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 Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 1:58 pm
So the latrine work was over...for another day and Veyes was beginning to believe that humans could be worse than animals when it came to s**t. He sighed in relief after taking a quick bath in L'thor's weyr, his saving grace from bathing in the boy's dorm bath. Thankfully, L'thor still didn't look at him any differently than before. Unlike Conomor, who probably would push him in to thread before forgiving him. However, he ending up rooming with Mal and things seemed to be turning around a little because Mal didn't seem to let the weight of the world settle too heavily about him.
Lately, he had at least started getting a few more meals from the dining hall because starving wasn't an option but still he didn't eat there even if he wasn't able to eat in the Kitchen anymore. Instead, he took to finding anywhere that was empty and relatively quiet. Most of the time, it was out in the bowl, at the lake, or by the niche where he still played Migsy but always alone.
He hadn't received as many knocks lately because he'd got smarter about his route and maybe folks were bored with the game now. He wasn't sure but they still looked at him funny on most occasions so he never asked for anything more than necessary if he had to approach anyone. Maybe L'thor was right, eventually things would die off. He could hope for that but nothing was ever certain. Actually he wondered when the next eggs would be laid on the sands so he could move on from this disaster.
As, he walked across the sands he glance around to see where the least amount of people were. So today, he chose to sit by the lake at the far corner away from people; at least the sun always felt the same - a friendly warm feeling on his aching flesh. There, he picked up a small stick and started tracing on the sand as he nibbled on a bread roll. The design was what he remembered from L'thor's lesson the other day about the riding straps. Quietly, he cursed as he scratched out the design and started over; focusing completely on the sand as he started reworking his thoughts.
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Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 7:43 pm
Girls could be vicious. Firyal had always known that, since her earliest education in the viciousness of the female sex had come from her frequent fights with her mother, but she had not been a target since then, and she was surprised to find that her defenses were not as solid as she would have liked them to be. The insults still slid off her for the most part because she now cared even less than before what the Candidates thought of her, but the little things they did to make her life unpleasant were harder to ignore.
Disappearing clothing and towels from the baths, for instance. The tunnelsnake in her bed had been an unpleasant surprise. She was fortunate Numenor killed it before it got a chance at her. That had been the final straw for her. Candidates were supposed to sort out their difficulties amongst themselves without external interference, but she had been put in physical danger and her firelizard had shared in it, and Firyal would not tolerate a threat to Numenor. She was supposed to go to Z'nal with problems like this, but he had already made it abundantly clear that he would do nothing to help the people who had been involved with the affair on the beach, and so she went to the Headwoman.
Since then Firyal had been keeping odd hours and avoiding her room as much as possible, stealing sleep whenever she could, with Numenor keeping watch over her. She didn't like it, but it was better than it had been. There had also been a few good things which had happened to her since the Hatching. She'd met a Brownrider named E'rik who might actually turn out to be a good friend, for one thing. For another thing, the stress of the whole ordeal had caused her to lose some weight. Not so much that anyone would remark upon it, but enough that her face was somewhat changed when she looked in the glass. Her cheekbones were more defined.
She also got to spend more time outside because the Headwoman had decided it would keep her away from the majority of female Candidates, who tended to be assigned tasks indoors. She had spent her morning watching dragons feed on herdbeasts, and thought she might have seen E'rik, but she hadn't said anything because he had gone off to talk with another Brownrider whose dragon had hatched from the same clutch as Daramulath, but was of a decidedly less amiable nature. She had privy duty in the evening, but the afternoon off, and so she headed to the lake, which was relatively near the fields where the herdbeasts were kept anyway.
At the lake Numenor flitted off, much to her consternation. She didn't see any of the riders she considered friendly acquaintances or any of the Candidates who had not demonstrated any overtly hostile tendencies, and so she would have preferred that Numenor remain close to her, where he was less likely to attract attention. But that was clearly not meant to be, as the bronze firelizard flew more or less straight to a young man with long hair who was sketching in the sand with a stick. Firyal winced. She imagined Veyes would be less than thrilled to see her. Most people were lately.
