On Being Different

Jenna finally talks to Leah about the problems with F'niah, and gets told to stay away from the Harper Hall (and Rodric) until after graduation.

Jenna - Friday, May 31, 2002, 7:57 AM
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Your location's current time: 11:26 on day 26, month 6, Turn 40, of the Tenth Pass. It is a summer morning.

Fort Weyr Bowl, by the lake
This long stretch of the bowl lies to the southeast of the feeding grounds. At its western end, near the wall, the ground dips down slightly to where a lake has formed. Dragons are often washed there by their riders, and both riders and their dragons often swim in the cool waters.
The fenced off portion of the bowl for the Weyr's herds is to the northwest. To the north, a small structure built against the feeding ground pens serves as the Weyr's stables. Waves gently lap the shore to the west, and the rest of the bowl lies to the northeast.
Contents:
Hanreth(#3131JOabpqs$)
J'nas

Leah walks out along the lake shore.
Leah has arrived.

J'nas is crouched at the water's edge. He is scooping water in his hands and running it through his hair. It is a failing attempt to flatten his hair. J'nas' hair is wild and mussed as if he had slept here all night. Hanreth watches his lifemate with amusement in his eyes.

Jenna comes along from the barracks with Niyath saying a trifle resignedly, "You just had a bath yesterday. You're really not that dirty, but..." She stops at the sight of J'nas, lips twitching. "You didn't take my suggestion and spend the nght out here, did you?"

Leah walks up quietly, though not silently, towards the Weyrlings. She smiles as she notices what J'nas is doing and notes, "The sand won't come out unless you wash your hair, but that might work to neaten it a bit." She says aside to Jenna, "Oh, she's just like her dam, always insisting on being clean, hm?"

J'nas jumps at the sound of two voices behind him. He spins around to face the two women, spraying a few droplets of water. It takes him a moment for his eyes to focus. After figuring out who they are, J'nas salutes to Leah and smiles. "Good morning ma'am, Jenna. What are you two doing out here this morning?" Is that an actual hint of red in his cheeks?

Jenna turns and snaps off a salute at Leah, nodding. "And the oiling just takes forever now." A hint of a smile curls her lips, "Bathing, J'nas. Evidently last nght was just a warmup. At least she didn't drop me in the lake again. -- I did have a question though ma'am? K'fen's been dodging me on something, and I'd just like to know. Niyath's more than outgrown the couch for her in the barracks - and it looks like Hanreth's now in the same kettle. Do you know when we might get our own weyrs?"

Leah wipes a droplet of water from under her eye where she's gotten sprayed and smiles, "I suppose it's undignified for a Weyrwoman to come out to the lake for a moment first thing in the morning now, is it?" She blinks in suprise at Jenna, "Your dragon should not have outgrown her couch, they will fit there until they're full grown. Especially since you won't get your own Weyr until you've completed your training."

Jenna winces. She was evidently afraid of that. She nods. "Yes ma'am. Niyath had what I *hope* is her last growth spurt - you can line two large greens up next to he and she's still bigger than them." Niyath switches her attention to Hanreth, apparently unconcerned and crooning quietly to him. "She's just taking to sleeping in the bowl is all. Says that it isn't long enough for her to stretch out properly. And that's likely my fault - I just didn't think she'd get this big."

Niyath> I bespoke Hanreth with << Did you and your rider sleep out here? >>

J'nas rakes his fingers through his hair one more time, but gives up when he doesn't make any progress. Finally, he speaks up, "Hanreth stayed out here for the first time lastnight. He said is sounded fun to sleep out under the stars." J'nas shrugs noncommittally, "I wasn't going to begrudge him that, so I slept out here with him. Hopefully, it won't become habit."

Dragon> Hanreth bespoke Niyath with << We did! It is very different sleeping with no mountain over you. >>

Niyath> Hanreth senses that Niyath agrees, << If I had known, I would have said to come curl up next to me. My Jenna said it was chilly last night, and she would have been a bit warmer with both of us. >>

Leah grins at J'nas, pointing out, "It's not long until you graduate. Then he can sleep out on his ledge whenever he wants, right under the stars." Back to Jenna, she considers, "Perhaps you ended up with a couch that's really meant for a bronze? Is one of the bronzes dwarfed on their own couch, perhaps?"

Jenna blushes. "I wouldn't want to ask someone to move. She enjoys it out in the bowl, so." She pauses and then darts a glance to J'nas, "It's really me more wanting to be out of the barracks than she is, to be honest. That's all." A pause and then, "You didn't get too cool last night, J'nas? I thought it felt a little chillier than usual. That breeze..."

