Across the Continent

Writers: Paula
Date Posted: 16th December 2015

Characters: F'dal, Milga, B'jon, Mildala
Description: B'jon goes to fetch guests for the Hatching.
Location: River Bluff Weyr, Elsewhere on Pern, Dolphin Hall
Date: month 3, day 21 of Turn 8
Notes: Mentioned: Pierka, Lanniya; Precedes You Could Be Mine

B'jon had promised to get Feydal's family for the Hatching. Since he had Searched the seacrafter, he felt interested in his success.

"So, I fetch your cousin from Dolphin Hall and your parents from Caldera Island Hold? I have no idea where is it, and I don't have visualization for it," B'jon asked.

"Yes, but just my mom. You probably won't reach my dad, he's sailing around ocean somewhere," Feydal replied, switching nervously from foot to foot. He should be changing into his candidates robes. "Milga can help you with visualization, or someone from Dolphin Cove Weyr," he continued. "I hope ma can come." Much depended if she could leave her children behind. He fervently hoped some from his family would be there to witness his Impression. Feydal had no doubts that he was going to Impress on his first try.

"Right, I'll do my best," B'jon replied and put on his riding helmet. He mounted Denenth. "See you soon!" he waved at the candidate and Denenth launched herself to the air. After she had gained altitude, B'jon gave her visual to the Dolphin Hall and they winked /between/. Feydal watched them until they disappeared and then ran to get changed.

~*~

Milga was standing outside the Hall's main entrance. She had received a letter (well, two actually) from her cousin, first to tell her he's been Searched and the second to invite her to Hatching. Someone from Dolphin Cove Weyr had tipped that the River Bluff's eggs would Hatch today, so she had gotten prepared. She shielded her eyes and watched dragons flying back and forth. Lot of aerial traffic today.

She saw a pine green dragon land in front of the Hall, the rider looking around.

B'jon recognized Feydal's cousin right when he saw her. Feydal's description had been accurate and there was likeness between them, especially the eyes.

"You're apprentice Milga? I'm B'jon, rider of green Denenth from River Bluff Weyr. Feydal sent me to get you and his mother," B'jon called and introduced himself.

"Yes, I'm Milga, clear skies to you, Rider," Milga replied. Pulling her jacket on, she approached the green.

"I need to get the visual for Caldera Island Hold, can you help with that?" B'jon asked and helped her up.

"Can she pick it up from my mind? Hello Denenth, thank you for the ride," Milga replied and greeted the green.

"Probably," B'jon said after a moment, checking it from her. "Have you ridden a dragon before?" he asked when he secured the straps.

"Yes, with Pierka," Milga replied and realized that River Bluff's rider wouldn't know who she was. "She's greenrider now, but used to be dolphineer."

"You mean Lanniya's long lost sister?" B'jon was surprised.

Milga turned to stare him with astonishment. "I need to catch up with her," she muttered.

"The visual?" B'jon asked and Milga conjured a memory of her home hold. They've done something similar during cartography lessons, except they were drawing from the memory.

}: Got it. Why isn't she Standing? :{ Denenth said and launched to the air.

**I don't know, maybe she doesn't want to? And no poaching from another Weyr's territory.** They went /between/.

~*~

Caldera Island Hold was inside the cone of an old volcano, rising from the sea. Part of the rim had collapsed, forming a natural, sheltered port for the fishing ships. Its shape was actually a miniature of Dolphin Cove Weyr's.

Denenth's appearance caused a quite a fuss, dragons were very rare visitors in the remote island hold.

Denenth managed to find space open enough for her to land. Then there was lot of "Milga? Is that you?" -cries. B'jon noticed that the people gathered to see them were mostly women and children, all men were out at the sea.

Finding Feydal's mother, Mildala, didn't take long, but getting her ready took much longer. She just couldn't leave before finding someone to watch her children. And get gather clothes on, and warm clothes for the trip. Milga dismounted to help her, while B'jon fidgeted. At this rate, the eggs would be hatched before they were back in River Bluff Weyr. Milga used the wait to catch up with her younger sisters and stepmother, although her greeting was far from warm. Mildala had never even been close to a dragon, so getting her up on Denenth was yet another obstacle. She was terribly nervous. But eventually both passengers were secured to Denenth's back and she could take off to the air.

Mildala made a frightened squeak.

"Just close your eyes and pretend you're on a ship, aunt Mildala," Milga advised.

"We're going /between/ now," B'jon warned them.

"Oh, Faranth!" Mildala squeezed her eyes shut.

~*~

When Denenth appeared to River Bluff Weyr, it became apparent that things were not going on as normal. Candidates and spectators were crowded outside the Hatching Cavern's entrance and Vilarth's angry roars could be heard across the whole Weyr.

Mildala stared at the sight with amazement when Denenth landed. "Is it always like this? So many people!"

Last updated on the December 27th 2015

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