It Changes Everything

Writers: Devin, Miriah
Date Posted: 10th September 2014

Characters: N'vanik, J'ackt
Description: N'vanik congratulates J'ackt on Impressing
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 8, day 12 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Cyradis, Corowal

N'vanik

J'ackt

As soon as the excitement with Cyradis's baby was over, N'vanik
hurried out to greet the new Weyrlings. There was one person in
particular he wanted to see. "I knew you could do it!" he called as he
walked up to Jenackt. He'd have to ask what his new name was.

}: Who is that? :{ Zith peered at N'vanik with curiosity while he
chewed steadily on the raw pieces of meat that his new lifemate was
handing to him.

**The Weyrleader.** J'ackt turned to N'vanik and for once, there was a
wide, proud smile wreathing his expression.

}: Oh. What does he do? :{ Zith took another piece, his happily
whirling eyes watching the bucket.

**He leads the Weyr. **

}: Ah.:{ There was a pause. }: We will do that when I am larger. I
want to lead too. :{ Zith's voice was matter of fact and unwavering.

J'ackt looked down at him and blinked slowly, shaking away that horrid
thought as he answered N'vanik. "You were right." The smile never
faltered for an instant. "It's like you said. Amazing. I never
realized what it would mean."

N'vanik loved seeing that expression on his face. He hesitated a
moment. "Um, don't hit me."

Blinking, J'ackt arched a brow. "I wasn't planning on it."

N'vanik pulled him into a hug, hoping he wasn't going to get punched
or kicked in shocked reaction.

He went still at the embrace. He'd been hugged so few times and never
by a man. It took a moment, but then he relaxed and returned the hug,
his grip strong.

N'vanik smiled and held the embrace a while longer. He hoped Jenackt
would take advantage of his new life and grow into happy man. N'vanik
wondered what his own life would have been like if he'd had someone to
encourage and support him in his early life at the Weyr. Finally he
pulled back. "So what do I call you now?"

He pulled away and promptly ran a hand through his hair. He took a
slight step back towards Zith and handed him another piece of meat
from a bucket. Zith chewed on it and gave a hearty belch before
opening his mouth wide for another. J'ackt laughed and covered his
nose. "He calls me J'ackt."

"J'ackt," N'vanik said with an approving nod. "And the little guy is
Zith. He sure knew who he was looking for."

"I didn't even see him." The reply was wry as he handed Zith another
piece. "He was just suddenly there and then..." He shrugged. "You were
right. It felt amazing, N'vanik."

"I'm right a lot, you know," he teased. "Having a dragon changes
everything. You'll never be alone again and you'll always be loved.
And holders can't touch you."

That got N'vanik a smug smile. "I know they can't." His eyes narrowed
slightly. "And they never will."

"Now you'll be protecting them from Thread." What a fun reversal that was.

That made the smug smile falter and J'ackt snorted. That, as far as he
was concerned, was still a matter of debate.

"There's an old saying that the best revenge is living well," N'vanik
said. "You weren't treated right. By your father, by lots of people.
But now you've been chosen to protect Pern."

"The person who said that must have never really wanted revenge."
J'ackt countered. He then looked down at Zith and exhaled. "Me hating
them hasn't changed, N'vanik."

"I don't care if you hate them. I'm not going to ask you to hug
Corowal and make up. When the time comes, you just have to do your
duty. If you don't like the noble reasons, I'll give you some
practical ones." J'ackt was going to get a rude awakening if he
thought fighting Thread was optional.

"For the women and children." J'ackt replied. "Because they need it."
He took a slow breath.

N'vanik clapped him on the shoulder. "There you go. You've got a noble
reason after all."

J'ackt snorted. "I'm the last person anyone would call noble, N'vanik."

"Then let me be the first, my noble young bronzerider." The Weyrleader laughed.

" Most holders are stupid and don't have the brains to protect
themselves." J'ackt's voice was dry. "Someone's got to. Guess I have
to if I want to eat the stuff they send the weyr. It's not noble. It's
practical." There was a smirk, but J'ackt shrugged. N'vanik could
think him noble if he wanted. He never would think of himself that
way.

"Whatever gets you in the air." The boy was so difficult. "For now,
Zith is going to be your whole world."

"And there's nothing wrong with that."

"No." N'vanik smiled. There were a lot of other weyrlings to talk to
so he needed to move on. "Congratulations, J'ackt. And no matter what
you think, you _do_ deserve it."

"Thank you." J'ackt nodded and then looked back down at Zith, whose
gaze was intent upon him.

N'vanik looked at the little bronze. "If you ever doubt it, just ask him."

Last updated on the October 3rd 2014

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It Changes Everything