There's Something I'd Like To Ask You (1/2)
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: Devin, Estelle
Date Posted: 28th February 2026
Characters: Tr'vel, Gilbek
Description: Tr'vel has a proposal for Gil, but will he accept?
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 13, day 14 of Turn 12
"So you still won't tell me where we're going?" Gil teased, but he still couldn't conceal his excitement at the prospect of a trip out of the Weyr with Tr'vel and Eboroth. Since he'd come to Dolphin Cove, he'd only left a handful of times: for the trial at Emerald Falls, and the visits to Calenta and to the cotholders who'd taken him in after his flight from White Hollow. Though he'd enjoyed those last two, there was a special thrill about the thought of going somewhere entirely new, just him and Tr'vel. Dragonriders could go anywhere in the world they wanted...but where?
"It's a surprise," Tr'vel said as he mounted Eboroth. He covertly patted his pocket to check for at least the tenth time that the ring was still there and then scolded himself for being so nervous. He reached down to offer Gil a hand up.
"Must be somewhere warm," Gil said, missing that half-hidden gesture as he turned his guard's skills at observation on the picnic basket and rug strapped to Eboroth's side. He reached up to take Tr'vel's hand and climbed up behind him, the pull of the scars on his back hardly troubling him now. "Although it could be a snow-bound cot in the mountains, I suppose, with a cozy fire burning in the hearth."
"You'll see soon enough," Tr'vel said with a smile.
When they were both strapped in, Eboroth took off and climbed over Dolphin Cove. The image from his rider was clear, and soon they were flying above a wide, flat cliff that hung over a beach. Grass and a few trees covered the cliff, and from the top it would give a spectacular, endless view of the ocean. Eboroth spiraled down slowly so Gil could enjoy the sight.
Gil held tightly on to Tr'vel as he leaned out over the dragon's wing, gazing down at the vista below them, the wind from the sea whipping through his hair. He'd spent so long sheltered by stone walls and the cliffs of the Weyr that the sudden opening out of the landscape felt like a burst of freedom, exhilarating and intense. He was sure the dragonrider must feel his heart racing through the layers of his riding gear.
"It's incredible!" he called out. "I've never seen so _far_ before!" As the blue touched down, he found he was grinning uncontrollably. "Is this somewhere you found together? You and Eboroth?"
"I'm sure we're not the first. But the few times we've been here, it's been quiet." Tr'vel patted Eboroth's neck. "Most riders have a private place or two." He started to unfasten the straps, telling his fast-beating heart to slow down.
}:There is no need to worry. He likes you.:{
After dismounting and helping Gil down, Tr'vel started to unpack the supplies. "Want to help me set up?" He knew Gil wasn't the type to sit idle while he did all the work.
"Oh, yes, of course." He'd taken a few steps towards the cliff edge, gazing out in wonder at the waves below, and remembered the picnic with some embarrassment. "Sorry!" He reached up for the rug with a slight wince at his stiff back, then unrolled and spread it out on the grass next to Eboroth.
"Look at all this food. Are you sure you didn't invite half your Wing along?" he teased, eyeing the delicious spread once they'd laid it all out. "Or is Eboroth getting a share?"
"I may have gone a little overboard." Tr'vel chuckled, realizing just how much food he'd brought. Eboroth was eager to watch the proposal and curled around the blanket on the landward side so he wouldn't block the view.
Even though Tr'vel's stomach was jittering a little, he thought it was better for them to eat first, so he started filling their plates. "I should take you out more often."
"I'd like that. Though I know you've got your hands full with Lightning Wing," Gil said, reaching for a bowl of spicy tuber salad. He handed it to Tr'vel and smiled as their fingers brushed. "I'm honored that you'd show me a special place of yours."
"Well, you're . . . special to me," Tr'vel said. Gil had to know that already, right?
Whether he knew it or not, when Gil heard those words there was a light in his brown eyes like the sun coming out from behind a cloud. "I can't tell you how happy that makes me. Sometimes I can't believe how lucky I am." To go from where he'd been, to here, with Tr'vel - it was almost frightening how dramatically his life had changed.
He wouldn't think of those memories today, though, and instead he lightly touched the dragonrider's cheek. "You're a special person to me, also."
"Well, that's good." Warmth filled Tr'vel and he couldn't resist pulling Gil into a kiss.
The meal was comfortable and there were moments Tr'vel almost forgot the main reason they were here, relaxing into the pleasant company of his lover. Gil was like him in many ways -- quiet and steady but not reserved. Tr'vel hadn't known what would happen when they started their relationship. Sometimes the fires of passion cooled in the light of day. But Gil had fit so easily into his life it felt like they'd been together much longer than they had.
After they'd finished eating, though, Tr'vel's nervousness rushed back. "Gil? There's . . . something I'd like to ask you."
"Oh?" Gil turned from looking out over the ocean view. His expression still held no more than mild curiosity, but he sensed from something in Tr'vel's voice that the question was important. "Of course - anything."
Tr'vel reached into his pocket and pulled out the tiny box. With his heart hammering, he opened the lid to reveal the ring. "Will you be my weyrmate?"
Last updated on the March 19th 2026