J'nas shakes his head, "It was rather pleasant last night. With Hanreth serving as a windbreak, the temperature was perfect!"

Dakota walks out along the lake shore.
Dakota has arrived.

Jenna mms to J'nas. "I thought it was kinda nippy. Then again, we were curled up facing the caverns. I'm usually so sleepy when I crawl out there, I don't really care how she's facing the wind, but." She grins. "Maybe it's something else she can learn from Hanreth." She turns to the Weyrwoman, "So do I have anything specific to learn today? They just cleared us out to make runs down to the Hall..."

Dakota meanders over towards the lake shore, hands stuffed in pockets. She nears the group of assembled people but doesn't quiet approach them, smiling a bit shyly over towards them.

Niyath wades on into the shallows, giving Jenna a faintly impatient look. For once, she doesn't seem to be too pleased with the whole 'work' concept. Mainly because she's not being the one worked on. With Niyath in motion, Jenna spots the unfamiliar face and gives a pleasant, "G'morning," towards Dakota.

"Good morning." comes Dakot's quiet reply, gazing over the Gold dragon as she wades into the waters.

Jenna offers politely to the girl, "That's Niyath, and I'm Jenna. I don't think we've met?" Niyath flops rather ungracefully in the shallows, sending a mini-wave up onto the bank. Her rider keeps half an eye and ear on Leah.

Dakota's gaze flickers back to Jenna as she steps closer to talk, the smile still a bit shy. "I'm Dakota. I just got here yesterday. I was told to look for the headwomen or Steward to talk to about staying here a few days but they seem to be very busy people." a little quirky grin. "So i've been exploring and learning my way around a little bit. Found the springs this morning." she stops talking, realizing she may be on the verge of babbling. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Jenna. And Niyath."

Leah has arranged herself on a nearby rock and is watching the others curiously, seeming to enjoy the antics of the young dragon. Hearing the words of the newcomer, she chimes in, "I think I can talk to you about staying for a few days. Are you just visiting or looking for a permenant place?"

Jenna warms a bit, the corners of her mouth tipping slightly up. "Well met, Dakota. And yeah, Solant and Norri stay pretty busy. Where are you in from? If you don't mind me being nosy, that is?" She trails off under Leah's question and grins a bit wryly, instead rolling up her pants to wade in and scrub Niyath.

Following the voice to the person, Dakota looks over the women and smiles brightly. Slowly her shyness is ebbing away but not completely. She bites at her lower lip for a moment at the question. "Well, some place permanent for now, I believe, ma'am. I mean, my parents want me to apprentice somewhere but I told 'em I was going to decide on my own and not what they want me to. So I suppose the only way to do that is to live somewhere on my own."

Dakota answers Jenna's question after answering Leah's. "I'm from South Telgar Hold." as is evident from the accent in her tone.

Leah smiles thoughtfully, asking the girl, "Is there no Craft that you enjoy more than the others or perhaps you've been interested in?" She holds up a hand, "Not that I'm trying to discourage you from staying at Fort Weyr. We can always use another pair of hands and a strong back around here."

Jenna ahs, already hard at work on Niyath. "Good folk there. I was there, fardles - about two turns or more ago. On that stint I did learning the traces through upper Igen." She scrubs at a particular spot commenting more quietly to her mate, "I don't *see* anything there love, but of course I will."

Makai pushes the stable door open and walks out into the Bowl.
Makai has arrived.

Dakota shakes her head towards Leah. "Nope." she answers honestly. "Mother's a Master Tailor, she's taught me plenty about sewing and making my own clothes. Been doing that since I was 3 I suppose. My Dad's a Master Baker and he's been teaching me since I was little also." she shrugs. "So I can do both those things fairly well enough but I don't want to be a Master in either one of those. And I don't have an interest in any other crafts yet." she shrugs, her smile warming up those green eyes of hers. "I'm strong enough, I can do any job here I bet."

Dakota glances back over towards Jenna, flashing a quick smile towards the Gold Weyrling.

Leah grins lopsidedly at the girl, "I'm sure you can. Is there anything you'd prefer to be doing? Everyone who lives at a Weyr pulls their own weight, of course. And you said your name was Dakota?" She verifies, though hasn't identified herself yet.

