High Reaches Report Archive

[Dragonbraved]

Welcome to the High Reaches Report archive, where you can look back through past updates on the situation at the Weyr!

Turn 3
Report #1: The beginning!
Report #2: Worrying signs
Special report! Something is going on on the hatching sands...
Literature Clutch Laid
Report #3: The clutch Impresses
Report #4: G’vian demoted!
[Meta] T’gall Attacked!
Report #5: Mystery remains

Turn 4
[Meta] Out of the Past
Report #6: Out of time
Report #7: Graduation!
Special Report! The winds of change?
Special Report! The world reacts to the flight
Report #8: Moving on in the future

 

[Dragonbraved]

High Reaches Report #1

Hello weyrfolk! This is sevenday two in month four of turn three of the sixth pass! Less then a sevenday ago, the senior gold Hiraeth rose and as a result T’gall replaced G’vian as Weyrleader after a closely run election. The brown rider is reported to be ‘extremely smug’. Candidates are all looking pretty excited, as it means only four months until they can stand once more!

T’gall has appointed G’vian the wingleader of First Wing, in an apparent show of respect for the older rider, and promoted bronze rider Ko’ren to wingleader of Second Wing.

Huntleader Natalya’s wher Natask is also two months heavy with eggs (eggnant?), so the candidates of her hunt definitely have a good chance to look forward to in another two months.

The weather is predicted to be showery for the next two sevendays, and it’s just about time for the weyrlings to have their first flight - hopefully not in the rain. On the plus side, rain makes for lighter falls, something everyone should be glad about! In the meantime, be aware that there has been a rise in bandit activity, stretching second wing out dangerously.

Be aware that our timeline runs on a 2:1 RP to RL scale, and have fun!  

[Dragonbraved]

High Reaches Report #2

The Fourth Sevenday of Month Six, Third Turn of the Sixth Pass

In the past two months, the Weyrlings have had their first flight, Natask has laid her eggs… including a *very* fine looking golden egg (something both she and her handler should be proud of!). Her clutch is due to have prospective candidates approach it in two sevendays (a week ooc!).

There are new worried rumblings about the Senior Gold’s condition as she becomes heavier: certainly, she is looking rather pale and not like her usual self. As her time for laying comes closer, she is being monitored closely by a team of dragonhealers.

Out in the countryside, the harvest has begun: it looks like this year will be an exceptionally bountiful one, something which everyone has cause to be grateful for. Less bandits, less misery, less starvation - and the Weyr will eat well. Not that the Weyr will ever starve, but… well, it’s nice to eat properly. Temperatures are high, and there is no snow on the ground except at the very highest peaks: some riders are making extra marks on the side by flying it and ice in for Holders.  

[Dragonbraved]

Interim report! - Something is going on on the hatching sands...

Whatever it is, it isn’t good.

Since mid-morning, no-one but healers have been allowed into the cavern that houses the sands where Hiraeth has been sequestered since the previous day, and there has been a constant stream of them going in and out - there’s even a rumour that at least one rider has been sent to the healer-hall or maybe even another weyr to fetch more master-healers. They (mostly) refuse to talk about what’s going on, citing confidentiality, but… well, rumours are flying that Hiraeth may be in serious trouble with this latest clutch, possibly even egg-bound - or worse, that an egg might have broken inside her.

Although what happens on the hatching sands is naturally a private affair, this is enough to worry most of the Weyr, who are naturally deeply invested in the health and well-being of their golds as much as that of any eggs.

No-one has seen Venk since the previous day, and his assistant (who looks rather pale and worried) has taken over candidate lessons. She’s not as experienced as Venk, and this is showing as classes begin to get a little riotous and uncontrollable. There’s also a rumour amongst candidates that there are a couple of tunnels that allow access to the hatching grounds that haven’t been blocked off… whether that’s true or not, more then a few curious (or anxious) children have been trying to work out how to access them.

If you have a character who should be/wants to get involved in whatever’s going on in the cavern, please get in touch with Tawny or Con. Gold riders/dragons can get access without any problem (as Venk and Hiraeth want the support!), but everyone else will be allowed in on a case-by-case basis… unless they find some way to sneak in.

Sign-ups for the upcoming clutch to be opened soon! Our hatching will be at the end of next month.  

[Dragonbraved]

[ Weyr Announcement ]

It has been a fortnight since Hiraeth secluded herself on the hatching sands, and the gold is reportedly recovering - slowly, but her survival is now assured. Though no-one will confirm it, rumour has it that she was indeed eggbound, and that surgery was necessary - hence the sending for healers from other Weyrs.

