Issrodeth was furious. How difficult was it to play nice with the other Weyrs? Just to promise a few diverted tithes here and there, or even a clutch, in exchange for aid now... And yet, by the time Igith and Amind dragged their heels to face their Senior’s ire, she had softened her mien. She didn’t need to snap. Igith didn’t meet her eyes but Amind stood up proudly, fists balled and jaw set for taking a proverbial punch.
I’m proud of you two, Issrodeth said, and the wind rushed out of Amind’s sails.
You’ve handled yourselves very well after this terrible thing, don’t think I haven’t noticed. I’ve been hearing from Gwill and Valyth that you’re doing even more than I’ve seen, trying to get me to take it easy. Issrodeth resettled her forepaws, looking -- if the older gold was capable of the emotion -- a little contrite. Playing junior to you and Gwill these last few days has returned very, very old memories to my mind, and made me a bit more sympathetic.
Issrodeth saw her junior about to speak up, and a calming gesture silenced her. But the truth remains that you have duties to Dunespike and you must follow them through. I am injured, Gwillanth is tending to her clutch, and there is only so much Dei’r and Valyth can do -- they don’t know the alliances as well as you two.
Both digested that for a moment. Amind asked, slowed by contemplation but with a bite of anger, “But... you must have heard what Halysseth said of me... And last turn’s Dragongather...” Igith growled at the memory.
Issrodeth showed her teeth. Bah, she spat. Their nearest neighbor’s senior had a steel rod for a spine, but only because she’d shoved it up her ass to impress her predecessor -- annoying on its own, but when looking down her nose became “forgetting” to invite Dunespike’s youngest queenpair to the summit of the turn, well. She is a bitch, nothing more. Dangle a treat for her and watch her snap for it.
Issrodeth dipped her head to press against Amind’s bound side, then swung to do the same to Igith’s crown. It does not make your duty any less onerous, she said softly, but you are Dunespike’s own. You’ll always be Amind here, or whatever name you choose, no matter if Halysseth sneers and calls you only “weyrwoman”. It’ll be all the sweeter to return home, my child. And Igith -- if there is any to change Halysseth’s mind it is you.
... now be off, so I can rest, Issrodeth dismissed them.
Igith was never one for waiting. She winged off at once, making her own preparations for the journey. Amind couldn’t help but look to the wide Sky while finding the way back down to the Weyrbowl, his feet as light as ever.
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The Virtues series is the last chance for your dragonet to reflect on themself as an unbonded individual, and the last chance to sort out what they would like in a bond. When Hatching and Impression come, what went before will fade into dream. What does the virtue on display mean to your dragonet? How important is it in their choice of rider? Is this lesson one that will stick with them, or does it seem of no consequence?