I'll Thaw Out

Writers: Devin, Chelle
Date Posted: 27th January 2010

Characters: E'rae, Zanen
Description: E'rae and Zanen go on their planned trip to the snowy barrens and back.
Location: Elsewhere on Pern, River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 6, day 12 of Turn 5

He'd left Silver and Fang with the beastcrafters. As much as Zanen would like to take the canines with him, it wasn't practical. He headed out to the Bowl and looked around for his friend. Spotting the bluerider, he waved a hand. "E'rae!"

"Oh good. You made it." Leith was waiting nearby. His blue bulk was silent for once as he patiently rested on his haunches. "Ready?"

"Yep." Zanen fastened his borrowed coat.

"Allright you can mount up using the straps."

**Put your leg down so he can get on** }:I've got it:{ Leith moved into position, lowering himself as much as he could so Zanen would have an easy time of it.

"Thank you." Zanen nodded to the dragon before hopping up onto the leg and pulling himself up to the riding straps.

Once Zanen had moved behind the second neckridge where passengers rode, E'rae climbed up and got into his place. "Allright Zanen strap in. Let me know if you need help." The bluerider quickly checked to make sure his jacket was closed securely and strapped his helmet on his head. He passed back a helmet for Zanen.

Zanen fitted the straps, taking longer than E'rae had, but doing it properly. He'd gotten reacquainted with how to attach them since his arrival at the Weyr. It was a bit like saddling a runner, and he'd rode a dragon enough times to have the process settled in his memory. "All set," he told E'rae.

"Allright then," the bluerider replied. Bracing himself, he sent the thought **Ready to go** }:I thought you'd never get done:{

And with that, the blue spread his wingsails and bunched down, his muscles tightening before he sprung into the air, flapping steadily to gain altitude. It took some time but finally he was high enough to hail the watchdragon and disappear between to their destination.

When Leith came back out of the blackness, they were high. Below them, everything was white, with spots of black here and there where the snow hadn't covered the rock. It was cold and the air was thin. The blue descended so it would be easier to breathe. They wouldn't be able to stay long. The view was breathtaking, however. The peaks and crevices were shiny with icicles. They were alone in the sky.

Zanen craned his head around to take in as much of the view as he could. He wished he had a painter's skill so he could put this vision on canvas. The cold was sharp, but the beauty around him overshadowed any discomfort. "It's amazing!" he shouted to E'rae.

The bluerider couldn't hear him, but Leith could. E'rae smiled. Not many were able to see things like this, from this angle. He reveled in it. They flew over vistas, quietly serving as sentinels of nature's splendor. When things started to get too cold, E'rae let Leith know it was time to go. The blue happily betweened and came out above another part of the South.

}:Much warmer here. I hate the white stuff:{
**You were hatched at a warm Southern Weyr** }:And proud of it:{

The smugness made E'rae smile. They slowed, leisurely flying over jungle. Turning in his seat, he yelled at Zanen. "You frozen yet?"

Zanen laughed. "I'll thaw out soon enough!"

"Good. Do you need to be back anytime soon?" The bluerider had forgotten to ask that question before they had left.

"Not for a few candlemarks."

"Any special requests then?" The bluerider knew that some people would pay for this privilege but he thought it was the least he could do for someone who felt the way he did about the land.

"Just pick another of your favorite spots," Zanen answered. With a chuckle, he added, "A warmer one this time."

"And away we go." It wasn't much longer that Leith went between again, the cold disappearing after a few moments to give way to warm winds. They were above the ocean now, the wind beating against his wingsails. Dolphins cavorted beneath them.

"Lovely choice," Zanen complimented. Yes, this would be a wonderful place to spend a few candlemarks.

Leith was enjoying the flight. The blue was using the warm air to his advantage, gliding more than pumping his wings. It wasn't often that he had passengers. The smell of fish tickled his nostrils, but he couldn't dive down now. }:A nice day:{
**Indeed**

Enjoying the time with his dragon, E'rae almost forgot that Zanen was there. When they finally flew back to the shores near the Weyr, he felt Leith slowing. "So how long are you staying?" he asked Zanen, his body turned so he could speak.

"Not too long. I'm leaving with the next caravan." The trader folk were old friends of his, and it would be good to travel with them again.

"To where?" Curious, he looked rather odd. Even though he was facing Zanen, he was watching through Leith's eyes, seeing where they were flying, looking underneath him.

"The route takes them to Jade Harbor and back. I might keep travelling with them, or I might move on." It was pleasant to think of the possibilities.

E'rae thought about that. He'd never really thought about the trader life, but it had its good parts. "Hope it works out for you." And with that, the blue began to make his circle, descending to the Bowl for a landing after notifying the watchrider. It wasn't much longer before they were down and unstrapping.

Last updated on the January 31st 2010

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I'll Thaw Out