Bet
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, Shawna
Date Posted: 8th July 2026
Characters: N'kevyn, H'stre
Description: N'kevyn stirs things up with a ludicrous bet
Location: Barrier Lake Weyr
Date: month 3, day 21 of Turn 13
Notes: Mentioned: Aydhan, Q'vettan
"Is there a high limit on the bet?" N'kevyn's voice was louder than it needed to be when he stepped up to the table where H'stre was taking bets. The murmur that Imbeth would rise soon had traveled through the bronzes that morning, and betting on goldflights was practically a sport at a Weyr.
The burly bronzerider slapped down a handful of coins on the table. "On Avicath."
H'stre looked down at the marks, then back up at the one placing the bet. "Well, shards, N'kevyn, there's a confidence in one's dragon and then there's just plain boasting," he joked as he picked one of the marks and began idly twirling it between his fingers. "You sure you want to place _all_ of these on Avicath? Here we had people ready to bet on your taking Avicath _away_ with Tymborikath."
"Well, both of my children have impressed now. Maybe I'm finding myself with too much free time," N'kevyn said lightly. "But if there's a cap on the betting and you want me to take some of those back..." He made a motion to pick one of the coins back up.
That grin didn't waver as H'stre placed one restraining finger on N'kevyn's hand, pinning it in place. "And deprive those rowdy blueriders behind you the chance to make a Turn's salary? Perish the thought!" he quipped. He began counting the marks. "While I get being an empty nester, chasing Weyrleadership -- that's taking it to a whole new level of boredom."
"Come now, wingriders can't be as hard to wrangle as children," N'kevyn quipped. He did feel bad for any other riders foolish enough to follow his bet, but it was outweighed by the joy of imagining Q'vettan's face when he heard about this. "Besides, Tzenketh has never beaten Avicath. I feel good about my odds." It was technically true, though it was a side effect of the two bronzes rarely being in a position to compete.
Another chuckle. "And when was the last time you were a Wingleader? Because if you think wrangling wingriders is easier than children..." H'stre let out a low whistle. "To be fair, I'm still surprised that Q'vettan convinced _me_ to take this position. I was perfectly happy dealing with my little corner of drama."
"Never. I have it on good authority it's not a requirement, though," N'kevyn said cheerfully. "How much did you bet on yourself?"
H'stre let out a theatric gasp and then a chuckle. "Just two marks," he said. "Unlike you, I am in no rush to add to my plate unless Daith decides that he's got other plans. I just hope whoever wins is from Barrier Lake already. Did you hear about the Northern bronzerider that happened to be at Dragonsfall when their senior queen rose? That would have caused all sorts of drama!"
"No, I just heard they'd finally gotten a homegrown Weyrleader. Which, good for them," N'kevyn said, though from his tone, he didn't have much personal investment in it. "There's your mistake. Never let a bronze make your choices for you. Avicath can't plan ahead farther than his next meal- not even that usually, since he eats Tymborikath's leftovers. Thankfully it's what makes him easy to manage." Despite the insults, he had a fond tone to his voice.
H'stre nodded. "A homegrown Weyrleader is a good thing during a Pass. Don't let Q'vettan hear me say that though. Well, he'll be considered Barrier Lake soon enough I bet. Unless he messes up with the Lower Caverns or something. First rule of coming to a new Weyr: don't piss off the cooks. Am I right?"
N'kevyn chuckled, "I think for all our sakes, Barrier Lake doesn't need a homegrown Weyrleader for several more Turns. Has Q'vettan made peace with the lower caverns?" He asked curiously, "I thought they were still burning his klah." That rumor had been almost as delightful as his own prank.
"Is _that_ what happened?" H'stre asked. He started chuckling. "Of course that would happen to him. Of course he would do something like that."
"So I hear. Anyway, I'll let you get back to your... work." There was, in fact, a small line forming behind N'kevyn. "I'll be back to collect my winnings in a few days, I'm sure." He wouldn't of course, but he sounded confident, and he was grinning as he walked away.
Last updated on the September 2nd 2026