The taste test

Writers: Eimi, Emma
Date Posted: 6th August 2006

Characters: Karaleigh, I'lan
Description: Karaleigh bumps into I'lan and his plate of bubblies...
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 13, day 18 of Turn 3

The young bronzerider headed out of the kitchens with a plate of sweet treats in his hands. The aroma from the bubblies was tempting, he thought. More than likely it would mean his canine living up to his name, and wanting one or two.

"Hmmm. Something smells good," Karaleigh smiled, finding herself in an uncharacteristically friendly mood. Y'sani seemed to have that effect on her... "Are those from the Baker Hall?"

"Not quite," replied I'lan. "I am, but these are fresh made."

"Well, I suppose I got it half right then," the Harper chuckled. "The kitchens are stepping up it seems."

"For the up coming hatching you mean?" I'lan grinned, "I just had a few spare candlemarks, so decided to work on my apprenticeship."

"Ah ha, so _you_ baked those?" she asked curiously.

"I did," he said after a moment. "Would you like to try one?"

"I would indeed," Karaleigh said with a child-like, enthusiastic grin.
He was pushing all the right buttons.

Pushing the plate in her direction, he urged her to take one. "Let me know what you think of them."

"Thank you," she said as she picked up one of them. "What's in this one?"

"I put some redfruit in there, as well as berries."

"Well, then, that sounds just lovely." She bit into it and hummed with pleasure. "Perfect."

"The ultimate test is yet to come though," he said.

"Oh?" she asked curiously.

"My canine, he earned his name begging for these."

"So if your canine responds favorably, then your bubblies are a success?" she asked, an amused gleam in her eye.

"Pretty much," he replied. He was aware of how most people reacted, they had to see him actual beg for the pies first. "You want to help me try them on him?"

"Uh, I'm not really a fan of canines," she said apologetically. All that slobber, the hopping around, the yipping... "I'm a feline person, myself."

"Bubbly isn't like that," replied I'lan. "I had to have him very well trained if he was going to be with me at the Bakercraft Hall."

Well, he _did_ give her the bubbly. She dreaded the possibilities, but... "Um, all right. But we'll need to make it quick since I have a class."

"He's just outside this door." And sure enough, the grey haired canine was sat there. He gave a small 'wuff' as he saw I'lan and a little moan as he saw the plate. "Good Boy, behave and you can have one."

Karaleigh tried to smile, but the truth was she was terribly uncomfortable. She hadn't been kidding when she said that she was not a fan of canines. "Good boy," she said with forced cheerfulness.

The canine took a step closer, "Okay, I know you want one," said his owner with a grin. I'lan took one of the fruit pies, and held it out.
The canine came closer still and took it, wolfing it down with obvious enjoyment.

**What a waste of a good bubbly,** Karaleight thought with a sigh.
Couldn't he have just given the creature _half_ a one? People and their canines sometimes... She would never understand the appeal.

"One is enough," I'lan spoke to the canine, who was still eying the plate. "I think this means they passed the test.

Shards, _she_ could have told them how good they were! But she smiled.
"Well, that must be a relief."

"It is indeed," he smiled back. "Would you like another one?"

"Perhaps one to take back with me, if you don't mind," she replied, this time with a genuine smile.

"Take one and enjoy it."

"Thank you, I will," she smiled. And perhaps she could find Y'sani and share it.

"And if you want good bubblies in the future for something special, come and find me."

"I certainly will." They were, after all, incredibly good bubblies. After all, even the canine thought so!

Last updated on the August 7th 2006

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The taste test