Makai comes out of the stable with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. Emerald chirrups delightfully as he waves to those he's passing. "Hi, delightful day, morning Weyrwoman," he says to Leah, "And Jenna," he adds carefully. He smiles to Dakota. "Don't quite recall that I remember you're name..." he says. "But hello to you too," he giggles and Emerald croons delightedly.

Dakota nods. "Yes m'ama. Dakota." she states her name then pauses in thought. "Well, I am good in the kitchen. I'd rather that than sewing stuff." her nose wrinkles up. "And I don't know a lot about weyr stuff, like the firestone and all that so I suppose I'd be best working inside maybe. So I don't mess up or anything." she flashes a quick grin.

Jenna is scrubbing Niyath in the shallows and she chuckles. "Say that, Dakota, and you'll get put to work immediately. Solant was going on about the drains when I saw him last, ma'am," she adds to Leah. "But he never said what he thought happened to 'em and I haven't seen him since to ask. They seemed fine to me when I was in the pools, but." A pause and she nods, "Morning, Makai."

Leah turns at the greeting and nods, "Good morning, Makai. Yes, it is quite lovely today." Returning to her conversation with Dakota, she says, "Our kitchens are nearly completed after a fire that destroyed them quite a few months ago. I'm sure Master Jorenan would love another set of hands in there. Perhaps you can stay a few days and see how that works out for you?"

Dakota nods politely towards Makai as the cheerful one walks over. "Morning sir." she says before glancing over to Jenna and grins. "Don't mind being put to work, s'long as I get some time soon enough to relaxe in those springs." her attention returns quickly to Leah. "Oh, damaged by a fire." her nose wrinkles up. "Fires can cause so much damage. We had a fire once in the hold, destroyed all the nurseries. Took forever to rebuild. But I couldn't help much then, I was only 5 or so." her heads nods once. "Sure, I would love to help out rebuilding."

Jenna admits, "You know, I'm a little scared of Master Jorenan myself. After the way he yelled at Carianna that time..." She keeps scrubbing, working along Niyath's chest as she rolls over in the water.

Dakota comments. "I can handle some yelling. I'm used to listening to my dad yell at some of the apprentices that would come to train under him." she chuckles.

Makai smiles at Dakota brightly. "That sounds like a good idea," he gives Emerald an affectionate nod and gives her a slight nudge to send her elsewhere.

From the waters, Emerald flits along the water's surface with a croon and splashes up some water. She darts upwards suddenly and shrills as a fish jumps up at her. Erk. She warbled chidingly at it before whirling in circles back towards shore.

Niyath shifts as Jenna clamors over her, staying with her rider as she scrubs. Neck craned upside down, she watches the shore with interest. "He can yell with the best of 'em then. I think I might've met your da. Tall, always trying to get people to eat more?" Her tone is wry.

Dakota smirks but smiles playfully. "Sounds like you've met him. If he had same color hair as me as the same color eyes, then that was him. I got most of my features from my mom except for my hair and eyes. Mom's always teasing him that he samples his own cooking too much, 'specially the tarts but his running keeps him fit. He thinks everyone he sees needs a bit of food to take with them when they leave."

Emerald warbles and circles around Makai's head before decidedly coming to a delicate land on a rock. She croons and lies herself down to nap. Makai chuckles, body shaking with mirth before turning to Dakota with a smile. "And who is your da?" he asks. "I may have met him a long time ago as a Trader," he says with a grin.

Jenna nods. "May've been. I was a runner before I impressed. Did a stint in Igen to learn their traces. Everyone at South Telgar was really nice, but they did keep wanting to feed me." Her tone is amused.

"Joshua" replies Dakota towards Makai. "You were a trader?" she asks curiously. "I loved waiting for the trading wagons to arrive, I always got neat little toys when I was a kid and then some cool clothes when I got older." a chuckle escapes her. "My mother always wanted to know why i'd buy some clothes that someone else made when she could make me clothes." she smiles at Jenna. "My dad just runs for fun. And exercise. He'd had races in the halls during the winters and then outside when the weather was warmer." she nods. "South Telgar is full of nice people, even if some of them push food on you all the time." a warm smile is given.

Makai nods. "Used to be," he says. "Now I'm a stablehand at Fort here. But I'm thinking of getting into the Beastcraft...Or trading again..." he shrugs. "Whatever my heart pulls me into." He smiles, "I think the best part about buying from a Trader is the variety. We used to get clothing from all over the place that was sewn in different styles and colors to suit different climates. Its always fun to find the perfect Gather Gown or boots at a trade..." he says with a grin.

