New Arrivals (Expedition, Raelwynn)

[HG]

The Weyr in all its glory was actually not really much to look at today. Even Kyrah was miserably wet. The red head caught herself sneezing for the third time in as many minutes. “Thank Faranth we're home.” While she found nothing odd about a Weyr full of dragonfolk and their dragons she had no doubts the Expedition had suddenly grown quiet for a reason. Her face became a smiling rendition of what it had been earlier in the day. Oh how much fun would it be to tease them now. Unfortunately they were not to be messed with, orders of Eriol.

Eve was quite happy about the whole trip. The Gold had made it a point to greet all the young flits and was eager to show them things they did not know. Ky had taken the opportunity to show some of them how to work with their firelizards as far as training went. She was not happy about it really but it was better than hearing complaints from the cooks later. The more control they had over the little buggers the better.

They approached the bowl where the Weyrleaders were waiting for them, in the rain. On a normal day this could be rather humorous but the reason for them not to be showing this group in right away was because the Leaders needed to reach an understanding first. If she were the Expedition she would take whatever was offered. They were in no position to make demands.

–

Nevarre did not know where they were headed but it seemed to take forever to get there. The young man was soaked through and although he had mentioned taking a break at some point he was overruled. The faster they got to their destination the sooner they could dry off. He was annoyed enough over the rain that Briar's frequent complaints about being wet became more and more irritating. It was obvious that this trip had not agreed with Nevarre. He was beginning to think the only things he wanted in this world were, dry clothes, a hot meal and a nice warm bed.

Then he saw what everyone else had been stopping to look at. Was that? It wasn't? Was it? A dragon! He almost fell backwards. Why in the name of Faranth had he not been told this was where they were going. It was a Weyr, albeit not as large as Fort, it was more of an Istan sized Weyr. Still that did not mean they were short on dragons or riders trained in combat. Best he kept his wits and remained calm and charming. Always charming.

As they approached a large center outdoor section which he came to know was the Bowl, he saw two figures. A woman and a man. The Weyrleaders? He hoped or his next sentence was going to be extremely awkward. “Good afternoon, Weyrleaders. I'm Nevarre, son of the Lord Holder of Keroon. We have come on a diplomatic mission to speak with you about the eventuality of Thread's return and its affect on the Northern Holds and people.” His voice was that of a Holder, charming and yet firm. He needed them to agree to talks.

--

The Weyrleader was informed the moment the Watch Dragon saw the people on approach though Raelwyn had informed him of their capture days prior. He had been concerned what this was about and why the young folk had been sent. The Firelizards were not all that good at being debriefed. Now with the Expedtion (as he gathered from what little he understood from Raelwyn and her firelizard) nearing he realized they were going to be fairly wet and wanting food and accommodation. Something he could supply them and use as a form of leverage.

He escorted Raelwyn outside as they entered the Bowl. His jacket was no deterrant to the rain beating down on his head but he could still see through the rain that they were a bunch of kids. The first person to speak was a youth in the front. He looked weary and irritated but was holding himself together. The others looked no better. A young woman near the rear of the group seemed to be breathing oddly. He did hope she was not ill. If they brought illness with them he didn't know where he would put them.

“I am Weyrleader D'seus of Bronze Zorometh and this is our Weyrwoman, Raelwyn of Gold Aeriath.” He studied the group before him and wondered why they had really come. Did they need help up North? If so it was not something they had to worry about. Their only concern was for their people in the South who could easily be killed by Thread more so than the North in his opinon. He felt his face grow more and more tense. He wold let Raelwyn take it from here. She was the diplomat after all.

[Marnark]

The kids were easily cowed and kept in line. Most of the time it only took one hard look from Jarshan's dark eyes to get them moving in the right direction. Rarely had she needed to open her mouth, and that only served to make her the more intimidating. Between her height, dress, and armament, there was nothing remotely soft or giving about Jarshan, and she did not even pretend to even possess such an awareness when it came to the captives.

Her bow was stashed across her back again, but she held a dirk in hand now, flanking the crew that was being led in to the Weyr. It was not the haul they had been expecting to make, but it was a hell of a haul nonetheless. Instead of feline furs, they had a whole gaggle of children. Adult sized, but children none the less. Not a one of them was over eighteen if she guessed correctly. Not one. Jarshan was nearly twice their age, and was twice the age of some of them!

Who had the sharding bright idea of sending kids out into the woods alone? Much less on what they claimed was a diplomatic mission? Fools, whoever they were. But then, them claiming to be from the North ... the Northerners were fools, for sure. Everyone knew that. Pompous, soft, and wherryheaded.

When the group came to a stop in the Bowl, Jarshan came to a halt, weight balanced on the balls of her feet square under her shoudlers. She could move and be anywhere at any moment, all she needed was to be there. Working her fingers on the hilt of her dirk, she flicked her gaze over the lot of them.

She had so been looking forward to skinning that cat.

---

There wasn't a whole lot for it. But these four people (were there really only four?) seemed to know where they were going. Able to navigate the dense jungle like a walk in the home field. To exit the jungle and suddenly have a clear view of a Weyr though - which was undeniably recognizable as such - with dragons all over the place. It was a breathtaking thing to witness and realize.

Dragonriders! Dragons! They did still exist. There was hope after all. If the two idiots at the head of the collumn didn't get them all killed first. Rolgar cast a look at the rest of the expedition, with some concern. Most of them weren't used to cutting the blistering pace that had been forced on them.