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Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 9:07 pm
He could have gotten lost in the thoughts of riding straps and dreams of dragons; things that had become his main source of happiness at the Weyr but the noises just about his head caused him to look up and survey a pudgy flit he identified right away -Numeror. His lips curled just a little knowing this particular flit would probably find his dinner very appealing even if there wasn't too much left. He reached down and picked up a small bit of juicy meat and held it out to the creature. "Hey Numeror. You know you flits have it easy. I'm sure that if I had another life, being a flit would be towards the top of my list."
He paused for a moment then glanced to the side to see Firyal not to far away watching him. Maybe he should have been angry but he had taken two wine skins from the kitchen so really, he wasn't in any different from her. And well after talking to Mal for awhile, he didn't think that any of them at the Lake that night were truly bad folks. Although, if he could have turned back time just for a few minutes, he would have never slipped out with anything...then Conomor would have still been his friend. The thought of that moment still stung but it wasn't Firyal's fault.
Mostly, Veyes had a fouler impression of Z'nal and his idiotic ideas of how the candidates would learn to be a wing from this. Well, if a wing consisted of punishing innocents, getting ambushed in the Latrines, or putting up with the sneers and other nastiness that had unfolded then it was a lesson he'd never learn. At times, he wondered what a real wing was made of because this certainly wasn't anything remotely like it...at least that is what he hoped.
"Hey Firyal. Ya doing ok?" He moved over a bit so there was a little more room on the rock for her to sit if she wanted. "You're looking pretty good." Since he hadn't seen her in awhile, her slimmer figure was noticed right away. It was a good change in his eyes and he knew most girls enjoyed a complement like that especially when it was the truth. "Been awhile since I've seen you. Hope things have been...ok."
He didn't want to come out and directly say things about the last time they had been together. Girls were always so much more confusing than guys even though Firyal seemed less apt to take things like many of the girls he had contact with around the Weyr. Hopefully, things weren't going as bad for her as they had at times for him.
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Posted: Thu May 14, 2009 11:36 am
Numenor sniffed at the piece of meat with interest, giving it a thorough going-over before finally turning his nose up and walking awkwardly on four limbs toward Firyal. As his body was meant for flight, his gait when walking more closely resembled a waddle than anything else, despite the fact that his form was actually sleek and lithe. His tail lashed irritably, as though he knew how ridiculous walking made him look, and resented it.
Firyal watched all this and wondered why he was walking at all. There was nothing preventing him from flight. It couldn't have been anything Veyes said, as the firelizard didn't have an extensive vocabulary, if he had one at all. Clearly the firelizard was just in an unaccountably odd mood, and there was nothing she could do about it except send him thoughts of fondness and adoration. She really did like the bronze firelizard more than most of the humans in her acquaintance, so it wasn't really a stretch of the imagination or much of an effort on her part to convince him that he really was her favorite creature on Pern.
"Hey, Veyes," she replied, forcing an expression resembling cheer onto her face, though her voice still sounded weary. Those dark circles under her eyes weren't exactly cosmetic. "I'm all right."
She didn't even notice Veyes' remark about her looking good. When Numenor got close enough she stooped to scoop him up and settle him in the crook of her arm, where he drooped contentedly. Maybe he was sick? No. His eyes would have been grey, and they were a healthy green. He was just being strange. She took advantage of the space Veyes had cleared for her and sat carefully while Numenor mysteriously revived and went crawling over her shoulders. Odd.
"I hear things have been unpleasant in the boys' dormitories," she said bluntly. "How much of that's falling on you?"
She wasn't really in much of a position to do anything about it, but from the conversation they'd had when they first met Firyal new Veyes to be a hard worker and generally genial person. She could point this out to the Headwoman and mention that he was another person upon whom the Candidates were coming down hard. There was a slight possibility, at least, that the Headwoman would be able to extend her protection a little farther, to include Veyes, though there was also a possibility that Veyes had already taken what steps he could to that end.
