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

Elsewhere on Pern
NPC Weyr
River Bluff Weyr
Seacraft Hall

Story Listing
Series Listing

Weyrling Training

Writers: Ambrosia, Kaysea, Paula
Date Posted: 6th June 2008

Characters: Corowal, Aivorn, Dawtrey, Corofel, Luter
Description: Emerald Falls hold hosts a runner races but the weather plays tricks on them.
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 9, day 7 of Turn 4
Notes: Very late due the usual multi-composter/multi-post problems: people
having LOA's and LIA' etc. I have to break it to nine parts! Finally ready to be sent to the list.

Corofel

Corowal navigated his way through the crowd towards the beasthold. There were more people coming to his races than he had anticipated. The weather was colder than he hoped for and the heavy clouds above didn't bode well.
But people seemed to be on cheerful mood despite the chill. The Lord had his son with him; it was perfect situation to make Corofel known to people and the people to meet his Heir.
They answered the greetings from passers-by and finally made it where the runners were warming up before the racing would start. He found Aivorn supervising the warming up.

"Master Aivorn. How are things around here?" Corowal greeted and asked.

"Quite well, your lordship. The weather's bit cold though," The master beastcrafter said gruffly.

"Will it affect the outcome? I'm betting for our runners," Corowal asked.

Aivorn shrugged. "That reminds to be seen." He gestured one of the jockey's to come closer. He wanted to have a few words with young Dawtrey.

Dawtrey quickened his step as he approached his master. He'd seen to it that Chap was being walked out properly after his preparation for the races of the day. Since they, being relatively unknown, were to ride in one of the early races, he'd wanted to make sure Chap was given plenty of time to warm up slowly to avoid stiffening up from the chill, so he had started early. He was getting ready to change into his racing silks when he saw Aivorn motion him over.

"Dawtrey," Aivorn said. "Has Champion been warmed up probably? Looks like it might snow. You two are in the first start. The trials are held first and then the semi-finals and final after a lunch break in the afternoon.
Make sure Champion don't catch a chill between starts. You don't have to win the first starts, just make sure you're among the top three to make sure you are in the final," Aivorn instructed the young journeyman.

"Yessir, we started early this morning, and a stablehand is keeping him warm. I was on my way to change into my colours. We'll be ready and rearin' to go... so to speak," Dawtrey asserted, with his crooked half-smile. "Don't you worry, you know Chaps don't tolerate lookin at tails. I'll be keepin my hand firm and steady but give him all the head he needs."

~*~

Looking around, Corowal spotted Holder Luter bringing in his beasts and decided to go to greet him. He nudged Corofel who was watching the runner with interest, to come along.

"Could I race too?" the boy asked.

"Not in many Turns yet, and you would have to be a good rider for it," the Lord Holder replied and waived for Luter.

"Your Lordship!" Luter smiled widely as he greeted Corowal. "A nice brisk morning isn't it?" he asked, stamping his feet heavily as he came to a stop before the Lord Holder and his heir. "The runners have settled in well, and their times were good yesterday afternoon at trial." he commented, looking around at the crowd.

"Colder than I'm used to. Have you met my oldest son, Corofel?"
Corowal replied and the boy managed a polite bow to the holder.

"Corofel." Luter nodded and reached out to shake the boys hand. "Well met. Are you enjoying the day, so far?" he asked, of both of them.

"Yes, sir," Corofel grinned. "Want to see my injury?" He took out his cap to show a bandage-patch in his head.

"How'd that happen?" Luter asked in surprise. "You rode today?"

"I fell from the ladder," the boy replied.

"If you could watch Corofel for a minute, I must go and start the races,"
Corowal said. "I need to hold a little speech."

"Certainly Sir, and I promise he won't need another bandage when you see him next." Luter nodded with a grin.

Corowal left them and made his way to the start line. The runners and their jockeys, who would ride in the first start, were settling to their places. The Lord Holder's speech was short one. He bid everyone welcome and declared the race to begin.

Aivorn took his place, he was the main judge, he sent the runners on the way and he also flagged them when the reached the finish.

Last updated on the June 7th 2008