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Post by Kendrall on Jun 30, 2010 10:22:08 GMT -5
Roughly ten days had passed since Elliwodth's Flight. Ten days since G'rett found himself in Kiyoni's arms as a result...and Quindara was pulled into the flightlust, complicating issues. G'rett had heard rumors Kiyoni went against his wishes and spoken with Arktos the morning after the Flight, which was why the Wingleader was here to see him now. To present his side of the story, and to keep this whole incident from reaching the ears of the Weyr Leadership. And to make sure Arktos understands there is always a possibility Elli will continue to choose Coth each time she Rises.
It didn't help matters that Coth couldn't quite comprehend what he and Elliwodth had done. The Bronze was rather perplexed at his lifemate's mood, but was keen enough to realize that speaking with the Candidate Master would perhaps do him some good. But when G'rett had told Coth what happened, the dragon wasn't too pleased.
Which is why I'm here now, G'rett thought as he halted in front of Arktos' weyr. Tugging at the hem of his tunic, and ensuring his Wingleader's knots were in their proper place, he knocked on the door. Pausing for a moment, he then announced himself.
"Candidate Master. It's Wingleader G'rett. I need to speak with you, sir, if you have a moment."
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Post by Kit on Jul 1, 2010 13:39:08 GMT -5
Arktos couldn't recall the last time he'd been in such a good mood. He was in love, the Barracks was bustling with Candidates and the Hatching was expected very soon. He actually whistled as he looked over the hides on his desk. But the knock on the door, and the voice that that accompanied it was enough to make him frown. What could that man possibly want? Hadn't he caused enough problems?
Arktos knew that Kiyoni loved him, but he couldn't help but see G'rett as a rival for her affections. So he didn't really even try to look pleasant as he opened the door. "Yes?"
Arkysk growled in his sleep.
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Post by Kendrall on Jul 1, 2010 21:36:32 GMT -5
G'rett had to blink with surprise when Arktos opened the door and looked surly. Shards. This could get ugly. He cleared his throat. "I know how Kiyoni feels about you," he started to explain. "And you and I both know that flightlust is very difficult to control. let alone stave off." He held up a hand to forestall any statements the Candidate Master would say. "I wish you no ill will, Arktos. You've always known I've had nothing but respect for you during my time as a Candidate, and you've always regarded me as one of your top students. I still hold you in the highest regard no matter what you may think of me. But let's face the facts here. Elli chose Coth because she's fond of him, and vice versa. That means that each time she Rises, she'll probably wind up choosing Coth as her Flightmate. I shouldn't need to remind you what will happen as a result. But my heart is not with Kiyoni. In fact, she and I agreed to remain close friends no matter what happens between us."
"I don't know if you'd rather have Elli not Rise at all, Arktos, but that simply won't happen. Kiyoni knows this, I know this. I know you'd rather be in my boots, standing in the Flight Room when Elli Rises. But you've been without your dragon for several Turns at least. I'll level with you, though. No man is ever fond of sharing his weyrmate with anyone else, but we all know the laws of the Weyr when it comes to a Flight. Would you rather have Kiyoni with someone else, or would you trust her with the man who was one of your best and brightest students?"
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Post by Kit on Jul 2, 2010 11:53:10 GMT -5
"Don't lecture me with the lessons you learned at my knee. I know very well that nothing can stop Eliwodth rising, nor would I want to," he practically growled. Then, he abruptly sighed, his face taking on a look of resigned defeat. "I am not angry with you, or with Kiyoni. You did just as you should. But until you have been where I have been, you don't have the right to lecture me, G'rett." His voice was low and sad.
"When you lose everything that you love and must begin again, and still must face the knowledge that the woman you love will never be yours alone, and there is nothing you can do, well then you will have earned the right to discuss this subject with me. And we'll see who handles it better." He straightened. "I can't hold it against you, but you must see how you are a representation of everything I have lost. I don't really have any more to say on the subject."
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Post by Kendrall on Jul 2, 2010 12:06:40 GMT -5
G'rett narrowed his eyes when Arktos accused him of lecturing. "I wasn't lecturing, Arktos. I was merely stating the facts. And you're right, I haven't walked in your shoes. You've been through far too much over the turns." He sighed, then fixed the Candidate Master with an amused look on his face, eyebrow arched. "So I was right. You do love Kiyoni. I heard she was here with you the morning after Elliwodth's Flight. If that's true, then she went against my wishes when I told her not to come see you, to let me come to you first. I may be a representation of everything you've lost, Arktos, but you still didn't answer my question. While you're chewing on that, I have another one to ask you."
He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "There was another person who came too close to the Flight Room that day, and I have no idea how she managed to gain access in spite of her status. So like you, Arktos, I could lose everything I love if this isn't handled correctly. That was the main reason why I came to see you so together, we can get this sorted out before it blows up in everyone's faces."
