The Next Step

Writers: Devin, Yvonne
Date Posted: 28th February 2024

Characters: Reyela, R'lor
Description: Reyela asks R'lor for a letter of recommendation so that she can start training as a dragonhealer.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 9, day 18 of Turn 10

R'lor

Reyela was knocking at R'lor's door as soon as she could put together her hidework. She was a bit early for her appointment but was vibrating with too much excitement to wait in the hallway any longer.

"Come in!"

"It's just me," Reyela said as she stepped inside, beaming. "Thanks for seeing me."

"Of course." The Weyrlingmast Third smiled. "Please have a seat."

"Thank you." Reyela perched on her seat and set the hides carefully on the desk between them. "I'd like to formally submit my application to start training as a dragonhealer. I'm hoping that you'll vouch for me? I already have a reference from my mentor for Beasthealing."

"You've wanted this for quite some time, haven't you?"

She nodded. "Ever since I was little. I just had to wait for Brandith."

R'lor's smile widened. "I'm very happy for you. And I'd be happy to vouch for you to the dragonhealers."

"Thank you! I've already written my application, you just need to write a short letter saying that you recommend me for training. You can
write anything you like so long as it's good!"

He chuckled. "How is everything else going?"

"Well! Maybe a bit easy." She bit her lip. "I mean... I know the lessons about the Holds and Halls, and I'm fairly familiar with the Weyr's geography already. The formation drills are more fun-- I mean new. I know that a lot of this is for the weyrlings that are from elsewhere and I do try to help them, but..."

"You're bored." He couldn't help a smile. "Things will pick up quickly, and I'll be sure to have you and Brandith lead trios, maybe nines."

"I'd like that." It might be the only opportunity they'd ever have to lead nines, especially if she was going into dragonhealing. She was
going to be a dragonhealer!

"It'll help you keep sharp and stay focused. And it will give both of you some experience handling authority. Brandith will need to be able to help control distressed, injured dragons." And once she was able to start dragonhealing training, she would definitely be kept busy.

"I'd appreciate that. I know she's just a baby, but it's hard to see her being able to control anyone." At this point, Brandith could
barely control where her own tail went, it seemed. Then Reyela winced. "I mean, I know she'll become a fine partner once she grows a bit more. I _do_."

"They grow very fast," he said with another smile. "What's she like so far?"

"She's so curious, she wants to know about _everything_ and then promptly forgets and asks me again. She likes chasing other dragons and loves it when they chase her, and I think she's actually pretty calm for a green dragon... I mean, she seems to be in comparison to
some of her clutchmates. And I feel so lucky, I _love_ that she's got a mottled hide. I know everyone thinks their dragon is the prettiest but I really do think that she's pretty."

His smile widened. Listening to weyrlings talk about their dragons, seeing their faces glowing with love for them, was always such a delight. "I haven't noticed her getting into as much trouble as the others, either. That calmness might bode well for her being your partner in dragonhealing."

"I hope so. Dragons choose you because you're compatible, and maybe she knew that if I was to get to do dragonhealing she'd be the one for me."

"Maybe. Although what a dragon considers 'compatible' is not always apparent to us." Some riders and dragons seemed to almost be opposites. "I know you were Standing for a very long time. I'm very glad your lifemate finally found you." On a personal level, and also because of her future plans. Dragonhealers were extremely valuable.

Reyela beamed. "Thank you. I thought it was never going to happen, but I'm glad that I waited for Brandith."

"I'm sure both of you will do the Weyr proud. Aside from the dragonhealing recommendation, is there anything else you wanted to
discuss?"

"No, sir. This was the important thing. Thank you so much for meeting with me and for writing a letter of recommendation." Reyela rose.
"Please just let me know when you're done so I can coordinate my application."

"I'll do my best to have my recommendation written up for you by tomorrow. Provided none of your fellow Weyrlings has a crisis." He rose to walk her to the door, twinges of stiffness in his back.

She laughed. "Right. I guess I'll see one in a couple of days then!"

He chuckled. "Have a good day, Reyela."

Last updated on the February 28th 2024

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The Next Step