Different Paths

Writers: Clancey, Francesca
Date Posted: 30th September 2007

Characters: Dysali, Chalzie
Description: Dysali and Lillyth give Chalzie a ride to the Dolphin Hall.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 5, day 7 of Turn 4

Chalzie stood impatiently outside the Candidate Barracks, rocking back and forth on her heels. She hadn't been able to stay still all morning, knowing she would be headed to the Dolphin Hall that day. Now, it was finally time to go, and she was waiting for Dysali to pick her up. She tilted her head back and looked up, trying to pick out the green dragon among the many flying overhead.

Lillyth touched gently down near the Candidate barracks, finding a nice clear spot to land. Wings extended, the small green seemed proud of herself. She was becoming better and better at landing and more graceful in the air as they continually flew against Thread. They had thrived as a pair under the influence of a Fighting Wing, but even still, the young greenrider had no problem conveying Chalzie.

They'd known each other fairly well over the last turn or two, despite Chalzie being two full turns younger than Dysali. And while most people walked to and from the dolphin Hall, if Chalzie wanted a ride, Lillyth was happy to oblige. Privately, Dysali suspected her prideful green of wanting to show off her aerial abilities. With that thought causing a laugh, Dysali dismounted with practiced ease and waved to Chalzie. "We're here, Chalzie! Lillyth can't wait to give you a ride."

"Hey Dysali, Lillyth. I can't wait to go on the ride. It will be my last in awhile." Chalzie helped the greenrider secure her bags to the green as she continued to talk. "How much free time do you have? If you're in a hurry, no problem, but if you not, I was thinking it would be nice to fly to the Hall rather than going /between/." Now that the time was here, she felt a little reluctant to leave. The prolonged trip would give her a little more time to prepare herself, as well as allowing the two to catch up, as they hadn't talked in some time.

Dysali chuckled and nodded agreement. "I had planned on flying straight, anyway. Its not terribly far, and Lillyth and I love to fly, don't we?"
She thumped the green's shoulder affectionately and the dragon rumbled a cheerful agreement.

}:I like to stretch my wings and catch the thermals. :{ She saw Chalzie settled, then scrambled up in front of her. Passenger straps were offered and secured, and Dysali secured her own flying straps. "Hang on now!" And up they went with a few powerful beats of the small green's wings.

It might be a little hard to talk while flying, but Dysali turned her head and smiled. "I left the craft to become a dragonrider, and you're leaving dragons to go to the Craft. Interesting, isn't it?"

Chalzie grinned. This was part of the reason she'd asked Dysali for the ride. She was hoping to learn a bit more about the Hall before arriving, and who better to ask than someone who understood life there, and also at the Weyr. "I guess we're both looking for something new and different from what we grew up with. I absolutely _love_ dragons, of course, but I don't know much about dolphins. That's part of why I'm going to the Hall. It seems like it would be so much fun to be able to work with them."

Dysali's smile was light, and a bit distant. "I grew up at the Hall, but when it was at Topaz Sea Hold instead of here. My parents were killed when I was only 7 turns. But through it all, the Hall and its people took care of me and loved me. I see it now, looking back. I didn't, so much, then." Her smile broadened a bit.

"But the dolphins! The dolphins are wonderful, Chalzie."

Lillyth rumbled in protest, her wings beating almost leisurely.

}:Dolphins cannot fly! Or flame Thread!:{
**No, Lillyth, they cannot. And they are not as wonderful as you, dearheart! I promise!**

Eyes rolling a bit, her eyes finally lost that distant look. "You will enjoy it. How is your swimming?" Chalzie had heard bits and pieces of the story since meeting the greenrider, but now that they were heading towards the Hall it suddenly assumed more importance. It comforted her that it seemed like everyone there was one big family. "That all sounds great. I'm glad the people are so caring there.
That's actually what I'm worried about, more than the learning. I'll feel much better once I've settled in and made some friends." Chalzie let her gaze drop down to the view below. The Weyr had practically disappeared from view and she could barely make out the path that led to the Hall. It was a beautiful sight.

"Swimming? Well, I've been practicing a lot over the past few sevendays. I don't know how good they'll expect me to be though, or how to measure my own skills." She shrugged, although Dysali couldn't see the motion. "I'll find out pretty soon."

Dysali laughed as they circled above the Hall, Lillyth doing a touch of fancy flying before descending to the ground below. Thumping her green's shoulder absently, she turned a bit toward her passenger. "You sure will, Chalzie! If you ever need a swimming partner, call on Lillyth and I. We love to play with the dolphins."

The Hall seemed so small as compared with the Weyr. Just a collection of caves against the ocean. Living here would definitely be different. "I'd love the company anytime," Chalzie responded with a smile. She quickly dismounted and collected her baggage. It hit her that she didn't know when she would ride a dragon again, although the Hall was close enough to the Weyr that she would probably see them often enough. It was a strange feeling. Here she was, starting a new life. "Thanks for the ride Dysali, and you too Lillyth." She gave the green an affectionate rub before stepping back to allow enough clearance for the dragon to take off. Dysali smiled and waved as they took off again, reflecting to herself - and her dragon - the different paths lives could take on Pern. It made her smile.

Last updated on the October 1st 2007

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Different Paths