Here for You

Writers: Devin, Estelle
Date Posted: 21st December 2025

Characters: Tr'vel, I'lek
Description: Tr'vel asks I'lek for help with a very important question
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 12, day 19 of Turn 12
Notes: Mentioned: M'trel, Gilbek, R'ayl, Lorican

Tr'vel

Tr'vel was with I'lek in his office, getting a report ready to go to M'trel. He wondered when the greenrider would get bored of playing messenger, but so far I'lek had faithfully carried out the task and only got distracted some of the time. "Before you go, could I discuss a personal matter with you?" This was probably a terrible idea. Tr'vel was probably going to regret it.

I'lek's curiosity was immediately awakened, and he looked down from where he was perched, with irreverent lack of formality, on the corner of the Wingleader's desk. "Of course, sir," he replied, managing to remember the respectful form of address for once, though his mischievous grin ruined the effect a little. "I'm happy to help in any way I can. What's on your mind?"

The Wingleader gave him a serious look. "You have to _swear_ to keep this secret."

The young greenrider considered that, and his manner sobered a little. As much as he loved a juicy bit of gossip about the secrets and love lives of the ranking dragonriders, Tr'vel wasn't just his wingleader. When I'lek had come to Lightning Wing, only just out of training and stunned by the injury that had taken away his chance to fight for good before his twentieth Turn, the bluerider's kindness had helped him find his way back to himself. They were wingmates.

He held up his good hand solemnly and placed it over his heart. "I swear. I won't tell a soul. If I do, may I be banished from the Weyr in disgrace, to live out what remains of my life drifting aimlessly through the deserts and the swamps of the deep jungle, until a giant water-snake wraps me in its coils and devours my wasted form..."

"All right, all right." Tr'vel waved a hand. "I get it." He took a deep breath and let it out. "I'm going ask Gil to be my weyrmate. But he's holdbred, and they like these kinds of things to be . . . special. You read all those romances, so I was wondering if you might . . . have some ideas." His face heated. He was asking a kid for advice from made up stories. This was ridiculous.

The greenrider blinked at him, then squealed in delight, leapt up and heedless of all rank and decorum, threw his arms around the Wingleader. "Tr'vel! Oh, that's wonderful! I'm _so_ happy for both of you. I knew you were meant for each other, right from the very start. And let me tell you," he added, straightening, "if you want romantic ideas, you've come to the right place. I am positively brimming with them."

He jumped back up onto the desk, coming perilously close to knocking the inkwell over the newly finished report. "Let's see. Usually the proposal comes after the hero rescues his beloved from some deadly peril, when all their doubts fade away and they fall into a passionate embrace... Do you think you could arrange to rescue Gil from something? A marauding band of pirates? A ravenous feline?"

Tr'vel groaned and put his head in his hands. He knew he was going to regret this. "How about we just skip that part?" Then he looked up with a slightly raised eyebrow. "I think maybe we covered that with Ingrizon's attack?"

"You both saved R'ayl...but that works. We can check the escape from peril off the list." I'lek licked the tip of his finger and drew a check mark in the air. "Then, you need to take him to a special place, somewhere lovely and peaceful where you can be alone together. Of course, as dragonriders, we can go anywhere at all, so it's more difficult to narrow it down. A clifftop overlooking the ocean at sunset is popular, or a flower-strewn meadow, or the edge of a still mountain lake... Do you have anywhere in mind?"

"That . . . is not a bad idea. I know a few places that could work," Tr'vel said. A beautiful place, with just the two of them. "And I should bring food and wine, yes? We'll have a picnic and then I'll . . . then I'll ask him." Nervousness fluttered in his stomach.

I'lek gazed on him indulgently, his heart melting. "That sounds perfect." He leaned forward and touched Tr'vel's shoulder. "But don't worry, you silly man. Gil loves you. He'll say yes even if you ask him in the weyrbowl in the rain, in your sweaty flying leathers after a sweepride." He thought that over and grinned. "Maybe especially then."

Tr'vel pictured it, and a fond smile crossed his face as he chuckled. "Maybe. Should I get him a gift? Don't holders usually have rings or something?"

"Oh, yes! You mustn't forget the token of your love. It should be something he can wear, or carry, to remind him of your bond. Rings are good, or bracelets, or... I know!" I'lek bounced in excitement, nearly jumping off the desk. "You could ask Master Lorican. He made my new arm, and that torc the Weyrleader wore to the Hatching. I'll bet he could make you the most beautiful ring."

Both of those were exquisite pieces. Could Tr'vel even afford a ring from such a skilled Master? No matter, Gil was worth it. "That's a great idea. Would you mind introducing us?"

"Of course, he visits the Weyr often to see his son. Or we can fly over to Sunstone Seahold some time when Gil's working." I'lek said, entering into the conspiracy with enthusiasm. "You'll have to get his finger size somehow. Maybe you can measure him in his sleep?"

"Yeah, I can do that." Tr'vel felt a twinge of guilt at the idea of sneaking around, but it was for the sake of a surprise. "We could take a trip to Sunstone next sevenday."

"All right! We'll have a fun day out, just you and me and our dragons. Before you settle down into weyrmated bliss," the greenrider teased.

"However will I manage to tame my wild ways?"

"Ah yes, those nights of uninhibited revelry and dissipation you're so known for. The Weyr will never be the same," I'lek sighed. "You must enjoy your freedom while you can."

"And when are _you_ going to settle down?" Tr'vel teased.

"When I meet the man who can catch me. And since the Weyrleader already has a mate," the greenrider replied with a wink, "the search goes on."

Tr'vel laughed. "How long are you going to brag about that?" A bronzerider, and especially a Weyrleader, being attracted to men was still confusing to him, but he was happy for I'lek.

"Forever." I'lek draped himself languorously over the desk, resting his head on the palm of his hand. "I don't know how I'm ever going to surpass myself, and I'm only twenty-two. The Weyrleader... I've peaked too soon. It's my tragedy."

"Off the desk," Tr'vel said mildly. He was definitely not jealous of I'lek (okay maybe a little). "Maybe you can get a Weyrleader to chase you outside a flight? Two at once? I'm sure you can find another challenge."

I'lek pouted, but got up and straightened the papers he'd been lying on. "I must seek inspiration. Mmm... Do you think the Weyrlingmaster's cute?" He tilted his head thoughtfully, then his gaze turned decidedly wicked. "I could be a very naughty weyrling."

Tr'vel groaned. "Please don't bother him."

"You said that about the Weyrleader, and he had a marvelous time." I'lek's gaze fell on the report, now a little creased. "What about M'trel? He's rather sweet..." He gathered up the papers, shifting from gleeful mischief to innocence in a heartbeat. "Speaking of, I'd better get these delivered. Wouldn't want to be late and let down the Wing."

"Indeed. I've given you a very important job and M'trel is waiting on these." Then, after a pause, Tr'vel said, "Thank you."

The young greenrider's smile, sudden and artless, brightened his whole face. "You know I'm always here for you, Wingleader. Like you are for me."

Tr'vel had to swallow against a sudden wave of emotion and only managed a nod.

Last updated on the December 30th 2025

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