[6.1.2707] A day in the life of...

[Kit]

"You know, the Candidate Master would probably like that, he is a smith after all. Plus I've heard around the weyr that when he was a brown rider, he was fierce on the training ground, he loved to fight. We do some fighting training now, mostly boxing in padded suits. I've always wanted to see Arktos go against one of the bigger dumber boys, but he never has." Like most in the weyr, even Quindara had developed a deep respect for the Candidate Master, though she might not like to admit such a feeling. it was sad to see him so diminished, and he wasn't even that old, just thirty.

She laughed suddenly, "Offend me? Shards, I can hardly think of anything good to say about him most days. But if its any comfort to you, he didn't want the rank..I, well, may not be on good terms with him but he is family, so I keep tabs on him through Demnoth, he'll speak to just about anyone." She was genuinely fond of her brother's bronze. "And, you know, I guess he's tired of the whole thing and went along with it cuz Demnoth has got a huge thing for Aylinth. I wouldn't really see him as a rival if you're ambitious."

Quindara was surprised to hear such a frank expression of feelings, her face abruptly softened from its earlier laughter. "I like you too. I don't want to lead you down the wrong path, I've had..well plenty of lovers since I've been here. I talked to you because I thought you were attractive, but I'm definitely not opposed to trying for something more..long-term. But I..well, even if I do Impress, it'll be at least another year before I can have anything serious going on, which you know. And if you want to be..Weyrleader or something, well...I'm not good for that. The chances of me being Weyrwoman are pretty slim, and I wouldn't want to get in the way. Chandrath will rise soon you know. But I mean...if you are willing to wait.." she actually blushed, and with her free hand, she reached out to touch G'rett's cheek. "But be forewarned..I am very jealous..."

[Kendrall]

G'rett mused thoughtfully as Quindara gave her opinion regarding the Candidate Master, Arktos; and how he would most likely be in favor of supporting the Rider's suggestions on how to make dueling safe for everyone in the Weyr. Boxing in padded suits was one thing, but G'rett knew the only other major threat was the existence of tunnelsnakes. Sooner or later, he suspected there would be an infestation of the things. If there weren't very many people whom were sufficiently trained to handle the incident, casualties could be high. Yet the redheaded woman spoke highly of the Candidate Master, and it mirrored G'rett's own reverence for the man. Even when she wistfully said she'd like to see Arktos go up against someone bigger than he.

"I'll have to request an audience with the Weyrwoman and invite the Candidate Master to it," G'rett replied. "Though it'll be a matter of getting everyone's schedule to coordinate. On the other hand, though, there has been several rumors of some upcoming promotions within Stardust Wing." The Bronze Rider explained. "Stardust Wing is the wing I currently fly with. Highest altitude, right wing."

Coth's eyes opened, and briefly he turned his head in his bonded's direction. If we gain more support for your ideas, my G'rett, the likelihood of getting them approved will increase significantly. It would be best to involve as many of the Leadership if possible. The Bronze then turned back to look at Quindara, then lifted his head to gently rub his muzzle against the girl's cheek.

He did, however, breathe a sigh of relief when she laughed over his concern of offending her. Yet what puzzled him was Q'del not wanting the rank of Weyrsecond, in spite of Demnoth's desire towards Aylinth. "That's surprising. Most Bronze Riders, if not all, all have a bit of ambition within us. To gain a rank such as Wingleader, or even Weyrsecond or Weyrleader is something we continually shoot for almost continuously. Had your brother not won Aylinth's flight, I'd probably be a little more open around him. Still, he's the Weyrsecond, so I'm obligated to report to him on a regular basis until we have a new Weyrleader."

G'rett blushed when Quindara opened herself a bit more to him, when she said she was afraid of leading him down the wrong path - and the fact she'd been with several others. He already knew it would be at least another turn after she Impressed, but the Rider had already decided he would pursue a relationship with Quindara when it was the appropriate time. Yet she didn't think she would be the best fit for him if he was going for Weyrleader...

...the fact that Quindara hinted at his waiting for her and she was very jealous only piqued at his interest. He gave her a soft smile when she touched his cheek, his eyes looking directly into hers.

"The closest I've ever been with a woman was several turns back. Though I'll be honest with you, I've never actually slept with one," he said, softly. He really didn't know how to tell Quindara he was still intact, still a virgin after all this time. "It doesn't bother me in the least bit that you've been with others. And I know once you Impress, it'll be at least nearly a full turn before we can pursue the relationship further."

"I know Gold Chandrath will Rise soon, and knowing Coth, he'll give Chase. But there's no guarantee he'll win the flight."

Coth turned his head again to look at his bonded. There's never a guarantee I'll win a flight, my G'rett. Still. No one can see into the future.

I know, Coth, I know, G'rett's own thoughts linked with his Bronze's, his eyes locking with the other's before looking at Quindara again. Likewise, Coth turned again to face Quindara.