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Posted: Thu May 14, 2009 5:18 pm
Veyes seemed rather confused by the flits actions and wasn't sure if he was playing "hard to get" or "hard to want". Either way, he couldn't help but chuckle under his breath. "Guess he's not hungry." and set the small bit down beside him just in case the flit changed his mind. Although he hoped that his actions were what Firyal actually thought of him at the moment. Seemed like so many people had poor opinions of him as of late.
He cocked his head slightly and looked at her for a moment understand the words for what they really meant. Those dark circles told many more true tales amounting to a grave lack of sleep. But he didn't push any further at the moment. "Yeah...things have been...unpleasant." he returned and sighed just a bit but tried not to seem apathetic. He'd weather the storm; he'd been through worse at home. "Mm...some think I was the ringleader others just want someone to take things out on. I've learned to keep out of people ways. But I'm surviving...ya know I just want to make it to the next hatchings."
That part really was the most important to him because a dragon wouldn't judge him for one small mistake and the rest of the Weyr would have to look at him differently if he impressed. "I think really that impressing is the only way I'll ever look better in some folks eyes here. But there are some that don't look at me poorly so maybe I'm finding truer friends....I don't know. Either way, there ain't any Wing type togetherness going on. If anything, I'd say I never felt more alienated from others in all my life."
He smiled a little at her and took a sip of his Khal. "Oh...and...I wanted to say...I'm not angry with you. Heck, I'm more angry at myself for being so stupid while I was depressed. Pretty dumb of me...but can't turn back the clock so we just got to move on and make life as we will. Right?"
Sitting down his mug, he looked back out at the lake. " I just wish Conomor...yeah.." He didn't complete the sentence because words didn't quite express how painful that loss felt. "... well...sometimes things don't work out."
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Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 5:55 pm
"He's just odd. I wouldn't worry about it. If something was really wrong with him, his eyes would be different color." She couldn't see him because his slithering had brought him behind her, but her expression still softened indulgently when she spoke about her flit.
Firyal's grin was weary, like that of a person who has just finished moving a mountain and then learns that there's another one to move tomorrow. It was a resigned sort of expression, but not without humor. It was really one of those laugh or curl up in a little ball of misery and hope to die sort of situations. Idleness wouldn't be tolerated on Firyal's part, not even if it was in a good cause, like curling up into a ball of misery, and so that wasn't really an option for her. Besides, Numenor would be devastated if she ever did something truly self-destructive. She hoped. Considering a firelizard's memory span, it was unlikely he'd remember she had ever existed after a sevenday or so.
"I live for the next Hatching. I don't even care if I Impress this time around. It just means I won't be on my hands and knees scrubbing at someone else's s**t." The grin that followed this was not the least bit pleasant. It was sharp and hateful, twisting the corners of her lips until her expression was almost a sneer.
"I imagine if any of us who were on the beach Impress, there will be very little cohesiveness. It will be hard to forget some of the slights and abuses, let alone forgive. I've never seen Impression change a person so completely that they forgave everyone who ever wronged them."
The sharpness that had appeared on her face faded quickly. Anger and hate were two emotions that consumed a great deal of energy, and Firyal couldn't spare it. When she did get angry or decide she hated someone, it was always a secret, slow-burning fire inside her that she could hide for years and years before finally confronting the person, if she ever did. Besides, she had never cared what Candidates thought of her before, and she still didn't particularly care what they thought of her, she just hated how they treated her. There was some slight difference, though the distinction was a fine one.
"I'm relieved to hear that, Veyes. I've been reluctant to speak to the others who were there that night. They have better cause to be angry with me than the vast majority of the Candidates. I'm sorry about Conomor." She refrained from mentioning that Conomor was so upright and careful that he reminded her of someone with a stick shoved up their a**s, and had the same stiff manner to match. Veyes had been friends with him, and she had not. He sure had redeeming qualities that she had yet to see, and never would see at this point.