Jenna wrinkles her nose as the subject of gowns comes up, muttering under her breath as she scrubs on Niyath. Then she says, "Oh! Ma'am?" She stops and looks towards Leah. "May I rummage in stores over the next couple of days for a proper flight jacket that fits a bit better. I think I'm still in Norse's old one."

Leah shakes her head at Jenna, "No, I'm sorry. Not just now. The stores are a mess while we reorganize them. I'll let you know when you can go through them to find that jacket." She smiles apologetically, "Besides, it's still summer. You've got a few more days until you need a new jacket."

Jenna mms. "I was thinking for between training. We start it inside a month - I *think*," she hedges on the last.

Dakota grins and nods. "That's what I told my mom. It's the different stuff that I wanted. Not the same old stuff. I'm nearly 15 turns now." she says. "Mom and dad think it's time for me to apprentice. Of course they are fighting between themselves at which craft. Though I don't want to learn either one much more than I already know." she ponders thoughtfully. "I suppose the Beastcraft would be kinda cool, working with the different animals. Though I aint so good with them. I guess I don't need to worry too much though. I just want to get settled in here and see. I may like living here better anyway." she chuckles. Turning suddenly to Leah. "Speaking of settling in, I found an empty room to stow some of my stuff in last night. I suppose I can set up in the Dorms for now?"

Makai settles onto a rock near Emerald and smiles. "I've been meaning to go through those stores myself for facbric scraps," he shrugs"But if you need any help reorganizing the stores I'd be glad to help when I can."

Leah nods in understanding of Jenna's request, "I know, but N'sales old jacket should be plenty warm enough to protect you through training."

Jenna nods to Leah, going back to scrubbing Niyath. She still hasn't covered more than a quarter of the hide available, and the queen is in no huge hurry. She adds, slipping back into the other conversation, "I'm not great with animals either. I know how to ride runner, and muck stalls, though that's about it." Her tone is faintly amused.

Dakota's nose wrinkles. "I've mucked stalls before. Punishment for short sheeting the sheets in the girls dorms." she smirks wryly.

A grin finally appears on Jenna's face as she confesses, "That's my favorite trick to play too. Just ask R'yat."

Makai smiles dryly. "Try mucking the stalls as regular work," he says with a laugh. "Its not all stable mucking and riding, you feed the runners, groom them, feed the other animals, make sure they're warm and have fresh hay to sleep on, sometimes there's breeding and young runners to be broken in, though the Breastcraft hall does most of those last two...Good thing..."

Dakota grins over towards Jenna and shakes her head quickly to Makai. "All the time. Uh, no thanks. The one time I had to do that was quite enough for me." she nods, listening to Makai list off his duties. "That doesn't sound too bad, I suppose." she shrugs. "I think I'll just stay working in the kitchen. That I know how to do. The animals...I don't. I'd probably scare the runners off or something." she jokes.

Jenna scrubs rather patiently and adds, "I'm a disaster in a kitchen. I burn everything, break any dish I'm sent to wash, practically - but I didn't start the fire, at least!" Niyath is enjoying the attention, wallowing in the water rather comfortably.

Leah pipes up, "Hear, hear! As a Candidate I was banned from the kitchens after I knocked a package of red pepper into a pot of wherry stew. And Cook is still wary of my presence in the kitchens, even when I just walk through to get to the stores."

Dakota grins. "I've seen some apprentices that bad." she comments towards Jenna. "Some people are just not meant to be in the kitchen." she can't help but wince a little at Leah's story of the pepper into the stew. "Red pepper into the stew." a smile appears. "I bet dinner was changed for that night."

Jenna shoots a grin over at Leah. "I didn't know that. You know, if Milque wasn't so good with cakes, I'd say there was a bit of a trend." She slides down Niyath's hide, getting herself sandy, as the gold rolls over once more, so Jenna can get to her flanks. She says slyly to Dakota, "That or it sure cleared up a lot of head colds."

Makai shrugs. "I wasn't here when the fire started," he says. "But I can cook wash dishes and clean with the rest of em," he laughs and pulls a fruit out of his rucksack and begins to cut it into portions with his pocket knife. "Want a slice?" he asks with a smile.

Dakota's grin matches Jenna. She watches the Gold roll over as Jenna continues to scrub. Her head shakes to Makai. "No thanks. Actually, I think I want to go find a cot in the dorms and then maybe see if I can't find that Master, to start working in the kitchens. I'll prolly be able to help with lunch. I just hope we'll not having wherry stew." she jokes.

