A Stroll Along the Beach

Writers: Francesca
Date Posted: 8th July 2009

Characters: Taraglan, Chalzie
Description: Taraglan briefly meets Chalzie after his interview with Leisenn.
Location: Dolphin Hall
Date: month 3, day 9 of Turn 5

Everything went well. I will be back within a candlemark.
-Taraglan

The note was short and unemotional, but Taraglan knew his wife would be excited enough for the both of them, even though they did not know yet if he would be offered the position. He tucked the message into the message tube strapped to Peti and sent the bronze /between/ to find Leiana.

He knew she would want to see him to discuss all the details of the interview and his impression of the Hall. However, he wanted some time to walk and collect his thoughts. Besides, the brownrider was now drying off on the beach with his dragon. By the time they were able to hop /between/, Taraglan would be ready as well.

As he strolled along the beach, he tried to imagine living at this Hall. His wife would enjoy working in the archives and always loved getting to know new people. And Kaimi, she was young and adaptable.

In ideal circumstances, the boys would continue their studies uninterrupted while eventually settling in. However, in reality, they had many reservations. He would not allow either of them to remain in the North, so he just needed to find a way to convince them. Now, what were the arguments they would use? They would be away from their friends, they would be living in the so-called hidebound South, what else?

His concentration was broken by a loud laugh and the sounds of splashing. Moments later a girl, probably an apprentice, appeared climbing the steps from the water to the dock.

"I need to eat. I promise we'll swim tomorrow," she told the two dolphins who she had apparently been spending time with.

"Tomorrow!" both dolphins said happily before swimming away to deeper waters.

Chalzie wrung out her wet hair and waved at the retreating pair before turning to the Hall entrance. The evening meal had already started and she wanted to change clothes before going. Eating in dripping clothes was not pleasant, as she had learned the one time she did it. And the kitchen staff

had not been happy with her either, as they were the ones who needed to clean up after her.

As she stepped of the dock onto the sand she spotted an unfamiliar person nearby. A quick glance around showed a brown dragon, but what appeared to be his rider was with him. Before she had a chance to wonder anymore, they made eye contact.

"Hello," Chalzie said to the man.

"Hello," Taraglan responded, smiling. "Are you an apprentice here?"

"Yes, I have been here just under a Turn. Are you…visiting? A dolphineer?" A glance at his knots confirmed that. She did not recognize what Hall he was from, although the elaborateness of the knots suggested he was of Master rank.

"Yes. I am currently at a Dolphin Hall in the North. I was meeting with your Hallmaster." There was no need to tell the girl everything. "I'm Taraglan."

"Chalzie," the girl replied, smiling.

"And, where were you before coming here?"

"The Weyr." She gestured vaguely in the direction of Dolphin Cove Weyr.

"Oh." That was surprising. "Are there many weyrborn here?" That would make for some interesting dynamics at this Southern Hall.

"A few. Not many." She shrugged. "Most people here come from Sea Holds." They arrived already able to swim long distances. She had only recently been able to keep up with them.

"Was it difficult coming here? It must be very different from the Weyr." Perhaps more different than it would be for his family if they moved.

"It's a lot quieter. That took awhile to get used to." It was still strange at times to not be surrounded by the bustle of the Weyr. "I can go back whenever I want though."

"It must be nice to be close to home," as well as convenient to have connections with dragonriders.

"Yes." Chalzie wondered who this Master dolphineer was, why he had met with the Hallmaster, and why he cared about where she came from. But, it was not her place to ask someone of his age and rank.

"Well, I'm sure they keep you busy here. And I need to get back to my Hall." Taraglan smiled. "Maybe I'll see you again."

"Yes, sir." Was he going to be back? Why? The apprentice assumed she would never find out.

Taraglan turned back towards the brown dragon and his rider, who looked ready to go. And, he was sure his wife was impatiently awaiting him. He reached the rider and nodded. "Ready to go."

Last updated on the July 14th 2009

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A Stroll Along the Beach