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Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 9:22 pm
"Odd? Oh, I don't know. He seems as curious as some of the other flits I've met recently." he said with a reserved smile as Numeror slipped behind her and wondered what he was doing. That was one thing about the flits, they could bring laughter back to even the worse of days.
He tapped his toes along the rock trying to figure out ways to be positive considering how he had gone through several ups and down lately. "Yeah...I hear ya. Soon there will be eggs on the sand, then they'll hatch and well, then either way we will be free of this sharding crap. I think herd beasts are easier to clean up after than humans."
Veyes then shook his head and pushed his braids back away from his face as his brow furrowed, "You're probably right. People ain't nearly as good at forgiving than dragons. But...maybe if we're lucky things will change. I'm sure they'd think twice if we had dragons." At least, he hoped...hoping might too optimistic but he still had to try because he had to many other ideas....dreams....plans. He couldn't let the Weyr crush everything he wished for over two wine skins. If that was all it took then he wasn't worth the dreams he envisioned.
But then he grinned as his mind brought forth those dreams where anything was possible. With that he glanced over at her, "Hey, if there is a queen egg, you might have a chance to impress. Boy, if you do....I know you'll put the Weyr in its place." He bumped against her shoulder with a continued grin, "Imagine what they would say about that! What a way to change the world, Firyal."
It was easy to understand where she was coming from. Heck, he had been a bit reserved about talking to the others, however...somehow he was roomed with Mal and things weren't as bad as he originally thought they were going to be. "I don't think Mal would think any different of you, Feylin. I'm his roommate now. He's a pretty open minded fellow and well he didn't take things as bad as he could have with me. In fact, we've been helping each other out so we both get a reasonable night sleep. I haven't seen Nehren yet, but the guy is....well...I'm not sure if Nehren has a mean bone in his body. He's just that type."
A part of him was always inspired by the underdog; those that always seemed the last ones that people expected to do anything...go anywhere. He and Firyal seemed in that category at least in his opinion. And well one day, he was sure they would change the world. Maybe in different manners but it had to happen; even if it took turns upon turns to do so.... "Hey well, you know...I'm not like the others around here. We get along ok I think. Heck, I don't think any of us that night were in the best of mindsets but I doubt anyone of us were trying to hurt the Weyr or the people in it."
Pausing for a moment he nodded slowly, "Yeah...thanks. You know...I guess Con and I weren't really that close. I mean....well we hadn't known each other for turns and turns. I don't know. I just...well.. yeah. Anyway, I'm still going to finish that story I had been about to tell of Conomor and the Great Golden Dragon, Gildenath. It makes me look at life differently...you know?"
If anything, the idea of creating the story would give him a fond memory of Con and the rest of them at the Lake. His eyes twinkled as his muse showed him that brief moment before where things had been very joyful and fun in their own small special way...In his dreams, things took a different path...Z'nal never found them and in the midst of it all a great friendship was born. It was a good dream.
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Posted: Fri May 22, 2009 8:59 am
Numenor was pleased to see that he was getting some attention. He was under the impression that he was being devious by acting in an unusual way to get attention. Not that he knew what he wanted from this attention, but it was always good to have attention. He slithered farther away, tucking his wings very close to his body so that he almost resembled a tunnel snake. Then he had a scathingly brilliant idea. It would require a place to pop out of.
"I've never had to clean up after herdbeasts, though I've gotten to watch them a bit recently. I get lots of outdoor duties lately. The Headwoman is trying, I think, to keep me separate from the majority of the Candidates." She shrugged. Maybe she was reading too much into it, but it was nice to think that the Headwoman might not want her to be tormented daily. She liked being outside. It gave her an opportunity to be in the sun.
"I'm not sure they would, actually. Think twice, that is. I mean, they'd certainly stop being so obviously unpleasant, but if they've decided they don't like us, I don't think Impression's going to change that. They'll convince themselves we somehow cheated, and that we don't deserve dragons." She rolled her eyes. The expression was more at herself than the behavior she anticipated from the Candidates in the event that she should Impress. Really, she was allowing them to turn her even more cynical than usual.