[Dragon]

Anaryn simply did as she was told by the strangers. She could feel her baby moving around. This was the first time her baby was moving around so much. She couldn't help herself looking around once they arrived at the Weyr. It looked small. Not the size that she would have thought a Weyr would be, considering she'd heard that the Weyrs in the North were HUGE!

Sudden pain shot through her body, pooling at her stomach. Shard it! She began to breath a bit, like she remembered. And the pain didn't go away! She could hear a few people talking, in the front of the group, but she couldn't understand what they were actually saying, the pain not letting her concentrate. And at that moment, she felt something trickling down the inside of her leg. She was sweating, heavily, and thought it only sweat. She felt the pain subside, but only a bit.

She looked around, wondering if they would be given something to eat, drink, and a place to sleep. She wanted to sleep. The pain came back, harsher than before. And this time, she felt her stomach clench and then release. She could breath again, but the pain came back, stronger again. She gasped at the intensity of the contractions. This didn't feel right. "Oh, no, no no no ... " Her hands went to her stomach again as another strong contraction raced through her stomach again.

[kaemi]

Wet, exhausted, sore, and did I mention wet, did not make for your general Essa. In fact, it made her a bit more sullen, dreary, and sluggish. Still, she pushed herself to keep up with the others, knowing that she really didn't have a choice. She had this strange feeling that the people who were herding them, like sharding herd animals, knew which end was the business end of whatever their weapon of choice would be. She didn't exactly know where they were going, or who they were following, but at this point she truly didn't care. Essa just wanted to stop walking, and rest her tired feet. Here she had been, thinking that the pace the Expedition set was brisk. These people made it seem like they had been idling along.

On the other hand, Query had no problem with the wet or the pace. In fact, he was borderline delighted, flitting around and attempting to make friends with all the new firelizards around. He was the one who alerted Essabellona of the Weyr's existence, landing on her shoulder for the first time in at least a candlemark. It made her look up... and catch her breath in the back of her throat. The girl literally missed a step, staggered, and barely managed to catch herself from falling.

It wasn't so much the sight of the establishment in front of her, but rather the creature, vaguely resembling the flitts a few of them had acquired. Shells! That had to be a dragon!! Excitedly, Essa reached her hand back in an old nervous gesture to tug at her hair, which had been pulled back. She had known it! She had known! Weariness, exhaustion, and dampened state were all pushed aside (although by no means were they forgotten) in the adrenaline she experienced. This must be a Weyr! A Weyr!! She was inside a Weyr, which was currently inhabited by dragons and their riders!!!

From the back of the group, she could still hear as a man addressed them... calling himself the Weyrleader! Which meant he rode bronze, if she remembered correctly, and the Weyrwoman rode gold! Eyes brightening, smile turning the corners of her mouth, Essa concentrated solely on the speakers... at least, until a fellow member of the Expedition began to gasp, breathe hard, and draw attention to herself. Essa glanced over briefly, then saw it was Anaryn. Shards!

Essabellona did not know a single thing about healing, or childbirth, but from the expression and movements of the pregnant girl, she was about to start labor. Taking the few steps over to her, she blinked to allow herself a moment to think. "Anaryn... shells..." who was the healer they had? It was... was... "Rolgar!" she called loudly, hoping her voice carried over the Weyrleader, and really not caring at this point if she interrupted his or the Weyrwoman's speech. They were dragonriders, which was beyond fantastic, but surely they would understand a young girl giving birth would take some priority.

[Yuu Kanduet]

Jerezen was miserable. The rain was threatening his precious writings, and he clutched the satchel with his papers even closer to his chest. Every now and then he was forced to flick rain water off his eyes so that he could see. Usually the rain didn't bother Jerezen all that much, but that was because he was usually warm and dry inside and not outside getting drenched. The rain had long since ruined his styled hair and pasted his long sleeved white shirt to his body. His pants felt heavy and long with the water and drug through the mud and grime whenever the apprentice harper took a step, thus effectively ruining them. Jerezen didn't even want to think about the condition of his shoes. At least he had had the sense to wear leather boots instead of his many pairs of dress shoes. At least leather could be cleaned and shined.

Clutching the satchel tighter, Jerezen noticed that the group had finally stopped walking and drifted to a stop as well. From the tell-tale signs of dragons and grumpy looking pair that stood in-front of the group, Jerezen guessed that they had reached the Weyr and were about to engage in conversation with the Weyrleaders.

Just as Jerezen thought they would finally get something done, a fellow member of their expedition went into labor. Jerezen was training to be a harper so he had a good grasp at the healing arts, but it was mainly the basics. In something like this, Jerezen thought it wise to leave it to the healer of their group. He didn't know how the healer wanted it handled. Intervening now would only get in the healers way later. Besides, women were usually private about this thing and fickle with their nursemaids.

[firethorne]

Though conditions were less than ideal, Eriol was still pleased with the events of the last four days. It had been...interesting, to say the least, but at least nothing too terrible had occurred. Despite the rain and the miserable conditions, the captain always counted a task with no causalities (fatal or otherwise) a success. The strangers had been an obedient lot, and though it was obvious they were not used to the pace he set, the Shield had no intention of slowing down. They needed to get these people to the weyrleaders as soon as possible, especially before Aeriath clutched. The last thing they needed was to have to drag Raelwyn away from her queen when she was popping out eggs. Yea, that would go over well. Really.

