New Recruit

Writers: Halyonix, Yvonne
Date Posted: 13th November 2024

Characters: F'lin, Br'elt
Description: Br'elt makes a friend in F'lin
Location: Barrier Lake Weyr
Date: month 1, day 17 of Turn 12
Notes: Mentioned: N'kevyn, D'hol

Br'elt

The evening meal was when the Wing usually sat together, allowing for its members to talk about the day's practice or for the Wingleader to pass along last minute notes before the morning. Br'elt, balancing a bowl of stew in hand, spoon stuck in his mouth, approached the table and noticed that the seat across from F'lin, the Wingsecond, was open. "Mind if I sit here, sir?"

"All yours! And no need to call me sir over a dinner plate." F'lin gestured to the open spot. "How were drills today for you?"

Br'elt took the spoon out of his mouth before answering. "Good! Werreth and I knew most of the maneuvers from our previous Weyr. But he's determined to get that clip turn down pat. The one on the second crossover. I keep telling him that he doesn't need to have a green's agility but he's not listening." Br'elt was grinning as he spoke though, because it was hard for a dragonrider to ever speak ill about their partner.

"Neither Seneth or I noticed that you and Werreth were too slow on that crossover, so I think you're fine as you are. But I'll watch more closely during the next drill if you want us to." F'lin grinned back. "I'll support any bronze who wants to challenge the greens for maneuverability."

}:I will still beat Werreth in the next green flight even if he practices,:{ Seneth rumbled in his mind. }:Or gold flight. He will find out soon enough.:{

"He's no bronze but he thinks he can be one sometimes," Br'elt said with a chuckle. "It's always surprised me when he gets it in his head to try to keep up with the bronze during a gold flight. Still, I doubt mind. I'm not going to stop him from chasing his goals."

"Does he try for gold flights often?" F'lin asked.

This was a little awkward for Br'elt to talk about still. He rubbed the back of his head as he said, "He uh...not really. I mean, there was a goldrider that we were...kinda with...before we transferred. And it didn't work out. He chased her gold. But I think it was just because it was _her_ and not just any gold."

The bronzerider grinned. "I see that there's a story there. I look forward to hearing more about it someday."

"Aahh," Br'elt said nervously. "Another day. For sure." He made a funny face and hand wave. "Sorry. Still getting over it. I'm thinking we go with greenriders for a bit. Less stress, right?"

"Usually!" F'lin said cheerfully. He was _definitely_ going to have to pull that story out Br'elt someday. He winked. "But that always depends on the greenrider."

Mid-bite, Br'elt snapped his fingers to emphasize F'lin's point. "Agreed! Forgot about that. My best friend is a greenrider and I love him lots but he can be the kind of person to either completely forget that he was invited to an outing or the one that shows up hours early to help out. I never know with him!" He swallowed another bite and added jokingly, "Maybe I'll start a running bet on him. Make some marks."

"Is he here too? At Barrier Lake, I mean."

Br'elt nodded. "He is. His name is C'lest, Utreth's rider. They're in another Wing. Cel's definitely not Weyrleader Wing material." He laughed at that last statement. "Not that I think I am either but I'm going to give it my best for sure!"

"If you're in the Wing, you're Ash Wing material," F'lin said firmly. "D'hol wouldn't take anyone on that he doesn't think can handle it." Especially because not being able to perform had the potential for very permanent consequences.

"I appreciate the vote of confidence," Br'elt said genuinely. "How long have you been in Ash Wing?"

"From the beginning." F'lin looked down at his mostly empty place. "I'm from River Bluff Weyr. I was with the first group that came here when they turned this place into a Weyrhold. D'hol recruited me as his Wingsecond."

"River Bluff? I heard what happened there. Really awful! It's good that you survived!" Br'elt said. He couldn't imagine an entire Weyr being destroyed like that. He shuddered involuntarily.

"Mmm." It was on the tip of his tongue to say, 'I still feel the mountain shaking when I sleep,' and 'this place doesn't feel like home,' but getting older meant learning to hide your scars. The knots on his shoulder were a reminder that he needed to inspire confidence for when things went badly wrong. "It wasn't a good time, but we survived. It's been interesting watching Barrier Lake get built. I can't believe it's been a real Weyr for nearly a Turn now."

"It's a great looking place!" Br'elt said. "There's something to be said for being in a completely new place. You get to build it and break it in. And the amenities are definitely great. Some of the really old Weyrs, they can't upgrade their place because of the traditional designs. Here, it's nice to have that option."

"I'm glad you think so. The Minecrafters had a sharding hard time in some areas turning mining shafts into liveable spaces. I'm surprised they did as well as they did. Keep your eyes open for garnets, by the way." F'lin gestured vaguely in the direction of the cliff behind them. "That's what they used to mine here, and some people have found a few that the original miners missed." He paused. "I think it was garnets. Some type of gem, anyway."

Br'elt chuckled. "I'll be on the lookout. You can make some good marks finding the right gem. Garnet's a pretty color too. Any suggestions for something to do during a restday? Besides looking for misplaced gems?"

"N'kevyn will take you out to hunt for firelizard eggs if you happen to be anywhere near him. There's some good surf spots and spiderclaw beaches near to where River Bluff used to be. If not that, some of us play waterball. Don't be shy about asking to join a game."

"Waterball? That sounds great! Count me in on the next one, okay?" Br'elt asked. Hunting for firelizard eggs also sounded interesting. He'd have to talk to this N'kevyn person.

"Will do. We can always use more players!" And if Br'elt was anywhere near as coordinated in the water as he was in the air, F'lin would be more than happy to have him on his team.

Br'elt beamed. "Appreciate it!" So far, it was looking like moving to Barrier Lake was definitely the right move.

Last updated on the November 23rd 2024

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