The same cannot be said for her clutch. The eggs are smaller then usual, and some of them seem to have shells that are either too thin or too thick… and there are only eight of them. Whether she laid more - and what happened to them - is the subject of rumour: some people are claiming that the eggs were removed after most of them proved to be duds, with no life-force inside… or that she herself ate them. Whatever the truth is, the weary queen is calling on her daughter and granddaughter to assist her in caring for the few eggs.

The Weyrleader is suffering more then a little politically because of this - people muttering that T’gall’s brown should never have caught Hiraeth, and that the clutch wouldn’t be quite so pitiful… nor have so many problems… if it weren’t for Balith. His supporters are, however, pointing out that if browns do produce smaller clutches then the two of them probably saved Hiraeth and Venk's lives. G’vian is rumoured to already be manoeuvring for the next round of campaigning, confident that Hiraeth will never rise again - and that his future lies with the younger golds.

OOC note: If you want to keep going with threads that are still open, summarise them, or even open new ones set a ways back - we’re game for that! (specifically for the candidates in the ORP - we’ve deliberately left room for things to play out)

Our touching will be on the 19/20 of this month, and our hatching the next weekend. The sign-up thread for the literature clutch will be open soon.  

[Dragonbraved]

High Reaches Report #3

The Fourth Sevenday of Month Nine, Third Turn of the Sixth Pass

The Literature Clutch has hatched, producing eight mostly healthy hatchlings - one a little earlier then was probably strictly necessary. There is significant comment in the Weyr on the tiny clutch and its dragons, and rumours are flying wild - including that Weyrmaster Venk may stand down in the near future. The hatching feast is ongoing, and can be found here.

Residents of the Weyr are advised to keep an eye out, as it appears that a wild wher has been breaking into the storage caverns to plunder supplies. Though it is considered more likely that the creature will flee if confronted, it is entirely possible that it might turn on any humans discovering it. Herlen of Scentfinder Hunt has stepped down after confessing that he is responsible for the creature, which failed to bond to any of his hunt's candidates. Rather then put the blue down, he released it outside the Weyr. A disciplinary proceeding is underway.

The grain harvest is finished for the month, and peas and beans are just being brought in. Where there are any woods on High Reaches harsh slopes, porcines have been driven into them for forage to fatten them before the winter. The harvest is apparently exceptional this turn, which is a relief all around: the good weather has certainly helped.  

[Dragonbraved]

High Reaches Report #4

The Fourth Sevenday of Month Nine, Third Turn of the Sixth Pass

In breaking news, Wingleader G'vian of First Wing has been demoted to wingrider for events during the Literature Clutch Hatching Feast. T'gall is reported to be looking for a new Wingleader to replace the old soldier, and one of our draconic sources - one of fifth wing's wingseconds - has this to say about the situation:

an unnamed source

I saw it all! Well, I mean, my rider did. T'gall brought all of us together the next morning, and made G'vian stand up. He had a whole LONG SPEECH about privileges and rights and with great power and stuff, but the meat of it was this bit:

"G'vian of bronze Bulwarth; in light of the dishonour you have brought upon yourself, and laid before your Weyrmaster and the new Weyrlings by your actions at their celebration, I T'gall of brown Balith - Weyrleader of High Reaches Weyr by the will of the people of High Reaches Weyr - strip you of your rank. I will send somebody to clear your belongings out of your quarters and relocate them to a weyr more fitting of your new standing immediately. Now, wingrider, give me your knots. You may collect new ones from your new wingleader in due course."

So there we go. Guess T'gall's going to be looking for a new leader for first wing, huh? Not that it's gonna be us, we're a little too low down the pecking order right now... but a dragon can dream, right?

OOC note: We've essentially 'halted' time for an ooc month as the events of the feast took a little longer then anticipated, and we didn't want people to miss out on doing stuff with their new hatchlings! We're going to be getting back into the swing of the 2:1 timeframe now, though.

We've opened up two contests for the First Wing Wingleader and the Senior Investigator, both of which are very important roles in the Weyr. They will stay open for two weeks, at the end of which... 83  

[Dragonbraved]

High Reaches Report #5

The second sevenday of month twelve, third turn of the sixth pass.

