If, not when

Writers: Elaine
Date Posted: 23rd January 2006

Characters: K'tu
Description: Kiaowtu leaves the sands unsuccessful again
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 9, day 5 of Turn 3

Kiaowtu stood, alone on the sands. Usually there were more people with him, but this time their had only been barely enough candidates. This was their chance, had been the words spoken among the candidates. With so few, it was almost guaranteed impression, people thought.

Kiaowtu shrugged, and began to walk away, idly kicking at the sands. **The barracks are going to be empty** he thought, as his boot connected with a piece of egg shell. Maybe he was acting numb, but, he couldn't work himself up enough to be upset. He'd stood before, he hadn't impressed. He didn't expect to impress. It was all Tokallya's idea anyways.

At that thought he looked around. He thought he caught sight of her, running away with one of the other failed candidates. He frowned. They didn't have an understanding exactly, but, a little sympathy after failing again would have been nice. But perhaps she had a reason to be _comforting_
someone else.

He then turned, and realized why Tokallya might have run away. **What are they doing here?** he thought as he saw his parents approaching. He waved, but couldn't help smiling as his mother jumped, walking across the hot sands. "Father, mother, I wasn't expecting to see you here."

"And neither were we," Loatu, Kiaowtu's father said. "Are you sure one of those fine bronzes weren't for you? You're certainly more deserving then one of the boys I saw, scruffy looking thing."

"Father," Kiaowtu sighed, trying to cut his father off.

"It is so good to see you Kia," his mother jumped in, also trying to cut off her husband. "Oh wait, that's a bit out of place dear," She began mussing with Kiaowtu's hair.

"There were so many eggs Kiaowtu, and yet, here you stand," Loatu continued, almost trying to needle his son. But Kiaowtu would not respond to such tactics.

"Yes, do you expect me to lay down? The sands are a bit hot for that," he took turned to place an arm around his mother, "And speaking of which, we should get mother off the sands, you should have worn boots mother."

"Why yes, thank you Kiaowtu, I know. But its not every day _we_ come to the weyr, I feel I should wear my gather best."

"Its time to come home Kiaowtu," his father said, just spitting it out.
"Come home, and get serious about your craft, there's more to it then handling firestone," he said dismissively. He did not feel the weyr's facilities could adequately continue to teach his son.

"Yes dear, we miss you. And if you're not going to impress..." she let the words trail off. She wasn't good at confrontation. "Where is Tokallya dear, her mother would so like to see her too?"

"I'm sure Tokallya is helping prepare the hatching feast," Kiaowtu said, quickly rattling something off. "Father, I still can stand for a few more years, and I think I will." He shrugged. Maybe he was a little disappointed, and did want to try again. "It really isn't your choice."

A smile crept onto Loatu's face. **The boy does have some backbone** he thought. He was willing to let the boy stay longer, perhaps the atmosphere of the weyr was having a good affect on his soft son. "Alright, if that's what you wish Kia. Just know, you _can_ come home, when you're ready," he said, giving him a hearty slap to the back.

"_If_ I'm ready father."

"Yes, if Kiaowtu," his father echoed.

Last updated on the January 23rd 2006

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If, not when