Obnoxious Display of Male Ego
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: Bree, Eimi
Date Posted: 3rd January 2006
Characters: M'galec, Abrei
Description: M'galec tells Abrei about his change in location, which results in a rather unpleasant conversation.
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 9, day 17 of Turn 3
M'galec smiled as he slipped into the chair in front of the Weyrhealer.
"Well, I'm happy to report that, though it will be some time, it looks like E'maiel will regain use of his arm."
Abrei, who had looked weary, brightened considerably at this news.
"Excellent work, M'galec. That was a chancy wound."
"Well, that's why you have me, Weyrhealer," the bronzerider chuckled. "I'm good at boosting people's chances."
"That's why I keep you around," Abrei corrected with an answering smile.
"I've had enough of arrogant bronzeriders, but you've earned your keep. Just keep it up."
"Master Abrei, I do not believe you can classify me as _arrogant_," M'galec said with a thoughtful frown on his face. "I am confident in my abilities.
I am aware of my talents. I can objectively compare myself to others and I understand my place. In surgery, my place is higher that most I have met.
But I am certainly willing to concede that there are many healers who far surpass me in other areas. Please do not think me _arrogant_."
Abrei quirked an eyebrow. "Don't be so sensitive, M'galec. I'm probably the only person here who appreciates just how good you are at surgery, because I'm the only person who is just as good. And you can just _imagine_ how arrogant that makes me sound."
"Not at all," he replied emphatically. "It just shows that you are aware of your capabilities and are not going to hide them behind false modesty. That is the kind of honesty that I respect in you, Weyrhealer." Abrei was brilliant, of that there was no doubt. And perhaps in some areas she was his match. Only time would tell. "Arrogance is such a _base_ word. It is a word I reserve for those who try to take more credit for their talents than they aught. I hope that is a description that will never fit me."
"Well, then. We can both be confident." She slumped a little in her seat, her frown returning. "Besides, I wasn't really referring to you with the arrogance comment, anyway... Let's just say I've had a bad month." "Ah, I see," M'galec said with an understanding nod. "Anything you wish to tell me?"
Abrei shook her head, catching at a loose strand of hair and fiddling with it absently. "Surely you've heard the gossip... for a while, it's all they talked about in the infirmary, I think. I'd prefer to put the whole stupid mess behind me." "Of course. I will drop it then." Everyone had a past they would rather let go, after all. "Well, I need to inform you of a change in my quarters in case of emergency."
"Something wrong with the old ones?" Abrei asked, one eyebrow going up. M'galec couldn't help a boyish grin. "Well, yes actually. I'm moving into the Weyrwoman Second's Weyr."
Abrei did the worst possible thing. She started laughing. Her laughter died, however, when she realized that M'galec wasn't laughing with her. "Oh shards, you were serious." "Why, yes, Master Abrei, I was very serious." And he certainly didn't find her reaction amusing.
"I'm sorry," Abrei replied awkwardly. This sort of thing was the reason she had so few friends, she imagined. "I'll make a note of your change in location, journeyman." "Thank you, Weyrhealer." The bronzerider noticed that he was no longer even 'M'galec' suddenly. "Now may I ask what is so funny about me moving in with Lenala?"
"I don't know if this is something we should discuss." Abrei sounded distinctly uncomfortable, and more than a little disappointed. She'd thought M'galec had been the sort of man who could appreciate an intelligent woman... but if he was moving in with Lenala... well, that was the end of _that_ idea. M'galec could tell that the Weyrhealer did not approve. "Perhaps not." "I wish you the best, of course," Abrei said stiffly. Her topic change was far from subtle. "I'll need your report on E'maiel so we can write up orders for his wingleader." He stood with a curt nod. "Yes of course. I will have it for you in the morning before drills."
"Thank you." She hesitated and then shook her head. "I don't mean to make things unpleasant, M'galec. I just... from our discussions, I had gotten the impression you might want to spent your time with someone a little... more intellectual." "Abrei, you and I are... special. We will never find anyone that is our equals. And even if we did, is it _fair_ for two brilliant minds to keep to themselves?" He shook his head with a sad smile. "Those of us who have been blessed with extraordinary talents are made to take care of the others.
We are drawn to caring for those less fortunate than ourselves. Can you honestly tell me that all your relationships were with intellectuals?"
That brought both of Abrei's eyebrows up. "Actually, I can. I have never bedded someone who was stupid just because they were pretty. But then, that's the sort of thing men are more likely to do." "I'm insulted you think so little of me, Abrei," he frowned. "I'll have you know I have not yet _bedded_ Lenala. You know the kind of flight she just had. Who knows when she would be _ready_ to be touched by a man again. I want to be with her because I know she needs me. She needs someone who can take care of her - protect her. Who can protect her better than I can?"
It was the most obnoxious display of male ego Abrei had seen in a while--which was saying something, all things considered! Lenala had obviously managed to manipulate M'galec neatly enough, which made Abrei lose respect for the man. **Honestly, to be manipulated by _Lenala_ of all people!**
"Yes, well... I suppose we all want different things in our...
relationships." Abrei leaned back in her chair, her smile condescending. "I hope things go well for you, M'galec." He met her look unflinching. It was not surprising that a woman who had spent all her life working towards her next knot, her next goal, had forgotten to include true feelings into her schedule. His look was almost pitying. "Thank you, Abrei. I'm sure they will."
Last updated on the January 3rd 2006