A Break From the Kids

Writers: Heather K, AL
Date Posted: 26th February 2012

Characters: E'ril, Meledei
Description: E'ril pays Meledei a visit
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 6, day 10 of Turn 6

The pitcher of juice was cold in his hands. Now that Elleth had
clutched, E'ril figured Meledei would be spending much of her time with
her gold in the dry hot heat of the hatching cavern. It had been too
long since he had spoken with his young friend and now seemed a perfect
time to visit and sneak a peek at the eggs himself.

The bluerider entered the sands and waved with the hand holding only
two cups. He knew better than to disturb the peacefulness of the place
by calling out. When he was within speaking distance he said, "I
brought you some juice which I hope will replenish your parched throat.
How are you and your fine Elleth doing?"

"Hey E'ril." Meledei was actually perched on the bottom bench of the
stands. Well, rather, she was lying on it. Lying on her back and
holding up parchments that she had to read through. She sat up when
the bluerider spoke, though and smiled. "Thanks for the juice, I
appreciate it."

"Not a problem at all," he answered and poured the juice into the two
cups. Handing one to Meledei he glanced at the parchments. "Trying to
keep busy I see."

"Well, just because she's got eggs doesn't mean I don't have work to
do." Meledei grinned over the rim of her cup and then sipped at her
juice. "I do try to do as much as I can down here. She likes it when
I'm here."

"Of course, of course," he agreed. He wasn't surprised to hear the
Elleth enjoyed having her rider close at a time such as this. "I'm sure
she does enjoy your company. Imagine if you were in her place. Sitting
all day every day waiting for your children to come into the world.
Just a waiting game really. At least when you have your children you
won't be nearly as tied down."

"No, because I can pick up and carry them and will most likely have one
at a time, not thirty two!" Meledei giggled. "She was waddling toward
then. I think she's glad to finally put them down for a while."

E'ril laughed with her at the thought. Thirty-two children, Faranth have
mercy. Then again, he _did_ have thirty-two children at once in a manner
of speaking. "She's going to be a very proud mother. So, how have _you_
been? The real Meledei."

"I've been fine, really. Keeping busy despite not having drills or
flying Thread. It never stops!" That was certain, though the nice
thing about not having those duties was that Meledei had managed to
make a nice dent in the work that had piled up. In fact, it was
almost caught up! "What about you? How have you been?"

Setting his cup down to refill it E'ril answered, "Oh, busy busy. This
class is getting into the serious stuff. Short trips /between/ and all
that. The firestone seminar is coming up. That's always interesting to
say the least. You remember." The goldrider may not have actively
been a part of that class but E'ril still remembered her being there. It
seemed like such a long time ago. Suddenly, he felt old.

"I'm sure there will be some singed hairs pretty soon." Meledei
grinned. "I had to worry about that too, though in a different way."
Golds didn't flame, but Meledei had to work with the flamethrower and
it could be even more dangerous.

"This is true. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that no one loses too
much hair or hide. I can't afford to lose any hair. I'm starting to get
a few greys," E'ril admitted while subconsciously running a hand
through his still thick and richly colored brown hair. "I thought
hanging around the youth of the Weyr was supposed to keep me young," he
added playfully.

"What? You mean you don't feel turns younger hanging around me?"
Meledei feigned shock and indignation. "Well, I'm offended." She
giggled and shook her head. "I've been around kids on occasion. They
tend to suck energy from you. I'm sure that even though we were older,
my class and I probably did the same thing."

"Oh you better believe it," E'ril shot back with a friendly bump on the
shoulder and a warm smile. "No, but seriously I like being around the
young ones. It's a big give and take as energy goes. Sometimes when I'm
lecturing I can feel their energy just drain. It's not my fault wing
patterns can be boring."

"Their energy? What about yours? Kids drain _my_ energy!" Meledei
laughed and shook her head. "They can be boring, but they are a
necessity and hopefully any dragonrider worth his or her salt knows
that. If they don't, I'm sure you'll help pound that into them!"
"You've got that right," E'ril joked back.

}: The weyrlings are returning, mine.:{ Dawenth informed his rider.
}: Give my regards to Elleth before you go.:{ The blue also reminded
him.

"Well, I've been informed that the kids are returning from their midday
meal," he said, his eyes returning back to focus after the brief
communication. "Also, Dawenth sends his best regards for Elleth.

"Thank you. Both of you." Meledei grinned and finished off her juice,
then passed the cup back. "Feel free to come visit again, if the eggs
haven't hatched!"

Last updated on the March 4th 2012

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A Break From the Kids