A Way With Words

Writers: Curious, Estelle
Date Posted: 14th April 2024

Characters: K'rel, Ashela
Description: Ashela introduces herself to new bronzerider K'rel
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 8, day 13 of Turn 10

Ashela

Ashela lingered in the dining cavern after the evening meal had been
cleared away, sipping a mug of klah as she watched the other riders.
Some gathered in groups to chat or play games, others studying or
discussing Wing matters. She was the only goldrider present, the others
having left to spend time with family or weyrmates, but no-one seemed to
have noticed her. Even with her history, she'd been here long enough
that she wasn't a novelty or a subject of hushed gossip any more. She
wasn't sure whether to be relieved or irritated about that.

An unfamiliar face caught her eye - a dark-haired man, around her age,
standing by a table occupied by riders from the Weyrleader's wing. Her
interest rose when she caught sight of the bronze thread in his knots. A
new bronzerider! How had he escaped her notice?

}:The new bronze is Zolinth,:{ Aglayath said, in response to her
question. She sounded sleepy, as though the matter wasn't of the
slightest interest to her, but Ashela knew her lifemate well enough to
detect the hint of curiosity below the bored tone.

She put her cooling klah aside, smoothed down her skirts and touched her
hair, then strolled over to the wing's table. Fortunately, the
bronzerider wasn't deeply involved in whatever game they were playing,
but just looking on.

"Hello." She offered a graceful hand. "I don't believe we've met - I
hope you don't mind if I introduce myself? I'm Ashela, Aglayath's rider."

Ashela may not have been a novelty anymore, but K'rel certainly was.
There was no doubt in his mind as to how he felt about it. The sooner he
was old news, the better. He had come to Dragonsfall to get a fresh
start and blend into the background, not to give a Weyr someone new to
gawk at.

That was what Ashela was to him, another gawker. However, she was also a
goldrider, and by that merit, she was warranted his respect. Besides, it
was probably a good thing to meet her.

Therefore, K'rel slapped a smile on his face and reached out to shake
her hand. "I don't mind at all," he said. "The Weyrwoman's Second,
right? I'm K'rel, of Zolinth."

"Yes, that's right. How do you do, K'rel." Ashela smiled brightly and
stepped a little away from the wing table, drawing the bronzerider with
her. "I hope you've had a warm welcome here at Dragonsfall. The weather
can take some getting used to, particularly when you're out in it
fighting Thread, but the scenery is rather spectacular."

K'rel allowed himself to be lead away from the table without complaint.
"Dragonsfall hasn't disappointed so far. I've noticed that it's quite
gorgeous," he said. "Is that your favorite thing about it? I was quite
fond of the history tied to Fort, myself."

"Yes, I suppose it is." In truth, she'd not spent much time considering
what she liked about Dragonsfall, other than the absence of various
other goldriders she'd clashed with in former homes, but it was true,
she did enjoy the landscape, with its dramatic, snow-covered peaks and
clear blue lakes. "Are you interested in history in general, or the
Weyrs in particular?"

"In general. It's fascinating, don't you think. Besides..." he smiled
very slightly. "You need to study the past to be able to learn from it."

"Indeed." Ashela had never cared much for history for its own sake, but
she did know that a knowledge of it was essential among cultivated
people, and so she'd paid attention during her training as a goldrider.
"Although we can't claim to be as ancient as Fort, there's still much of
interest in Dragonsfall's past. I feel particularly honored to serve in
a Weyr that played such an important part in responding to the return of
Thread. Although I wasn't here at the time, you can talk to plenty of
people who were, and fought in that first Fall."

"That sounds inspiring," K'rel mused. "I'll need to look into it. That
said, history is, of course, the past. What do you like most about
Dragonsfall as it is now? Aside from the scenery, that is."

Ashela thought for a moment. "The Weyr itself, I suppose. It's
beautifully designed. My weyr is a smooth, flowing space, not just
hacked out of the rock - and it's delightfully cosy and comfortable,
even when it's freezing outside. It's rather humbling to consider how
the people who built it and first lived here are long gone, but their
work goes on - don't you think?"

K'rel nodded. "It's admirable. More than that, it's inspiring. The
notion that if you work hard enough, you might leave behind a legacy
that will long outlive you... I find that it makes me want to do better,
in all possible regards."

"And for that reason, I'm sure you'll be remembered," Ashela replied,
her voice smooth. She did like a bronzerider with ambition. Not _too_
much, but enough. "Do you have any particular interests you'd like to
pursue here? Some riders focus on progressing in the Wings, while others
are interested in training up new weyrlings, or perhaps on practicing a
craft in their spare time."

"You have a way with words," K'rel said. It was followed by him running
a hand through his hair as he considered his next words. "As for what's
next... I'm not sure. If I'm entirely honest, I've been focused more on
running away than moving forward." A wry, self-deprecating smile twisted
his lips. "I supposed that I should do something to change that."

"I certainly hope you can find a good place to do that at Dragonsfall,
whatever route you decide to pursue." Running away? Now she was
definitely intrigued. "And...I'm always happy to help. In any way."

K'rel's smile morphed into something more genuine. "Well, Weyrwoman's
Second, I might just have to take you up on that offer."

Last updated on the April 18th 2024

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A Way With Words