"I can't say it wouldn't be fun to encourage a dragonet to misbehave a bit. Maybe drop a load in their shoes or something." And that sort of pettiness was what would probably keep her from ever Impressing a dragon. Among other things.
The idea of Impressing a gold was, of course, always present for any heterosexual girl at the Weyr, but Firyal lacked the self-confidence for that. She would be better suited with a green. Even with their uncomfortable tendencies to rise to mate frequently. She would be more comfortable with that, she felt, than having the whole Weyr standing around to watch her dragon rise.
"Mal...that was a stroke of luck. He seemed genial enough. I'm glad you've found an ally." She looked straight ahead as Veyes talked about how he was different and they seemed to get along. They did seem to get along, and he certainly was different, but she wasn't good at making friends, and it was difficult for her to believe she might have found one in Veyes. Particularly after she had been so instrumental in getting him in trouble.
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Posted: Fri May 22, 2009 10:37 am
"I'm glad you're at least getting chores that aren't around some of the Candidates. Mm....Herd beasts at least are predictable. And you can use a shovel." His mind had drifted from the flit who he couldn't see anymore not realizing that Numenor had hatched an impish plot.
"True but we wouldn't have to deal with the candidates as much now would we. And if they did do anything to us or our dragons, I'm guessing that the Weyr Leaders have to side with us even if they didn't like us as much. But even so, I don't know if I believe half of who I've seen impress has been worthy of a dragon. So maybe that sentiment isn't anything new. I'm guessing anyone that impresses gets that opinion until they prove themselves better. Come on...so many of these candidates can't even clean let alone cut meat or clean s**t. Shards, some of them are so put out if they have to do more than change their own clothes." He didn't have a good opinion of a few of the candidates...especially one named Bevan, who one run in was enough for Veyes.
"I've been working really hard lately with a green rider to get a head start on my training. I'm spending ever free moment beyond eating, working and sleeping to learn how to repair, and make riding straps. I've already got butchering down and then once I have straps under my belt, I'm going to study dragon anatomy. I'm going to show them I can be better than what they think I am. If I impress...I'm going to be ready to do well by my lifemate." He said that most confidently and smiled as he stretched his legs back out on the rock.
He did laugh a little bit and looked right at Firyal, "You know, it would probably be enough to take our dragonets to the lake and have them slap their wings in the water just close to some of the sunbathers. Then strut them about just a little across the sands so their big feet kick it up across them too." It would be quite a sight....maybe not as cool as shitting in their shoes but probably less problematic.
Although, gathering up all the candidates shoes and setting them under his dragon's butt for a through dousing had a appeal that he couldn't quite explain any more than satisfying. However, he wouldn't want to do that to every candidate. To be honest, some candidates weren't all that bad and he shouldn't group them as a whole. There were many that worked hard and deserved respect even if they didn't like him too much.
He still thought that some one like Firyal could do well by a queen. She wasn't like many of the other girls....there was potential it just had to be coaxed out. Sort of like him...only in a different way.
"Well, I hope that'll he'll be a good friend over time. He's quite a character...loves to talk. Not a bad guy...I think. Best bit of luck I've had lately if you know what I mean." Picking up his Klah, he started sipping down the rest of it before it got cold. Somethng about hanging out with Firyal was just pretty much...normal. He didn't feel nervous...maybe it was because she seemed a bit like him in some ways. There were certain aspects that were different to be sure but they didn't conflict and that in his opinion was a nice change from others he had met.
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Posted: Sat May 23, 2009 8:17 am
"And you have no idea how much I appreicate being able to use a shovel," Firyal replied with a wry grin. "Well, maybe you do, but my roommates are completely ignorant of the bliss that shovels represent."
"I don't think anyone would do anything to a dragon." The thought was vile, and Firyal's feelings toward anyone who would deliberately hurt a dragon were not at all charitable.
