Good To See You Again
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyrhold
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Elsewhere on Pern
NPC Weyr (NPC)
River Bluff Weyr
Seacraft Hall
Writers: AL, Suzee
Date Posted: 2nd November 2024
Characters: Tavia, Vandor
Description: Vandor sees his friend Tavia for the first time in four years.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 1, day 21 of Turn 12
When: M? D21? T12
Where: DCW
Mentioned: U’kaiah ?
With the dawning of a rest day, Vandor had an opportunity to get himself fully settled back into life and Dolphin Cove. Since the rotation rosters were already filled, he would report to the infirmary the next day, so he could enjoy the time to simply relax. However, not one to remain in his quarters, he went through his usual morning routine then left to get breakfast in the dining hall. In addition to breaking his fast, he had hoped to see a certain greenrider. The previous day, he’d sent a message to let her know he’d arrived at the weyr. Although they kept in touch over the years, his position as a traveling journeyman had often made it difficult to see each other face to face, even though she had the ability to travel, for he rarely stayed in one place for long. Now, however, that was no longer a problem.
“Vandor,” Tavia called from across the room as she saw him. She strode purposely through the dining hall with a big smile on her face.
His face lit up with a smile as he caught sight of her and he turned to meet her half way. “Tavia.” Vandor greeted warming, his teeth bright against his dark skin. “It’s good to see you again, finally.” He’d been glad she agreed to meet for breakfast, and he motioned toward the repast that awaited him. “Are you hungry?”
“Famished,“she said with a smile. “Sawauth is out hunting, so some of it might be her.” She reached out and drew him into a hug. “I’ve missed you.”
He returned it, Vandor’s arms wrapping around her in a warm embrace. Messages from North to South and back again were still not the same as seeing one in the flesh. But there she was, as was all of Dolphin Cove. He only wished she were still there as well, but he was glad they were at least on the same continent again. Pulling away, he jabbed a thumb toward the food. “Shall we get something to eat then? You can update me on what’s happened since your last letter.” He hadn’t given her much save that he was returning, and because of his schedule, it had been almost half a turn since her last letter.
“Yes,” she smiled and headed to the buffet. She filled her plate and grabbed some klah then headed back to their table. As she sat down, she watched Vandor and remembered how close they had been at one time. She realized that she’d really missed him.
“So, it’s still early to tell but are you glad to be back?”
“Very much.” His own plate piled high, Vandor sat across from the greenrider and immediately stapped at some food with his fork. “Don’t get me wrong, I loved what I did up there too, but you know what they say. There’s no place like home.”
Her cup stopped half-way to her mouth and she reflected on her own family and how much time she spent finding ways to see them here at Dolphin Cove. Lowering her cup she smiled. “You’re right. No place like home.”
“And how is your new home? I dare say it’s not truly new, but new since I left.” Vandor lifted a biscuit to his own mouth, his warm eyes falling upon the woman with whom he had enjoyed a good friendship for several turns. Although not particularly an outgoing man, certainly not one to dive into the midst a raucous party, he was neither the sort to hide away from the world. He liked people, and had to considering the craft he had entered, but his true, close friends were few in number - though he found them high in quality.
“The people are great. Saibra is an excellent Wingleader.” She smiled and nodded. “But it still doesn’t feel like home.”
“I know how you feel.” Vandor had the exact same experience when he’d gone North. While the people had been welcoming, those under his care appreciative, it hadn’t been the same. Unlike her, however, he knew his assignment was temporary. In the case of Tavia, he was certain she had thought it a permanent arrangement. However, U’kaiah had also gone North, and she had not followed. He found that curious, but didn’t ask, for if she wished to share, that was her choice. “Have you thought of requesting a transfer back?”
“Yes,” she smiled. “My folks are here and it looks like U’kaiah isn’t… well… nevermind that.” She nodded as she looked at her food. She’d been thinking seriously about it for some time now. “Would you mind me working with you again?”
Taking another bite of his roll, Vandor studied Tavia’s face carefully. U’kaiah had been her whole world at one point, outside of her dragon, and now he was gone. He knew that. From the looks of things, she wasn’t quite over yet, but maybe a change to something more familiar would be good for her. “Why would I mind?”
“Oh I don’t know,” she said. “Feels like I kind of deserted you before.”
Leaning forward, Vandor set down the last bite of his roll and laced his fingers together. “You made a decision that you thought was the best thing for you at the time.” Tavia shouldn’t feel guilty, and he wasn’t going to let her do so if he had his way. “I understand why you went, and it didn’t change our friendship. You do what you feel is best for you now. If that means moving back here, then do so. If that means remaining there, do that. Either way, we can visit each other, can we not?”
She closed her eyes for a moment, thankful for his understanding. “Always, Vandor” she said and put her hand on his arm. “Always.”
Last updated on the November 4th 2024