Smirking lightly to himself, the captain glanced back to make sure the little group was still keeping up, the other three Shields fanned around them and keeping an eye on the whole lot. His icy blue gaze settled on Kyrah for a moment, and the tall man felt a rush of affection for his protégé. She had been a wonderful asset during their long, difficult trek, especially when she offered to teach the Northerners about their flits. It was a brilliant move, to be honest, especially with these kids that knew nothing about the little creatures. Eriol really didn't feel like getting an earful from a bunch of riders and drudges about leading a horde of wild, untrained firelizards to the weyr to wreak havoc. Kaiden, for his part, had finally chilled out after His had accepted the new humanpets, and was far more friendly to the young flits now.

As they neared Refuge and the weyr came into view, the group behind him suddenly became silent. Well, that was no surprise, now was it? Even though Refuge was a smaller weyr, nothing could really rival the feeling of seeing dragons for the first time. Although, because of the rain, several of them were inside on their couches, rather than lounging on their ledges. Still, the few that were out would undeniably silence anyone who have never seen one of the magnificent creatures before. Grinning to himself, Eriol strode quickly into the weyrbowl, his eyes focused on the weyrleaders. Finally, they could now get something done.

~~~~~

Phaerie had been a trader her entire life. She had been born and raised in a travelling caravan, and had spent nearly every day outdoors. In the course of her seventeen turns, she had practically travelled from one corner of the North and right back again. Her life had been anything but coddled, and despite every bit of that, and for the first time…the trader was just as miserable as the rest of the Expedition. The rain, the relentless pace, the feeling of uncertainty about their fates, her lack of firelizard…everything just mixed together in a big, heaping pile of crap and put her in an uncharacteristically sour mood. Essa was her only bright point in the whole sharding thing. Of course, even the usually chipper holder was now in a similarly bitter disposition, but no one could really blame either of them, now could they?

Trudging forward, constantly brushing her long, rain-soaked hair out of her eyes, the trader’s entire foul attitude suddenly faded as something came into view. Something huge, and vast, and…Oh shards! Phaerie nearly fell over in shock upon seeing what just had to be a dragon. There was nothing else that creature could be! Faranth, the girl had never imagined they would be so…big! Mouth hanging open, Phae silently followed the tall leader of the Shields, her eyes focused on the magnificent beasts in the air and on their ledges. Only when Nevarre began to speak did she finally drop her gaze back to the others, studying the man and woman standing before them. Weyrleaders? Oh shards again! That was a goldrider! And the Weyrleader…the trader blinked. Hmm, who knew the weather wasn’t the only hot stuff the South had to boast? Sidling close to her friend Essa, Phaerie, for once, happily shut her mouth to listen.

~~~~~

Uncharacteristically silent, Koldyn wordlessly followed Eriol as the captain led them deftly through the jungle, confident in his path. The pace was relentless, but the boy merely set his jaw and pressed onward, hardly saying a word. He did, briefly, speak with that crazy, wild girl who pointed arrows at his head about Squall, teaching the useless little bugger a thing or two about behaving correctly. That short exchange was the limit of the holder’s conversation during the whole four days. Shards, he even forgot to occasionally glare at that annoying trader girl. Kol was wrapped up in his own thoughts, and his own emotions, too caught in his inner turmoil to give much thought to anything else. Why was he here? Why did his father send him to this untamed land? To find the dragonriders, of course, and at first, Koldyn had been determined to do just that and earn the Lord Holder’s respect.

And yet, just where had he ended up? Just look at me now, pops. Aren’t you so proud? The boy thought sourly, staring hotly at the captain’s back ahead of him. No, he hadn’t found the dragonriders, but he had found a pack of wild, insanely strong nutjobs who called themselves the ‘DragonShield.’ Doesn’t that count for something, old man? Heh, he had a feeling it didn’t. Squall, despite being a temperamental little sourpuss himself, had been rather affectionate the last few days, picking up on the bitter feelings of his bonded. Despite his general uselessness, Kol did have to admit it was nice to have at least one person in the world who depended on him wholly, and genuinely liked him. That was a nice change. Trudging forward, his eyes downcast, the boy did not see the weyr as soon as it came into view. The sudden silence around him alerted Koldyn to the presence of something impressive, and the holder quickly glanced up, only to feel like the breath had been knocked out of him.

Oh. So that was a dragon.

