmaster about this?” N’es wondered.

Laliy nodded. She guessed that was true. She knew some about dragons, but not as much as a weyrborn would. “Not yet,” she admitted. It seemed like the poor man had so much on his plate already. “Guess I probably should, huh?” Laliy knew she needed to—if for no other reason than to make sure she gave Micayith the best possible care.

“It’s his job—or even the Weyrleader’s,” N’es said. The Weyrleader might still be in a state of shock, but he was in charge of the fighting wings until a queen rose, which would be several Turns away. Still, she was there, trying to learn despite the odds stacked against her.

“Alright,” she agreed. “I’ll speak to one of them.” She would see which one wasn’t as busy—both, she was sure. “Thank you for listening to me complain,” she smiled.

“My role, Weyrwoman,” the man assured. “Either of them will be able to help within our limited options. I’m sure you could also write to another Weyrwoman.” Maybe that was an idea; there were bound to be other queen riders who came through for Weyr meetings or such.

Laliy smiled. She would have to get used to that. “Hmm, that might be an idea,” she agreed. She hadn’t realized she could do that, but talking with another goldrider could be very beneficial.

It had to be difficult for the girl. It was easier for female green and blue riders—they were part of the crowd. Goldriders were set apart. “But talk to them both. They might be able to advise on options and assistance I could never dream of,” N’es advised, seeing several weyrlings walking toward them.

“I’ll do that. Thank you.” There was definitely a lot to learn, and she still didn’t know who she needed to see for which questions. She was glad N’es had made some suggestions.

“Why don’t you go and join your fellow weyrlings instead of talking to this old man?” He was in his late thirties, so not exactly old, but he certainly felt it at this point—especially being double the Weyrwoman’s age.

Laliy hesitated but nodded. “Okay. Thank you for talking, though. This all still seems so new, and there’s so much to learn,” she said, glancing toward the other weyrlings. She couldn’t help but wonder why Micayith had picked her.

“Weyrwoman. Weyrlings,” the man said with a flourish and a bow to the young girl and a smile to the others who stopped.

“Wingsecond,” they chorused as the brownrider wandered off, leaving the young queen rider with her fellow weyrlings. If she did not speak to the Weyrleader, he was going to have to take things into his own hands.

“Have a good day, Wingsecond,” Laliy said, trying to get used to using the titles. She would have to find time to speak with the Weyrleader.