Dispite their anxiousness, Vinna and Pyramanth still appeared from between at an appropriate distance above ground for a pair so inexperienced. With a haste that betrayed her agitation, Pyramanth swooped down to land on the ledge of her weyr, keening as Vinna rushed to dismount. She cursed as when she got caught in the straps, before finally managing to leap from Pyramanth's neck.
"Hush!" Vinna growled, too worried to be surprised when Pyramanth immediately ceased her shrill cries.
She all but ran to Branna's weyr, passing bronze and brown riders. They were all standing in the main room, but Vinna continued on, pushing past the heavy curtain to Branna's sleeping quarters. In this room, there was only D'gran, Yori, the Weyr's masterhealer Ternith, and Branna herself.
"Weyrleader?"
D'gran started slightly when he noticed her, but put a finger to his lips.
"She's asleep," His voice sounded cracked and harsh, face pale, eyes red. As Vinna approached, she saw that Branna looked worse.
The Weyrwoman's skin was tinged gray, her hair had lost all its shine. Her breathing was shallow.
"No," Vinna whimpered, "Not again, it's too soon,"
"She could make it out of this," Ternith said, getting to his feet.
Yori place an arm around Vinna's shoulder, "Come on, girl," she urged gently, "Won't do any good to you standing here,"
Reluctantly she let herself be led out of Branna's weyr and into her own.
"It's been over two Turns since Jalloth and Greth died," Yori murmmured, "And as much as it pains me to say it, Branna and Yiirmith are very old,"
"This wasn't supposed to happen. We were supposed to have to worry about Yiirmith not rising,"
"She already hasn't!"
Vinna froze in shock, "What?"
"So close to the end of a Pass, a queen may still rise once a Turn. It's been over a Turn-and-a-half since Pyramanth hatched, Yiirmith is overdue,"
"Queens don't rise as often after a Pass! Vinna argued.
"Even so, with this attack on Branna's heart, Yiirmith may not have to strength to rise, or even want to leave her side,"
Seventeen Turns. She'd only seventeen Turns, not even two of which she'd had Pyramanth. How could she lead a Weyr?
"I need to return to the Weyrwoman," Yori gave her a comforting squeeze as Vinna stiffly nodded.
As soon as the headwoman was gone, she rushed to Pyramanth's weyr, throwing her arms around her golden head.
"You have to be strong for me, Pyramanth," she whimpered.
Pyramanth crooned comfortingly, nuzzling her back.
I will always be strong for you, the dragon stated.
Vinna could feel Pyramanth's affection, her strength and trust. And how proud Vinna was! So clever and daring and full of care! How strong! How beautiful! How perfect! And how could she, Pyramanth, have even thought about choosing anyone else on the day that she hatched?
"Oh Pyramanth," Vinna sighed, and hugged the queen tighter.
Perhaps you should rest, Pyramanth suggested.
"I will, little queen, but not yet. You may sleep though, love,"
Pyramanth grumbled, but nonetheless close her rainbow eyes.