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Sharath shifted from her position among the spires of High Reaches Weyr, watching the dragons below with mild interest. The watch dragon seemed like they might be worth talking to... she was considering gliding over to gossip.

Every time they came here, she tried her best to avoid the other golds in the Weyr. She got a scolding last time and she really wasn't terribly interested in being bossed around the Weyrbound Queens just because she was trying to find her own way! And Ameliah had made her promise to be good and not pick any fights.

There were weyrlings around, however, and Sharath watched them with interest as they scuttled around the Weyrbowl small dragons in tow. See, she didn't dislike all dragons! Just the self-important, overblown competitors who refused to see her brilliance.

And she'd heard Fianth had taken a blue as a consort. Blues weren't bad... but it was such poor choice for a mate! She'd never heard of a blue catching a gold before so how could any self-respecting queen tolerate such a small male on her ledge? Really, it spoke more to the poor judgement of Fianth than to the merit of the blue.

The gold's mind whirled through the gossip she'd heard and turned her attention back to the Queen's ledge. Was it true though? She hadn't see a blue alight there yet... and it could truly just be a ridiculous rumour.... although unlikely.

A flash of gold below drew Sharath's attention and her whirled orange before settling into a mostly green hue, tinged with orange and red - the standard for her visits here. The mental sigh she issued forth privately made Ameliah's expression quirk into something between a smirk and a look of concern... that sigh always meant a gold approached.

Sharath had never really kept familial bonds on her priority list... even her offspring were seen as capable, independent adults. Fianth had always seemed interested in such connections, however, and perhaps that was why Sharath had spurned them? A rebellion of sorts.

The warm voice blossomed in her mind and though Sharath shifted, puffing herself with wings and posture, she did not spurn the greeting. She had promised to be civil and Fianth was minding her space. The small queen wasn't sure if this meant the other was being respectful or cowardly... but either way, she approved of that, at least.

Sharath's head raised proudly and regarded the other evenly for a few heartbeats before she answered, tail flicking like a cat tolerating attention. Her tone was formal and her lilt regal, as was her custom; if Sharath become less formal it was generally an indicator of increasing frustration. I believe so. Mine is here delivering your Firestone... there is much demand for it and she has a good eye for it. There was a great deal of pride in those words, almost as if she dared the other to criticize their work. There are young ones about... very new, they still trip on their wings. Her gaze shifted the bowl below, the comment edged with sharpness and fondness all at once - little ones at least sought the advice of their elders and drank in knowledge thirstily, watching with unbiased eyes.

Any with good potential? She shifted on her perch, wings fluttering and body still posturing but less aggressively. It was almost an unconscious tick by now, this posturing.

The arch of Sharath's neck grew proud as the other complimented Hers' craft, and as Fianth settled in, the gold shook out her wings and adjusted on her perch. If the other queen saw fit to stay put and actually give her her space, Sharath would allow such things. At least until Fianth tried to press things.

Six... six promising hatchlings then? Sharath's eyes whirled blue as she looked over the bowl's occupants. Only six? That was not so good as to be unbelievable. She puffed a bit and nodded, That is good news, I see many more wounded than the last time we were here... Threadfall has been unkind, even here where you were ready for it. It is worse elsewhere, Fianth. The world has grown wild with green and the Thread consumes it. She sighed, sharing mental images of other places she and Ameliah had been, the death and devastation, especially in undefended holds and the forests of the Western Continent.

We will not be here long, overnight at most... we are due in Western soon. They struggle with their supplies but it makes for opportunity for Mine. Sharath's gaze shifted from the weyr bowl to the other queen, Mine enjoys the mountains here... it is her birthplace. And the air is good to breathe when we visit, fresh and clear.

Nabol was not exactly a clean city outside the excesses of the wealthy districts and Sharath could not help but acknowledge she felt at home in the mountains, among the clouds with plains and hills stretching as far as the eye could see below.

