Courting

Writers: Duskdog, Sia
Date Posted: 15th February 2025

Characters: E'tariax, Nidre
Description: Nidre and E’tariax have a nice dinner date
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 5, day 9 of Turn 12

Nidre

The door to E’tariax’s office was slightly ajar and Nidre didn’t hear any voices within, but she knocked on the doorframe anyway before peeking her head inside. “Oh good, the mindhealer is in. How do you feel about getting out of the Weyr for a bit this evening? Pleasure, not business,” she clarified.

E'tariax glanced up from the stack of hides on his desk. "You are the first person today without a crisis in tow. Pleasure? What do you have in mind?" He reached for his cane and rose to stand without waiting for the answer.

“More eager than I expected,” she observed with a grin. “It doesn’t have to be right this second, but I know of a tavern out at Emerald Falls -- nothing rowdy, just a nice atmosphere -- and I thought I’d see if you wanted to join me?”

E’tariax adjusted his weight onto his cane and gave Nidre a wry smile. “You say that, but I've been trapped here all day and the idea of fresh air and good company is far too tempting to pass up. What about meeting up in, say, a candlemark? I can finish up here and preen a little."

“I’d like to say don’t get dolled up on _my_ account, but no -- I’m curious now what a man who always looks immaculate could possibly look like when he _preens_. I’ll see you in a candlemark.”

----

The tavern Nidre picked was a small establishment on the edge of the hold, a modest structure that could be easily passed by anyone looking for the bigger, nicer establishments closer to the Halls. The heat of the day still lingered and at least _some_ of the clientele were outside, enjoying the small wooden tables set up before the storefront. No one paid much attention to them as they nabbed an empty space, though a few glances flicked their way, curious but unintrusive. A few familiar faces from Dolphin Cove hinted that it was a common enough haunt for the weyrfolk.

"This is nice. Rustic." E'tariax commented as they sat, "However did you find this place?"

“I’ve been making my way around the Holds when I have the time, just talking to people and getting a feel for things. Not that they’re all willing to open up to me, but I hope that will change, in time. It’s amazing how many little interesting places like this are actually out there, once you know where to look.”

E'tariax leaned back slightly, studying Nidre. "I imagine most holders don't quite know what to make of you yet. You'll still be new for a while. You might even get more without Jossenth or the Weyrwoman Second knots, honestly. What have you been hearing?"

“Mostly the same old stuff I was used to hearing back home. Nothing alarming or outright concerning yet -- at least nothing that I think points towards any of the extremists. But some grumbling about tithes being too harsh, dragonriders helping themselves to resources occasionally. And of course, dragonriders seducing daughters and turning sons, or Searching folks that were needed back on the farm or who had promise in other fields.” She grunted thoughtfully. “Go a bit undercover, you mean? Or at least casual?”

"Either. Go without the knots and see what you can overhear. I guess you'd need to leave Jossenth at home, too. She's small but she doesn't exactly blend in." E'tariax said lightly, looking thoughtful, "I would appreciate not having to take a buddy with me when I get drafted to Search. I get some side eyes sometimes, but I'm rarely accused of seducing boys. And I don't know what brownrider R'der could do if someone did decide to protest."

“I suspect they think you don’t look ‘the type’. Even though we both know that’s not how it works.” She paused as a server approached to get their drink order. “Hrm,” she continued, once they were gone, “What do you think people would say if _I_ went with you? Not as protection, obviously -- though I would absolutely deck someone for you, I’m just saying. I meant just as accompaniment. Would it make your job harder?”

E'tariax didn't change his expression, but did subtly drop his wrist before righting it again. "I don't think it'd make it harder. It's still us traveling in packs, which doesn't lend trust. And it might put undue pressure on kids and families. It is our _right_ to Search, but we aren't in a place where we need to make demands. It's harder to say no to an important person."

She bit back a snicker, but only just -- and then sobered again as she considered his words. “Good point. I’d like to say that I’m not aware that people jump when I say jump, but I use it on purpose often enough that I can’t pretend I don’t. I do forget, sometimes, that it happens even when I’m not trying, though. Authority is useful more often than not, but sometimes it’s a hindrance, too.” She considered for a moment. “You said ‘rarely’... it has happened, then? Any trouble for you?”

