A Hop /Between/ Away

Writers: Francesca, Kastaka
Date Posted: 28th February 2009

Characters: K'sen, G'len
Description: G'len and K'sen talk about K'sen's family.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 1, day 5 of Turn 5

"How is Sarath doing?" G'len asked, watching as the green gulped down another piece of meat. The morning meal for the growing dragonets was almost over and several of them looked like they could use a bath.

}: Tell the man I am in excellent condition, :{ instructed Sarath.

"She's, um, in excellent condition," replied K'sen awkwardly, "she says."

"That's good to hear. And, how are you?" Impression was wonderful, but it took time to get accustomed to. Some adjusted much more quickly than others.

}: You are wonderful, of course, :{ contributed Sarath.

"Surviving," replied K'sen with a self-deprecating laugh.

}: You are doing more than that! I am well fed and I shine and... :{ Sarath's litany of praise continued to parade in his head.

"That's all I can ask for at this point," G'len said with a smile, noticing from K'sen's vacant looks how often Sarath was speaking to him. "It can be overwhelming at first, having someone else there, in you mind, all the time."

"Oh, there's nothing wrong with Sarath," replied K'sen, trying to keep it light but automatically defensive of his dragon. Sarath just posed happily, showing off her self-evident wonderfulness to the rider who seemed to be bothering her lifemate.

"Of course not," G'len assured him. "But, "he asked carefully, "did you expect to Impress a green?" Some boys knew they would, others secretly expected it, and others were genuinely surprised.

"I..." K'sen trailed off helplessly. What was he going to say? That he'd never even considered the connotations of Impressing green before he'd looked down and seen Sarath dragging herself across the Sands towards him? That he was pretty much as confused about sexual relationships as he'd been warned his lifemate might be in the first few months?

}: You are you and I am me. It's not that complicated, :{ noted Sarath in a slightly concerned fashion.

G'len rested a hand on the young greenrider's arm for a moment. "Impression doesn't mean your life is suddenly completely new and perfect. Part of the next few sevendays, and months, is about adjusting to your bond with Sarath, and what that means."

K'sen shied away from G'len's touch, awkwardly. He knew the man was only trying to be comforting, but he just really didn't want any physical contact right now. As for G'len's actual words, K'sen got stuck halfway between nodding seriously and looking conflicted.

"Did your parents come to the Hatching?" he asked, not paying attention to K'sen's discomfort.

"No," said K'sen regretfully. "It's a long way, and I didn't think to ask anyone if they'd fetch them. They were probably busy anyway."

"Well, I'm sure they'll be thrilled to see you in a few months, when you and Sarath can go /between/." G'len smiled. "You can surprise them."

"Yeah, I thought about sending them some kind of letter, but I think they'd rather see me," replied K'sen. "And it's not like they're expecting to hear something, news doesn't travel very fast back home."

G'len nodded. "Are you the first dragonrider in the family?" he asked, curious.

"Yeah," admitted K'sen, "least as far back as I know." The Searchrider had assured him and the family that it made no difference, that the dragons knew who they wanted and it didn't always run in families, but there were always superstitions about it.

G'len wondered if perhaps that meant K'sen's family would not make the connection between sexual preference and Impression of a green. Either way, the greenrider had a new home now, in a place that accepted him. "Were they supportive of your choice to accept Search?"

"Oh yes," replied K'sen cheerfully. "They'd kind of rather it had been one of my sisters, it's hard for a minor cotholder to find a good match for so many daughters, but they were proud of me all the same. They know it's an honour to be able to serve the Weyr, even if I did end up transferred and not over their skies."

"And you'll always be just a hop /between/ away." Noticing that many of the other weyrlings had already headed to the lake for their morning bath, G'len smiled again. "Well, I don't want to cut into your morning meal. And, I'm sure Sarath would appreciate a bath and oiling."

}: I certainly would, :{ contributed Sarath. }: After maybe a few more morsels? :{

"Thanks. See you." replied K'sen, offering Sarath another chunk of meat.

Last updated on the February 28th 2009

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A Hop /Between/ Away