It is up to High Reaches to prepare the future. That is our duty. Sharath replied seriously – as much as she disliked other golds she did, at least, recognize the importance of their roles in the bigger picture. Her own clutches had grown and gone on disperse throughout the world, another step towards the future. It will have to be enough or we've failed., she might have said we but it was clear she meant 'you'.

The open invitation felt dull to the gold – an invitation to what..? Chafe at the lack of opportunity or inability to pursue passions? Play nice because it was expected? There was no reason for them to return for any length of time, really. The bitterness that had been seeded during her time at the Weyr coloured her voice when she finally responded, As long as Mine considers it worth while for our prosperity, we will bring our business here. Her tail flicked in agitation and her wings ruffled a bit.

Do you travel outside the Weyr much? The question was sudden, blunt. As far as Sharath was concerned, the golds that holed themselves up in the Weyrs lost touch with the rest of the world... missed the beauty of forests and oceans and certainly didn't get enough wind beneath their wings. When she finally took power over her own Weyr, it would not be so – she would lead but not be trapped.

Sharath's lips curled into a defensive sneer as the other commented on leaving because the lifestyle was not ideal. She had left because there was no space for her here, not because spurned her roots! The gold's tail flicked and the offended rumble started deep in Sharath's chest as she responded, Those who choose to be ground beneath the boots of tradition might as well be blind herdbeasts, Fianth. I will start something new, away from here, and they will face it. I have not run from my duties once, nor has Mine. The rumble got louder, daring the other to challenge her statements, Even now, Mine is working as hard as any of the drudges or weyrwomen, ensuring your Weyr is well supplied with firestone at reasonable prices. To imply the only right way lies within the Weyr is blind.

These arguments were among the many reasons Sharath had eventually left and even just the tip of such a debate reminded her how little she wanted to be constrained by the expectations of High Reaches. Name another Goldrider who spent nearly every day delivering firestone to Weyrs in need, waist deep in Thread infested fields, or dancing along the blade that was trading with Gansley. Her tail twitched again, angrily.

The list of official, and unofficial reasons for globetrotting did little to improve Sharath's mood. She had travelled the world too, but never as an envoy or leader... and Hers had always been just another visitor, not quite an esteemed guest. Sharath craved that power, that respect, and that responsibility so dearly.... but she wanted it on her terms and thus far failed to achieve them. Some do not fall into power or prestige like that. She shot back, childishly. Sharath disliked being reminded of her failures when she strove so much to achieve her goals. It was ironic that she could have something like that too, if she was willing to bend a knee in deference to someone else.

For as much as Sharath had changed, and matured, some lessons still had not sunk in through her ambitious hide. I think you lose touch with the world if you don't live among them. The gold was unsettled once more, the embers of her temper kindled. Her eyes whirled orange-red-blue and she could feel her rider reaching out to inquire after her anxiety. Ameliah would make a fine Weyrwoman one day, and Sharath would ensure it. She'd promised it from the very beginning.

Below, Ameliah cussed loudly enough to draw attention and frowned as she mentally tried to calm the agitated Queen. There really was no need to start fight.

Ameliah's attention had become consumed with calming the gold and Sharath visibly stiffened as the internal struggle caused her eyes to whirl unhappy colours. The question, however, drew both the rider's and gold's attention and she lifted her head to stare at her calmly preening superior. Even now she knew how low upon the ranks she sat and it chafed.

What I want is to lead. Nothing more. I cherish the others as much as you do, want naught but for them to thrive even when Thread falls. I want the respect – and freedom – of a Senior. The queen's mood shifted abruptly out of anger, her eyes whirling sadly, I know where I stand next to you, Fianth, to any other Queen on Pern. I am keenly aware of it and I loathe it. I would be beholden to none if I truly lead.

She scoffed at the bitterness, a great gust of air from her lungs as she gripped the stone strong enough to leave gouges in it. You know that as well I do. Mine was so very unhappy, High Reaches' traditions is based more on hide than merit – it's true, don't try to deny it. Mine never agreed with it and she, we, were held down for it. What would she do differently? What indeed!