Makai grins at that and munches on an slice. He chuckles and jokingly offers a peice to Emerald, who sniffs it carefully before ignoring it and going back to her sunbathing.

Jenna shakes her head at Makai, "No thanks, Makai. - And welcome to the weyr, Dakota. If you need any help settling in, just give a yell. It's easy to get turned around in the caverns."

Dakota smiles brightly. "Thanks Jenna. I wouldn't be surprised if I did manage to get lost once or twice. See you all around." with a wave she sets off at a trot across the bowl.

Dakota heads back towards the center of the bowl.
Dakota has left.

Jenna finally gets Niyath scrubbed enough to her satisfaction, and sends her off in deeper water to rinse. She slogs back to shore, grimacing. "Now oiling and then I'll need a bath myself. And I really did want to get down to the Hall today."

Makai smiles. "Do you need help with oiling her? I'd be happy to help if she's willing," he offers demurely.

You say "If you don't mind? She's usually not terribly fussy - but I don't want to take you away from chores."

Makai smiles. "I just finished feeding the lot o' them so I'm more than happy to help out..." he smiles to Niyath and Jenna. "Are we oiling her here or should we go back to her Weyr where she can be comfortable?" he asks with a smile.

Jenna mms. "When she's dry, we'll go to the barracks - they keep a vat by the door for the larger ones, so we're not crowding the aisles inside."

Makai grins and nods, finishing up his apple and putting his pocket knife away. "Good, I can oil Emerald after we finish, too," he says with a murmurs. He nudges the little green beauty with his fingers and she churbles sleepily.

Emerald finally stretches and shakes her wings out before looking up at Makai curiously. With a warble of delight she flitters up and hovers around him.

Jenna eyes the lizard and then says, "You know, I've not seen Hal in ages. Wonder if he caught another female and is holed up somewhere with her. It wouldn't surprise me."

Makai smiles. "I wonder," he says. "I'm not sure about this little girl...She gets bigger and bigger and I'm not too sure when she's due to start getting.....amourous..." he giggles and rubs his face against Emerald teasingly. Emerald croons and clutches his hair with her claws, causing him to grimace and blush.

Jenna smirks faintly. "I never know when Hal's caught one. Except for him disappearing on me."

Leah notes, "My green always hides her clutches. I have no idea which of the wild firelizards around the weyr are hers." She grins.

Makai shrugs and laughs. "Well, I'm not sure what Emerald might do; she never seems to want to leave me for more than an hour or so. But she's getting bigger and more confident now, she might just go off on her own again like she tried to the other day," he chuckles. "I was sorry to hear she snuck into the Weyrling Barracks," and he chides her with a little tsk. She warbled appologetically and he laughs. "No harm done, but I'm watching where she goes..." he blushes and shifts on his stone a little uncomfortably.

Leah shrugs, "Firelizards go where they're wont to. They have an entire community of their own that humans simply are not part of. As do dragons, for that matter."

Jenna keeps an eye on Niyath in the lake, "Well, they're older now, and not as - easily upsettable. Oh." She looks to Leah and says, "I had a question for you that was... kinda personal." She chews on her lower lip, glancing at Makai. "But it can wait," she says uncertainly.

Leah hops off her rock, "Jenna, are you nearly done? I need to show you how to double check a Wingleader's report."

Jenna nods. "Yes ma'am. Makai? If you're still willing to help after lunch, we can oil Niyath then. She should be nice and dry." Indeed, she's stretched out and is already soaking up the sun.

Makai grins. "Sure thing, I should bathe myself before we head in," he chuckles and strips down to only the essential clothes, sending Emerald aloft.

Makai watches Emerald fly into the stable and sighs. He walks down to the water and laughs. "Just tell me when you're ready to go in," he states before entering the water.

Leah moves off towards the bowl.

You climb the stairs to the Weyrleader Complex.
Low Landing(#15899RL)
This is a broad, low lying landing, a short way up from the bowl and acting as a junction of sorts. From here one can continue upwards to the Weyrleader's ledges, or off to one side is the Guest Weyr, and on the other is the Weyr's Council Chambers.
Contents:
Leah

Leah pauses and points upwards, "See up there? That ledge? That's where you're going to be living in a few months. Plenty of couch space for Niyath and a huge room for you with your own private bathing cavern."

The worry lines about Jenna's eyes ease a bit as she grins. "Really? That one? Oh, and it's high enough that she should be pleased."