Two months after the attack on T’gall, the Weyr has settled into a kind of wary peace. The Wingleader’s Council, as headed by S’kagi, has acted on the Senior Investigator’s recommendations and chosen to release G’vian. Their reasoning has trickled down through the Weyr - there isn’t enough evidence to pin it on him… and it looks like what there was might well be an attempt to frame him. Nonetheless, he has chosen to retire early: his time in the cells seems to have aged him almost a decade, and he seems suddenly… well, old. He is being notably watched by the Investigators, however - as is T’gall, whose slow recovery is progressing in halting steps. Though he will never be able to see again - and will never be able to return to the post of Weyrleader - he seems determined to find himself a useful place in the Weyr.

The mystery of who attacked him, and who murdered the drudge (if indeed she was murdered - and if it were the same person) goes unsolved - the official conclusion was that it was the drudge who fled the Weyr, though his motives are not entirely opaque. Whether he was employed by an outside agency, someone in the Weyr, or had his own reasons for the attack, perhaps only time will tell.

Life continues.

It isn’t long after the official announcement of the investigation’s findings that Weyrmaster Venk announces that he is stepping down from the post - one which he has held since the dragonplague. Though so much turnover in so short a time is stressful, he holds firm to the line that as Hiraeth is no longer capable of clutching there is little point in him being Weyrmaster. He intends to spend more time with his candidates.

The weather now is truly wintery and awful as the Weyr comes towards Turns End and the traditional feasting that accompanies it. Anyone setting foot outside had best be prepared for snow, and drudges are constantly employed ensuring that pathways between the Weyrs main buildings are clear. Some mornings, the lake is completely iced over - though it hasn’t yet been tough enough for skating on. Some riders have been running trips to a lake a little further up the valleys which is perfect for this. Activity outside the Weyr has almost ground to a halt, as few people leave their holds - though this is the time when, all trapped inside together, the murder rate is highest.  

[Dragonbraved]

High Reaches Report #6

The second sevenday of month three, fourth turn of the sixth pass.

Agriculturally speaking, planting has started this month, of flax and hemp and the spring grains. Sows are delivering piglets, and calving is ongoing. Holders spend a good deal of time now the weather is better ensuring the hold is bare, with nowhere for thread to catch.

Meanwhile, gold rider Jessan of Cinnamath has had a leave of absence approved to attend the healerhall. Whether this is related to the recent arrival of riders dashed out of time is hard to say, but with the heavy attention on the Weyr the timing is suspicious. Over the past few months, Natalya and Natask and some of her hunt have been cycled to another Weyr, as have Mastersmith Anthon, Mastercook Mirelle, and Mastersmith Verin.

Speaking of the time displaced refugees, a camp has formed outside the Weyr proper, mostly sheltering in the half-caverns on the outside of the spires. These Sofiane pseudo-pilgrims are anxious to see any glimpse of Nersha and her dragon - as well as her companions, and talking to them? Oh man, yes. Entrepreneurial souls have taken to selling them the necessities, as well as bronze dragon brooches to ‘prove’ they made the trip. Weyr authorities are more concerned with the unregulated camp, the sewage it’s producing, and the way in which they are consuming valuable wood and other resources… as well as the only other item (besides raw sewage) they’re producing: raised crime. Master Harper Cedeny and the Headwoman have been seen repeatedly conferring about this problem - and what’s to be done about it.

The Senior Weyrlings are now approaching graduation, and some of their dragons may be reaching full maturity. At this point, they should be doing their best and looking good for potential Wingleaders. No-one wants to be the last Weyrling asked to eat…  

[Dragonbraved]

High Reaches Report #7

The fourth sevenday of month three, fourth turn of the sixth pass.

Over the past sevenday or so, every single Weyrling has been invited to sit with one or another of the High Reach’s Wings. Though none were quite high-flying enough to graduate straight into first wing, Jasiline and Sanuyeth were the first chosen by Ko’ren and asked to join Second Wing. They were quickly followed by Aldrey and Pippeth, who were snuck up on by El’zor and asked to sit with Three-Two. J’ian of four-two chose three weyrlings at once, asking Lanakirene, Brishen, and Miskael to sit with him… and then a moment later doubling back to ask Rensoua. Leorroin has been transferred to another Weyr as part of an exchange program.

Luckily, the weather hasn’t been too cold for vigils by the star stone, and even the weyrbrats know to treat Weyrlings undergoing their last night as children with some respect. The solemnity of taking an oath is certainly diminished by a weyrling developing a cold and being unable to get through it without sneezing.