Sharath fell silent as she gathered her thoughts, eyes still whirling with hints of red and orange but diverting questions to her passions, and dreams, had always helped to take the edge off her temper. I would respect the chromatics... bronzes have stamina, yes, but they are not always wise nor are their experiences the same as a white's or a green's... I would ensure all had opportunities for growth and the efforts against Thread conducted according to their passion, or skill. Western's ideals are worth consideration. High Reaches is too... set to consider them but this is my home, not there. Sharath didn't even realize the slip as she continued.


And I would not brook the corruption in Nabol – you have not lived there, have not seen the pain or exploitation as close. Mine works with the miners, there are children, elderly... even those in their prime barely surviving. They are worked too hard and have no passion, just a need to survive. And that's just the mines... the Hold can be worse. Rumours abound of riders who rescue people here and there... but what kind of leader tolerates such treatments of her Weyr that she would only liberate handfuls rather then cauterize the wound? High Reaches is responsible not just for the Weyr and the skies above the land, but for the well being of those upon the land as well. If they prosper, we prosper.

Sharath fell silent, tossing her head. She was unapologetic about her opinions, and freely gave them... a change from the last time she had engaged in any sort of moral or philosophical debate. I would sacrifice myself as well, if need be. You know that, if nothing else... She rumbled, wings drooping just a bit. Sharath had such plans, such dreams and hopes.

Shararth sighed, tossing her head. Those responsibilities, that weight, is was what she desired. I am aware of that, Fianth. I do no fear those ties, I want them. I do not like my very autonomy at the mercy of anyone – that is the freedom I speak of. Sharath had never taken commands well and her... ambitious ways had raised enough ire a few times to warrant such exercise of power. It always made things worse and had left such a bitter taste that she'd never forgotten it.

Her gaze shifted back to the Weyrlings below, and the dragons around. Part of her pride screamed at her for being here, another part remembered the warmth of familiar ledges. She knew she'd been childish, naive... a handful for the Weyr and her rider alike. The nicknanmes they'd been given had, for the most part, been well earned. Sharath knew that now but she didn't know how to mend those wounds let alone know if she was ready to. There was something seductive and being beholden to none but your own demands... but nice as it was, it had never tempted her from her path for long.

Sharath's head rose again, to look at Fianth as she asked her questions, If you surround yourself with the same views, nothing changes and your prejudices only run deeper. I've seen that first hand. I would welcome opposition as it would push me to better defend my choices... or change them if my wisdom was not enough. I am stubborn, not inflexible. The last question gave her pause, her wings resettling against her sides as she shifted on her perch and considered the question seriously. Would she? If she were honest, the answer was yes... I would defend my Weyr's ways yes, but only insofar as they did not suffer and dissent did not fester. If change was needed, I would embrace it not resist it.

Sharath knew the leadership considered their picks but limited those selections often for no reason beyond deeply seated biases. You can run a wing well and train your riders well but still refuse to consider an opinion or experience unless it comes from a certain kind of rider – that inequity makes no sense to me. Or the respect shown to a goldrider defaulting to something more deep than that shown to a blue or greenrider. That especially rubs Mine the wrong way. She huffed. If that were true, High Reaches would not be so keen to resist considering the best parts of Western's approach.

She caught that whirling colour of irritation and tensed, wondering if she'd managed to cut deeply enough to turn Fianth on her too. She would never admit aloud that she was glad when the other chose to speak rather than lash out. I never said you watch and laugh. I said more could be done – and it can. If ever there a thing I would even consider cooperating with Eveleth about, it would be the removal of Gansley and his ilk. There are history scrolls of times past when Holders marched on Holders and solved their issues but it would be foolish to think the Weyrs were not involved.

