Law of Unintended Consequences

"Talent," Gavana said, with a warm smile for her husband, "connections, and circumstance. And Cyon is very persuasive, especially with those who are willing for adventure."

Sidran leaned closer to look. They could cover it, if not much else. And they needed a tithe, best efforts of Avidian and his people or no.

He wants this, Yllaveth said to Gaveth.

And I think that he is right. This association would be good for us, for our Weyr. What say you and the Weyrleader?

Gaveth flexed his talons and stretched, unseen up on the canyon cliffs. He didn't believe they needed any useless human help (nearly every non-dragonriding human served no purpose he could tell), but his rider had made up his mind, and he trusted her certainty.

She says yes, and offers that we will return these people after the meeting, to see the borders in person and be sure of their ability to supply.

Br'son squared his shoulders.

"Well, then, Lady Gavana," he said, with an emphasis on the woman's name. "We at White Lightning are pleased to welcome Pern's newest Lord and Lady Holder to our humble home, and we accept your offer of traditional Weyr/Hold alliance... What did you say your Hold would be called?"

Her smiles before had been warm and engaging, this one was very nearly aglow. "Tarza, Weyrsenior. Tarza Hold." Cyon's idea, from a story of a story about the jungle and the man who Lorded over it.

"Lady Gavana of Tarza Hold. Pleased to make your acquaintance," Br'son said. "Lord Cyon," he added. Though Br'son knew better than to dismiss the man because he was quiet, it was hard not to make the assumption that Gavana, with all her fire and drive, was truly the brains behind this particular power couple. In Br'son's mind, at least, Gavana was the Lady Holder, and Cyon her consort.

At that, Gavana stood, set her cup aside, and swept into the sort of curtsy the Blooded are taught from their first tottering steps. Perfectly calibrated, Lady to Weyrleaders, with a bit of an extra incline of her neck to communicate appreciation.

This, she thought, was going to be exciting.