What Would You Suggest
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Danielle, Rylie
Date Posted: 24th March 2006
Characters: Benaran, Benamil
Description: Benaran asks his younger brother for advice about a new runner
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 10, day 11 of Turn 3
Benaran approached the stables with purpose, and was not disappointed when his eyes fell on his younger half-brother. "Benamil," he called to get the young man's attention. He knew that the man had been avoiding most of the family in hopes of curtailing the badgering about finding a wife. Though he understood the push and the need, he felt no compulsion to address the subject and had sought out the beastcrafter for another reason altogether.
Benamil stood up, letting down the runner's hoof that he'd been cleaning. "Oh...er...hello, Benaran." The runner tossed its head and whinnied. Benamil smiled and patted its neck. "What brings you out here?"
"I'm in need of your advice. I have set aside some marks for a new runner and I'm looking for a special animal. I'm wanting a fair sized male, with good conformation. I want him spirited and with some stamina for trips out to the farther reaching cotholds. I haven't seen what I'm looking for here within the hold and I was wondering if you have, or where you would recommend going outside the hold." Benaran of course had his own ideas on the matter, but another opinion was always beneficial and he had his own reasons for wanting to foster the relationship with his younger brother.
"Oh, well...ah...there was a few promising animals last time I..ah...went out among the cotholds to calculate the tithes. Er...I could ask around for you I suppose. He would be for racing or hunting I suppose? Fast, but he's got to have endurance as well. Gelded or not?"
"Yes, some racing, some hunting and of course an animal that I can ride to the far reaches of our holdings," Benaran nodded, "I had been considering a stallion, but would consider a gelding. What do you think?"
"Well...ah...If you are planning on breeding him, then stallion. But they tend to be high-strung. Not all, mind you, but you have to take care with them, especially around mares and other stallions, of course. But geldings are much more docile and have a more even temper.
They're easier to ride, for those who aren't as skilled. More versatile-like. You wouldn't want to teach your children how to ride on a stallion, so a gelding would be more suitable for that, for example. Although temperament varies from beast to beast. This is only a generalization."
Benaran nodded, as he listened. Though his brother had not really told him anything he didn't know, the younger man had confirmed his decision. "I want a stallion. You said you had seen some animals with promise?"
"I think so. There's a couple of beastcrafters in the cothold out west that have a handful of promising animals that I think would do well for what you're looking for. I think they'd intended them for good breeding stock to improve their lines, but for the right price, they might be willing to let them go....and if you're willing they could pay you to put them to stud. You could make out rather well in the end."
"That's exactly what I like to hear," Benaran said with a big grin, "And I'm quite willing to pay a handsome price for the right beast. So how far out are the cotholders you are thinking of?"
"Oh...here... there's none immediately nearby- the two I'm thinking of are at least a day's or so ride out."
"Hmmm. When are you headed out that way again? I could probably make arrangements to ride out with you so I could look at the beasts and hopefully make the deal."
"Actually, in a few days." Benaran _wanted_ to come with him? That was new. He was used to going out alone to visit the cotholds. "It would be best, I think, for you to see the animals in person, certainly."
Benamil smiled.
Benaran smiled, "Good, then it is settled. I shall depend on your expertise to see that I'm getting my mark's worth. It will good for me to get out of the hold for a time. I should like to have a bit more interaction with our holders...and my younger brother," he added giving the younger man a clout on the shoulder.
"Oh...er...my thanks, brother." He managed to smile a bit. This trip might actually be enjoyable!
Last updated on the March 24th 2006