Chat Over A Meal

Writers: Ames, Ang
Date Posted: 14th May 2013

Characters: C'jex, Z'hren
Description: Z'hren gets to know one of his wingmates
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 13, day 24 of Turn 6

Setting the tray down beside one of his new wingmates, Z'hren took a
deep breath and reached for his ale before exhaling slowly. It had
been a hard day of practice and although things were getting easier,
it was still taking its toll on his energy. "How was your day,
C'jex?" he asked the bluerider before taking a drink, even though they
hadn't actually talked before. Z'hren was never the shy type and from
what he'd heard, neither was C'jex.

C'jex looked up and grinned. "Hey there, Z'hren." He gestured for the
brownrider to take a seat. "It wasn't bad. Drills were rough today.
We've been losing too many good riders to injuries lately. We've got
to find a way to curb that tide before we don't have enough dragons to
fight in a Fall. How are you settling into the wing?"

"So they're not always like this? Good to know," he answered as he
set the mug down. "Settling as well as I can although Garreth tends
to be a bit bossy at times. Not to others, just to me." He dug into
the stew and chewed for a bit as he looked around. "What do you think
the issue is about all the injuries? Too many of us recent graduates
not fitting in fast enough?"

C'jex pondered that thought some and then answered. "There is
something to that, but I honestly, think the bigger issue is that the
Falls have been coming more often this past Turn. Last Turn the Falls
happened only 3 to 4 times each month, now they're happening 4 to 5
times each month." C'jex sighed and rubbed a hand through his hair.
"It's my understanding that they'll only continue to get worse as we
move through the Pass. I think many of the riders weren't as prepared
for what the increase in Falls would do to them and their dragons." He
looked at his fellow rider. "Then, as the injuries started, the rest
of us had to work extra hard to fill in the gaps in the wings. To be
honest, we're _glad_ to see you and your class graduate. Even some
inexperience is better than empty spots in the wings."

Nodding as C'jex explained, Z'hren couldn't help but feel a bit of
pride for being wanted. "True enough. It's been an experience,
that's for sure. Weyrlinghood never truly prepares you until you're
in the air. I'm just glad that there hasn't been any losses since I
graduated," he said with a small smile. He knew it wouldn't be long
though. Wanting to lighten the conversation, he asked, "So what do
you like to do on your free-time, C'jex?"

He grinned at that, "Whatever I can." He knew that wasn't the best
answer, but it was true. "Actually I like to spend time with Malty, my
canine, and Charen my little fire lizard, who too be honest should be
_Malty's_ firelizard. The little green spends all her time with Malty
or Ohoneth, rather than me. What about you Z'hren?"

"Wow, you certainly have your hands full! I know all about green
flits ... gave my sister an egg not too long ago and Note is, well,
calling her flighty would be an understatement," Z'hren said with a
chuckle but smothered it with another sip. "Oh, I play gitar and
write songs. I'm a Harper apprentice and it helps with the stress.
Although, I haven't had the chance to write anything lately."

"I enjoy a good tune myself, though I'm not that good at it myself,"
C'jex chuckled, "A few people have even said I'm rather off-key, but
hey," C'jex shrugged, "I say it's better to sing off-key than not sing
at all! At least I enjoy myself, no matter what."

Z'hren chuckled at the image of C'jex singing at the top of his lungs.
"That's all a Harper asks for. It's quite unnerving when your
singing and everyone is simply staring at you. When that happens, we
pull out the bawdy songs," he said with a wink and a bite of his loaf.
"That is where my sister excels. She's a much better lyric writer
and can come up with the most memorable songs with little provocation.
Are you looking forward to Turn's End?"

He chuckled, enjoying the light conversation. "Ah, yes, Turn's End.
Always a good celebration. I love any chance to celebrate and enjoy,
truth be told. What about you Z'hren? Plans for Turn's End?"

"I don't actually know yet. Used to have to play for Turn's End but
since Impressing, haven't been able to. But now that I've graduated,
there's time again," Z'hren answered with a shrug as he popped the
last of his bread into his mouth. "I may head over to Emerald Falls
Hold to spend the time with my sister."

"Spending time with family is always a good thing," C'jex himself
didn't really have much family to spend time with. "Regardless of
where we are, I know Turn's End will be an exciting time as it always
is."

"Always," Z'hren agreed with a roguish smile. Finishing off his stew,
the brownrider belched softly and grinned before excusing himself.
"I'd better be off to check on Garreth. He's due for an oiling
tonight. It was wonderful chatting with you, C'jex."

"Talk to you later Z'hren," C'jex replied, finishing up his own meal
before heading off.

Last updated on the June 1st 2013

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