"Of course. Aphirith is still green, regardless of how I look. Assumptions are made. Every green or blue meets some resistance." E'tariax said with a shrug. "I don't have the same authority as you do, but folks do think twice about trying to lay hands on a rider, especially when his green is so close. I don't get anything more than accusations and name calling. Even so, there's not many kids that don't accept the token. Are you worried about me, Nidre?"

“Would it surprise you if I am?” Their drinks arrived, and she paused to take a drink. “I know you can take care of yourself, of course, but I can’t help but be concerned. Even if it’s just a bit of name-calling. Nothing to be done for it though, I suppose. People are how they are -- even if how they are is _stupid_.” Her pout, very briefly, was _almost_ juvenile, then she was smiling again teasingly. “Why? Are you not used to being cared about?”

"Surprised? A little." E'tariax admitted, "It's been a while since anyone cared much about it, myself included. I'm not about to argue semantics; they're just wrong about the quantity. And quality, if I'm being honest. _Bronzeriders_, you know." He deadpanned with the look of general distaste, "I'd rather be the one to handle it instead of someone who couldn't. Besides, it helps to have a familiar face when those kids inevitably wind up needing a mindhealer."

“_Bronzeriders_,” she agreed, with a mirroring look. “I take it they’re not your type?”

"Please." He fixed her a long-suffering look. "Are they anyone's type?"

“Each other’s, but they’ll never admit it.” She leaned back casually in her chair, tucking one foot under her other leg and raising an eyebrow at him. “So… what _is_ your type?”

E'tariax considered as he sipped his wine, "I can be convinced to indulge more than what Aphirith asks of me from time to time, but that's where our similarities end. But aside from that…I notice confidence more than I notice a face. The way someone carries themselves, the way they move. What about you?"

“Confidence is a good one. The ability to have a decent conversation is nice… even if I don’t plan on actually _having_ one. Sincerity -- which is where a lot of people fail. Hmm…” She drummed her fingers on the table thoughtfully. “A _voice_. Hard to describe. I just know it when I hear it.”

E'tariax raised his eyebrows, the deadpan finally cracking with a small grin, "So I have you halfway convinced already, do I?"

“Well… I _did_ invite you to dinner,” she pointed out.

"You did. I did expect that I'd need to work a little harder to be considered. Not because of Aphirith, because I'm several steps closer to the grave."

She leaned forward, resting her elbow on the table and her chin on her hand, lips curling into a smile. “Wine is better aged, and steak is better seasoned, don’t you think?”

"True enough." He said with a chuckle, "I suppose I should consider myself well-seasoned."

“You aren’t so close to the grave that you need to be tucked into bed no later than an hour after sunset, are you? Because that would be a shame.”

"Not yet, but you'll come to regret it when I can't get us the discount at the tavern."

“I’ll let you make it up to me.”

E'tariax shifted in his chair, matching her with an elbow on the table, "And how do you recommend I do that? I'm not a harper, so standing outside your weyr with a guitar is out of the question. I could escort you to some holds I've been sent to Search? There's some isolated holds around Topaz Seahold that could do for a visit. The coastline itself is worth the trip."

She resisted the urge to make a face at him. “_How_ isolated? Honestly, the where doesn’t matter so much, as long as we’re _mostly_ alone.”

"Ma'am, please," He said in mock offense, "I'm not that kind of greenrider. I need to be _courted_. Dinner first, and then we can see about dessert."

She rolled her eyes, equally mocking. “Okay, if I absolutely _must_ work for it, we’ll stop and get you flowers after dinner, too. Will we also need more than one date? Just in case I need to jot it down in my planner.”

"I prefer harp music outside my weyr." He said helpfully. "I have a reputation to maintain. I can't be known to put out on the first date."

“How about if I promise not to tell anyone?”

"Well then, that solves that. We'll need a proper excuse. Aphirith and Jossenth are just good friends."

She waved a hand dismissively. “Girls just love to cuddle. Everyone knows that.”

"It would be rude of us to get in the way of their girl time." E'tariax agreed.

“Exactly. Fair warning, though: if we get to a third date and you’re still putting out, I might tell someone then.”

"I'm open to negotiations."

Last updated on the February 21st 2025

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Courting