HR: Weyrling Master A Queen Dragon

Posted on Fri Oct 10th, 2025 @ 10:18am by Bronze Rider V'ros & Gold Rider Laliy

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

Later in the day, Laliy sat out in the Bowl watching Micayith prowling around. The little gold seemed smug after she’d gotten to speak with the older gold. She sniffed around the ground, flaring her wings a bit.

***Love, you are being goofy,*** Laliy laughed.

Micayith snorted at her young rider. }:I am just checking.:{

V’ros stepped out of the cavern and looked up at the sun just peeking through the clouds now that the snow had stopped. Everything felt grey, and he remembered why he had quickly gone back south after going north to escape his feelings for Nerlyn. He smiled as he watched the gold weyrling prowling.

“Is she practicing for tackling herd beasts, Weyrwoman?” V’ros asked, his hands tugging his jacket closed against the chill.

Laliy hadn’t heard V’ros approach until Micayith lifted her head with a snort. The young woman chuckled. “I’m thinking so,” she answered. “She informs me she’s just checking. I think she’s being goofy,” Laliy admitted, seeing him pull his jacket closer. “Although it is chilly out here today.”

“Well, she looks fine for it being so chilly,” the bronzerider assured, crouching down to the weyrling’s level to confirm that the cold wasn’t affecting her. The little queen looked perfectly fine and in very good health. “Can’t be long until she’s tackling herd beasts and you no longer have to hand-feed her.” He could remember how much he used to ache after those days.

“Oh, I hope so. I’m used to hard work, growing up as a sailor, but nothing could prepare me for a hungry dragonet.” There were times she wasn’t sure the gold would ever be full. “And thank you. I’m glad she looks healthy.”

}:Of course I’m healthy,:{ the little gold said, stalking over to investigate V’ros.

The bronzerider stayed perfectly still as the dragonet approached. He was used to this kind of behavior, and it didn’t worry him. “Big change from sailor to Weyrwoman. What ship did you grow up on?” he asked, intrigued by how she had been Searched.

Micayith sniffed around him, trying to decide her feelings about this new rider. He wasn’t from here, but he seemed nice enough.

“I was born and raised on the Four Winds,” Laliy answered. “Always figured I’d be a sailor. Definitely never expected—or even considered—being a rider.”

}:Don’t hurt him, little one. He is mine,:{ Naedeth commented from the ledge of his temporary weyr. He did not like the greyness or the cold, but he did like meeting new dragons.

“Never heard of it, I’m afraid. But K’ron’s mate is a dolphineer—she works on ships often,” V’ros commented. “How did you get Searched? Not many do from ships; they move too much.”

Micayith looked up toward where Naedeth was perched. }:I would never. He is interesting, though,:{ the gold said.

“It’s okay. We traveled mostly up north,” she admitted. “Really? That’s very interesting. I think one of the blue riders here used to as well.” Laliy considered how to answer. “I was actually here at the Weyr when I got Searched. I needed some time away from the ship.”

}:Interesting?:{ Naedeth wondered, his head bobbing around as he tried to see what was interesting about him.

“How do you get a dolphineer this far north—and how much farther north can you go in a ship without freezing?” He chuckled a little, sweeping his hair out of his face. He really needed to either tie it back or get it cut again.

Micayith bobbed her head. }:He is new. I don’t know him,:{ she said, intrigued by all the new people.

She shrugged a shoulder. “That I don’t know. You’ll have to ask him that one. Not much more north,” she laughed. “Actually, the ship will be fine—it’s the crew that will freeze.”

“Sounds delightful,” V’ros said with a roll of his eyes as he leaned out to the queen and scratched her eye ridges, since she was practically on top of him. “I’m not a herd beast, Micayith. I’m V’ros, rider of Naedeth—he’s somewhere up there.” The big bronze crooned, catching his rider’s attention. “Utterly miserable in this cold.”

Laliy laughed. “Oh yes, you think this is cold?” she smiled.

Micayith crooned happily, leaning into the scratches. }:Herd beasts don’t give good scratches.:{

Laliy tried not to laugh. “Mic says a herd beast can’t give good scratches,” she smiled. “It is cold, though—I can’t argue there.”

“I know how little ones like it. How else would I be such a good Weyrlingmaster?” he said, less formal than before. “How are the Weyrlingmasters treating you?” he wondered, grinning at the happy queen. She was a dainty thing for sure.

The little gold continued to croon happily, her eyes drifting shut in pleasure. Laliy smiled fondly at her gold. She’d forgotten Lana had introduced him as the Weyrlingmaster. “Good. I mean, I think they’re a little confused on how to train a gold pair, but they’re trying.”

“They would have trained gold pairs before. They should still be involved in your training, as most basics are the same. Then, while the others do their Threadfighting drills, you should be doing your queen’s duties training with the Weyrwoman—but obviously that isn’t happening, as you are the senior pair,” he said, frowning slightly. This was not a good way to run things, but it was awkward to discuss.

She nodded. “I enjoy training with the other weyrlings.” She actually felt part of something then, like she was truly learning. Not to mention it helped her get to know her gold better. “Yeah, those queenly duties are sadly lacking,” Laliy agreed. She certainly wasn’t getting that kind of training.

“I’ll speak to the Weyrlingmaster—he’s already requested a catch-up and an ale,” V’ros said. He knew the man well and was sure it wasn’t for lack of effort.

“Really? Well, thank you,” Laliy smiled as Micayith rumbled at V’ros. The gold was surprisingly content for the moment.

“Oh, I’m sorry, little queen—did I stop?” he chuckled. “I have to get on and tackle more records.” He sighed. “But seriously, Weyrwoman, please talk to my Weyrwoman. She was in a similar situation once—just a junior goldrider, barely out of Weyrlinghood, when we lost our Weyrwoman.” It wasn’t quite the same—Lana had been twenty Turns—but it was something to offer the girl.

Micayith snorted but moved back beside Laliy. “Really? I’ll try to catch her again and talk. I’m glad you guys are here,” she said softly. She wasn’t complaining, but it was a lot.

V’ros bowed to the young woman and then again to the queen dragon. “We’re here to help, not to rock the Weyr or the people inside it,” V’ros assured her, hoping the message would spread.

Laliy nodded. “I thank you for that. And thank you for listening to me,” she smiled.

“Weyrlingmasters—whether they’re yours or from other Weyrs—we’re here to help. It’s in our nature. We’re the harpers of new riders and dragonets,” he said, smiling and inclining his head.