Feeling almost lightheaded, Koldyn could have laughed aloud. A weyr! They had been captured, dragged through the jungle for four days straight, only to end up right where they wanted to be. Oh, this was too perfect. Of course, the holder had wanted to approach the leaders in a far more formal, impressive manner than this, but it would have to do. Well, and being a sharding prisoner rubbed him the wrong way, but that was a minor detail. As Nevarre introduced himself, the Igen sucked in a breath and gathered all of his father’s teachings inside his mind. Stepping forward, the boy positioned himself beside the older holder at the shoulder, but perhaps just an inch behind him. “I would also like to wish you a good afternoon, Weyrleaders. I am Koldyn, son of Igen’s Lord Holder. Our fathers have sent us as a symbol of their goodwill towards the riders, and we would be honored if you would allow us to speak.” His smooth, cultured voice never once wavered, but inside, Kol was raging. What would they say?

~~~~~

As Aeriath relayed the message she received from Zorometh, the Weyrwoman quickly stood and grabbed her cloak, leaving the records she had been reading open on her table. It was raining, and the last thing she wanted to do was fall ill this close to her queen’s clutching. Clasping the material at her neck and pulling the hood over her hair, Raelwyn quickly joined her Weyrleader as he stepped inside her quarters. It was thoughtful of him to escort her to the bowl, but then again, D’seus had always been charming. Well, to her, anyway. Her personal drudge had shared more than few whispers of gossip about the gorgeous man before his bronze had caught Aeriath. Smiling a little at that thought, she strode beside the rider and into the bowl, wrinkling her nose at the weather. If not for her cloak, she likely would have been in a rather foul mood.

You? Try carrying around a load of eggs for a while, then you’ll know what a foul mood is.

One corner of her mouth twitching, the Weyrwoman repressed the laughter she felt. Her gold sounded irritable and extremely snippy, but no one could really blame her. After all, Aeriath looked far heavier than she ever had before, her stomach swelling to twice the size of her last clutch, if not more. She had good reason to be moody and snarky. You’ll soon clutch, my love, and then you will feel much better when your beautiful eggs are on the sands.

Grumbling to herself, the queen shifted on her couch, missing the warmth of her bronze at her side. While Nienoth had been a very sweet, attentive dragon, Zorometh was vigorous and powerful; just the sort of father her eggs needed. Though she wanted to snuggle and cuddle with her bronze, she supposed she couldn’t blame him for wanting to watch over this odd group of people arriving.

Green eyes never leaving the group while they approached, Raelwyn’s face was impassive as the first person spoke. Ah, a holder, then? When her little flit had informed her of this ‘expedition’ four days ago, the first thing Raelwyn felt was shock. The holders had banished her people here turns and turns ago with no word or offer of peace since; why did they suddenly deign to communicate with them now? She had a feeling it certainly had to do with the telltale signs of thread that were occurring more and more frequently. Inclining her head a bare fraction as her Weyrleader introduced her to the group, the queenrider paused for just a moment, glancing at D’seus. So, this was her project? Very well.

Glancing over each of the youths gathered before her, the woman quirked a brow as she noted their ages. Shards, leave it to the Northerners to send a bunch of children on a perilous mission like this. Did they even know what dangers lay in the South? “Well, young lords, I feel compelled to speak plainly. I will not pretend to be pleased with your arrival, but I would not leave even unwelcome guests out in this weather. We may speak in the weyrhall—” Cut off by a woman yelling in the back, Raelwyn pressed her lips in a thin line, rather irritated with being interrupted. However, as her green eyes cut to the one who had spoken, her annoyance vanished. “Get that girl to the infirmary, now!” The Weyrwoman commanded, pointing to Kyrah. Fall, fog, and fire, they had even sent a pregnant woman! What deadglows!

As the Shield disappeared with the girl and the man she assumed to be their healer, Raelwyn once more turned her attention back upon the two holders. “As I was saying, we may speak in the weyrhall. I will agree to hear your words.” Turning, the Weyrwoman trusted the three remaining Shields to see to it that her commands were followed. Before leaving with D’seus, she had sent her personal drudge to the Headwoman, and had the weyrhall completely emptied. The last thing the queenrider wanted to do was stand in the rain all day, but neither was she even about to let them near her council room. Aeriath would have a fit. Glancing to her side, Rael leaned slightly closer to the bronzerider as she walked, and said in a low voice “I’ve had the weyrhall cleared of everyone. I’ll leave it to your discretion how to deal with them as prisoners…after I have seen to the diplomatic side.” In other words, The Weyrwoman would speak with the holders as they liked, but afterwards…their food and lodging was at the mercy of the handsome, ruthless Weyrleader.

[HG]

He was more nervous then he ever thought he would be. As much as he wanted to prove himself to be a Lord Holder's son by obviously sticking to diplomacy and trying to talk these people into an amiable agreement he felt a bit more weary under the steady gaze of the Weyrleader. He seemed a tough sort of person, not someone that Nevarre had any wish to cross. Much like these Guard members the man made him feel intimidated. A feeling that Nevarre never wanted to feel again so long as he lived. As the man introduced himself and the woman beside him, a wave of relief began to fall on him. Maybe the dragonriders were a good sort of people who would welcome them after all.

However much he wanted to believe that, the negative voice deep within him won over. There was something amiss here. Something he was not understanding. They were now being invited inside by the Weyrwoman. It would be rude to decline but he felt that going inside meant never leaving again. He was growing more nervous but held to his own inner strength. After Koldyn's own introduction, Nevarre heard rather than saw what was going on behind him. Oh dear Faranth, that girl had been a nuisance this whole time and now when it was most inconvenient she was going into labor. What kind of cook ends up pregnant without being married first? He had to wonder at where the world's morals were going. Certainly not south.

The girl was being rushed off with Rolgar and that red haired woman. Good, one less person around to point swords and arrows at him. “Thank you Weyrwoman Raelwyn, we are much indebted to you for your kindness.” Nevarre said the line knowing it was more for show and that the Weyrleaders being quite good at smooth talk themselves would see through it. The Expeditioners however would see it as being most polite and they really did all want to express gratitude for being taken in from the rain, he was certain. Still something about going inside rankled him. He did follow the Weyrleaders as they led them inside.

–

Kyrah was in no mood for these sort of fake pleasantries. This was politics, something that she would be happier far away from. Despite the ease of bringing the young folk here, she was weary. The red head watched as the introductions and such were made with a faraway look in her eyes. This was boring. At least it had been boring, right up to the point where she was pointed out to escort the woman who was starting to go into labor. Sharding Fall and Fire! Why was she so lucky?