"Not all of the people who Impress are undeserving," she pointed out. "L'thor, for instance."
She didn't really know L'thor that well, but she remembered he was the rider who had Searched Veyes and the young man had formed an attachment to him, so he seemed like a good example. Her own examples were probably people Veyes didn't know, like F'sey and E'rik and Lanakirene. Generally, she was inclined to believe that anyone who Impressed deserved the dragon they got, for good or ill, but that might have been because it easier on her ego to believe so. Especially with the clutches she'd stood at.
"I somehow doubt the lake would be as satisfying." Realistically, Firyal would never seek revenge. Not for this or anything else. She enjoyed making elaborate plans for vengeance, but she was both too cautious and too aware of the fact that, in this case, she probably deserved some of the abuses she was receiving. Not all of them, certainly, but some. Besides, it was a little immature to use a dragon that way. They were the saviors of Pern.
"I know what you mean. My roommate's aren't all bad either. I've lived with Adrissa for ages, and she doesn't mind much of anything. She's too smitten with a Bluerider from some other Weyr. And Aderyn's wonderfully level-headed. I hardly ever see the fourth girl."
It occurred to her that Numenor had not put in an appearance for a bit, and she glanced around, but couldn't find him. Well. He'd be back eventually. Maybe he was actually hunting instead of begging. That would be a change for him.
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Posted: Sat May 23, 2009 10:26 pm
Veyes smirked just a hair as he put down the empty Klah mug. "Yeah. Well, umm from what L'thor tells me he was a brat when he impressed. So I don't know if he was "worthy" at the time. He says Raith mellowed him out. However, I know for a fact that the man has a temper." The now fond memory of their first meeting replayed in his mind once more; although at the time he really wanted to throw the man and his blasted attitude of a cliff's edge. "Raith had to spot something in the man because even his Weryling Master didn't like him all that much." It was then he laughed wondering if dragons chose people with very large flaws they could eventual polish into something as shiny as a marble.
"Ah, you're probably right but you know splashing with water or sand ain't going to get oneself into a deep pile of wherryshit either. Veyes probably wouldn't intentionally seek revenge because in many ways, he just didn't want to expend his energy on it. He'd rather make up a great story where his adversary was put through the paces with results that were worthy of the crime than end up getting caught in a plot for personal revenge. Although, true real life villains like his own father had been probably couldn't fit in this category. There were some people that were truly malicious' those people deserved real punishment; although being as young as he was, he hadn't quite figured out how to handle that type of evil...not yet.
"So far, its just me and Mal in a room so we've been lucky." he admitted but he wasn't sure how their luck had held in this matter. "Wouldn't know where we'd put another candidate in our space though. Our beds don't have much room between them."
Of course, Veyes didn't say it either but he thought the pudgy flit had been VERY quiet...too quiet. What was the little guy plotting??
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Posted: Mon May 25, 2009 11:53 am
"No one's perfect," Firyal remarked. It was an off-handed remark, but true, and she would do well to remember that. One of the reasons she was so often disappointed by people and life in general is that she tended to view people she liked as though through a filter which very rarely let any of their faults through.
"I'm not sure the masters like anyone. Z'nal's favorite part of his work seems to be making his charges miserable and F'sey, apparently, works his Weyrlings to the bone. They're both convinced that this is good for them." She shrugged. Like the rest of Pern, she had no memory of Thread, and since she did not have access to the records which delineated what was the best means for combating it, she had no basis for complaint. She just didn't think it was the most effective means of tutelage.
Firyal glanced up at the sun. She'd have to get back to her chores shortly. She couldn't remember what she was supposed to be doing next, but it was probably something inside. She hoped it would be something inside. She adored the heat at Ista, and she didn't even mind the humidity so many claimed was stifling, but she hated getting burnt by the sun, and that meant she had to be careful with exposure. As it was, she was just beginning to show a hint of brown from her recent outdoor assignments, but that could turn to a painful red. It had been a long time since she'd spent any significant time outside.