Leah nods, "It was mine before I stepped up to Senior. I'd offer you the higher one, but Shayna's living there now. You'll be right near Milque on the ledges, and Vivian is right down that flight of steps. It's a nice view, though."

Jenna says fervently, "I can't *wait* to move into it." Odd, for someone who'd never been interested in her own room before.

Leah looks over at the young goldrider and grins, "The barracks become awfully crowded when there's two of you trying to find your couch amongst sixty four other beings, don't they?"

Jenna nods. "Among other things." She pauses and then says, "Can I ask you for some advice? Before we get started on the wing reports, I mean."

Leah nods and gestures for Jenna to follow her into the Weyr, "C'mon in. We can talk. Mind Jinieth, she's napping."
Leah has left.

Weyrwoman's Weyr
Largest of the personal sleeping quarters at Fort Weyr, the Weyrwoman's Weyr is warm and inviting. Just past the layers of curtains in the center of the room is a large circular table with chairs easily providing seating for six adults, a vase of fresh flowers set in the middle in the warmer months, candles in the colder. A huge four-poster bed with wooden frame, thick with fresh rushes and piled high with furs, quilts, and pillows is placed against the far right wall in the corner near the hearth. There is a small table next to the bed as well as a large wooden chest at the foot. A lovely, hand tooled armoire is placed just on the other side of the hearth, the ensignia of Fort Weyr emblazoned on the leather of the doors. The mantle sports various knicks and knacks, including a small painting of a gold dragon in flight and a pair of wine glasses set aside for special occasions. Off to the left of the armoire is another set of curtains, this leading to the private bathing cavern of the Weyrwoman.
Contents:
Leah

Jenna is quiet until the weyr is reached, and then grins a bit. "I should also get you to help me decorate when the time comes. I *knew* I should've saved more marks."

Leah sticks her head in a shaft and calls out, "Klah!" Since she's directly to the east of the Living Cavern, it's unlikely her food will be appearing in that shaft. She pulls out a chair to sit down in by the table, motioning for Jenna to join her, "So? What's on your mind?" She grins, "Oh, don't worry. Your Weyr will be decorated any way you want it. I've been riding alot longer than you, so I've acquired quite a mess of things."

Jenna mms. "I like your taste though. It's cozy. Time to start saving up marks, looks like." She settles in, absetly tucking a long leg under herself. "I need some advice on something. See, there's someone who... keeps saying things that upset me. And I'm not sure how to either get him to stop, or to just grow a thicker skin."

Leah's eyebrows shoot up, "What kind of things are they saying? Are the words upsetting Niyath at all?"

Jenna mms. "Well, not so much the words as the actions. Though it was only that one time," she hurries to add. "It's just... well, they're saying all I care about is rank, and that my ego's all swelled up now, and that I used to be nice before I impressed." She pauses and says, "I'm just not sure how to handle it. I've tried not responding. I've tried firing back. Finally I just said that I don't have the time to deal with this person being so childish and to come find me when they grow up a bit." She colors, admitting, "I really lost my temper that time."

Leah considers her words thoughtfully, "Was this person a close friend before the two of you Impressed? And do you think you've changed at all? Since joining your life with a Queen of Pern?"

Jenna says quietly, "Well, that's just it. *I* didn't think he was. I always thought he was a little mean and nasty, just because I was a girl. And I know I've changed. No one can say that they haven't. But I always try to be polite to everyone. If anything, I'm more frustrated because people *do* treat me differently. And I don't want them to."

Leah sighs and nods, leaning back in her chair and crossing her legs, "Well, that's something every rider has to deal with: being treated differently after Impression. It's doubly true for a goldrider. Not only are one one of the offenders by willingly joining your life with a dragon, but it's a /gold/ dragon. You're leadership now. In the future, you'll be the Weyrwoman. People look at you differently and you need to learn how to deal with them diplomatically. I can help you with that."

Jenna nods. "I'd appreciate it. It's only been in the last couple of months that it's gotten really bad. Since they got to a turn old. K'fen knows what's going on. But I've begged him not to say anything to the others. It'd just make things worse. I've been accused of running to the weyrlingmasters any time there's a problem. I need to solve this one myself, but I need advice. J'nas says I shouldn't let him get to me. But he does. And I know that's my fault."

Leah nods, tucking a stray lock of blonde hair behind one ear, "I'm going to tell you a few things from my point of view, so you can take them or leave them as you wish. And I'll tell you how I handled it all, especially in the beginning."