Taking the order in stride, as she must when it came from the Weyrwoman, she walked closer to the young woman having the contractions and spoke quietly to her and the healer. “You two are coming with me. Anaryn is it?” She asked although she had kept good track of the people's names for the most part. Oh Faranth save her, this was not going to be an easy birth from the look of things. The girl didn't look far enough along to be going into labor which meant something was wrong didn't it? Well, she was no healer but she doubted things were going smoothly. Looking at the Healer, Rolgar, she deemed him a sturdy and strong sort of man.

“I think Rolgar or I should carry you in. Unless you feel able to walk and have us there to support you? We are going directly to the infirmary.” She added to them as if it was not common knowledge the Weyr had an infirmary. Shells, she did not know what they did or did not know about the Weyr. Without much further talk she made certain they were well on their way before Raelwyn invited the others to the Weyrhall. They needed to move as quickly as possible. There was no way she would let a woman deliver a baby in soaking wet clothes. She would have scribbled a note for Eve to take to the infirmary but there was not time and all of her parchment at this point would be fairly wet.

–
D'seus hated to see all these youthful people out in the rain. Not when they could be of some use. The prisoners were going to have to be housed somewhere overnight. It was with this in mind he said nothing on top of what the Weyrwoman already told them. He did spend a good deal of time examining each one of them. It seemed some of them were a little worse for the wear. The first Holder that had spoken had sallow cheeks and looked a little too thin. They must have been used to a lot of comforts they were not getting in the South. Or maybe they had a terrible time getting here through the jungle.

He spoke quietly with Raelwyn so as to not be overheard, “I agree. We should let them speak. I'm thinking of where to keep them. We could have the Candidate Barracks cleaned out tomorrow...” His eyes gleamed with mischief. The Holders had sent them numerous young people and what a better thing to do than use them to their own ends. It was not like they would be Searching the Holds. New blood was needed and it had been given to them. These youths would have no choice but to acquiesce to any and all requests the leaders of th Weyr made. Seeing as they were being housed, fed and medically being taken care of by the Weyr and its inhabitants.

Holding out his arm for the Weyrwoman he led them all back inside. The Weyrhall was not far though it seemed Raelwyn's orders had been obeyed. There was not a soul around other than themselves. This would be a good thing. Now he just had to think of what to do with them till tomorrow. Well the Weyrling Barracks had already been cleaned by the drudges a couple weeks ago. Repairs had been made where needed. He supposed they could be housed there overnight. And then there was the matter of their clothes. He'd leave that to the Headwoman and Raelwyn. They would have a better idea of what was available.

My Queen, I come to you. Zorometh said now that the Expedition was on its way in. The Bronze was not far and took no more than a minute to be back at the Gold's side. He laid down next to her, curling around her as best he could. He was not larger than she was, especially not now. It was fairly apparent though that he was quite pleased with both himself and Aeriath. The Gold was larger than ever before which also pleased D'seus. The more dragons they had the better in his opinion.

[Marnark]

At the shout of his name shortly after what sounded most disturbingly familiar as labor pains, Rolgar didn't waste a moment. Completely ignoring any looks he might have gotten for it, the big, burly Smith-bred Healer was barreling back down the line of Expedition members. It only took him a few breaths to arrive at the side of the girl who was the center of the ruckus. Immediately he steadied her with an arm around her back. "Breathe." He instructed, firmly but gently. "Breathe. Remember. Breathe." He glanced over at the guard that had apparently been assigned to take her somewhere. It was a good job they had decided he was to go with ... he would have knocked people over if they suggested taking her alone to wherever they were going.

"I'll carry her." He interrupted. It would be kinder to her. "Hang on, and remember to breathe." Roglar spoke smoothly and calmly, in tones to relax her. Hundreds of millions of women before her had given birth, she too would survive the ordeal. "You're alright." As gently as he could manage, Rolgar stooped and hooked an arm around the back of her legs, still supporting her back with the other arm. Straightening, he lifted her clear of the ground.

It was also a good job he was Smith-bred, and stout for it. Rather than one of those weedy little nerd fellows who were good with their hands and not a lot else as a Healer. "Lead the way, do hurry." Rolgar intoned to the Shield girl, all due seriousness in his voice as he stepped forward, pack still hanging off his own back. But he never seemed to notice.

He followed after the red haired girl with a long stride, knowing that they needed to get out of this rain at the very least. A clean place was best. Getting her out of her soaked clothes would help, too. "Do you have a hot bath?" He asked. "She needs a hot bath." Dry births were always harder than water births, and if it was at all possible, especially given she was a first time mother, Rolgar wanted to get her into water to have her child.

But he, too, had to wonder what she thought she was doing getting pregnant not only so young, but also unwed and on a mission across the world like this. It just didn't make sense.

---

Cemar watched as his more brother than uncle went racing away to tend to one of the girls, and then turned his gaze back upon the people ahead of him. As they were led away, he followed in silence. At the moment there was little if anything he could do. He couldn't help but wonder why he was even here. Why he'd been sent at all. Just ... why?

Jarshan followed the group inside, before taking up a position by the wall, dirk still in hand. These people, these strangers, incompetent children that they were, they still outnumbered the two Weyrleaders. There was no way she was leaving the two Weyrleaders alone with this mob. Especially not Raelwyn. The weyrwoman was altogether too precious to even consider risking. For if they lost her, they lost their only Queen. And her entire clutch to go with. It would be the end of the Weyr right then and there.

So Jarshan stood as a dark shadow on the wall, deadly steel glinting in the lighting as she stood ready as a wound spring. It wouldn't take a blink for her to be all the way across the room, tables not withstanding. She didn't even hardly bat an eye, though, when yet another Rider entered the room.

Soaked to the bone as well, the Illume Wingleader strode in from the other entrance, stripping off sopping gloves and flight jacket. Having been out scouting the jungle, he'd been flying in what had been not a drenching drizzle, but more of a soaking downpour due to being on a moving, flying dragon. His expression was not the most pleased in the least, but neither did it express undue annoyance. It was more that neutral, flat expression that he took on when thinking. The expression that most of his wing dreaded for its unreadability.

Throwing the gloves down on the end of a table, A'lez left his jacket on for the time being, crossing his arms across his chest as he took in the bedraggled sight of the Expedition. Eerily, he even then did not say a word.

[Dragon]

Anaryn was not really paying attention to anything going on around her but her stomach. She wanted to cry out in pain, but the contractions stole her breath. "Yes, I am ... Anaryn."

She felt light-headed. She only nodded at the woman. She didn't care who it was as long as someone could help her. Smiled feintly at Rolgar. The skin around her mouth was taught from her trying to fight the pain. "Just get me .... to the infirmmmm .... " A contraction rippled through her stomach and robbed her of the air to keep breathing.

She groaned. "Please don't let me lose my baby."

[kaemi]

