A World of Denial
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Yvonne
Date Posted: 11th April 2024
Characters: H'run, Oselle
Description: H'run finds himself locked out of the storeroom with the spare clothes, and isn't pleased at all to meet the new Headwoman.
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 11, day 12 of Turn 11
The door to the storeroom that kept spare clothes was _locked_.
H'run rattled the knob again in irritation. He'd decided that he wanted a new pair of trousers for the next sevenday, perhaps something in a purple, to go with a tunic he'd rediscovered at the back of his wardrobe but now the storeroom was _locked_.
"Can I help you?"
The bluerider turned to find a rather stern looking older woman in a grey dress staring at him. Her hair was scraped back from her face and there were several large rings of keys on her belt. His eyes flicked to her shoulder knots: the Headwoman.
H'run bowed. "Ah, how delightful. I don't think we've had the pleasure of being introduced yet. I am H'run, rider of blue Calcifeth. And you must be our new Headwoman, Oselle."
Oselle nodded, but didn't say anything. H'run hesitated, then went on. "I was quite surprised to find this door locked, Headwoman. I just need a new pair of trousers..."
"And why would that be?" Oselle asked.
There was something in her voice that set his nerves on edge. H'run's smile became a bit sharper in response. "To go with a tunic I have, naturally. I do prefer to look my best. I'm sure you understand." With her slate grey dress and slicked back hair, H'run thought she probably didn't understand fashion at all.
The Headwoman tipped her head as she looked H'run up and down. "Hmm. I think not."
"Ah-- what?"
"If you need a new pair of trousers you may purchase your pair with your own marks, or you can purchase the fabric to make them yourself. The clothes in this storeroom are for those who arrive with nothing, or who actually _need_ the Weyr's resources." She looked him up and down again, her sharp eyes taking in the neat tailoring and fine brocade of the trousers he was currently wearing. "It appears that you do not."
The bluerider couldn't believe his ears. Locked out of the clothing storeroom?! He bared his teeth in a smile. "I realize that you are new here, Headwoman, but I can assure you that dragonmen _do_ get access to the storerooms for clothing."
"They do if they need it, and if they book an appointment first. It is impossible to keep track of inventory if everyone and anyone is allowed to run amok." She sniffed. "You can make an appointment if you wish to do so, however I sincerely doubt that you are actually in need. You are wearing a very fine pair of trousers as is."
"Thank you, most kind of you to notice." H'run made a small bow even though he was fuming. The nerve of the woman! He was a _dragonman_. It was his right to have new clothing if he wanted it, when he wanted it. Didn't he risk his life for Pern?
}:Calm, calm,:{ Calcifeth's voice echoed in his mind. }:You are getting very angry, and she is right that you do have many clothes.:{
**That is not the point!** H'run's smile was brittle as he straightened to face the Headwoman again. He was a Harper. He could play this power game. "When is the next appointment?"
She nodded at the wall, where a bit of hide was clamped to a wooden board. A pencil hung on a string beside it. "Once per sevenday the doors will be unlocked and if you think you _truly_ need new clothing, you can discuss it with the Assistant Headwoman supervising. To control the number of people rifling through the stores only ten at a time will be let in."
Ten!? He looked at the Headwoman, then at the list. The Headwoman was as implacable as a steel rod. H'run realized that there was no way she would yield now, in a public hallway, where anyone could hear. Not when she was still new and still establishing her authority.
H'run picked up the pencil and added his name to the list. His name was ninth. How ridiculous. He'd speak with Ashela about this insult. "_So_ lovely to meet you," he said, too sweet.
She nodded. "Likewise."
They locked eyes. The seconds slipped past until H'run smiled again, turned on his heel, and did his best not to stomp down the hallway. The spot between his shoulder blades itched beneath the Headwoman's hard gaze.
Whether she knew it or not, the Headwoman had made an enemy. And H'run was going to do his best to make sure that she didn't last long.
Last updated on the April 11th 2024