If You're Sure

Writers: AL, Cali, Emma
Date Posted: 29th November 2008

Characters: I'lan, Sorsha, Ri'len, Serend
Description: I'lan comes to Willet Grove for Sorsha.
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 12, day 26 of Turn 4

"How many does that make?" Serend queried, his eyes grazing over the livestock once more.

"Twenty." Railen replied and glanced over at his father as Serend.

"Good. Good. Plus the ones in the western and northern fields. Even with the losses we've had, we're ahead."

Railen nodded and took a step back to look toward the other fields indicated. The animals couldn't be seen from where they were, but they were there. He and his father had just taken count before coming to their smallest bit of pasture.

"Check and see if any need to be brought in." Serend stated after a moment of silence. "I'm going back to the North pasture to take a look at Yggdrasil."

Again, Railen nodded and he watched his father until the man disappeared over a hill. Then he turned and was about to move closer when he noticed movement out of the corner of his eye. He faced it and was surprised to see Sorsha. Even more so, the bronzerider he had met at the dinner before she had come to Willet Grove.

Sorsha waved hesitantly at Railen from atop Naath. She couldn't tell if he was mad, but she didn't think he looked happy to see them. She climbed off the bronze with I'lan's help, and then guiltily ran over to Railen's side. "It's I'lan." she whispered, then added louder. "He needed me to bring him here to deliver news."

"Oh?" What sort of news, Railen wondered. He looked to the dragonrider and managed a small smile before nodding politely. "Bronzerider I'lan, welcome. Sorsha says you have some news." Almost unconsciously, his arm snaked around Sorsha's shoulders.

"I bring news from the Weyr," began I'lan. "Weyrwoman Traelyn's Nyith has laid a clutch on the sands, and riders will soon be arriving on search."

"I see." Railen forced himself not to look at Sorsha. He knew she had stayed at the Weyr for a time as a candidate, but he couldn't help but wonder why the bronzerider felt it necessary to come tell him this instead of leaving a message at the hold. Actually, he didn't really have to wonder - he had a feeling he knew. "Thank you for this information."

Sorsha waited for I'lan to continue, but when he didn't she couldn't help but become annoyed. "That's it? You said you had an important message to deliver."

"This is important, for the Weyr and for you. You were searched once, and you still have the right to stand."

She realized then that it had all been a ruse to get her alone with him. She dropped her eyes as her cheeks flushed, and she had the uncomfortable feeling of being pulled in two. "I'lan, thank you for the reminder, but I love Railen and I plan to marry him."

"If you're sure."

She felt Railen stiffen slightly next to her so she slid her arm around his waist. She wouldn't abandon him, not after he'd promised to love her forever. "I'm sure."

"I'll come back for you on the day of the hatching, in case you change your mind. Remember there is a gold egg this time."

The bronzerider was rather presumptuous. Railen's lips deepened their frown. "Thank you again for the information, bronzerider." The words were polite, but it was obvious that the indication was for I'lan to leave.

"Sorsha, do you want me to take you back to the main hold?" asked I'lan, if he could have just those few minutes in the air, to show her how wonderful being a dragonrider really was, he might just stand a chance.

She hesitated. She really shouldn't spend the rest of the afternoon out here, Karai had wanted her to work on her numbers; but she didn't want Railen upset that she'd left with I'lan either. "I'll stay, thank you."

"Sorsha," he began, but he could see it was not going to do any good. Her decision, it seemed was made.

"Again, thank you for coming with this information." Why didn't he leave?
Railen wasn't about to let Sorsha go back with him alone. "I hope the skies are clear for your journey home."

That look alone told I'lan all he needed to know, it was the work of mere seconds to check his straps, then mount up. A last look, and then Naath took to the skies, going /between/ as soon as he could.

Last updated on the November 30th 2008

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If You're Sure