managed – but not without slopping gobs of porridge into the fire and
jumping back from the hiss and smell – to get enough in the bowls and to
pour klah into their cups.
C’mon, sit here, I won’t bite, she said, tapping her table.
They were certainly not a bit sullen or grouchy, like her younger
half brothers
You’ve a green, haven’t you?” the first one asked. He had a crop of
black curls that had recently been trimmed very close to his skull.
Course she has a green, stoop id the other lad said, elbowing the
ribs of the first. I’m M’rak, and Caneth’s my bronze,’ he added with a
justifiable smirk of pride.
My bronze is Tiabeth,’ the black haired boy said, equally as proud of
his dragon, but added modestly, I’m S’mon.
What’s yours called?” Morath,’ and Debera found herself grinning
broadly. Did all new riders feel as besotted as this?
The boys settled into chairs and began to eat, almost as eagerly as
drago nets Deliberately Debera slowed the rhythm of her spoon.
This porridge was really too good to gulp down: not a husk nor a piece
of grit in it. Obviously Telgar tithed of its best to the Weyr, even
with such a staple as oats for porridge. She sighed, grateful for more
than Impressing Morath yesterday.
The boys suddenly stopped, spoons half lifted to their mouths and,
warned, Debera turned quickly. Bearing down on their table was the
unmistakable bulk of Tisha, the head woman of the Lower Cavern. Her
broad face was wreathed with a smile as generous as she was.
How are you today? Settling in all right? Need anything from stores?
Parents will pack your Gather best, and you really need your weeding
worst,’ she said, her rich contralto voice bubbling with good humour.
Breakfast all right?
Bread’s just out of the oven and you can have all you want.” She had
halted by Debera’s chair and her hands, shapely with long strong
fingers, patted Debera’s shoulders lightly as if imparting a special
message to her along with that pressure.
You lack something, come tell me, or mention it to T’dam.
You weyrlings shouldn’t worry about anything other than caring for your
drago nets That’s hard work enough, I’m telling you, so don’t be shy,
now.” She gave Debera a little extra pat before she removed her hands.
I didn’t think to bring with me the gown you lent me last night,’
Debera said, wondering if that’s what the subtle message was.
Heavens above, child,’ said Tisha, big eyes even wider in her round
face, why, that dress was made for you, even if we didn’t know you’d be
coming.” Her deep chuckle made her large breasts and belly bounce.
But it’s far too good a dress . . . Debera began in protest.
Tisha patted Debera’s shoulder again. And fits you to perfection. I
love making new clothes. My passion really, and you’ll see: I’m always
working on something.” Pat, pat. But if I’d no-one in mind when I cut
and sewed it last year, 1
couldn’t have worked better for you if I’d tried. The dress is yours.
We all like to have something pretty to wear on Seventh Day.
Do you sew?” she asked, eyeing Debera hopefully.
No, I’m afraid not,’ Debera answered, lowering her eyes for she
remembered her mother with work in her hands in the evenings,
embroidering or sewing fine seams in Gather clothes. Gisa barely
managed to mend rips, and certainly neither of her daughters was
learning how to mend or make garments.
Well, I don’t know what holder women are doing with their young these
days. Why, I had a needle in my hand by the time I was three -, Tisha
went on.
The boys’ eyes were glazing over at the turn of the conversation.
And you’ll learn to sew harness, my fine young friends, she said,
wagging a finger at them. And boots and jackets, too, if you’ve a mind
to design your own flying wear.” Huh?” was M’rak’s astonished reaction.
Sewing’s fer women.
Not in the Weyr, it isn’t,’ Tisha said firmly. As you’ll see soon
enough. It’s all part of being a dragon rider You’ll learn.