Sharath's eyes whirled yellow as the other pressed her with sharper questions, things the queen could not easily refute. Perhaps Ganleys needs to be reminded who guards the skies above his Hold, his land... his contacts. Perhaps there are less obvious ways to engineer a solution. I hope – and expect – that this is being explored otherwise I am sorely disappointed. It does not need to be open violence, I haven't asked for that. Her voice rumbled, head lowered defensively. We may be meant to protect the skies, but what happens when the Holders cannot protect themselves from corruption within? Is a Hold gripped by poverty, sickness, and exploitation what we want to defend? No one chooses to be enslaved and miserable. Is your impartiality so important as to allow that corruption to spread and sink ever deeper into Pern? While some might be afraid, if the Weyrs moved, yes, but those freed might be grateful – but I don't know that, you tell me. Are the ones High Reaches rescues glad, or not, to find themselves with opportunities and autonomy?

She lifted her head to look at the spires of the Weyr and watchdragon posts, Didn't apathy and complacency also result in Pern being sorely unprepared for the return of the Red Star? At what point does neutrality become more harmful than good? That is the question I ask, Rhianth, and I expect there to be more effort than what small pieces I have seen. I haven't once claimed to know the full picture but from the outside, it does not look like much.

Sharath sighed, And what if they refused to hear you? Even if your hide glistens like theirs? What then? A leaders' place is to be challenged, even when operating on a traditional basis. Imagine your opinions, even when picked carefully, being discounted regardless of your hide or rank. If things can be changed, for the better, is it not our responsibilities to pursue that – difference in views or not? This was part of why she'd left... 'pick your battles', 'change is slow', 'traditions run strong'... they were all phrases she found inadequate after a time. Sharath was not one to simply settle in and accept her lot in life – she spoke up, she demanded attention, she demanded respect, and she questioned 'superiors'. Granted, her skills weren't the sharpest and she had made mistakes but she firmly held to her beliefs and it had made some enemies.

As far as she was concerned, the meek could not bring change.

The gold rumbled as Fianth mistook her, a shot of red-orange whirling briefly through her gaze, If I give High Reaches credit for anything, it is preparation for Thread. It is the complacency of other Weyrs that has landed Pern in its current situation. If there is more being done behind the scenes then I am glad to hear it – and I urge more to be done.

The red-orange faded as the blues deepened brighter, indicative of her ambitions rising, As I already said, if there were one thing I would even consider cooperating with Eveleth on, it would be eradication of the exploitation festering in Nabol. And if there are subtler answers required... Nabol trades in firestone – Mine knows those mines as if they were home. She knows the richest veins, many of the workers... and it is that resource that brings much wealth and power to Nabol isn't it? If direct threats do not work, then trade limitations might. Nabol is not the only place where Firestone is found.

I'm not looking for assurances or words, Fianth. I'm asking for action, proof of things being done. And I have not once said I am unwilling to work towards those shared goals. If you would hold that against me, then that is your fault, not mine. I will not be shamed for demanding better of people – and dragons – or for denouncing atrocities. The blue was swirling with the orange of passion, tail lashing from side to side.

She felt as if she were speaking to a cliff face. Two forces not at odds but nonetheless incompatible, and it chafed something fierce. Yet again, Sharath was glad her 'place' was not among those of the Weyr... not when her zeal and opinions were so swiftly swept aside. She wasn't asking for her word to rule, she was demanding leadership consider the view.

Perhaps you are the wrong one to speak to. If you prefer not to take the insights gathered here and do something with it, I will simply move on to another who might. I am, after all, quite used to championing my own causes with no support from my 'peers'. It was a low blow, the result of frustration and unhappy memories. She didn't really know how to ask for help either... her pride and ambition made it extremely difficult at the best of times and as territorial as she was, asking the aid of another gold was that much more... bitter.

Sharath ruffled her wings, reaching out to Ameliah with an impatient 'are you done yet?'. She felt as if this conversation was verging on utterly fruitless. Nothing would come of it, as usual. Better to just fend off the advances with snarls and snaps than trade in banter that always ended up with her on the outside looking in. Less time was wasted that way, and less opportunity to look vulnerable.

Ameliah's attention was diverted when the response came, a simple 'soon' that implied the miner was in the midst of an interesting conversation or other. Sharath's mood soured further and she considered soaring while she waited.