An Exciting Errand

Writers: Anika, Avery
Date Posted: 30th December 2014

Characters: L'pin, Kapera, P'ton
Description: L'pin gives an enthusiastic candidate an exciting errand.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 10, day 26 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: R'taran

Kapera

The auburn haired youth flashed a winning smile at the tall brunette
candidate giving a cocky wink as she strode by. He was unconcerned at
being asked to stay after class by L'pin. Confidant that he was doing well
in candidate classes and keeping his nose clean, Paulton had no worries.
Besides he liked the Weyrlingmaster Third and felt comfortable in his
presence.

L'pin waited till all the other candidates had cleared the room before
talking to the boy he'd asked to stay behind. "How are you adapting to the
Weyr so far?" he asked.

"I was born to live in the Weyr," Paulton replied with a broad smile that
reached his deep blue eyes. Though he had only been here a short time,
he'd already settled in as if this had been his only home. He had many
friends and more than a couple paramours and was as happy as he had ever
been in his life.

"That's quite an answer. Good to hear you're happy - no homesickness or
regrets?" the bluerider asked carefully.

"No, sir. I was ready to leave, to experience more of Pern. The Weyr's
the place for me," Paulton stated with confidence. "And if by chance I do
miss family, well, I can always seek out my brother."

"Well then, how would you like to experience something a lot of lads don't
get to see for awhile? I have some files to run to the goldrider whose
clutch is on the Sands right now," he said, thinking that might intrigue
the boy. He had a good feeling about this one.

Paulton's eyes lit with excitement at the prospect. "I'd be
privileged to do so, sir. Will, Riyanth allow me to?"

L'pin was pleased to see the boy's response. "Now that's a good question.
Chaneth will let her know you're passing through. When you reach the
entrance, bow and say hello. If she bares teeth or growls, we'll have to
figure out something else."

Where some might find the prospect frightening, Paulton had to curb his
enthusiasm at the challenge. At fifteen turns, he felt quite
invincible."Yes, sir. Are those the files there?"

"Indeed." L'pin handed them over. "Good luck, and let me know how it goes."

Paulton took the files and gave L'pin a nod. "I will, sir." Though it was
difficult, the candidate controlled his pace, knowing it would never do to
be racing through the Weyr like a child seeking out bubbly pies at a
gather. Even if his excitement quite likely rivaled said child. As it
was, he made very good time to the hatching grounds, but then one should
move briskly when running an errand for the Weyrlingmaster Third he
reasoned.

Before entering, he took a deep breath and calmed himself. Stepping into
the cavern slowly, he looked upon the majestic antique gold of Riyanth and
his heart missed a beat. All the stories of protective queens and their
actions in defending their eggs raced through his mind, but he quelled the
fear and dropped to one knee on the sands, feeling the heat through his
trousers. "My duty to you Riyanth. The Weyrlingmaster Third asked me to
bring these files to your rider. May I pass?"

Riyanth looked down at the person, considering. These were her eggs. They
were just now hardening. They did not need to be disturbed by small
people. But he had something for her rider, and he was not peeping from
the tiny cracks that she was sure was there and making noise that bothered
her at night, and he had not come anywhere near her eggs yet. And he was
polite.

She leaned her head as close to him as she could - which wasn't very far
because she was away from the enterence - and huffed deliberately,
scattering sand into the air. Then she tucked her tail around the eggs,
laid her head on the sand, and closed her eyes.

It was answer enough.

His heart pounding in his chest, Paulton rose, elated at having passed this
test. He made his way to the temporary goldrider's quarters full of pride.

Kapera stuck her head out to assess the visitor, warned by the shift in
Riyanth's behavior. "Hello Candidate," she said.

"Hello, my duty to you goldrider," he replied flashing a winning smile,
emboldened by Riyanth's allowance. "L'pin asked me to bring these files to
you."

"What's your name?" she inquired, not recognizing him. She took the files
he held out and tucked them under an arm. "And come on into the weyr so
you don't bother her."

The her in question had cracked an eye open to watch them but hadn't yet
moved.

"Paulton," the tall youth responded as he followed her instruction and
entered the smaller cavern, looking around curiously at the temporary Weyr.
"I'm new to the Weyr. My brother R'taran had me Searched."

The temporary weyr was pretty bare, though she'd hung the small painting
Meledei had given her.

"He did mention a brother. I'm pleased to see a Searchdragon found you
worthy. And the way you impressed my queen speaks well of you, Paulton.
Are you enjoying it here?"

Paulton stood tall at Kapera's praise and despite having only fifteen turns
this put him on par with many full grown men. He'd likely not match his
brother's bulk, but his father had worked him hard enough to make
certain he could easily meet the physical requirements of a
dragonrider. "More than I can say. Life in the Weyr is truly the best Pern
has to offer. It would be an honor to Impress one of Riyanth's clutch."

"Are you sure you weren't training with the Harpers? You have quite the way
with words. A good skill for a potential brown or bronzerider, who's
expected to talk as a leader," she added.

The boy offered a depreciating grin, but his blue eyes danced with
mischief, "My mother used to say the truth plays more prettily than
any Harper's tune. Though if I remember correctly that was most often
used following the disappearance of baking from the cooling racks."

She laughed at the image. He was a charming young man and she hoped
mightily he'd Impress one of theirs. "So you're a bubbly-stealing
type? There's a caverns worker who makes the best ones, you could try
charming her. Blonde with a blue flit, named Ikas or something."

"Ah, a new challenge! Thanks for the tip, My Lady," he said giving a mock
bow. "I do suppose I should get back to my chores. Is there anything
you need before I go?"

"No, I think I'll be fine for now. You'd better slip out before she
takes offense. But don't worry - she'll be up for egg touching within
a sevenday." She remembered how much Candidates loved to attend those.

"I'll do my best to be the first in line," he assured her,more than
pleased at the goldrider's news.

Last updated on the January 4th 2015

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An Exciting Errand