The Paths We Could Take
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Halyonix
Date Posted: 12th April 2024
Characters: V'dryn
Description: Videryn's thoughts about his current situation
Location: Barrier Lake Weyr
Date: month 11, day 6 of Turn 11
Notes:
The latest letter from his father lay near his hand but Videryn was not interested in it. He had read the first few lines of that crisp script, the same precision style that he had spent Turns emulating himself, and knew what the rest of the contents contained: another eloquently worded threat to return home to his duties as befitting a son learning how to Steward a Hold. It didn't matter that Videryn was a Candidate. His father saw it as a farce despite its veracity but he wasn't about to challenge the dragons. He was, however, going to berate his son, pulling just about any string he knew in an attempt to get Videryn to return home.
Mora, his green firelizard, lay perched on his chest, curled up in such a way that she had only to open one eye to look at him. Since Videryn's other arm was propped behind his head, the hand nearest the letter abandoned it, much like he had his family, and stroked the ridges along Mora's back. She didn't open her eyes but the tip of her tail twitched, then snaked to encircle his wrist, holding on. Comforting him.
Only a green, his father had sneered one night, finally admitting what Videryn had always assumed. And yet, she understood his moods with uncanny insight and had never failed her training. "Pet" might be the term others used but Videryn preferred "companion". She was not an ornament, not something to mindlessly do his bidding -- she was a part of his life in inextricable ways. And he had to wonder -- how much more like that would a dragon be?
Some of the other male Candidates returned from showering, half-dressed and elbowing each other in good fun. Videryn's gaze followed one or two of them absently but not long enough for anyone to think otherwise. How that sort of admission would rankle his father as well. Expected to marry a woman, attracted to both genders, currently eyeing the men in his Candidate group with licentious thoughts in mind.
"Far better plan to be here, I think," he murmured to Mora. "I'll only get into trouble at the Hold as time goes on." She didn't twitch but he knew she was listening. Humorously, though his father would rail about how much of a disappointment Videryn was being, Videryn didn't feel as though he was. He felt...authentic, like he had shrugged out of an ill-fitting coat and was finally able to move around freely.
Now, if he did not Impress a dragon, there could indeed be an issue. But he could not think that far ahead. He had learned that trying to control too much of one's future led to anxiety and Videryn was the sort to be agile, not anxious.
"What do you think, Mora? We become traveling managers, wandering from Hold to Hold, offering our organizational services?" he mused. At that, her nose twitched and then she yawned. Videryn chuckled. "Fair. Who knows where we would end up and if that would bring more trouble than the trip was worth. Not to mention the bandits on the road." Mora made an unhappy sound, most likely agreeing with him, and returned to her snoozing.
No, traveling, while highly appealing, would not work logistics-wise. Not without new connections. He had already forged ones here at the Weyr that might give him leverage if...
Videryn looked at the laughing Candidates. Best not to think about too far in the future right now.
He gave Mora a warning tap shortly before rolling to his feet. She flit off with only a slightly annoyed grunt. Another day to worry about what would become of him. For now... "And just what trouble are we getting into this evening?" he called jovially, joining the group.
Last updated on the May 13th 2024