A Carrot on a Stick
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: Shawna, Sia
Date Posted: 23rd July 2024
Characters: N'kevyn, Aydhara
Description: N'kevyn brings in extra help for Avicath's fitness regimen
Location: Barrier Lake Weyr
Date: month 13, day 25 of Turn 11
Notes: Mentioned: Tymborikath, Aydhara
Avicath liked the big weyrlake at Barrier Lake Weyrhold, with its warm water (especiallycompared to High Reaches), and the fascinating boats coming in and out, but it wasn’t quite as much fun as the ocean. There were no real waves big enough to move his bronze bulk, mustly just the boats disturbing the water. He stopped paddling to stare at a boat that passed, only to feel the until- then barely noticeable weight on his back shift.
The sailors on the boat were also staring at the confusing sight of a big bronze swimming through the lake with a young girl in a floppy hat on his back.
Aydhara adjusted the floppy hat on her head and waved at the boat. Then she kicked her legs so her heels connected with the great bronze hide, not doing much but reminding him of his passenger. Like a toddler on a half-asleep pony.
"Come on, Avi." She called. "Keep paddling. Dad said no floating in the lake."
}:I could dunk you and then float,:{ Avicath said, tone implying he was really considering it. Nonetheless, he started paddling again. He wouldn't, of course. He may not directly remember the details, but he did know that he had been entrusted with her safety when she was just a tiny thing that cried in a basket, and he adored her as much as anything that wasn’t directly a part of him (his rider).
"You would _never_." Aydhara said, laughing. It was all fun and games until a bronze dragon abandoned you in the middle of the lake. She nudged his sides again. "Remember if you do a good job we'll get the mop and bucket and shine you right up. All the greens will think you're the most handsome bronze in the Weyr."
}:Because I am the most handsome bronze in the Weyr,:{ he snorted, sending out a spray of water, and resumed paddling across the lake. }:Bet I could tip over a boat.:{ Except Tymborikath would be cross if he bothered the boats. He’d been warned, and when she was cross, she hogged the sunny spot at their weyr.
"You could, but you shouldn't." Aydhara agreed. "Some of those boats are bringing in the tithe, and that keeps me fed and well dressed. I bet you can paddle faster than the boats, though."
The big bronze suddenly picked up speed, challenge accepted, and now there was a little wake following them. It seemed to amuse some of the sailors on the closest boat, and alarm others. }:Your blue will be even faster.:{ That didn’t seem to bother him, after all, he was the best, not the fastest. Nor did the thought that she had her heart set on a blue bother him. She’d said it enough and assertively enough that he was convinced.
Aydhara beamed. It felt less like a silly fantasy when Avicath said it with such confidence. The dragons always know, and surely Avicath knowing meant that it was going to happen. She tapped her heels against his sides again, laughing as she and Avicath raced the ships back to the docks.
Last updated on the July 27th 2024