Time to Make a New Home
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: Clancey, Dana, Eimi, Estelle
Date Posted: 29th November 2005
Characters: Almonteo, J'darin, Traelyn, Ryndel
Description: The Harpers land at Dolphin Cove Weyr
Location: Harper Hall
Date: month 8, day 20 of Turn 3
Notes: This post is the Control post for all Harpers on the Boat. You can now post at DCW-HH!
The wind was beginning to pick up Almonteo stood next to the Weyrleaders of Dolphin Cove Weyr. A huge storm was on its way, and the Hallmaster had almost been afraid that the Harpers would not be able to land that morning, but he had been assured that he still hand candlemarks before the main part of the storm came even _close_ to the Weyr, if they would see any of it at all. Besides, if there was indeed a storm, the boats should be docked as soon as possible. When the first glimps of sails were seen on the horizon, the crowd of Harpers behind them let out a great cheer to welcome their friends and families to their new home.
J'darin stood near the others, though a little apart. His eyes were shadowed from looking out to see the first sails and his mind was working overtime. He wasn't sure yet he could run the Weyr, never mind having not just one but _two_ Crafthalls close. For a Weyr, Dolphin Cove was turning quite un-traditional and that bothered him somewhat. He wondered if he'd keep his riders at drills and working hard if there were Harpers running about, and he hoped they could feed everyone that was suddenly trying to live on this beautiful piece of coastline.
When the cheers erupted, however, a smile softened his face briefly. Welcoming Harpers was certainly not as heartbreaking as visiting the infirmary that still had far too many riders present and seeing the beautiful hides up fighting Thread with scars standing on a foreleg or a side.
Traelyn shared a bright smile with Almonteo before turning her head slightly to glance at her Weyrleader. He was smiling, but there was a look in his eye that made her pause. As she clapped with the rest of the harpers, she found herself wishing that he'd talk to her a just little more than he already did. Maybe then they'd _both_ feel better about the looming tasks and their overwhelming duties.
J'darin glanced back at Traelyn, his smile still hovering around his lips. So much of their duties were sad or just emotional lately; this one was just a happy event. To Almonteo, he said quietly, "Looks like they're going to get all here and unloaded before the storm hits."
"Perfect timing is part of our training," the Hallmaster smiled.
The crowd waited anxiously as they watched the boats approaching. They seemed to be taking so long! Electric aniticpation filled the air as the first of the boats reached the dock, and they gave a resounding cheer as the seaman threw their roads over the side to the dockworkers below to be tied off. The gang plank was lowered and the first of the Harpers descended. Almonteo smiled as he walked towards his Hallsecond.
"Master Ryndel! Welcome to Dolphin Cove."
"Hallmaster - reporting for duty." After the long quiet sevendays of their travels, Ryndel and the other arriving harpers were startled by the noisy crowds - but no craftsmen of their profession could resist being pleased and gratified. He certainly couldn't imagine such a turnout for their benefit at Emerald Falls. "This is quite a welcome!"
J'darin stepped forward right after Almonteo and Ryndel spoke, then said in a ringing voice, turning to face Almonteo as well. "As Weyrleader of Dolphin Cove, I formally welcome the Harper Hall to our lands. Be welcome!" He smiled again, glancing at Traelyn to include her in his welcome.
Smiling, Traelyn stepped up to take her place beside her Weyrleader.
"The Weyr is honored to house the Harper Hall," she told both the Hallmaster and his Hallsecond formally.
"Weyrleader J'darin, Weyrwoman Traelyn," Almonteo said with a nod to each in turn, "may I introduce to you my Hallsecond, Master Ryndel."
"Master Ryndel. Your group is welcome here. All dragons and riders that call Dolphin Cove home will surely be pleased to hear music accompanying their daily lives." Feeling Traelyn's presence beside him gave him a contentment he had not expected and a sense of rightness, and that caused him to smile briefly at her.
"Thank you, Weyrleader." Ryndel bowed his head formally. "We are honoured by the Weyr's generosity, which is - shall I say - rather more than we were used to in our former home."
"Well, it is time to make a _new_ home," Almonteo nodded, "and that home will be here among the dragonriders to whom all Pern owes the greatest debt. I can only hope that we can give something back them in return."
Last updated on the November 30th 2005