Two days ago Headwoman On'ya let it be known that the Timeriders, as the refugees from the 4th Pass have come to be known, are welcome to stay at High Reaches Weyr. The final decision was On'ya's alone, as the ultimate authority on domestic affairs, but it is commonly known that she discussed it with the council of wingleaders and that the majority were in favour of giving a new help to the time lost pairs.

This amnesty is good news for them as none of the other Weyrs on Pern are interested in taking on a ragged bunch of riders and dragons who are untrained in the duties required of them in modern times. While they are welcome it has been made abundantly clear to every rider that they are only welcome so long as they start learning to pull their weight. Every rider - adult and Weyrling - has been assigned a mentor to assist in their education and there are regular lectures, mainly run by B'tes. B'tes has also taken responsibility for the Weyrlings of the group; he does not expect them to graduate on schedule but as there are only a few of them he is at least able to give them intensive training now that his Senior class has graduated.

With this announcement and these arrangements made the Timeriders are also now free to roam the Weyr at will and each of them has been assigned a weyr of their own, besides the weyrlings who have moved into the barracks. The weyrs offered to the Timeriders however are not exactly choice, though at least having such small dragons means they aren't pushed for space! Only Nersha and Sereth have been given choice accommodation, as a gold pair they occupy one of the comfortable ground level suites that come with the colour.

Meanwhile, the Weyr has been ‘graced’ by a visit from a group of Clay Women intent on speaking to Nersha and Sereth, as well as any other (female) members of her group. Any men trying to talk to them are met with blank looks and shrugs. The level of misandry is high. They have been responsible for breaking up a couple of fights in the small camp outside the Weyr, holding the participants until a rider or two turns up to deal with it. This feat has probably been helped by the Sofianes sending the more military members of this group who work as guards in their home holds - they all seem to be disconcertingly tall and muscular.

They have brought with them a few younger members who may be eligible for candidacy if searched - and they want them here, near Sereth, rather then Benden where they’ve journeyed from.  

[Dragonbraved]

High Reaches Report #8

The fourth sevenday of the sixth month of the fourth turn of the sixth pass.

It is now more than five months since the riders and dragons of the 4th Pass appeared over High Reaches. Since arriving the adult riders have - with the help of mentors - dedicated their time to catching up on the last five hundred and fifty turns of history, learning the intricacies law in the Holds that look to High Reaches Weyr, and in most cases learning to fight too. The Weyrlings meanwhile have been studying more or less the same things with B'tes and while it's unlikely any will graduate quite on time some are making excellent progress and all now have their own small weyrs.

Some of the adult riders have progressed far enough to be asked to join wings and take an oath, though only wings four and five have extended such offers. It had been made quite clear to all of the adult time riders however that nobody will be starting above this so refusing a request to dine with a wing is not advised. If they can prove themselves however, and continue to catch up on knowledge and skills as required, rapid promotion to combat wings is perfectly feasible for those who could fight well before their little jump through time. For those who could not it will take a little longer, they have many turns of training to catch up on!

[ OOC note: If you have an adult timerider it is up to you whether or not they have joined a wing, and whether they've gone to a 4th tier or a 5th tier wing. 4th tier folks will be in 4th-2, 5th tier in 5th-1. Please let us know so that we can make updates.]  

[Dragonbraved]

High Reaches Report #7.5

The third sevenday of the fifth month of the fourth turn of the sixth pass.

Evmeth's flight is over and the outcome is causing more than the usual level of consternation and gossip for three reasons.

The first reason is that it has come to light that Weyrmistress Shylla was drugged by eating from the common pot of porridge, which M'ere of 3rd2 had tampered with in the hopes of taking rivals of Wingleader O'ail out of the flight. O'ail and M'ere's Wingleader El'zor have both condemned her actions as foolish but as no true harm was done and Shylla was not especially angry her punishment was relatively mild, the green rider was forced to shave her head and retake her oath for another eight turns service.

The second reason is that another gold took wing during the flight. Sereth's actions were widely decried - though she is not without her supporters - but again as no harm was done no action has been taken against the time-gold or her rider.

The final reason is that for the first time in recorded history the winner of the flight was a blue. C'tis and Malcarreth of second wing are reported to be extremely pleased, and Malcarreth is being extremely attentive to Evmeth. Other parties however are less pleased, notably including all of the wingleaders other than J'ian. It has been pointed out by many that nobody knows if blue dragons are even fertile and that under the circumstances it was very irresponsible of Malcarreth to catch Evmeth. Others have pointed out the counter case of 'shaff you and the high wher you rode in on', and also that it was Evmeth's choice in the end and that ought to be respected as it has been throughout the ages.