"To be perfectly honest with you, Quindara, I don't think I'm quite cut out to be Weyrleader. Lady Cybele is nearly a full ten turns older than me, and I don't know how I can relate with her other than my being respectful. Skies, I've never disagreed with any of her decisions in front of anyone else, only in private. Her eldest is now a Candidate, and Cynell is barely half my age." He shook his head, not wanting to figure out how he could be any type of a father figure to Cybele's two children. "I can most likely see myself as Wingleader of one of the wings, perhaps Stardust Wing, but not Weyrleader. Perhaps down the road at some point, maybe. I'd have to prove myself as a reliable and trustworthy leader first. That alone will be very challenging."

"But I'm willing to wait for you, Quindara. However please understand that if by some twist of fate Coth wins Chandrath's flight...there won't be anything I can do about it. I'll be expected to take the role of Weyrleader for at least a full turn. I don't wish to hurt you on purpose, nor will I ever do so. On the other hand, after you Impress - hopefully to either a green or gold of your own - it'll be for that one full turn for you to make it through your own time as a Weyrling. I can't say for certain if I'll be the Weyrleader when that day comes, but it wouldn't surprise me if Coth decides to give Chase to your female dragon once she Rises. But if he does - and catches yours - I'll be ready to step down from my post as Weyrleader. Just to be with you. Even if by chance something happens and you wind up being on equal footing with Toniel, or if that slim chance you referred to pays off and you find yourself as the new Weyrwoman. I'd still want to be with you regardless. And I'll push Coth to give Chase to your gold every time."

[Kit]

Quindara accepted Coth's affection with a tender smile, bringing her hand around to scratch under his chin. "Well, I can't claim to know what goes on inside his thick head. But if I had to guess, I'd say he enjoyed being a wingleader, but the Weyrsecond is too political for his tastes." Quindara did not mind politics. But she could definitely see how a lifetime as her mother's heir would have left a sour taste in her brother's mouth. To Mariusdara, everything was politics and the image you presented to the world was carefully cultivated, used to manipulate. It was something, she felt, that women were more naturally suited to than men.

She was more than surprised to hear he'd never been with a woman. It was unusual and yet...strangely endearing. In fact the more he talked, the more endearing he became, although she was surprised by is honesty and by the depths of his feelings. Quindara, for the first time in her life, began to wonder whether she was worthy of such a man, rather than the other way around. "I...find myself suddenly speechless. But I hate to say this Coth, Chandrath's Flight is one I hope you'll lose." The drum tower tolled again.

Quindara's eyes went wide. "Shard it! I'm going to be late for lessons." She turned to run back to her shoes but then stopped herself, and stood still for a moment, as if making a decision. Abruptly she ran up to G'rett and threw her arms around the bronzerider, her green eyes locked onto his brown ones. Standing on tiptoe, she kissed him lgithly on the mouth. "I'll see you later then," she said before breaking away to get her shoes and giving Coth an affectionate pat as she went by. Slipping on her sandals, she jogged off waving, an odd feeling of giddy elation rising up in her chest.

[Kendrall]

G'rett couldn't help but smile warmly when Quindara scratched the underside of his Bronze's chin. It was clear that Coth genuinely liked the Candidate, but that was only because his bonded shared the same sentiment. When Quindara suggested the pair would be more suited to Wingleader, G'rett had to think that one over. It would give him a better chance of having his ideas heard by the Weyrwoman and the rest of the leadership. Granted, becoming the new Weyrleader would mean he could do the same, but he truly felt uncomfortable with the idea. No, he and Coth would probably be better off as Wingleader.

What he didn't expect was when the redheaded Candidate said she found herself speechless - and hoped Coth would lose the upcoming Flight. That caught him off-guard, as it did with his bonded. Both Rider and dragon merely looked at each other; G'rett blinking and Coth's eyes shading to a green-yellow. Think I went a bit too far, Coth? The Rider sincerely hoped he hadn't crossed a certain threshold. No telling, my G'rett. No telling at all.

That was when the drum tower tolled and the pair watched as Quindara exclaimed that she would be late for her lessons...then turned around before wrapping her arms around G'rett's shoulders and kissing his lips lightly. The sensation of her body against his, her lips on his, set his body on fire. He desperately wanted to pull her even closer to him and prolong the kiss. It was all he could do to watch her wave and head off back towards the Weyr at a jogging pace after giving Coth a friendly pat on the head.

"I'll see you later, Quindara," he said softly.

Will you be alright?[/color] Coth ambled over and rubbed his muzzle against his bonded. G'rett gave his companion a rub on the head in return. "I'll be fine, Coth. I just pray Quindara will survive her training as a Weyrling after she Impresses."

I think she will. She seems strong enough.[/color]

G'rett gave a questioning look at the dragon. "How can you be sure?"

One can always hope, my G'rett. You have taught me this for as long as we have been together.[/color]

"I...you're right."

Get used to it. I typically am.[/color] The Bronze nudged his Rider playfully.