Are you sure?

Writers: Rochelle
Date Posted: 13th July 2007

Characters: Ariau, E'laj
Description: E'laj brings his sister Ariau to River Bluff Weyr, and tries to convince her not to move one last time.
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 5, day 1 of Turn 4

Bakketh landed lightly in the weyrbowl, answering the greetings of several dragons with one of his own. Ariau could feel the rumble between her legs, but she didn't let go of E'laj's waist. He peeled his flight goggles off and loosened his helmet before glancing at her over his shoulder, his brown eyes meeting hazel.

"We're here."

"I know." She retorted, letting go and starting to unfasten the straps she'd fastened only minutes ago in Fort Weyr. "Thanks Eulajir."

He scowled at her as he unfastened his own straps. "It's E'laj. E'laj!"

She rolled her eyes, but didn't quite hide the smile at the effect of her teasing. "Duh. I know, but you're still my brother. And why didn't you pick E'lajir instead?"

"E'laj is cooler." He said sulkily. "Besides, Bakketh likes it." He slapped the blue affectionately, and slid down his side. Ariau finished untangling the last strap, and followed him to the ground, patting the blue hide in thanks before she pulled off her own riding helmet, a birthingday gift from her grandmother for riding with her brother.

"Whatever. I guess I can't argue with Bakketh. But I'm still your big sister, so you'll always be Eulajir to me."

He wrinkled his nose at her, but said nothing. It was an old, familiar argument, one they'd had since Bakketh found him on the sand two turns ago, and Ariau had remained Standing. But somehow it didn't feel right here, surrounded by the bright and humid bustle of River Bluff Weyr. "Are you sure about this?" Ariau looked at her brother, hoping he couldn't see her nervousness. She didn't know if it was right or not, but it _felt_ right. She had to do this. E'laj didn't understand. She didn't think he really wanted to.

"I have to, E'laj." She said finally. "We're not kids anymore. Being with family's great, but it's time for me to grow up." She smiled bravely at him. "Jaurin's living by himself now at the Beastcraft Hall. You've got your own weyr with Bakketh, and I'm sure you don't want your big sister hanging around all the time." "I'll be joining the wings soon. When this group of weyrlings graduate."
He said softly, uncertainty in his eyes.

She swallowed. "I know. All the more reason for me to be here." She said quietly.

"It's not too late, if you want to go back."

She punched him lightly on the shoulder. "I'll be fine. If I'm old enough to marry without permission, I think I'm old enough to live on my own.
Besides, I'm just a short hop /between/, remember? Just like grandmother, and Jaurin."

"But that doesn't mean you have to move _here_ 'Ree." E'laj said desperately. "You could have gone to Dolphin Cove with grandmother, or stayed at Fort..." He trailed off as Ariau continued to shake her head.

"No, I couldn't." Ariau said softly. "My dragon isn't at Fort, E'laj. I don't know how, but I know she isn't there. She's here. I have to be here, so she can find me."

Shards, she hoped she was right. She knew she could be wrong. It would so be easy to be wrong, and there would be no way to know. But she had to do this, and River Bluff felt _right_. 'You don't know that." He said stubbornly. "She could be at Dolphin Cove, or at Fort."

"No. She's here." She repeated firmly. "And I have to be here so she can find me."

E'laj sighed, shaking his head. Ariau gave him a quick hug. "You'll see what I mean." She promised. "I'll be fine. And you can visit here anytime.
I won't mind. I _want_ to see you again, wherry-brain."

He growled at her, and she laughed. She'd known that would get a reaction out of him. And if she was trying to reassure him, it kept her from wondering if he might be right after all. What had seemed so clear in the dark halls of Fort Weyr was melting away in the bright sun of River Bluff.

He reached out unexpectedly and ruffled her hair, tangling the already untidy mess from the riding helmet. She squawked a protest, trying to shove his hand away, and he laughed.

"Serves you right." He said smiling, and finally acceded. "All right. But if you don't Impress here, I'm taking you back to Fort for every Hatching until you do!"

She grinned, inexplicably cheered by the empty threat. "Whatever you say, Eulajir."

"E'laj!"

Last updated on the July 14th 2007

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