When asked to describe herself, Essa could mention many assorted talents that maybepossibly she had acquired over the short course of her life. Dealing with pregnant women was not one of them. Knowing what to do when the time actually came, with the contractions, and the water-breaking, and the baby actually coming out was even less known by her. She had been the second of two children, none of her extended family had had children, nor had any of her close friends. She had never, indeed, traveled with anyone who had been pregnant. So she had absolutely no idea what to do with Anaryn, other than call a healer over.

Thankfully, that's all she had needed to do. Soon after, Rolgar and a guard-lady rushed over, and Essabellona stepped away. Her eyes immediately searched for Phaerie in the crowd, and upon finding her, she made her way in that direction. Buddy equals good in this type of situation: in a strange new place, surrounded by unknown people, with only a small group of those known to you. Add in the birthing part, and she, quite honestly, just wanted to be away from the drama of it. Giving Phae a small smile, the expedition member stepped up beside her. "What did I miss?"

And then they were moving again. She wasn't entirely sure where they were going, and therefore would depend on Phaerie to fill her in. Obviously, they were going into the Weyr... but a rather large part of Essa was disappointed that she had missed the speaking of both Weyrleaders. Still, she was glad that Anaryn was getting the help that she required, and she hoped that both her and her baby was alright. Oh, and glad that she didn't have to be the one dealing with it.

Focus, focus. The Weyrleaders were... imposing. He was quite attractive, and she was gorgeous, and they were both very imposing. Most of the other-- weyrfolk, would they be called? the people of the weyr? like the people of the holds were called holdfolk?- whatever they went by. They were also, from what she had seen, obviously attractive and fit and confidant. Whereas she, and the rest of the expedition, really, was soaked, and tired. Their posture was terrible, clothes ragged and torn, they probably smelled something terrible, and they were all beyond wet.

Even putting aside the facts that the dragons were huge, this was their home, and the expedition had been searching for them, it was very obvious that the Weyrleaders and the others had the power here. Essa looked at Phaerie and shrugged. Really, there was nothing else to do.

[HG]

Light on her feet, Kyrah was quick to show Rolgar the way to the infirmary. It was a little bit of a hike through the lower caverns. Every so often, Ky glanced behind her to be sure that Rolgar was keeping up. He was certainly as strong as he looked, which in Kyrah's mind was an admirable quality in a Northerner. There were things about these newcomers she would like to find out but at the same time she was rather cautious when it came to how she felt about them. They were not the same as Southerners and hence could not be trusted. Who knew what their true motives were.

Walking briskly into the infirmary, Kyrah looked quickly to see if anyone was available. Since most of them seemed to be ignoring the door she said rather loudly, "I need a Healer for an emergency birth." While at first the healers that turned around looked at her puzzled suddenly they seemed to comprehend that it was the woman being carried through the doorway. Ky had no business in the infirmary as she knew little about babies and hated being ill or hurt.

As the Healers guided Rolgar to place the girl on the table, she figured he was in his element. Slowly she began to back out of the room. Waiting outside would be the best thing for her at this point. Blood was fine when it was from battle but this sort of blood was different and much more disturbing. Faranth forbid she should ever have any children!

[Marnark]

Rolgar was quick to follow Kyrah to the infirmary, but what he found there far from pleased him. "Hang on." He told Anaryn. "If you feel the need, push. But don't forget to breathe." He told her gently, soothing. Then he turned his attention on the rest of the people there.

"A table is not what she needs. Get that thing out of the way, this isn't surgery! Get me a large tub, fill it with hot water. Not scalding, just body temperature! And be quick about it!!" Rolgar ordered, not even caring that this wasn't his infirmary. This girl was his charge, and he was going to see to it she got proper care. Not some backwoods backward barbaric centuries old method that was not the best for her. Apparently in the turns that had passed between the split of dragonriders and holders, Holders had progressed technologically and methodically while the dragonriders were locked in the past.

Sad, that revelation.

The medical standards were very very sad, if what they offered him was a table. "Hurry!" He ordered, still holding Anaryn in his arms. It was the next best thing, and far better than the table. To have not only his own warmth to help warm her, but the contact would help her. The only problem was he couldn't hold her and handle delivering the babe at the same time. That and she was still dressed. Fortunately, births were rarely if ever fast. There was time yet. Quite a bit of it. Hopefully enough for these time-addled people to get their heads out of their rumps and get it in gear.

[Dragon]

Anaryn was feeling the contractions coming closer and closer together. She trusted Rolgar more than she trusted the strange woman. Luckily for Anaryn, she'd worn a dress she'd brought with her, and it had fit her perfectly throughout the trip on the days she'd worn it, like now. She could finally manage to breath a bit easier as the most recent contraction went away. She finally had the chance to look around in the Infirmary.

Shards! This place looked no better off than the Infirmary she was used to at her home. And being so far from home, she was petrified! But here were Dragonriders! They wouldn't hurt her on purpose, would they? She felt another contraction and gasped. It was riplling along her body and she felt her baby move again, a discerning pressure between her legs. She wanted to just squeeze her legs shut but she wouldn't do that, so she pushed. And then she went back to her breathing.

(Just FYI, she's gonna have a girl, though something around 5 pounds 5 ounces.)

[firethorne]

As the Weyrwoman turned and made her way towards the weyrhall, Eriol quickly followed suit, his blue eyes cutting over each of the Northerners as he did. They had behaved themselves quite meekly the past four days, but he wasn’t about to let his guard down now, not with Raelwyn around. The goldrider was not only his Weyrwoman and his superior, but she was also his friend. No, the captain would not allow himself to be lulled into a sense of security despite the submissive display of the expedition. Even kittens had claws. The Shield wanted to glance back and see how his protégé was doing with the pregnant woman, but he dared not take his eyes off these strangers. He knew that Kyrah was probably livid with being forced to take Anaryn to the infirmary, but really, Raelwyn was correct in her assignment. A female would be best for that particular job, and, well…Jarshan was probably more intimidating, and wouldn’t really make the girl feel very comfortable. Of the four Shields, Kyrah was certainly the best choice.

Glancing about as they entered the weyrhall, the captain stood behind and to the side of his Weyrleaders, watching the expedition with sharp, steely eyes. Should they choose to try something, they wouldn’t even get the first step out of the way before the captain was dealing a deathblow. Kaiden, too, was still upon his shoulder, watching each of the strangers piercingly and ready to detect any unease about their firelizards. Unmoving, Eriol did not acknowledge the Wingleader when he entered, for he had a job to do, and it wasn’t to play nice with anyone else. It was only to protect the most precious people in Refuge, and right now, that was Raelwyn and D’seus.