Jenna nods, leaning forward and planting elbow on the table, putting chin into palm. Her attention is entirely focused on you, blue eyes unusually serious.

Leah begins, "I want you to understand what you've become. I can tell you that, but only /you/ can decide who you are. What you are is a goldrider. No matter who you were before, you are now very special and in a very elite class amongst the humans on Pern. A gold dragon chose /you/. That's a very rare thing. Yes, it makes you special in a different way than anyone else. Only a few of us get to hold such an honor. You may not think this makes you different or more special than anyone else, or more important, but it does." She waves hand and continues.

Jenna frowns slightly, but doesn't interrupt. It's clear she's far from comfortable with that fact.

Leah says "You will always be Jenna, but now you are Jenna, Junior Weyrwoman and rider of gold Niyath. The things that made you who you were before you Impressed will only matter to you and those close to you. Everyone else seems to think you were born the day your dragon broke shell. I'm still that girl who is obsessed with Draft Runners and who dumped a packet of red pepper into the Wherry Stew, but no one seems to remember that about me. I still can't cook my way out of a pot or sew even a simple stitch, but no one seems to know that. People will now look at you as the wise one, the one who holds the authority to make decisions, the one who should be all-knowing. Now, the other women on Pern who have a gold dragon can attest that you don't know any more than anyone else. It's how you phrase it and how you use the knowledge and lessons you learn as experiences. Does that mean you /are/ better than anyone else? No. Does it mean you're above everyone else? That everyone should bow in the glorious presence of the gold dragon and her rider? No. It's all in your own perspective of yourself and the people around you."

Jenna asks a trifle timidly, "So, when someone perceives me as being somebody that everyone should bow down in my 'glorious presence' - how do I convince them that's not me? Should I even try?"

Leah shakes her head, "Only the people who want to know you past your new rank and your gold dragon will make an effort to listen. Everyone else, well, they're going to judge you on your position. Some people will give you automatic respect and perhaps even be in awe of you. Others will hold disdain and hate the fact that you have authority over them or even are equal in rank to them, such as a few Lord and Lady Holders and perhaps even their children. Some won't question any words you say, others will argue every idea you have just because you hold rank and it says something when they can prove a Weyrwoman wrong. Some people don't respect the automatic authority you get when a gold dragon chooses you over everyone else on Pern. The thing is, you know how much you went through before you stood. You know how much you went through as a Candidate. And you know how much you're going through as a Weyrling. Above all, that gold dragon chose /you/. No matter what they say or how they treat you, Niyath chose you on those Sands and she is the only one who knows why.

Jenna nods slowly. "So, in other words, there's no easy way to fix it. And no good answers. I just have to learn to put up with it?"

Leah gets thoughtful as she listens to Jenna's words, "Well, put up with it is the wrong phrase. You learn how to handle every situation. The only person who knows you is you. No amount of explaining or defending yourself is going to make other people see past your title. However, because of who you are, how you handle things says alot about you. I learned the hard way that you have to be diplomatic to everyone, no matter their rank. Heck, I've even learned to be diplomatic with my Weyrmate and my daughter. Want a challenge? Try to get an eight turn old to forget your 'mom' and listen to you as Weyrwoman." She grins.

Jenna smiles a bit. "I guess that would be hard. You know, if it was just being distant, that I could deal with better. But it's the: oh, so you're a weyrwoman and you don't know anything and I don't have to listen to you and I don't want to and you're so mean and..." She finally runs out of breath. "I've had people not like me before. I've had people be nasty to me before. But... it's like they're criticizing Niyath too, and I think /that's/ what gets under my skin so much."

Leah nods and smiles, "The hardest thing I ever had to do was pull rank on a friend for the first time. I thought it was hard pulling rank on the people who didn't like me as a Weyrling, but no. I had to pull rank and order a dear friend of mine, who was arguing something silly with another rider, to cease and go outside to cool off. You know what? He hesitated when he heard my words, but when Jinieth roared, you can be damn sure that he and his dragon listened. And he was older than me, had Impressed many turns before me, and outranked me until the day I graduated." She turns thoughtful, "You say it's like they're criticising Niyath... what does Niyath think of that? Does it bother her or does she even care?"

Jenna says before she thinks about it, "She just cares when someone gets close to me." A pause and blink and she hurries on, perhaps hoping she didn't really notice that, "I don't think it bothers her unless it bothers me, if that makes any sense?"