"There's not much space in my room, either. We've actually had to double up for beds. I don't know why they're Searching so many female Candidates. Surely we have enough to handle the next ten clutches by now." It was different for boys, of course. They could Impress any color except gold, but girls tended only to Impress greens and golds, and there was only one gold in a clutch, if any, and the majority of greens still went to male Candidates. The nasty, vicious, and selfish part of her mind also pointed out that her own chances of Impression would be improved if there were fewer girls, but she never gave voice to that particular point.
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Posted: Mon May 25, 2009 9:21 pm
"Hmm...well the masters don't seem to treat anyone like human beings. I'd think you'd get a lot more out of honey than vinegar but I don't imagine they'll ever see that." he said grimly as he brush of the edge of his shoe.
"I think you're right. We have enough girls and boys here to cover hatchings turns away. Not sure if they're thinking ahead of thread fall or what...but...I've never even seen thread in my life time. I just don't understand why there is a need for so many of us. I mean sure, the eggs need the most opportunities they can find but...well the Weyr can't support this forever." At least, by his estimate it couldn't and especially not on the type of meat they were being supplied. Of course, that thought only made him a little more annoyed with the holds. Why couldn't they send better beasts?
One part of Veyes...the small selfish part...might have readily agreed that if there were less male candidates he might stand a better chance of impressing but the part that had been learning about the Dragons from L'thor knew better. Dragons would choose those that fit them best so really it didn't matter how many were on the field and it was better than watching a young one go between because the right person wasn't there. He wasn't sure he'd ever find a life partner in the real world; his day dreams had done their best to at least give him a taste of that life.
He had noticed her glance and realized that he probably had spent too much time out there as is; but it had been worth the pleasant company...in his opinion. "Mm, it's probably about time for both of us to head back, isn't it?" He glanced her direction and then stood up slowly. "I'm glad we got to chat again Firyal. Maybe we can meet up for dinner again out here soon?" He wanted to keep up with his friends at least as best he could.
"I might have more of that story to tell. I've had a few more ideas." he grinned impishly as he picked up his empty mug. "I picked out the candidate master in my story and I bet it will make you laugh. His name is...The Dark Lord, L'thor!"
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Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 7:42 am
Firyal wasn't so sure about getting more from honey than sugar, but she still felt that the masters took a bit too much glee in making their charges' lives difficult. The blind eye Z'nal turned toward the abuses the Candidates had heaped upon their fellows who had been on the beach, for instance, struck her as reckless endangerment at the very least. They kept reiterating the idea that the hatchlings had to have the most choice available, but that wasn't likely to happen if they alienated portions of the Candidates. Firyal had been amazed, really, that none of the abused Candidates had opted to go home. The only reason it hadn't crossed her mind seriously was because she didn't really have a home to go to anymore.
"It's not as though dragons are limited to Impressing to Candidates," Firyal pointed out. She had never seen a hatchling go between, unable to find their bondmate, and while she didn't doubt it happened, she did doubt it was likely to happen if they had fewer than ninety Candidates.
"Yes. I've got a full duty roster for the day. Such a glamorous life weyrfolk lead." She rolled her eyes as she stood up. "Notice they rarely mention the thrilling work aspect of weyrlife when they ride on Search."
Firyal was a little more reluctant to agree to dinner. Not so much because she was uncomfortable with the social implications, but because that would involve removing food from the kitchens, and she had been scrupulous in the past sevendays about never taking anything out of the kitchens that belonged there unless specifically asked to do so. There was no sense in giving anyone further excuses to accuse her of theft. She had many flaws, but she was not a thief. Not like she was being made out to be, anyway.
"It was pleasant to see you, Veyes. I hope we get a chance to talk again before the Hatching, but with the schedule I've been given, that looks unlikely." She offered a weary half-smile in appreciation of Veyes' naming and in recognition of her lot in life. It was the best she could do.
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