~~~~~

Any optimism that Koldyn might have felt was gone the instant the Weyrleaders spoke. Though the man certainly gave nothing away, it was obvious the goldrider was only being diplomatic, and nothing more. They were indeed displeased with their arrival, and that in itself would make their mission all the more complicated to fulfill. Biting back a curse as he heard movement behind him, the holder resisted the urge to turn and glare pointedly at the cook and healer. Shaffit, couldn’t she be quieter when going into labor?! They had a job to do here! Carefully keeping his face as blank as possible, the Igen stood utterly still and by all appearances seemed to be waiting patiently. He was, of course, anything but patient at that point, but he would never give that away. He was anything but tactless.

One corner of his mouth tightened slightly as Nevarre spoke again, expressing his gratitude to the queenrider. Kol could easily see through that polite façade, and he had a feeling the Weyrwoman would too, but that mattered little. Right now, they had to keep everything perfectly diplomatic, so the two would not have a reason to just throw them all back into the jungle. They had to fulfill the mission their fathers had set before them. Despite feeling rather uneasy about going indoors, the holder certainly felt they had no choice. To deny anything the Weyrleaders offered them would be most unwise at this point, and to be honest, he was willing to take a few risks to see this quest to the end. Koldyn had no intention of becoming a prisoner, of course, for he was confident that as long as the riders gave him and Nevarre a chance to speak, they would not treat him as some common hostages.

Oh, you naïve boy.

Following the two Weyrleaders, the Igen tried to hear their whispered words, but could not. Of course, he dared not step closer, not with those Shields staring at him like they would chop off his head if he set one pinky out of line. No thanks. He liked his head right where it was. Koldyn had to admit, however, that these riders had earned his respect already. The Southern jungles were dangerous and daunting, and for these people to have flourished here…it was impressive. The Weyrleader himself seemed like the last person the young holder wished to cross, for he was intimidating and looked rather strong. Kol did not like feeling inferior to anyone, but even he could admit that he was unsettled by this man. And that woman, that goldrider, she was beautiful, and her trim figure made most of the girls he had met utterly pale in comparison. What kind of people were they? Entering the ‘weyrhall’, as it was called, Koldyn stood in the same position as he had outside, beside his fellow holder, and perhaps just a bit back to show his support for everything Nevarre said.

~~~~~

Glancing over as her buddy approached, Phaerie returned her smile, leaning close to whisper her reply. “Not much. The Weyrwoman wants us to go into the…’weyrhall’ so she can speak with the holders. Oh, and she doesn’t seem happy to see us.” Pausing, the trader’s eyes wandered over the two riders facing them, and a little, secretive grin curved her lips before she turned her gaze back to Essa. “Is he not the most gorgeous man you’ve ever seen?” She whispered, her eyes dancing with a mischievous light. Yes, good job, Phae, let’s gush over the physical attraction of the man who probably wants you all dead in the middle of nowhere. Way to go.

Turning to follow as they were herded into a large, cavernous opening, the trader’s eyes widened as she took in the size of the room. It was rather massive, at least, to her it seemed so, and Phaerie wandered what on Pern they could possibly offer these riders to give their aid to the North. When the female holder shrugged, Phae grinned slightly in reply, quite in agreement with that sentiment. There was nothing any of them could really do, was there? The Weyrleaders had them all at their mercy, and no matter what they decided to do with the expedition, there was nothing any of them could say or do to change it. She only hoped Nevarre and that sourpuss Koldyn could manage to win the Weyrleaders over with their holder’s charm. Phae blinked.

You know what? On second thought, they were doomed.

