Disclaimer: I don't own anything of the Dragonriders of Pern, and I don't own the song here, although I did make some small changes and additions to it so it fit better.

A Dragonrider's Determination: You'll Be In My Heart

Ruth didn't seem to be too troubled by the attitudes of anyone toward him and his new rider, but Jaxom noticed what the others thought of the white dragon. With a sigh he leaned back against the young dragonet, trying to forget all the anger he felt on Ruth's behalf.

What is wrong? the white dragon asked, twisting his head around to peer at Jaxom. He had awoken when his rider entered the converted stable that now served as his weyr.

Them, Jaxom said telepathically. I'm just bothered…He sighed again, knowing the dragon could never really understand. Ruth spread a wing across his rider's shoulders, silently offering comfort, even if he couldn't understand.

Ruth

Come stop your crying: it will be all right
Just take my hand; hold it tight

I will protect you from all around you
I will be here; don't you cry

Jaxom gratefully hugged Ruth's neck, stroking the smooth hide. Ruth really was his whole world now; he was Jaxom's strength, a light in the darkness, a guide in the tangle of Jaxom's confusion. And everything the dragon was to his rider, so Jaxom was to the white dragon.

Jaxom

For one so small, you seem so strong
My arms will hold you, keep you safe and warm
This bond between us can't be broken
I will be here- you mustn't cry

They meant more to each other than anyone could ever know, even another dragon and rider. Other pairs had their Weyr, and other dragons. Ruth was unique, and uniqueness was not an honored quality. Now Jaxom was also different, a dragonrider and yet a Lord Holder, albeit not of age yet. The white dragon and his rider would always be strangers to everyone else.

Together

'Cause you'll be in my heart; yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on, now and forever more
You'll be in my heart, no matter what they say:
You'll be here in my heart, always

Why can't they understand the way we feel?
They just don't trust what they can't explain
I know we're strangers but, deep in side us,
Are we so different at all?

But no matter what, they would be together, as only a dragon and rider could be, even if they were different than any other pair.

Together

And you'll be in my heart; yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on now and forever more

You just shouldn't let them bother you. Jaxom sighed. That was what Ruth always said. And Jaxom knew his dragon was right.

Ruth

Don't listen to them: what do they know?
We need each other, to have, to hold
They'll see in time: I know…

I can't help it, Ruth.

Now the white dragonet sighed. I know. But do your best. We are together as we always will be. And wherever fate and fortune guide us, we will answer destiny's call.

And what if we ever get separated? Ruth blinked softly at Jaxom, who instantly regretted voicing his uncertainty.

Then we will go on, together, Ruth replied, even if we are miles apart. We will show them what we can do.

Together

When destiny calls us we will be strong:
I won't always be with you but you've got to hold on

They'll see in time: I know…
We'll show them together

At last Jaxom smiled, determination filling him. Yes, they were together, and they would go on. They would show all the others; they would triumph as only the white dragon and his rider could.

Together

Oh, you'll be in my heart; no matter what they say:
You'll be here in my heart… always…

Always…