Leah nods, "Of course that makes sense. Your dragon will react to your emotions because that's what they do. So you need to think: If this doesn't bother Niyath, why should it bother me? Niyath, like Jinieth and Orenth and every other dragon on Pern, knows her worth. She understands the value of her life /and/ yours on Pern. Insults are just words and that dragon of yours knows that words are not what matters. So, if you think about it, as a Weyrwoman you have to act like your dragon. Remember that what people are saying are just words. If you are having a conversation with a difficult person and you try to see it from outside, like from Niyath's point of view were she watching, you'd probably understand more about them and find their reactions interesting." She shifts a bit and gives a scenario, "Let's say you're talking to Lord Bobin. He's a jovial sort, but drinks a bit too much wine and therefor has a tendency to get a bit... fresh. Next to him is his younger son, Lord Binner, who loathes dragonriders and all they stand for as they have taken most of the next generation away from Hold B. You have to work to keep Lord Bobin's hands off of you while, at the same time, empathizing with Lord Binner's complaints. Now, as Niyath watching from across the bowl, think of the image you three are projecting. Don't think of the words they're saying, but what does it all look like? You constantly elbowing the elder Lord away while trying to be polite and smile and nod to his son?"

Jenna interjects quietly, "Actually, I think Niyath would have something to say to the old Lord that would likely get us aloft and between before the echoes of it died out, *and* get the younger one beyond angry at the weyr. That's one thing she honestly can't stand, is anyone, ah, getting fresh with me. Thinks it's rather nasty. So I'd have a three way problem there. Soothing her, Binner and keeping away from Bobin's clutching hands." Her expression turns a trifle thoughtful, "Though I see what you mean. The words don't really matter. And I get that up here," she taps her temple. "But it's going to take practice not letting them get to me. Even falling back on runner training isn't quite enough."

Leah shakes her head, "Actually, Niyath would do no such thing. He is not putting you in danger, just being annoying. She and you both have to learn that diplomacy is the most important thing a Weyrwoman can know. She'll be talking to you in your head the entire time, but you have to keep your cool, as does she. The last thing we want is a Lord Holder, who we receive tithes from and we protect from Threadfall, getting hurt or, more seriously, offended by the actions of a dragon. All that shows is that you as a rider could not control your dragon and you as a Weyrwoman have no respect for the authority of a Lord Holder, who feels he outranks the dragon as that dragon is not human." She leans forward, "I'll tell you what. Any time someone annoys you or Niyath, you talk to me or Jinieth. I've seen it all and think that together we can make any rough situation into a something we can handle. Deal?"

Jenna swallows and nods. "Yes ma'am." A pause and she says, "I guess maybe I shouldn't go down to the Hall today after all. Not until, well, not until Niyath and I have a long talk."

Leah's eyebrows shoot up, "Harper Hall?"

Jenna nods, cheeks coloring slightly. "I was hoping to, since the weyrlingmasters gave us clearance - but it may not be the best idea in the world."

Leah clears her throat, "Jenna, I believe the Weyrlingmasters gave you clearance to visit other areas in the company of a full rider. I want you to think about something. You're not allowed any romantic relations until after you graduate. Do you think it would be a good idea to put yourself in a situation where those feelings come out, even if the actions do not, before you graduate? I think, perhaps, you should wait until after you graduate. I will make that an order if I have to." She looks at Jenna pointedly, "Understand?"

Jenna nods. "Yes ma'am. Believe me, I understand. Even if I didn't think about it too clearly before now. And Niyath and I need to have a talk regardless. "

Leah nods, "Now, who is this that has been bothering you?"

Jenna starts to beg off, and then relents and says, "F'niah. But I think I can handle it better now. I've just got to get a thicker skin."

Leah smiles and says, "There will be a time when that bluerider is extremely thankful for you and your gold dragon. It could be something as simple as getting him a mug of warm klah when he's come in from sweeps at midnight in winter, or it could be you sewing his dragon's wing back together. You'll see the day when he's feeling quite lucky that you Impressed Niyath." She winks.

Jenna smiles slightly and nods, before her eyes glaze just a bit. "Oh! She's saying she's dry now. I should get back to oiling her, if that's all right ma'am?"

Leah nods, "Indeed. Duty to Dragon first!" She waves, "Come talk to me anytime, Jenna!"

Jenna rises and heads out at a decent clip, "Yes ma'am. I will. And thank you!" She slows to get past Jinieth, and then clatters down the steps to the bowl.