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Post by Kit on Jul 2, 2010 21:35:48 GMT -5
"I have no control over who Eliwodth chooses, nor do you. I cannot afford a preference on the matter. If Kiyoni likes you and trusts you, then I must be content with that. If you hurt her, I'll beat your face in," he said, arching his eyebrows right back. "But I'm pretty sure you're a better man than that."
He laughed suddenly. "You mean Quindara? You shouldn't worry about that girl. She told me just where she'd been when I pulled her in here to punish her for breaking curfew. Well, perhaps she wouldn't have told me, but one of my second's firelizards saw her come in at a ridiculous hour of the night with Kiyoni. I'm not stupid." He shrugged. "She knew what she was doing, and as an adult, she has that right. She got extra chores for breaking curfew, and that's that. She'll be examined just like all the other girls. Not much you can do about that, that's a weyr rule, not mine. But she can take care of herself, you shouldn't concern yourself overly about her welfare."
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Post by Kendrall on Jul 3, 2010 10:34:54 GMT -5
"I would never dare hurt Kiyoni," G'rett retorted. "And you, sir, should know me better than that. My father taught me to be an honorable man, to admit my mistakes and take responsibility for my actions. You reinforced those very same ideals in me when I was a Candidate." He let out a sigh. "Although I will admit I was a bit rankled when you had me pulling kitchen duty when I made that outburst during the sexuality class." He gave a sheepish grin. "Still, you pushed me to my limits, and taught me everything you knew. That's something I could never repay you for."
He paused for a moment when Arktos laughed about Quindara, then groaned inwardly, shaking his head ruefully. "I should've known one of your seconds' firelizards would be on watch. It was my idea to have Kiyoni escort Quindara back to the barracks early that morning." He lowered his voice, but kept it soft and respectful. "And I should be concerned about Quindara. Because I love her and she loves me. The same way you're concerned about Kiyoni, because you love her and she loves you."
"I honestly don't know if word of this has reached the upper echelon of the Leadership. I was rather hoping that this incident would remain confidential between the four of us. You, myself, Kiyoni, and Quindara. I'm already aware if Quindara does wind up carrying my child, she'll be ineligible to Stand at the Hatching. As for Kiyoni, if she, too, winds up carrying my child; I've already promised her and Quindara both I'd do everything I can to be a father to their children, in spite of my hectic schedule. You instilled that in me, Arktos." G'rett looked at the Candidate Master, in nearly the same light as he would his own father Garen. G'rett had always been fond of his father, and that same fondness extended to Arktos.
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Post by Kit on Jul 3, 2010 15:57:19 GMT -5
Arktos grunted, his suspicions about Quindara and G'rett confirmed. "I wasn't meaning you shouldn't care about Quindara. Goodness knows that girl has had little of real love in her life, and that's why she's the way she is. I just meant that she is not the type of girl you fret over, she makes her own way, and you'd better follow or get out of the way. When she Impresses, she'll be a force to be reckoned with." He shook his head ruefully, glad he was not in charge of her weyrling training.
"There's no reason for anyone else to know about it. Candidate discipline is my purview. The Weyr leadership doesn't trouble themselves about that sort of thing." G'rett's very practical mention of pregnancy had dropped proverbial bombshell onto his head. The thought had just honestly not yet entered his mind. He was silent for a long time, and then he smiled a peculiar smile.
"I'm sure Kiyoni appreciates your honorable intentions. But I will raiser any of her children as my own, as long as she is willing. That is one thing you shouldn't trouble yourself about at all."
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Post by Kendrall on Jul 3, 2010 17:11:51 GMT -5
G'rett gave the man a soft, knowing smile. "Quindara's already a force to be reckoned with. Personally, I'm looking forward to when she Impresses to a female dragon and Coth gives Chase. I suspect with her in my life and Kiyoni in yours, well...we both have something worth fighting for. And I'll gladly side with you if anyone tries to hurt Kiyoni. As for Quindara not having any real love in her life...I'd like to give that to her. To stand at her side as her weyrmate and lover. Sure, she'll make her own way, but that's why I love her so much. She isn't afraid to stand on her own two feet. Besides...." G'rett blushed a little. "I've always been a sucker for natural redheaded ladies."
G'rett gave a sigh of relief when Arktos told him no one else would know what happened, then clasped the Candidate Master's right forearm with his own right hand. "If I happen to be the father of any of her children, I couldn't ask for anyone better to watch over them in my stead. Sure, I'd like to let them know who their father is, but you and I both know how little time I'll have to spend with them, especially now that I'm the Wingleader of Stardust. I'll also rest easy knowing my children are in capable hands should they become Candidates one day. But I'll make an agreement with you, Arktos. If any of her children happen to be yours by blood, when they're old enough to Stand and Impress, I'll teach them everything I know when it's time for me to fly with them."
