Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows

Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold

Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold

Elsewhere on Pern
NPC Weyr
River Bluff Weyr
Seacraft Hall

Story Listing
Series Listing

Weyrling Training

Writers: Erin Smith, Rochelle
Date Posted: 15th August 2006

Characters: Vir'en, D'rue
Description: Virnoren and Daiirue talk about Candidacy, and Drink away their sorrows.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 13, day 13 of Turn 3

Virnoren crept out of the Apprentice bunks as soon as he thought it would be safe. He was mindful of the large wooden door leading to the barracks, as it had a tendency to squeak. Fortunately, a smidge of oil pilfered from someone in his bunk with a firelizard fixed that problem quickly. He double checked to make sure the two wineskins about his neck were still securely fastened before bolting across the weyrbowl.

His destination was his secret hiding space. He was hoping to participate in his pre-Hatching tradition. While it was impossible to tell down to the day when eggs would hatch, he spent the sevenday immediately prior to the event drinking, as if he Impressed, it would be many months before he could drink again. Thus far, he had done it for six turns, and fortunately never been caught. He settled down, watching the moons of Pern over the oceans, and began to pour a glass. On this occasion, he had brought two glasses, because he suspected there would be company.

Daiirue wandered in the shadows of the weyrbowl, not wanting to interact with anyone but hoping he didn't trip over a trysting couple again. That had not been a good way to start the day. What followed hadn't been much better. Between being assigned to help the dyers and being pushed into the rinsing vat, being propositioned by a bluerider after a green flight, and being mortally embarrassed in candidate class -not to mention all the little things that could go wrong in a day- he wasn't in the mood for company.

His feet found a path, and he started following it before he realized where he was going. It wasn't until he came around a curve in the rock that he realized it was familiar. It was the path that led by Virnoren's spot. He could be alone there, and enjoy the air after the storm without worrying about being attacked by conversationalists.

Virnoren heard the scuffing of approaching feet and stiffened. He covered the small glow he'd brought with him, and peeked around his hiding rock. Fortunately, the moons clearly highlighted the face of Daiirue. Virnoren smiled. He knew the other Candidate was having a bad day, and was not surprised to see him. He poked his head around the rock. "Daiirue! Good thing I brought this extra skin of wine!" He whispered to the other Candidate.

Daiirue paused, startled to see Virnoren and not wanting the company. But the offer of wine lured him over. Maybe a drink would help him forget this lousy day. The idea appealed to him, and he sat himself down beside the other candidate, nodding his thanks. At the sight of the moonlight glinting off the second wineglass, he raised an eyebrow. "Were you expecting someone?"

Virnoren grinned. "I had a feeling you might be stopping by. But I figured, worst case scenario, if someone else happened upon me I could bribe them not to tell on me with a bit of wine." He looked up at the sky, frowning slightly as he saw the clouds that were rapidly moving in. He had hoped not to be stuck out in the rain, although he really didn't mind too much. He leaned back, laying down on the cool, hard rock. "The Hatching's coming up soon. Verrrrry soon." He stated simply. He was sure that Daiirue caught on to the feeling going about the Weyr as well, but figured he'd mention it outright, just in case.

Daiirue nodded, leaning back beside Virnoren and taking the empty glass, waiting for Virnoren to pour the wineskin he was holding. He wasn't sure he liked that Virnoren had known he would be coming before he did -it was kind of creepy- but he _had_ brought wine... "I noticed that there was more activity going on the last few days." He admitted. "But I wasn't sure if that was why."

Virnoren nodded, pouring the wine as he recited:
"Rise in glory, Bronze and gold.
Dive entwined, Enhance the Hold.

Count three months and more And five heated weeks, A day of glory and In a month who seeks?"

Last updated on the August 15th 2006