~~~~~

Eyes cutting away from the girl as she was carried off to the infirmary, Raelwyn focused her attention upon Nevarre. “Not at all, young holder. I would not allow a woman to suffer without proper care during her birth.” Her face unreadable, the goldrider stared levelly at the boy before her, gaze unwavering. Who was he trying to fool?

Smiling slightly to herself as she and her Weyrleader spoke, Raelwyn nodded, rather liking that mischievous light in the bronzerider’s eyes. “The barracks need to be cleaned indeed, and I do believe the North has given us plenty of help to do so. Perhaps they have given us more than that.” Her mind was already turning with the possibilities. Had they not just been speaking of their desperate need for new blood in the weyr? Was Aeriath not already egg-heavy, and due to clutch any day now? Oh, these young people could serve a far greater purpose than just as embassies to Refuge. If the queenrider had her way, and she hoped D’seus would agree, then these kids could be of great use to them. Very great use. Of course, Rael would never make that decision on her own, as she wished to talk it over with her Weyrleader, but she had a feeling this expedition would work to their advantage.

Taking the bronzerider’s proffered arm, Raelwyn quickly began ticking off the things she wished to discuss in her mind. Those holders might have been smooth up North, but down here, their pretty words would get them nowhere. It did not escape the goldrider that her weyr, as well as Haven, was self-sufficient, and they had no need of the holds or their crafthalls. What could they offer she and her Weyrleader that would convince them to agree to any sort of treaty? New blood, however, was desperately needed, but none of them could possibly know that, and so they still had the upper hand in the negotiations. Upon entering the weyrhall, Raelwyn turned and faced the wet, bedraggled group, her face polite. She did not feel the need to sit, or to offer any of her ‘guests’ such a luxury either. They all needed to stay on their toes, after all.

“Speak now, young holders, and feel free to be forthright with your words. Honesty will do us all a great service, now.” The Weyrwoman’s voice was clear and authoritative, and she expected her command to be obeyed. They did not have time to mince words. Raelwyn glanced over as the Wingleader entered the hall, looking wet and…well, unemotional. Neither of the bronzeriders spoke, and this was obviously her show right now, which suited her just fine. The queenrider was used t being in charge. It was her duty to hear them out, and to play the diplomat, and afterwards, D’seus could deal with their accommodations as he liked. Although, she would need to speak with the Headwoman about supplying clothes for the group. They looked awful.

Humming in pleasure as the voice of her bronze echoed in her mind, Aeriath lifted her head as the large dragon entered her weyr, coming to her couch to curl around her. Trilling softly, the queen cuddled against Zorometh blissfully, utterly content now that his warmth was back at her side.

[HG]

He did wonder briefly at how these people had accomplished such a place. The Weyrhall as they called it was enormous in and of itself. Long tables filled the room, which seemed to be where most of the Weyrfolk dined. He could hear clattering and clanking coming from the kitchen. The Weyrwoman brought them to a halt. He was a bit surprised despite the stories harpers told that a woman held so much power here. No doubt the ladies in this group would now feel he held no authority over them. Not that they hadn't been a headstrong group of dimglows to begin with.

“Alright, I'll come straight to it then. The North is on the verge of Civil War. My father, Lord Holder of Keroon along with the Lord Holders of Nerat, Igen, High Reaches and Telgar, wish us to convey a message. That they are humbled in the face of the signs of Threadfall and will do anything in their power to help should you consent to return to the North.” He did realize it was a lot to ask. These dragonriders were not the same as those who had been forced to leave. Could they really blame him and his father for the past? Nevarre was not sure what the reaction of the Weyrleaders would be and quite frankly it made him nervous.

Nevarre knew that Koldyn would back him up should anything need to be explained further. “We were sent to ask you to help the North in its greatest time of need.” No one could force the dragonriders to help and in fact who knew how many of them were actually in existance. There might not be enough to be able to protect the North and their own population in the South. Perhaps they should move them all back to the North...well that would be rather complicated. You'd have to deal with which Weyr they would move into and who would be offended by what. It would be an awful mess.

–

The Weyrleader stood next to the Weyrwoman listening intently to what this youth had to say. The North needed their help? The north! HAH! He could care less about what they needed. Greatest time of need! He kept his mental outbursts to himself but anyone could see his eyes darken as if he heard something he did not like. If he had it his way, which he just might if Raelwyn agreed with him, these youths would never see the North again unless it be by his will and by his will alone. Of all the arrogant, selfish things to ask, protect the North.

He was about ready to rant at these young people but he also heard clearly that it was their fathers ideas. These were lesser sons and apprentices, people who would not be missed. They had walked into his Weyr and asked an impertinent thing of him and his people. A people that had suffered great losses to become established. D'seus doubted that any of the Weyrfolk would take this well. He was not taking it well. Still the group before him was not responsible, their fathers knew what they were doing sending a group of kids. How could the Weyr in good conciencce kick them out into the rain and dangerous jungle?

They could but it would create a stir and some people would feel the Leadership was being too cruel. He would have them housed and dried. The girl in the infirmary would be checked in on and the young healer apprentice would be made useful in the infirmary until he did decide what to do with them all. For now he was thinking that a good talk with the Weyrwoman and then with the Bronzeriders was in order. They needed to be in agreement on this.