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Post by Kit on Jul 5, 2010 13:47:50 GMT -5
Arktos smiled. G'rett had it bad obviously, not that he had room to talk himself, but it was still a little funny seeing the effect that love had on another. "Well, you've certainly found one in Quindara, complete with fiery temper. I wish you luck with her." Blessed Faranth, he thought to himself, please don't let that girl Impress a male dragon, that would be too cruel.
He grasped the other mans forearm. "It seems we have an agreement then." He wondered to himself, if Kiyoni actually did get pregnant, if they would actually be able to tell who the father was. It didn't matter to him in a grand sense, but it would be kind of nice to know.
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Post by Kendrall on Jul 6, 2010 8:46:18 GMT -5
G'rett simply mirrored Arktos' smile, but said nothing when the latter wished him luck with Quindara. But he knew what the Candidate Master was thinking. If Quindara Impressed to a male dragon, Coth would have some more competition, especially the next time Elliwodth Rose. G'rett wasn't sure that Kiyoni would be entirely comfortable around Quindara, but given what had happened during the last Flight...well, somehow he'd have to convince the two women to bring him in on the fun. The same could be said if Quindara's dragon wound up winning any other Flights whose Rider was a woman. There was no way he'd let his weyrmate-to-be out of his sight. On the other hand, the Wingleader also prayed his lover would Impress to a female dragon. He'd already told her he wouldn't share her with any other man, Flight or not. G'rett would push Coth to his limits to win each time.
Arktos grasped G'rett's forearm in return, indicating the agreement was sealed. G'rett nodded, then a thought came to him as he released the Candidate Master's forearm. "So now that you and I have come to an agreement," he said, "how do we let our respective weyrmates-to-be know about this? Do we bring them here? Or is there a better solution?"
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Post by Kit on Jul 6, 2010 13:37:51 GMT -5
He saw the look of determination in the bronzerider's eyes and it reassured him somehow. Though Quindara, and all the other Candidates except Cynell really, were much too old to be his children, he felt a parent's feelings for them, wishing to see them all happy and protected. And though the red-headed Candidate could certainly be a handful, she would make a good rider and he was glad to see she had found a true partner in G'rett. He was also more than glad to not have to compete with him for Kiyoni's affections. That would have been a rough fight to say the least.
At the other man's question, Arktos made a face of puzzlement. "I'll admit that I'm not very good with things like this. Of course, you can reassure Quindara, if you think she needs it, that her brother won't find out. Though, I don't think she gives a shard what he thinks truly. As far as everything else, I don't know.... I'm more of the type to wait until the issue comes up to speak of it. But I'm not exactly a shining example of positive social interaction," he said with a wry grin.
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Post by Kendrall on Jul 6, 2010 14:03:25 GMT -5
G'rett thought about it for a moment, rubbing the slight beard on his chin. How exactly would he and Arktos both prove to the women they loved they would always remain true to them? Granted, he'd already made a pact with Arktos that no harm would befall Kiyoni, even if he - G'rett - wound up in her bed as a result of Flightlust. Quindara already held his heart, and would always do so. He nodded slightly when Arktos admitted he wasn't very good at handling something like this, which prompted the Wingleader of Stardust to ask a very unusual question.
"It may sound totally unrelated," he began, "But I did have a question for you. Did we manage to have any new Candidates Searched lately?" G'rett knew Kiyoni was a Searchrider, and therefore was curious if she'd brought any new Candidates. "I think I have an idea, but it'll take some doing. And as long as this stays out of Q'del's ears, I'll be fine. Though personally, once Quindara Impresses to a female dragon and makes it through her Weyrling training, there won't be a sharding thing her brother can do about it."
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Post by Kit on Jul 7, 2010 10:26:44 GMT -5
The Candidate Master had no idea what that had to do with anything, but he shook his head. "No, Tesni brought in two from South Sands yesterday, but there's been no one today." Not that he was complaining, for once the Barracks was well occupied and every night before lights out, it was filled with the sounds of voices and laughter. It was nice to know the dragonets would have a good choice, but it made for more trouble. An even trade-off he supposed.
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Post by Kendrall on Jul 7, 2010 20:13:43 GMT -5
G'rett merely blinked, then shrugged. He wasn't sure if Arktos quite understood what he wanted to know, but there wasn't anything else he could do at the moment. G'rett was a Wingleader, not the Candidate Master. Still, he figured it wouldn't hurt to get to know the other Candidates a bit more before the Hatching. "Interesting," he said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "If it isn't too much to trouble you, provided my schedule is light I'd like to drop in on one of your classes. Perhaps even have the Candidates ask me a few questions. Besides, I don't think many of them have seen a Bronze Rider, let alone a Wingleader." Knowing Arktos would probably say something about Quindara, G'rett quickly continued, his cheeks flushed. "Well, you and I both know Quindara would be the exception to the rule. Now that I think about it, Edilon would be as well. Calyssa and Sertex likewise. But it might do the other Candidates some good, provide them a different perspective on what it's like to be a Rider. We can always include M'lym, too, since he's older and has a bit more experience than I do."
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