Pride in a Pet.

Writers: Leigh M-F., Paula
Date Posted: 9th July 2017

Characters: Jessmyr, A'kua
Description: Jess absolutely must show his new firelizard to A'kua.
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 12, day 23 of Turn 8
Notes: Follows: Cracking a shell
Mentioned: Firelloa (ONPC), Ilyssia (ONPC).

The Hatchling had eaten his fill and his stomach now resembled a ball. He was larger than Jess had expected, how had he fitted into that egg? He also had nice, bark brown colour. Jess wanted to show him to A'kua, but the flit had eaten himself to stupor and couldn't move, not to mention perch on his shoulder. So he ended up carrying him on his arms. Which was awkward, his tail and wings sticking to every direction. Reaching A'kua's weyr was another interesting logistical problem to solve. Good thing he had now lot of friends who were willing to help. So, eventually he found himself on the Weyr's ledge, bowing to Zeirath and Gwynnyth.

"A'kua? Are you in there? Can I come in? It's Jess!" Who knew what he was doing with his weyrmate, Jess didn't just want to barge in.

There was a scuffling noise behind the long hide curtain, and A'kua pushed it aside, tangled in his riding straps. They smelled of ointments that kept the leather supple; he must have been doing a cleaning and inspection after the day's Threadfall. The mess was forgotten for a moment when the rider saw what Jess was carrying. "Congratulations," he said in a low tone to avoid waking the hatchling. "C'mon in, sit a spell. Lys has gone to get us some warm drinks, so she might be back soon." His eyes briefly unfocused as he spoke with Zeiranth. "She'll bring a third mug now."

"Thanks. The egg hatched," Jess told him, rather unnessessarily. He showed A'kua his radiantly smiling, happy face. "I wanted you to meet him."

"Hello, li'l one," A'kua crooned in a tone very few heard from him. "He's a handsome boy, isn't he? Did you decide on a name?"

"Val. It's short from Valiant," Jess replied. The firelizard roused himself from it's half-comatose state just enough to give A'kua a half-hearted warning growl. "Shush, Val, he's a friend," Jess scolded him gently.

Well, that was different, but a good choice, judging by the small brown's attitude. "I like it," A'kua said. "I'm really happy for you, Jess, and I hope you two have a long, solid partnership."

"Thanks. Who got the other eggs, have they hatched yet?" Jess asked out of sheer curiousity.

"Five crafters, includin' one of the technicians; two dragonriders, and of course Firelloa," his friend replied. "Hers hasn't yet, but I bet you anythin' it'll be tonight." He snickered, grinning. "Firelloa says if it takes any longer, she'll name it Lazy. As for the others, I don't know. It's not really my business now that the exchanges have been made. What matters is everyone's happy with their pets and I have some Marks to share with Lys and Firelloa now. There's even some for an emergency if I need it. I didn't realize how safe that would make me feel until it happened."

"Yes, marks do bring safety," Jess agreed. He had done his share of extra work to earn some marks for the rainy day. He didn't have to, the Weyr provided him with food, clothes and place to sleep in exhange of his labour. But it did make him feel better and now and then one wanted to purchase something extra or maybe a gift for a friend.

The redhead motioned for his friend to have a seat; there were two chairs and the bed to choose from. "Why don't you sit and tell me about the plans you have for li'l Val there? I've never heard much about pet-trainin'," he suggested.

"I think I'll train him to take messages. I don't have any experience either, I suppose I can ask Lady Yanley for advice." Jess replied. He sat down, and Val curled up to more comfortable position in his lap.

"That's a good idea," A'kua said, untangling himself from the harness to hang it up. "Let me know how it goes. When will you start?"

"Uh, when he´s old enough?" Jess was starting to realize how little he really knew about firelizards. "You think I overfed him?" he said, critically examining his firelizard and his bulging belly. Val's only reaction was light snore.

"Hey, with the newly hatched, more is better," A'kua said, and began to share a few experiences from when Zei was a hatchling. With dragons and fire-lizards being related, maybe Jess could apply the knowledge to his adorable new charge.

Last updated on the July 21st 2017

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Pride in a Pet.