Coming Home Again

Writers: Ames, Devin
Date Posted: 20th March 2019

Characters: T'nom, N'vanik
Description: T'nom reports to the Weyrleader and gets assigned to the Weyrleader's wing
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 9, day 13 of Turn 9
Notes: Mentioned: Pierka, Meledei

T'nom

N'vanik

He knocked before entering the open doorway.

"Good day, N'vanik," T'nom greeted the Weyrleader. "I am reporting for
duty now that I have returned to Dolphin Cove."

"Welcome back T'nom. Have a seat." N'vanik had some mixed emotions
about the young bronzerider and debated for a while about whether he
wanted T'nom back. T'nom and Meledei had a rough break up, and T'nom
had also hurt sweet little Pierka, which made the Weyrleader
disinclined to allow him back. But N'vanik also had a lot of personal
experience with leaving damaged relationships in his wake, and T'nom's
recent records were very positive. Besides, Meledei was up North, and
Pierka was happily settled with a weyrmate and a second child on the
way. In the end, N'vanik had decided to give T'nom a second chance.

He took the seat as directed. "I appreciate the opportunity to return,
N'vanik." He knew the Weyrleader had not been thrilled with him when
he left. "Dolphin Cove has always been my home, and I felt its call to
return." **And with Meledei gone to the North it makes things easier
too,** He added to himself. He had moved on from their relationship.
The time away had been good for him. Life was easier without trying to
have _strings_, he'd discovered. Work had become his focus, and he
knew his wing at Dragonsfall had appreciated his worth ethic. "I'm
ready to do my part for Dolphin Cove once more."

"Your Wingleader at Dragonsfall has some good things to say about you.
You were... a little troubled when you left." N'vanik tried to keep
his tone neutral.

T'nom nodded at the words about his work at Dragonsfall, but then
stilled at the other. He had faced many difficult choices at that time
and done what he'd thought was best for everyone, especially himself.
"Those were tough times, when I chose to leave Dolphin Cove. Life has
a way of not working out the way we plan. Life threw me some curves.
Instead of rolling with all the punches, I found it easier, then, to
get out of the way. I've learned a lot about myself since then, and I
hope I have the chance to show everyone how I've changed."

"Faranth knows I've made mistakes, and I admire that you're willing to
be honest," N'vanik said. But talk was one thing, and he'd have to see
if T'nom had actually grown since he left. "So to be honest with you,
I wasn't sure about taking you back. I'm very fond of Meledei, and
Pierka too. You hurt them both, and that's coloring my view."

"They weren't the only ones who were hurt in the process," he remarked
with a frown, "but I also take full blame for any hurt I caused them.
While I tried to make amends, sadly, the hurt was too strong. I cannot
change the past, but I can change the future that lies ahead." He
paused and looked at the Weyrleader with a look that spoke that held
no indication of uncertainty. T'nom had changed. The past was the
past. Life was about moving forward now.

"Am I sorry for all that transpired in the past? More than you know.
Am I going to hide from it and let it rule my life today? No. We
learn. We move forward. We try and make amends when we can. What more
can we do? I am focused on my mission to help the wing and the Weyr.
_That_ is why I am here. _That_ is my mission." The T'nom who had once
worried and fretted about becoming a rider, and had doubted his own
skills was gone. Now, in his place was a young man who was confident
in who he was and his abilities, but also wary of the relationships
that had caused him undue stress in the past. "I thank you for
allowing me this chance to return. I promise you, my actions going
forward will speak about the man and rider I am today."

That was quite a speech. Well, if T'nom was coming back _here_ the man
must have a good reason. If T'nom had only wanted a change, he could
have gone to any Weyr on Pern. By returning to Dolphin Cove he either
wanted to face his past or find something he'd lost. N'vanik nodded
and glanced down at the transfer hides. "How would you feel about
joining my Wing?"

He stood for a moment in silent shock at N'vanik's words. "_Your_
wing?" He tried to hide his surprise. Then quickly added, "It would be
an honor. A _true_ honor to fly in your wing." He had honestly never
thought about being asked to fly in the Weyrleader's wing, but it was
a honor he would gladly accept. "I will not let you down, N'vanik."

A little voice in his head whispered **We'll see about that**. There
was no reason for N'vanik to doubt T'nom's performance, not with a
solid record from his previous Wingleader. But N'vanik wanted to keep
a close eye on him. If being back at Dolphin Cove made T'nom slip back
into his old ways, N'vanik would kick him out before he could cause
too much damage. "I believe in giving people a second chance when
they truly mean it."

"I truly appreciate that, N'vanik. Perhaps more than you know. I am
here and ready to serve the Weyr, the wing, and you in whatever what I
can." T'nom replied. He meant every word and he intended to prove his
worth to N'vanik as he wanted to remain at Dolphin Cove for a long,
long time.

Last updated on the March 23rd 2019

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Coming Home Again