The Luckiest Man On Pern

Writers: Devin, Estelle
Date Posted: 15th March 2026

Characters: Tr'vel, Gilbek, I'lek, I'lek, Ochyra, D'stan, Terella
Description: Tr'vel and Gilbek announce their weyrmating to Lightning Wing and plan a celebration
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 13, day 14 of Turn 12
Notes: Mentioned: N'vanik

Tr'vel

Ochyra met the guileless blue gaze of her wingmate with narrowed eyes. "I know you're hiding something." It was never usually this hard to prise a secret out of I'lek, who gossiped like an old auntie after one too many glasses of Hatching-day wine. She could tell from the tilt of his lip and the glint in his eye that something was up, but today he was being strangely close-mouthed.

"All will come out in good time, my dear fellow greenrider," I'lek said airily. "I don't know exactly when, but I have a feeling about today."

"Don't worry, Ochyra, we'll find out inevitably...I mean, eventually." D'stan spotted a familiar pair, hand in hand over by the entrance, and waved. "Wingleader, over here!"

"Are you ready?" Tr'vel murmured to Gil as he tried to hold back a smile.

"As I'll ever be." He attempted his best impassive guard's expression as they approached Lightning Wing's table, where they were greeted by curious faces, and one fidgeting greenrider who could barely contain his excitement.

Terella looked up from petting the sleepy feline in her lap. "Hello, Tr'vel." She studied their faces. "You wouldn't happen to know why I'lek can't keep his bottom in his seat this evening?"

"You'd better not have promoted him to Wingsecond," D'stan said darkly.

Tr'vel choked on a laugh. "No. But we do have an announcement." He lifted Gil's hand to show off the ring with its pale blue stone. "Gil has agreed to be my weyrmate."

Ochyra let out a squeal worthy of I'lek and rolled closer, with the other wingriders gathering around her, to gaze at the ring. "Oh, Tr'vel! Congratulations!"

"That's beautiful. A blue stone for a bluerider's mate." Terella looked up over the glasses she'd perched on her nose to get a better look. "I'm so happy for both of you."

"But now you'll have to find other suitors for your grandchildren," D'stan teased.

"I've known that for a while." She glanced over at the other young greenrider, who was beaming in satisfaction. "Did you know about this, I'lek?"

"Yes! I kept the secret," I'lek said, clearly bursting with pride. "Didn't I, Tr'vel?"

"You did very well." Tr'vel smiled at the greenrider.

C'nal held his tongue. Tr'vel weyrmating a man who'd been involved in actions against the Weyr was inappropriate. He was their Wingleader now, he should be setting an example.

"I had no idea," Gil said, earning a beam of delight from I'lek. "I thought we were just going for a picnic. Eboroth flew us to a clifftop overlooking the ocean - it was the most incredible view. We sat down together and shared a meal, and then...he asked me."

"Like a scene out of a romance," Ochyra said, giving Tr'vel and I'lek a sly grin.

"That was the point." Tr'vel chuckled softly. "I'lek helped with the planning so I could sweep Gil off his feet." He looked over at his new weyrmate with warm affection.

"He did a wonderful job." Gil turned to him, bright-eyed, as if instinctively sensing his gaze. "Consider me duly swept."

"Oh! We should have a celebration!" I'lek interrupted, jumping half out of his seat again. "Like holders do in the stories, when they get married at a Gather and there's dancing and wine and songs."

"It is about time we all saw your new weyr, Tr'vel," Terella said mischievously. "Not all of us are popping in and out constantly like I'lek does."

"We figured we wouldn't be able to avoid a party." Tr'vel exchanged an amused glance with Gil. He could still hardly believe this wonderful man had agreed to be his weyrmate. "Though I am busier these days being Wingleader. Maybe someone could help with the planning . . ." he said innocently.

I'lek's arm shot up. "Me! I volunteer!"

"We can work together," Gil said quickly, returning Tr'vel's look with a tolerant one of his own. "I'll make sure that your...our weyr survives the experience."

"Someone had better supervise," Ochyra agreed. "So he doesn't paint the weyr light blue, or fill the bathing pool with sparkling wine."

I'lek pouted. "Those are two of my best ideas."

Tr'vel sighed and rubbed his head. "Please don't get me in trouble with the Headwoman for wasting valuable resources."

"Don't worry. We won't do anything too extravagant," Gil promised. He leaned closer to Tr'vel, bumping his shoulder against the bluerider's. "Besides, I may want to invite some holder friends, so there'll have to be a certain amount of decorum."

"Aww..." The greenrider started to complain, but then perked up. "Holder friends? Anyone interesting?"

Gil shook his head. "The guest list is my and Tr'vel's responsibility. You'll have to wait and see."

C'nal took a drink of his ale to keep from saying anything. He couldn't help wondering if these "holder friends" were conspirators. He'd always known Tr'vel to be a sensible man, but here he was sleeping with the enemy.

Tr'vel could only think of a few holders Gil knew well enough to invite to a weyrmating celebration. "I'm sure you'll be up to the challenge of planning a party that's at least somewhat holder appropriate," he told I'lek.

"I happen to be an expert on the holder way of life," the greenrider replied loftily. "I've read many excellent books on the subject and know how to deal with any situation that may arise."

"Yes, if Tr'vel's weyr gets attacked by pirates, we'll all be in safe hands," D'stan said dryly.

"Think of the Hatching feast," Terella advised. "Holders go to that. If it's acceptable there, then it should be all right."

I'lek's eyes widened in delight. "Oh! Does that mean we can invite the Weyrleader? Please? _Please_?"

Tr'vel opened his mouth to say no, but then he looked at Gil. "I'll leave it up to you if you're comfortable with his potential . . . antics."

"Well, you are a Wingleader, and he's your direct superior. It might be rude not to," Gil teased. "We holders would be delighted to see him, of course, but if he's too shocking for the weyrbred we'll understand."

The bluerider snorted. "Well, don't blame me if one of your friends has a heart attack because N'vanik decided to make out with I'lek."

"Don't worry," I'lek drawled. "I'll make him promise to keep his hands off me until after they've gone home."

Tr'vel laughed. "Fine. But he's a busy man, so don't bother him. Just send a note."

"Yes, Wingleader," the greenrider replied demurely. After all, he'd not specified who should deliver the note...

"That's the party settled, then," Ochyra said, "but we should drink to Tr'vel and Gil this evening." She waved to one of the serving staff, and shortly a tray with bottles and wine glasses arrived at their table. "Everyone take one - you too, C'nal. Don't be a spoilsport."

Terella raised her glass. "To our friends, Tr'vel and Gil, and a long and very happy weyrmating."

Tr'vel lifted his glass along with the others. Then he turned to his new weyrmate, his heart swelling with happiness. The same joy was reflected in Gil's eyes, and Tr'vel thought he might be the luckiest man on Pern.

Last updated on the March 19th 2026

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