The debate leaves an atmosphere of tension in the Weyr that will probably remain until it becomes clear whether or not Evmeth is gravid.

In the meantime riders are beginning to prepare their campaigns for Weyrleadership. The usual suspects - high flying bronze riders such as Ko'ren and O'ail - are canvassing with their groups of supporters; posting posters, and making speeches and promises as ever. The unusual outcome of the flight however has also emboldened some riders who do not fit the image of the quintessential Weyrleader, and amongst them is Wingleader J'ian who has abandoned his support of Ko'ren's case and taken most of his wing with him.  

[Dragonbraved]

Interim report - The World Reacts to the Flight

The fourth sevenday of the fifth month of the fourth turn of the sixth pass.

Word of the outcome of Evmeth's flight spread quickly across Pern and some reactions were more positive than others.

Lord Tharandir of High Reaches Hold has let it be publicly known that he hopes this unusual arrangement will not have a negative impact on Evmeth's clutch. If it does he may have to consider renegotiating tithes based on High Reaches' shrinking dragon population and if things continue to get worse from there he has made it known that he may have 'other courses of action' in mind. Lady Regent Tanathi of Tillek Hold has expressed interest in seeing what will come of this clutch, she intends to be at the Hatching in person along with her son Drathi. Lord Hedrien the Learned of Nabol has declined to comment, stating it to be dragonrider business that only becomes his business if it turns out to threaten his Hold.

Reactions from the other Weyrs of Pern have been less restrained than those of the Lords who look to High Reahces and more polarized too. The leaders of Benden Weyr and Fort Weyr have outright condemned the flight as unnatural, an abomination, a dereliction of duty on Evmeth and Shylla's part and extreme arrogance on the part of the blue pair who should know their place better than to chase a Queen. Weyrmaster Kirinar of gold Cadeth and Weyrleader H’ver of brown Umbrath of Ista Weyr have expressed concern at the 'experiment' at such a critical time for Pern. H'ver however has also let it be known that should Evmeth fail to clutch, or have only a small clutch, Ista is prepared to transfer a full score of riders to High Reaches to bolster their numbers. As Ista Weyr is at capacity and now expecting another clutch this is not entirely philanthropic but nevertheless it indicates that Ista does not outright disapprove of Evmeth's choice.

Telgar's Weyrleader La’vri of blue Reneseth meanwhile has expressed cautious optimism at the outcome, stating that she hopes that if Evmeth clutches well it will make more Weyrs question the old ways as her own Weyr is beginning to under her leadership. Finally Weyrleader Eo’rah of green Scimitath of Igen Weyr was reported to almost fall out of her chair cackling with glee when she was given the news of the flight, and the subsequent news of how Benden and Fort's noses had been put into slings by it. She wrote immediately to Weyrmistress Shylla and to C'tis of second wing to let them know personally how sharding pleased she was. She then wrote a more official letter to Headwoman On'ya requesting permission to attend the Hatching, apparently not doubting in the least that there will be one.

Back on the other end of the scale of reactions again the few determined Sofianists who refused to leave High Reaches Weyr are quite simply livid. Not only was Sereth - the paragon of sacrifice - driven from the sky by lesser dragons but Evmeth chose a blue mate, spitting in the face of Aedreiath the paragon of duty who flew not with the blue she loved but with a strong bronze with a strong rider who would sire a strong clutch and lead her Weyr's wings well. Headwoman On'ya is said to be at the end of her patience with the stragglers - though not over their current outrage, simply because they won't leave - and is believed to be planning to become rather less polite if they don't shift soon so their anger probably won't be hanging around the fringes of the Weyr for much longer.

Opinion within High Reaches Weyr itself is rather divided as might be expected. Candidatemaster Venk looks worried again but states firmly that Evmeth had every right to make her own choice for her own reasons, but Headwoman On'ya has called said choice a foolish whim that ought not to have been indulged. Ko'ren and O'ail, the favorites for the flight, are different flavours of put out and likewise both have expressed deep concern for the health of the clutch. Ko'ren is rumored to be extra displeased to have been beaten by one of his own wingriders on top of everything else, some speculate that he may be planning to send C'tis off on some unpleasant duties or other to have him out of the public eye as much as possible in order to lessen his embarrassment. V'on, Y'in, Be'man, and Le'bon have all expressed some concern about the health of the clutch too but there is less personal annoyance on their parts. El'zor remains characteristically enigmatic about his thoughts whilst J'ian... well anyone would think it was Verath who won the flight from the huge grin the small wingleader has worn on his face for the last sevenday. The leader of Fourth-Two seems thoroughly emboldened by the victory of a fellow blue and his election campaign is swiftly gathering momentum.  

[Dragonbraved]

High Reaches Report #9

The first sevenday of month seven of the fourth turn of the sixth Pass. (now slightly in the past...)

There can no be no doubt that Evmeth is gravid. It will be another two months or so before she clutches but all of the dragonhealers in the Weyr agree that thus far she appears to be undergoing a normal pregnancy. It remains to see how great with eggs she will grow and whether or not the eggs hatch, and from there it will remain to be seen how healthy any hatchlings may be and what colours they may be. Some still very angry factions remain convinced that Evmeth will either lay dead eggs or not lay at all while others are a little reassured by the news that she has conceived.

It has got out that Candidatemaster Venk is deeply upset over a falling out with one of his dearest friends Weyrmaster Harrador of Fort Weyr. The dispute is apparently over Evmeth's choice of mate, or more to the point Venk's refusal to condemn her choice and seek to have her removed from her new position. What this means for the relationship between Fort Weyr and High Reaches Weyr remains to be seen as for many turns the closeness between the two gold riders kept relations warm and cooperative, if they do not come to see eye to eye again things may become more fractious.  

[Dragonbraved]

Weyrleader Election Results

The first sevenday of the ninth month of the fourth turn of the sixth pass.

The votes have been counted three times as is traditional; once by the Headwoman, once by a randomly selected Master (Weyrhealer Amarid drew the straw to take on the duty), and once by the Huntsman. All three parties came to the same conclusion on their first count but a minor discrepancy in exact figures led to a recount by all parties and delayed the announcement of the results by a day. At last however all three agreed on the numbers and all residents in the Weyr were gathered out in the bowl to hear the results.

The panel faced the assembled people, with the standing Weyrleader candidates at the fore, and Headwoman On'ya stepped forward to make the announcement. Though advanced in turns and slight of build and small in stature the steely woman wore her authority as comfortably as her fur cloak, few eyes strayed from her as she waited for silence to fall.

Headwoman On'ya

My people of High Reaches Weyr; riders, crafters, candidates, handlers, warriors, caverns workers, drudges, and weyrbrats. We have been through dark times of late but with Evmeth's clutch soon to hatch, and your votes for the new leader of our wings cast, I believe that we are coming through the worst of it.

It is my great honour to announce the the rider you have chosen to be your new Weyrleader is Wingleader O'ail of bronze Absoth. May her blade be ever sharp and his flame ever bright.

The crowd erupted almost before the Headwoman had finished speaking, some with joy and some with outrage or misery, and Absoth bugled his glee to the Weyr as he dropped off his ledge and set to looping and weaving his long frame high above the spectators. It had been a hard fought battle - far from the easy win for Wingleader Ko'ren that some had expected - and now it was done. As O'ail strode forward to clasp On'ya's hand beaming like a thousand suns and then turned to salute the crowd J'ian, who had been so hopeful of his own chances, stood staring in silence with his arms loose at his sides. Ko'ren meanwhile applauded along with much of the crowd, though he did so only politely and with his lips set into a thin line.

Weyrleader O'ail

Thank you, thank you all! This is, well this is incredible! I'd thought of some words to say should you choose to elect me but, well, I've forgotten all of them. The essence of it all though is my thanks for believing in me, for believing that we can change the world for the better.

I also want to thank the other riders who ran for Weyrleader, you all worked as hard as I did through the campaign and I know that all of you had the best interest of the Weyr at heart. I hope you all know that I do too. Though we might not all agree on certain points I hope you can all work with me in strengthening our Weyr and improving the lot of its people.

Thank you all again, I'll have more to say soon but for now I'll take my leave.

With these few words spoken O'ail turned to go inside the Weyr with the Headwoman for they had much to discuss. As they set off together a pair of figures emerged from the crowd of spectators; it was former Weyrleader T'gall and his noticeably pregnant Weyrmate Jouneywoman Harper Chessa. The dark skinned man, a silk sash tied over his eyes, was grinning almost like himself as they caught up to O'ail. The new Weyrleader took the old Weyrleader's arm from his partner to guide him and they continued inside with the Headwoman. If words passed between them they must have been said in private between their dragons, and if they did neither was telling.